Holiday - Horseback Adventure

Block Mountain

We are home from our 5 day backcountry riding adventure. Spent 5 days riding in Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada) with Banff Trail Rides. My husband and I are experienced riders - we have our own horse and 2 saddle mules - but we did not use them on this ride. Our group was 7 in number plus our guide. We rode to three base camps over the 5 days. No electricity (yay! - ie. no phones, computers, etc), sleeping in canvas wall tents, no running water - although we were able to have a brief shower with water pumped from one of the rivers and heated. Our personal gear was transported to the different camps using pack mules. We did not have to cook - thank goodness and the food was excellent. Our weather ranged from pouring rain to sun, but with proper gear we were able to ride comfortably. I would have loved to have had a couple more days, but all good things must come to an end. So much inspiration for painting - where to start! We are already planning our backcountry trip for next year!

On the trail to Flint's Park camp

Mountain stream

Flint's Park

Rainbow Lake Elevation ~7,400'

Flint's Park Campsite Mount Brewster in background

Our guide with mules and spare horse

Dennis
One of our 'baggage handlers'

Rest stop
40 Mile Pass

Mountain meadow view

Dog Journal - Contour Drawings to Paintings

Back to the Dog Journal....finally!! Have missed working in my dog journal. Too many other projects on the go and not all art related. These pictures started off as 'semi' blind contour drawings. I like warming up before painting doing a few of these quick sketches. They free me up when I am feeling 'tight' - and I find working like this very freeing and best of all stress free. I don't draw enough and revisiting these images reminds to get the sketchbook and pencil out and start drawing!

Contour Drawings
with a bit of detail added
(paper size 8 1/2"X 11")

Acrylic Mixed Media
7"X7"

Acrylic Mixed Media
7"X7"