Wednesday, January 31, 2018

An Artsy Post :)


Hello Everyone :)

This week's Scribble Picnic theme is "Spicy". I know what you're thinking...I'm off my rocker AGAIN because the above painting does not depict "Spicy". Now...bear with me whilst I explain (whilst!) 😀I was watching the 1932 movie version of Scarface and the word "scandalous" came to mind. Someone who is "spicy" can be considered "off-colour" or "scandalous" according to the thesauraus. Since Scarface is based on Al Capone, who was considered public enemy number ONE and whose life was riddled with scandal, I went with the idea of the 1930's mobster...so there you go, that is my line of thinking! Too obtuse? ;)


I LOVE the Tom Hanks movie "Road to Perdition". (Here is a 3-minute video of the scene I tried to capture.) He plays a different role than he usually does. I love when actors step out of the box so to speak. He plays a 1930's mobster and he is so wonderful in that movie. My painting is a scene from that movie. Mobsters, tommy guns and scandals...what's not to like? ;)


And as some of you know, I've been participating in a daily drawing challenge. With today's Scribble Picnic theme in mind, here is my drawing for today. Snoopy and Woodstock sharing a spicy pizza. :) There's some spicy for you! :)

For my drawings, I'm still following the theme of Monsters. I am also trying out some Mythical Creatures, so here are the drawings from the last week. :) And thank you wholeheartedly again for all of you who have been so supportive in my drawing efforts. I'm gaining more confidence each day and I'm loving this challenge!








Is anyone a fan of the Irish Rovers? I have The Unicorn song stuck in my head! When I was in my late teens, I worked as a bartender at an Irish pub in Montreal called Hell's Kitchen. Every night at closing time, this song played and everyone sang along, it was really nice. :)


Can you believe it's been FOUR months since we took in Stella and Pavlov??? Pavlov (right bottom corner) is IN LOVE with me lol...never leaves my side. I think that having five dogs has taught me a lot about patience and compassion. Not only did the two new additions need to adjust, our three did too! I'll be sad to see the two of them go next fall, but until then, I have to say I love having five dogs and three cats. There is so much furry love in the house...and fur..omg, our vacuum is a trooper.


Jack's big mouth. :)

The weather is cold but the moon is full, a Blue Moon tonight and if you're lucky, you'll see an eclipse. What will you do "once in a Blue Moon?" :)

62 comments:

  1. The first word that came to mind at seeing your painting was 'ominous', so I failed the spicy test.

    You have a plethora of pups!

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  2. Hard to imagine Tom Hanks as a mobster! Remember him in Busom Buddies?

    Love the Nessie drawing! I believe... :)

    There's a similar monster in Lake Champlain (New York, Vermont) but I think she was made up by the brilliant Lake Champlain tourist board!





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  3. Your pictures look so wonderful Rain, and I adore the one of Snoopy! I watched the Road to Perdition, but hated the ending. (lol) Your picture does the movie proud though. Hugs...RO

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  4. I remember the Irish Rovers being on a few TV shows way back in the early 60s, I will say that I watched them from my baby crib.
    The mobster painting really shows movement by the way you painted the man, I am trying to figure out how it works so well. It might be that there are 3 other objects that are stationary which lead the eye to the man who is framed by the light area in the back ground. Neat!

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  5. I must say I missed the spicy in your painting but that is what makes the world go round, we all see things our own way! Great job on all the artwork. I love seeing pics of the doggies. They are so sweet and they all look like they are just as happy as can be!

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  6. I thought I was the only one who remembered the Irish Rovers Unicorn song. You do realize it will be playing in my head all day now lol.

    Tom Hanks was great in that movie. But then, he is great in everything he does.

    I will admit, the first drawing threw me off track. It is a perfrct drawing from the movie though. Albeit, Snoopy and Woodstock make my heart happier.

    Your monster drawings are quite good. Dragon really caught my eye.

    Your fur babies make me smile also. I could just see myself in the middle of them getting tons of doggie kisses. It would be heavenly.

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  7. OHHHHHHHH!!!!!

