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  • #448655

    Hi all you great animal lovers,

    It would be great if we could all get to know each other a little better. We certainly are aware of your talent and the fantastic art that is presented on this forum.

    Those who would like to share where they live, their family members etc. and of course their pets, are welcome to do so and I certainly would enjoy getting to know you more personally. However, if you feel you would prefer to keep these matters more private, that is also perfectly acceptable and understandable.

    Here goes. I will be the first to share a little of my life with you and what motivates me to paint and draw animals, insects and all the wonderful creatures that are part of my world and yours.

    I am married to Pete. We live in a lovely village in Southern Germany not far from the magnificent Alps. Within a few minutes I am able to be in the farming world. Highland cattle , sheep, lovely gentle-eyed Alpine cows and of course horses are part of my environment. However, I also enjoy the birdlife, the ponds with their fascinating insects and the local pets. Cats, dogs and even Alpacos are a part of my life. I actually know the names of the dogs and not their owners when I go for my morning long walk. Just love all those charming dogs who come from all parts of the world. The Germans are renowned for adopting dogs from various animal refuges throughout Europe, so it is various much a League of Nations when it comes to the origins of the animals.

    I was born in South Africa and have lived happily and peacefully in Germany for the past 13 years. I love it here. I enjoy the changing of the Seasons so very distinct here in Germany and I know in England and other European countries. I do miss the warmth and casualness of South Africa and return
    once a year to rediscover my roots.

    We said goodbye to our little Jack Russel Terrier 8 years ago and I still miss her. We live in a lock up and go apartment now and unfortunately do not have a pet but I love all the local ones and enjoy them thoroughly.

    So that is a little bit about my life and I look forward to sharing yours too.

    Warm hugs for all of you.

    Chammi
    Moderator
    My Blog/WIP's and Tips: Chammi's Art Escapades

    #533239

    Many thanks Chammi for starting this Thread! :clap:

    Well most members of this Forum know me, and Im also a Moderator on the Floral Forum and Watermedia too.

    I have a great love for animals both big and small. Riding and owning horses all my life (my Arab Aladdin was a special horse) and also had the priviledge of having the best of dog friends too. From Spaniels to Labradors to Jack Russels and Newfoundlands, Ive known great companionship and love from them all my life. What a priviledge to have known these special dogs and horses. I count myself so fortunate to have been so blessed with such wonderful animal friends.

    My husband and I have been married for 53 years and have 3 married sons and 4 wonderful grandchildren. I also still have my (now very old) Miniature Horse “Star Dreamer” and an extremely active and mischievous 2 year old Jack Russell/Fox Terrier ” Pippa”. Those members who used to post in our Chat Thread would maybe remember some of Pippa’s antics, as she grew from a puppy to an adult! The things she got up to, were what legends were made of!

    For those who haven’t seen her (and I think most members have) here’s my naughty, mischievous, and thoroughly wonderful 2 year old “Pippa” doing her very Regal pose.

    Looking forward to hearing something of other members in our Forum. Please dont be shy, we would love to hear about you all.

    Moderator: Animal & Wildlife, Floral & Botanical, Watermedia

    #533251
    Triduana
    Default

        Thanks Chammi :thumbsup:

        I live on the south-east edge of Edinburgh with my boyfriend Malcolm. I’ve been in Edinburgh for 12 years now – I’m from Nottinghamshire originally, where I lived for 25 years. I finished a degree in Conservation and Countryside Management there and started my first job in Yorkshire, my favourite part of England, where I lived for just over a year before moving further north, where I have decided to stay. I work as a consultant ecologist, meaning I do wildlife surveys (I specialise in birds and plants but also look for protected mammals) and give advice to developers on what they can and can’t do. I’ve enjoyed birdwatching as a hobby since I was small so I happily took the chance to do it for a living, although I’m looking for a change now so I can devote more time to making art.

        Art has been my main hobby for the past 3 years. I always wanted to be an artist but lacked the motivation until I took a short course at the art college that really spurred me on. I mainly do watercolours but for the past 2 years I have also painted large animals for public sculpture trails. I try painting most things but my main interest is British birds and animals, and I am currently learning to do botanical illustrations too. Most of my other interests are also creative – writing, cookery/baking, playing ukulele and driving – I include driving as creative as I don’t always use a map, I just follow roads I don’t recognise to see where I end up!

        We don’t have any pets at the moment – we’ve recently moved out of rented accommodation where pets weren’t allowed and my job means I’m away from home a lot which wouldn’t be fair on animals at home. However Malcolm is saving up for a West Highland terrier which will join us when I am at home more.

        Oh and this is what I look like (selfie next to my painted elephant sculpture)

        Kay D - Edinburgh, Scotland

        So long, and thanks ...

