THE RAMBLINGS OF A STRUGGLING ARTIST ON LIFE WITH TWO TERRIERS, A PONY WITH ISSUES AND OTHER WILDLIFE AND BIRDS THAT CROSS OUR PATH

29 October 2013

SKETCHING GRIFFIN


Commission two was for Seagull Suzie at the fabulous http://brixhamlife.blogspot.co.uk/ . A real pleasure to do a cat as I haven't drawn one since my two died almost eight years ago. Thanks Suzie! What beautiful eyes he has.

We pretty much missed out on the storm which was a huge relief. I hope those of you in this country were as lucky. So many were not. 

Not many photos today as it's been too wet a lot of the time to venture out with the camera. Half term is in full swing and OB is having a good time with his friends. Not a lot of time for photography or walking but here are a selection of bits and pieces with a smattering of Chaffinches:


Storm clouds on the horizon



Trigger and friends in a VERY brief respite before the next torrential shower






Rainbow today





Poor Jack really doesn't like the rain. Unlike Snippet, with his thick coat, his is like silk velvet which I wouldn't consider donning in this weather. I have to put a blanket over him when we get home poor little thing. Give it one winter up here and he'll probably sprout a pelt.

Thanks to everyone who has bought the Christmas cards. Only two packs left; well three actually but one lot were the models for the photo and may have the odd finger mark on them - nice. A few prints sold too which is just wonderful. So, until next time, when I hope to have got out a bit more, here are the dogs speeding through the grass over the weekend. 


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41 comments:

  1. HappyK29 October 2013 at 22:10

    I just love your sketches. I was going to ask if you sell any of them and then saw that you did on your side bar.

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 18:10

      I love doing dogs best Happyone - so pleased you like them.

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  2. Christian Perrin29 October 2013 at 22:34

    What an amazing artist you are! How great to have a beloved pet immortalised that way.

    Glad you were safe in the storm, I imagine the wind can rip through the high country.

    I love your toadstool photo!

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 18:11

      What would be great would be to have a couple to do every day, but I think that's rather a long way off!

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  3. ~Kim at Golden Pines~30 October 2013 at 01:48

    You really are a talented artist, Em and a photographer too. I so enjoy the glimpse into your beautiful world that is so very different than mine. So many of your photos would make a great note cards too!

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 18:12

      After this, I'm intending to get some printed and will be doing a poll to see what people think should go on them. Thanks Kim!

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  4. angryparsnip30 October 2013 at 02:40

    So talented, adore the two sketches.
    The first photo of Jack being very alert among the tall grass is a hoot.

    I love you cards. I will be using them for Christmas Thank you notes.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. angryparsnip30 October 2013 at 06:24

      Em, I thought I had you e-mail I wanted to tell you I did receive the wonderful cards in the mail just fine.
      Glad to hear your almost sold out !

      cheers, parsnip

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    2. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 18:14

      Phew - it's such a long way to travel that it's always a worry. Lovely to think of them on the other side of the pond.

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  5. Margaret Birding For Pleasure30 October 2013 at 07:17

    Hi Em Your result commission of the cat is stunning. You have captured it so well. Love the close up of the Chaffinchs feeding and always love to see the shots of the Moors, horses and of course your great dogs.

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 18:15

      Thank you Margaret. We seem to have an inordinately large number of Chaffinches here. I never saw them when we lived in the city.

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  6. Bovey Belle30 October 2013 at 07:36

    I really love your drawing style and the cat is amazing! Since we met up, every time I see one of your photos taken close to where you live I am drawn back to that day, which is a lovely way of stirring memories up. I wanted to ask about the photo of the mare and foal. There is a green oblong patch behind them in the middle of the moor. Is it where it was dug for peat in the past and re-seeded itself with different grasses?

    Jack will certainly feel the winds of winter with that summer-coat of his, but perhaps it will thicken up and I'm sure all the running around will keep him warm. I see Trigger is sporting a natty blue turnout rug now - I bet he's glad of that.

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 18:21

      The bigger of the two green patches is like a big raised lump; almost like an island, and the smaller, greener one behind is a particularly verdant bit of impassable marsh before the ground drops down into the river.

      Trigger was very grateful indeed - that field faces due South West and they get battered by the winds!