    Dragon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    :-)))))))))

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  8. oh Rain you captured that painting perfectly!! All your work is wonderful and a challenge is such a great way to perfect our pencil skills isn't it!! Keeps us sharp, lol,, like a pencil lol,, We have always had multiple dogs in our family and I think its only a positive experience for us,, the lessons you spoke of ring true with me as well, oh for the love of our furry friends, what would life be without them!!

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  9. You have captured the 'spicy' dangerous mood so completely in that painting! I love it! As a matter of fact, I love all of them. If it was up to me (and I had a trust fund) I would be up to my elbows in dogs. That picture of Jack with his giant rawhide bone makes me think of PB - I give them huge marrow bones each Sunday and he makes a beeline for the biggest one. He then drags it to his lair and gnaws happily for hours. Until he can steal Lovey's.

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  10. Rain my dear - you just never cease to amaze! Your art piece for today IS a surprise, but awesome. I just watched the Road to Perdition video clip - OMG I have to get the movie. That scene is almost unbelievable and the photography mind blowing, especially the ending with the people in the windows. Love Tom Hanks in anything and think he's a fabulous man.

    Your doggies - and kitties - are so sweet. You must have such a lot of patience - can understand why Pavlov is 'in love' with you - Alex too, haha!

    Stay warm with all those furry friends.
    Hugs - Mary

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  11. P.S. Don't forget to go to Michael's and link back to your post for today's Scribble Picnic - don't see you there!

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  12. I think it's fantastic how you interpret 'spicy' and love the drawing.
    I also Tom Hanks, he seems like a genuine nice guy!

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  13. You know, as soon as I saw your art piece, I thought "That looks like that movie where Tom Hanks played a gangster!" So well done!

    I adored "The Unicorn" song when I was young. It was on the first LP I ever got -- in those days, the Irish Rovers recorded on Decca and it was one of those old, heavy Decca LPs.

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  14. Rain, believe it or not....I got it...As soon as I saw the picture I knew where you were going. I was wondering how you would render "spicy" and I was not disappointed. This is a great take...and I always love to see your slice of life and doggies, and your other illustrations. Good job. You are a wonderfully unique gal. Love it.

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  15. Amazing effect with your first painting. Simply amazing. How you can give all that mood, in it. It's kind of scary looking, but what you convey, is wonderful. -happy sigh-

    Used to love "The Irish Rovers," years ago!!!! "Tied up with a black velvet band"... if I remember one of the titles right. :-) Thank you for reintroducing me to them!!!!!!!!! And they are still lookin' good, with their short curly white hair!!! Gotta' remember that I am 80, so a man has to be mature, to look good to me now! -grrrrrin-

    Dear Pavlov, he will have a hard time, with leaving you, when he has to.

    Taking the time to look closer at your other sketches. I was in a rush, when I read your blog earlier. Love the effects, in the Nessie one too. Seeee... Making a wonderful sky background, by the over lapping colors and the sea movement<---That ability is amazing to me.

    There! I finally did a "proper job" of commenting on this post!!! :-))))

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  16. Love your road to perdition piece... I never saw the movie though. Tom Hanks is great in everything though so I am sure I would be s fan!..... and I love that we both went far from the traditional “spicy” image!!!! The unicorn song was so cute.... I can imagine a whole bar singing it!! Great dogs too

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  17. Beautiful art today Rain, love your spicy pizza! Your dogs are adorable.

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  18. I like the way you were thinking out of the box and connected scandalous to spicy. Your painting is beautiful considering the subject matter, and really captures the mood. Thank you for sharing that video clip. I like the spicy pizza too. And your monsters are such fun. Keep up the good work and have fun.

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  19. I want to watch that movie someday,The Road to Perdition.
    Your artwork picks up the mood from the movie.

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  20. Actually, when I suggested "spicy," I did think someone might go with the attitude take which you did perfectly here as you described! I love it when people think outside the box so long as there is some clear connection to the theme which makes sense and before getting to the rest of the post, I knew immediately how you interpreted this. Anyway, I love the style of this --definitely got the feel of that scene as shown here. And of course, I love your Peanuts piece too and those other sketches. Your theme reminds me of my take on Inktober--fables and myths-so I'm really hoping you do that when Inktober comes again in October. That would be so fun.