        #533250

        Thanks for showing a photo of yourself, Kay.:thumbsup:
        I’m born and bred in SA although my parent originally emigrated to SA after the 2nd World War from Germany.
        I’m living on a farm now for 16 years with my hubby, Eddy, after having worked at chemical industries as an Analytical Chemist. Farm life is awesome but also hard work.
        We have 4 dogs (Rosy, Bella, Jock and Spotty) , 1 wild cat which we do feed, and a couple of bantams around the house. There are plenty of cattle, sheep and horses on the surrounding lands with just enough wildlife. The yellow mongooses are not my favorite animals though as they steal the poultry.

        Christel

        #533244
        lisapencil
        Default

            Hi everybody, it’s nice to get to know people. I am 48 and live with my gorgeous husband Gordon and our fur-baby Oggy, a three year old siberian forest cat with plenty of catitude and several classic minis. We run a landscape gardening business together which is great fun and provides lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting in our customers gardens. The most impression to date was a hummingbird hawkmoth which are very rare in these parts of the UK. I live in North Yorkshire in a small market town situated between the North York moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, so within a short drive we can be at the coast or in middle of stunning countryside. As well as artwork I am hoping to start trying some silversmith Jewellery making soon (saving up for the equipment at the moment). I also love cycling, running and music. We also love travelling and last drove to Portugal in our landrover with a group of other landrover owners. :cat:

            #533260

            Hello, it’s nice to learn about you all.

            I was born, and have lived, in Trowbridge all my life and have seen it change from a small market town to a much more built up and populated place. We used to have working woollen mills in the town, which are now put to other use, and a livestock market, long gone, now.

            I had my 70th birthday in March and cannot believe I’m that age! I’ve always drawn and been interested in art but didn’t do much painting until I found this site, by chance. I find the challenges motivating.

            I read a lot (especially classic detective fiction), and am interested in lots of things, including art, astronomy, wildlife and wild flowers, classical music, crossword puzzles, etc.

            I trained in secretarial duties on leaving school and took the first course of a, then, newly opened technical college. I’ve always been animal-mad and wanted to work with horses, but my dad (a Yorkshireman from Hull) didnt earn much and we couldn’t afford to own them, or for me to have lessons. I got my first dog when I left school and have shared my life with them ever since.

            My first job was as a secretary/animal nurse for veterinary surgeons and unwanted animals often found their way home – cats, rabbits, chickens, etc. I just have two rescued dogs, now, brought over from Romania by a local charity.

            I play the treble recorder with a small U3A group, and I volunteer, with Cara as a therapy dog, at the local Alzheimers’ support Group club in town.

            My life these days revolves around the dogs, with a lot of walking each day. I am near to the Kennet & Avon canal and have lots of good walks nearby. I also mind a friend’s two whippets (Ludo and Rollo) and Nico, the Italian greyhound, regularly, while they visit their apartment near Nice in France.

            I also spend a lot of time gardening, as I live in a Housing Society property, which was previously council-owned and built in 1948, when gardens were big for growing vegetables! I dont grow vegetables these days, but have shrubs and flowers. I was born around the corner from this house and have been here since I was a year old.

            My sister lives in Devizes and has a German Shepherd, Zeb, and an old boxer, George.

            😎🐾🐾

            Penny
            I live in Wiltshire, England
            “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” -Will Rogers

            #533248
            Barbra G
            Default

                Hi everyone, I think this is a lovely idea as some of us are very isolated with our art and have no-one to discuss it with.
                My mother’s side of the family have all been artistic in some way. My uncle an art teacher and potter and my aunt and mother very good at most crafts but most particularly weaving and sewing.
                I have always just doodled with a pencil for fun, but my artistic flair made me become a hairdresser. This training gave me a pretty good understanding of colour, line and shape.
                I met and married my husband ( a hairdresser too) 55 years ago, and have a son and daughter.
                When we retired from business I got heavily into sewing and embroidering – that led me to silk painting, which I dabbled in for quite a few years. After 18 years of sewing I decided nothing challenged me anymore and so I took up a pencil (or two). I have certainly been challenged since then.
                We have always had dogs as pets. My husband bred bull-terriers for many years, and I had Shih Tzu and Jack Russells. My last Jack lived to 18. We now have a Moodle . She is two years old and quite mad, very cute.
                I am self taught in pencil, colour pencil and scratchboard. I have to say scratchboard is highly addictive.
                In this photo I was presenting a portrait which I had offered as a prize at the Dog Lovers show.
                Cheers all:wave:

                #533261

                That’s a lovely portrait, Barbara. I also knit and sew. Scratchboard is so interesting but I expect it’s quite expensive and beyond my means on a state pension!

                Penny
                I live in Wiltshire, England
                “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” -Will Rogers

                #533207

                I have so enjoyed getting to know several of you better. Gives me a nice warm feeling of friendship with like-minded folks. What comes through from each and every post, is the love you have for creating art and for animals. Also gret to see your photos and put faces to your artwork.