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  7. Ragged Robin30 October 2013 at 10:12

    I do love the drawing of Suzie's cat - beautiful. You are so talented Em :)

    Lovely photos of Dartmoor as always. So glad the storm missed you. A non-event here too apart from torrential rain.

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:09

      I don't actually know anyone who was affected by it but obviously some people were.

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  8. ann @ studiohyde30 October 2013 at 10:16

    Love your drawing of this cat. We missed the supposed great storm too! although sadly some didn't, so I'm thinking it was a great storm somewhere else!

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  9. Wendy30 October 2013 at 10:40

    A wonderful sketch of Suzie's cat, Em and some lovely photos of the moor. I love the autumn light. And I love Jack looking very bright and alert, too. Would your dogs have minded the storm, do you think? Harry is usually quite calm in wild weather, but he didn't like this one!

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:11

      I know what you mean about the light. I love that dark grey sky mixed with sunshine light too - brilliant for photography.

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  10. Elizabeth30 October 2013 at 11:49

    Love visiting you to see your wonderful landscape - but most of all the dogs.
    Excellent cat drawing.
    So happy to hear that your super Christmas cards sold out.
    Greetings from NY.

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:14

      I don't know what I'd do without them Elizabeth. Comfort in the darkest moments.

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  11. Lou Mary30 October 2013 at 12:29

    I just ordered one of your packs of cards :) lovely post with wonderful photos. Great sketch of Griffin you are so talented! Fab fungi and landscapes and rainbow!

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:15

      They'll be in the post tomorrow Lou. That rainbow was so beautiful - he photo didn't really do it justice.

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  12. Sue in Suffolk30 October 2013 at 12:39

    I really enjoy your lovely pictures- drawn and photos. It's lovely to see another part of the country so different to our own. The mum of our sons girlfriend lives in Chagford and our son and partner spend Christmas on Dartmoor and love it.

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:19

      I wonder if I know them? It's a small town.....

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  13. Jane and Chris30 October 2013 at 12:48

    Jack needs a coat and Muttluks (doggy winter boots)! He looks less than impressed with the weather...I'd feel the same.
    Jane x

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:20

      I've realised over the years that spending a bit more on outdoor clothes is really worth it!

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  14. Melody30 October 2013 at 13:13

    A wonderful sketch of Griffin ~ cats have amazing eyes. :))))
    I am always astounded by the vast openness of your corner of the world.... like you can see forever.

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:20

      It's awe inspiring sometimes. I never tire of the views here.

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  15. Anonymous30 October 2013 at 16:37

    Lovely drawing of Griffin Em. I'll be getting some other pics together for you this week for the other drawing we discussed and will email them over :-)

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:21

      I'm really looking forward to doing another Westie!

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  16. Down by the sea30 October 2013 at 19:09

    Em your portrait of Griffin is fantastic, Suzie will be delighted with it. Your pictures of Dartmoor are so lovely with the rainbow and autumn light. I have just bought your last pack of cards I'm glad I didn't miss out.
    Sarah x

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    1. Em Parkinson30 October 2013 at 20:22

      They'll be off to you tomorrow and thanks so much for ordering them!

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  17. SeagullSuzie30 October 2013 at 20:47

    Terrific photos of Dartmoor Em. Great news about all you cards being sold and love the Griffin sketch...but then I would say that as he's my beautiful cat!

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  18. Cait O'Connor2 November 2013 at 17:25

    Gorgeous light in those Dartmoor pics.

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  19. Willow3 November 2013 at 14:56

    Em, I so enjoy visiting your blog posts.
    I am completely taken with Jack , completely.
    Is that Trigger in the blue rug ?

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    1. Em Parkinson7 November 2013 at 09:37

      It is - he's a bit of a wimp compared with the hardy Dartmoor ponies!

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  20. Gail H. Ragsdale7 November 2013 at 01:41

    Beautiful cat portrait!
    Loved the shot of Triggers field with his friends and also the one of Jack sitting in the tall grass looking at the camera!

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    1. Em Parkinson7 November 2013 at 09:38

      I'm not sure anything's in focus in the Jack one but I don't think it matters too much.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It's great to read them and I will always try to reply.

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