    "I'm gaining more confidence each day and I'm loving this challenge!"-Nothing bring me more joy on these art challenges than reading something like this. Bravo, Rain! I am drawing tonight in my sketch book too. :)

    P.S. I think it's going to end up being pretty hard on your when your return the two pups!

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  21. P.P.S. I'm adding new themes tonight! Stay tuned.

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  22. The Irish Rovers! Oh my gosh...I haven't thought about them in years. Talk about going back in time.

    Your artwork is amazing. That first one is creepy in a wonderful sort of way...LOL... And when did you draw your unicorn? If it's yesterday, that would be amazing because I sketched one and coloured it in yesterday.

    Oh the pups...they are so cute. I can only imagine how hard it'll be to say goodbye to them. But at least you can create some wonderful memories until then!

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  23. I LOOOOVE unexpected interpretations of a theme, and I was so glad to get a glimpse into your thought process... I always find other artists idea trains of thought fascinating!

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  24. I like that you thought outside of the box with the theme, Rain...good job...and I don't mean a hit-man type of job either. hehe

    I absolutely loved Road to Perdition...it ran a gammut of emotions. Needless to say, I did NOT like Jude Law's role.

    Cute Snoopy and Woodstock sketch! I have been enjoying all your sketches over on Instagram.

    The fur-kids look so sweet altogether. I think you will miss the two of them when they leave. I'm sure they will miss you.

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  25. Great pictures (but yes, I failed the spicy test too...)

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  26. No, not obtuse at all."Spicy" has been well illustrated in your work and Tom Hanks served as great inspiration. Love him. My father was an artist, it was his passion, but he never had enough money for supplies or time to make a living from it. The artwork he left behind however, is treasured every day. Keep doing what makes you happy.

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  27. Amazing art work dear rain
    you first art is STRIKING and successful in creating impact of certain time and feel!

    LOVED you mythical creatures too !

    i loved this movie too but i watched "castaway"m so many times he is wonderful actor indeed!


    look at these adorable faces
    you kept them as warm loving family i am sure they both gonna miss you either


    lots of love and hugs to you dear Rain!

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  28. Your drawing just gets better and better. I'm not a fan of violence or really frightening anything but you were spot on with that movie scene! The Snoopy one I thought was a picture you had copied until I saw your writing on the bottom...you are amazing! I ran across my Brambly Hedge book the other day and I would love to practice and draw those cute little animals with clothes on....similar to Beatrix Potter.
    Your dogs are so well behaved. I have a feeling it is going to be very difficult for you and all of you next Fall when it comes time to separate.
    Our moon looked just like a regular full moon so evidently I was too early and by the time it must have started it was down below the tree line. My daughter called and she told me to look on You Tube and NASA had a live feed from some giant telescope but watching on t.v. isn't quite the same. Have a great week! P.S. Love the Irish Rovers!

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  29. OMG, you are so full of life and surprises. I love your gangster short ... and I too love Tom Hanks in whatever role he plays and the gangssters were, without a doubt, spicy, Ha! And now what's this about you working in a bar in your late teens ... is that even legal? Looks to me like you gathered up a lot of memories from the experience. And, you know I love furbabies ... I don't have 5 dogs, just one, but I have 4 cats and it can be a zoo around here at time. We have a built in vacume and when I go down to empty the canister, guess what it is full of :) You are so much fun Rain and you are my hero for getting me on instgram. I am finally getting my posts on the daily sketch plan as well ... will wonders never cease. I like your idea of posting them on your blog as well ... I did that with a new page on my blog, but so far nobody has visited it. Well, off to do errands ... have a wonderful week, Rain and thenk you once again for your help.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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  30. Somehow I'm not a bit surprised that you went a different route than most with the theme!
    Of course my favorite is Snoopy and Woodstock, but all the art you shared today is well done!
    No, I refuse to click on the link for the unicorn song! I know if I do it will play over and over and over in my head, as I recall it doing so many years ago! :-D

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  31. Your first art piece is cool!! I love it! I think it's Spicy!! and, I love Snoopy and Woodstock! LOL! You are very creative with your drawings! Love the Irish Rovers!! Please give all your fur babies BIG HUGS from me! What a treasure! Big Hugs!