                Kay, I worked for an Outdoor Education Centre for 12 years , also doing the layout and articles for an Outdoor Education magazine. It was wonderfully rewarding but very hard work. I was up at 5.30 to start the early morning lectures regarding bird sounds, feeding all the lost and found creatures who were domiciled on the lovely property on the edge of the mountains in South Africa. The wild creatures were also fantastic. A shy cobra would come each day and drink drops from the garden tap. He never bothered anyone, just slithered away when there was any noise. I also fed two little barn owls for ages. They were wonderful but extremely demanding!!! Their mother had been a victim of road-kill. Eventually they flew away but one returned and stayed for over three months.

                Chammi
                Moderator
                My Blog/WIP's and Tips: Chammi's Art Escapades

                #533252
                Triduana
                Default

                    Chammi that sounds amazing. I love the story of the cobra! Owls are wonderful creatures, how lovely that one of them returned. A few years ago I rescued a tawny owl that was caught in some netting, I was amazed at how light and fluffy they actually are (the owl had a full recovery at the rescue centre and was returned to the wood where I found it) :)

                    Kay D - Edinburgh, Scotland

                    So long, and thanks ...

                    #533208

                    How about a few more of you sharing a little of yourselves with us. We really would love to get to know you better. Even a few words would be great. You don’t have to be nervous or shy . We are a friendly and caring bunch of artists on this forum. Hugs .

                    Chammi
                    Moderator
                    My Blog/WIP's and Tips: Chammi's Art Escapades

                    #533255
                    fedetony
                    Default

                        :D Hi, my name is Federico and I am an art addict ….
                        **Hello, Federico….!!!***

                        :lol: Well, there is many things I do, but they don’t reflect who I am. Actually I do not know who I am!!!… I can tell that art for me is a passion, and something very different to what I do for earning my living. For living, I develop technology, in the last years I’ve developed systems for inductive wireless charging for applications as vehicles. Yes, the electric car, I developed the way to charge the batteries without connecting the car. :) I deal normally with electromagnetism, electrical components, electronics, computers and all those things few want to deal with. So in the end, I play with cables and magnets the whole day, and come home to my family and then paint in the time left :D…

                        I started painting because somehow in my life some paths crossed in the correct time and they lead me into this direction. I wanted an activity that would leave a trace of my existence, something of me that would have a legacy. I had some extra time, a friend that encouraged me to try painting and since then I’ve painted more and more… I find that this process has made me connect better my emotional side to myself.

                        I paint animals and wildlife mainly because, for me, they are the true expression of beauty. I can only make a vulgar representation of what real beauty is through a painting, yet this is the only way I can express my feel of nature.

                        I am originally from Colombia, I grew up there, but as you may understand my work activity is not possible in my country, as consequence I ended in Germany. I formed my family here, I am not really fixed to here, but meanwhile I work in technology research and development, there are limited possibilities for me to select.

                        I have a son, my pride and Joy. Its the only valuable I’ve got and my true legacy. I hope I can educate him to understand the great need of respect and love our planet and beloved animals require.

                        Federico Garcia
                        My Blog
                        C&C always welcome :D

                        "...when someone gives a critique of your work, fear not. It usually means they like or care more of your work than when they just pat your back." - Tiago

                        #533197


                        Hey everyone :wave:
                        I live halfway between El Paso and Dallas, TX, growing up on a farm/ranch with two brothers. We raised chickens, sheep, cattle, hogs, horses, dogs, and cats and I rode a horse well at age five :eek: Married to Les, an insurance agent (former cotton farmer) we do not have children but have four rescue cats :cat: Many of you know me from other forums or from my Watermedia. I’ve been a watercolorist since 1993 but have done art from age ten in oils and pastels. As Federico said, I wanted to leave proof that I was here so am very prolific. Creating art is my passion so I do it daily for about ten years now :eek: My work life consists of nursing, graduating from a Florida school in 1978 then another degree from University of Dundee, Scotland. I have lived in Japan and been a military wife residing in many states such as North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, Florida, etc. Currently we have a second home in New Mexico. :wave:

                        Kay

                        Moderator: Watermedia, Mixed Media, Abstract/Contemporary

                        #533223
                        talisman
                        Default

                            Hi my name is Dianna, I’m 57 years old, I’m a professional cake decorator, it’s mostly a cool job and it pays the bills.
                            I did art as a child and teenager then left it behind in other life pursuits. Started back up in 2005 did lots of commission works (house portraits and animal portraits) used all the money from those sales to buy supplies, so have a lifetime supply of art stuff.
                            In 2008 moved from Colorado to Missouri to be with the love of my life. I was distracted for a while and I didn’t do anything with my art until late in 2014, now I’m trying to make up for lost time.
                            I love Fantasy and Science Fiction in books, movies and art!
                            I’ve been trying to do my own fantasy art with a mixed bag of results.
                            Here is a photo of me from April going to a local Fantasy Convention, OzCon. The other is a pastel I did of our spoiled and much loved cat, Penelope.


                            Dianna WC! Guide: Fantasy/Sci-Fi Art
                            C and C always welcome.
                            My DeviantArt Gallery

                            #533262

                            It’s really nice to meet you all in this way.

                            Dianna – My names is Penelope!

                            Penny
                            I live in Wiltshire, England
                            “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” -Will Rogers

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