Rockwell's Little Sister

OK, a week after Rockwell showed up, his little sister was trapped in the Hav A Heart Trap, instead of the orange cat. She was much more starved than Rockwell and wilder. She is taming down nicely though. So, she needs a name also.

I have no ideas, don't have any favorite female artists, except maybe Cecilia Beaux or Berthe Morisot. Obviously neither name thrills the tongue. Please send your ideas to sha45rps@starpower.net and help give her a name. I put up posters everywhere, trying to find homes for the kids. When I asked my son, How many cats before I become the crazy cat lady? He replied, "Two less than you already have". OMG We finally trapped the orange cat, neutered and released him through our local volunteer vets program. He disappeared for three days and finally showed up this morning for a meal, still feral. We named him Conan the Barbarian. Conan won't come near me now.

Re enactor Boy Muzzle Loader Rifle

Here is the progress so far. I like the rifle, but did not get to work on the boy's face.

Irene and Re enactor Boy

I brought home the Re enactor Boy to work on, knowing that I would be stranded without power at the house for a few days. But, no problems here from the storm. I did get the muzzle loader painted in, using my husbands antique muzzle loader for a model. He is very fussy with his guns and I did not dare take it to the gallery/studio for fear of damaging it and never being forgiven.

Anyway, he gave me the seal of approval on the finished painting of the gun. And that's high praise!!!!! I will shoot pictures today and post them tomorrow or tonight.

Rockwell - New Kitten

Rockwell is the favorite name so far with 5 votes. Rubens has 2 votes and Jeanne sent me the name Tux, short for Tuxedo. Visitors to the Ice House Galllery are really enjoying visiting the kitten and voting for his new name. I will accept further votes until Monday. After Monday evening the kitten will receive his official name and first vet appointment.

Check out the blog of Laura Young.....wonderful stuff!

Earthquake Hits Marshall and Warrenton Area

I experienced my first ever earthquake yesterday and hope I don't have to do it ever again. I was in the studio working at the computer when everything started to shake and a deafening rumble that kept building started. My portable house telephone started jumping across the table next to me and my art supplies danced about on the shelves. I actually thought a helicopter or plane was crash landing into our house. I picked up the phone and ran to the central hallway.... we do have the occasional tornado here and that is what we do. Find safety in a doorway away from glass. I could see the livingroom ceiling fan swinging wildly around and thats when I realized it was an earthquake and I bolted for the outdoors, telephone and kitten in hand. I was terrified and can't imagine how my friends in California deal with the quakes they experience. My fellow miniatures artist, Elinor, sent me an e-mail to see if we were ok out here. You should all check out her website www.blueribbonart.com. Elinor knows about earthquakes. Thanks Elinor.

Name The Kitten

I need your help in nameing this little kitten! In my efforts to trap an adult orange tabby that has been hanging around, this tiny little kitten showed up in my HavAHeart trap two days ago. He appears to be 8 to 10 weeks old and was suffering from malnutrition. He already has gained and is filling out nicely. He was covered in seed ticks and filth. You can see here how pretty he is after a bath. We are fortunate to have volunteer vet services at our local SPCA shelter and when this little guy reaches two pounds in weight, they will neuter him and give him his shots for free or a small donation. The orange tabby missed his appointment this morning, he is too smart for the trap.

Now we need to name him. Since I have had so many pets in my life, I have run through every normal name, such as Mittens, Boots, Smokey, Precious and the like. Lately, I name my pets after artists. I own a Matisse and Picasso right now and once had turtles named Michaelangelo, Donatello and Raphael. Below are a few suggested names we are thinking about, Please vote for one of these names and give this little fellow a place in history. The names are Rubens, Monet and Rockwell (my favorite). My husband likes Rubens. I am saving the name Degas for my next dog. Oh, and if any of you folks wants this kitten, just shoot me an e-mail at sha45rps@starpower.net.

More Re enactor Boy

Drat, added the image twice again......I have no idea how I manage to do this. Anyway, I worked on the grass areas again and have started to block in his face and hands. I will try for an accurate likeness tomorrow, although that is not my intent for this piece. OCD rules!