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  32. Hi Tpals :) Ominous is a great first reaction!! Thank you! I love that word "plethora"...if you've ever seen the Steve Martin movie "Three Amigos", you'll know why :)

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  33. Hi Sandi :) I DO remember Bosom Buddies lol! Yes! Oh my gosh, I feel so old lol...I believe in Nessie too. I remember spending a summer near Lake Champlain in New York, "Champy" gave me plenty of reason to stick close to the shore in my row boat lol! ;)

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  34. Thanks RO :) Oh gosh, I HATED the ending to that movie as well...I have never met anyone who liked it!

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  35. Hi Gill :) Thanks so much! I was just trying to recapture that scene from the movie! I appreciate the compliment! :)

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  36. Thanks Pam :) The dogs are very happy here. They are a gang of nuts and I love them! I couldn't think of anything for "spicy" but I like to think of tangents and weird links to go with the themes too. :)

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  37. Hi Marsha :) Ha ha ha...I hooked you into singing the Unicorn in your head all day! It's STILL in my head today lol! I agree, Tom Hanks is a wonderful actor, funny and dramatic! It's funny how the dogs all compete when one starts to give kisses, it's a wet mess lol! :) And thanks for enjoying the drawings!

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  38. Hi Laurie :) LOL, I love your sharp as a pencil wit, that made me smile! :) And thank you! :) I could never have only one dog...I feel like I need at least...three, four, five, more! LOL...I have to remind myself how the first 3 months of having Stella and Pavlov were, how stressful! It's hard not to want to save them from the shelters though! And you're right, I cannot imagine my life without pets! :)

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  39. Thank you Mary :)) Firstly, thanks for reminding me about the linky...I had completely forgotten about it! I think that you will love Road to Perdition...that scene I posted was haunting, the music, oh my gosh...and the anguish on Tom Hanks' face. I'm curious if you do watch it, what you think of the ending. :)

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  40. Hi Jenn :) Thank you! I loved my spicy idea :) I remember Tom Hanks was a member of the Saturday Night Live gang for a season, or maybe two, at the same time as Billy Crystal. He is such a good comedian, but his dramatic work is excellent!

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  41. Hi Debra :) Oooh, great minds! :)) Thank you, I'm so glad you saw that right away. Alex did too when he came in to see my finished work. I never tell him about my line of thinking but he got it right away! :) I remember those heavy records. I didn't have any myself, but my parents had a rack of them, they were so think. It's so odd to me that they are collector's items now.

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  42. Hi Wanda :) Oh you got it too! I love that! :) Thank you! These ideas come to me suddenly at times! :)

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  43. Hi Wisps of Words :) I'm so glad you liked my dragon! :) Oh and the Nessie was a bit of drawing, coloring pencils and watercolours. I think that the watercolours add so much movement to any painting, I just love them! Thank you! :) LOL...I think men look MUCH better as they get older, so trust me, you don't have to be 80 to have that attitude! :) Pavlov has really become very attached to me. He follows my Jack around everywhere, doing the same things to get my attention, it's very endearing. :) It will be tough to say goodbye, though it'll just be temporary, we'll always have visits :)

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  44. Hi Andrea :) Thank you! :)The movie is awesome if you get a chance to see it. It's really something different for him, but he still manages to make us love him, even though he's a mob enforcer! Oh yes, the bar...it was a lot of fun when everyone sang the Unicorn song...most of the patrons were already drunk by then, but it made everyone all happy and silly :)

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  45. Thank you Christine :) I can only look at that spicy pizza, can't touch it though! :)

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  46. Thanks Lorraine :) I am having fun thinking outside the box with Michael's themes! And I love my monsters, though I'm thinking now of a new direction for the daily drawings. That has been a great challenge as well!

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  47. Thanks John :) I think you'd really like that movie, I have never met a soul who didn't like it!

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  48. Hi Michael :) I'm very much looking forward to the new themes for your picnic! :) Thank you :) Getting to know me, I wouldn't expect anything too literal with the themes you choose lol :) I'm glad you like my take on them. Inktober is intriguing for me, and I may join you all this year! That's usually my busiest time of the year but honestly, taking the time to draw and paint each day is marvelous and I thank you again for introducing me to this challenge! And yes...saying goodbye to the pups will be heartbreaking, but dare I say a bit of a relief as well to get back to JUST 6 pets lol! :)

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  49. Hi Martha :) I know you like the creepy art I do lol...I'm telling you sister, we are kindred...yes, I did my unicorn on the 30th!!! :) We will have to get together one of these non-wintery days before I leave this area!!! I have so many wonderful memories of all the pets. Pavlov won my heart on day one, but Stella was a little more worried and distant. Now she is part of the pack and just as sweet and needy as the rest of them and I love it. And because our friend (and his super mom) made the effort to rectify all that confusion, I think that we'll be seeing S&P many many more times in our lives now. :)

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  50. Hi Kristin :) Thank you! I'm happy to see your comment. I do love to let my mind wander a little with ideas, especially to the dark side :)

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  51. Thanks Serena :) Ha ha...hit-man type of job, that was spot on lol! Needless to say as well, I agree with you, Jude Law broke my heart in that movie...but I guess that makes him a good actor since he brought out that emotion in us! I will really miss those two fur-step-kids when they go! :)

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  52. Thanks TB, oh that's okay. I don't expect anyone to follow my line of thinking all the time lol! :)

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  53. Thanks Donna :) These days honestly, I'm chomping at the bit to find money for art supplies. Actually that's why I gave up oil painting, it got too expensive! Just the canvases alone were getting too expensive. Watercolour paints last a lot longer. I'm so glad you have some artwork that your dad did. Those kinds of memories to have on hand are priceless. :)

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  54. Hi Baili :) Thank you :) I'm so glad you like my creatures and my painting :) Yes...Castaway was great, I've seen that 3 times :) Yes...the dogs are well taken care of, spoiled definitely! :) Actually tonight was the first night that Stella jumped up on the bed on her own without us coaxing her or inviting her. That shows how comfy and at home she is now! :) I am going to miss them. So will Alex and I'm sure our pups will too. The cats though? I think they'll be happy lol! :)

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  55. Hi Sam :)) Thank you! I appreciate your comment about the painting, I know you don't like the violent and frightening stuff...but Tom Hanks, sigh. :) I think it would be nice if you drew every day...it doesn't have to be a big thing, but a little drawing here and there, it really is a lot of fun! :) No, it's not the same to watch the moon on You Tube! I feel the energy when I'm outside, I'm so in awe of everything in the universe! I didn't get to see it either, it was snowing here. Yes, I think I'll have some of my own separation anxiety next fall! Until then, I'm making the most of every day with this lovely pack of critters!

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  56. Hi Andrea :) Oh you are so welcome!!! I'm glad I could help! Isn't it fun? :) I don't know what the "legal" ages are around the world, but I left home at 17 and I worked in a restaurant until the age of 18, that's when I got the job at the bar. 18 is the legal drinking age so I was okay. Yup, I got corrupted at that age lol! But it was a fun time of my life :)) The experience definitely created some memories and some life experiences!! Oh yes...all that pet hair...I would LOVE to have a central vac! We had one at our last rental and Alex and I have vowed that when we buy our home, that will be one of the first things we invest in! Hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you on IG! :)

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  57. Hi Jolene :) Ha ha ha...I INSIST that you have the Unicorn stuck in your head, as I STILL do lol! :) Thanks for your comment, I'm so happy to be participating in the picnic and the drawing challenge! I've found so many new wonderful friends this way too! :)

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  58. Hi Magic Love Crow :) Big hugs will be given! Thank you. :) Oh the Irish Rovers...I really loved them a long time ago and since I drew that unicorn, I've been listening to all of their songs again! I'm so happy you liked my painting. This is my favourite type of art...a little dark and foreboding! :)

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  59. The dogs look like they grew together into a wonderful pack. It will be hard to let them go again ...

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  60. Hi Nik :) Yes...at this point, it feels like they are ours, but I always have to remember that he's coming back for them now. It'll be tough. :(

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  61. Your painting is awesome, lots of atmosphere in it :D I love your animal household, it's what the best people do, collect randome animals.xxx

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❤ Thanks for your comment, I love hearing from everyone! ❤ Why not join me and my fellow artists every Thursday for TADD? That's Thursday Art and Dinner Date! It's a lot of fun!
Love,
Rain