Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Blood Thirtsty Suckers

We seem to have a lot of horse flies around our home at the moment.
 
 
I don't think I've ever seen them so big.
 
 
Apparently it is the female of this species that bites . . . . . .
 
 
. . . . . and to say those bites are painful and vicious is an understatement.
 
 
Horse flies have mandibles shaped with serrated edges.
 
 
They use their mandibles to rip into the skin and then feed on the blood that wells up in the wound.

 
Apparently they love being near water so our pool is a big draw for them.
 
 
That's probably more than you wanted to know about them I'm sure.
 
 
Hopefully wherever you reside is horse fly free.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Studio Clean Up & Current Work

These are just a few of the pieces I have on my work table right now.
 
 
Current works  in progress.
 
 
Some are ready to be sealed, others require additional coats of paint before they are done.
 
 
I spent the best part of the morning cleaning up my studio.
 
 
It was long overdue.
 
 
The best part was I even managed to get in some painting as I went along.
 
 
To some this may still look messy but I can assure you it's a huge improvement on what it looked like before.
 

I'll leave you with just a few additional images while I head off to paint and create a whole new mess.


I hope you're having a fun creative day.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Going Ape

Ever had the urge to get out and just go somewhere?  That was how I felt this morning. 

 
It wasn't long before my mind was made up and I set off  towards Cincinnati Zoo.
 

Many of you know of my love for Chimpanzees and Gorillas so it's always a treat when I get the opportunity to observe them up close.


I spent ages watching this guy who was hanging out in the heat of the day.


There's something about their eyes that captivate me.  Looking into them it's as though you can see right into their soul.


Then there are times when you're reminded of their sheer size and strength.


The sweetheart above was trying some camouflage on for size.


I'm hard pressed to say which I love more, Gorillas or Chimpanzees . . . . .


. . . especially when they are as cute as these Bonobos.


The little guy was being subjected to quite a thorough going over.


No spot was left unchecked.


It would seem as though all that checking paid off.


Guess whatever it was mom found made a tasty snack.


The bonds these guys have are just amazing.


Chimpanzees and Gorilla's may be my favorite but I couldn't pass the orangutan without sharing the love.


They always make me giggle.


I mean who else could get away with making some brown paper look this good?


Just look at that goofy smile.


But they also have a serious, contemplative side.


I just love this fist pump.  I'm sure it was for my benefit!


Got to love an ape with attitude.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Random Five Friday



  • I love how this fence seems to remain intact when it's clear the nails are no longer doing they're job.
 
  • I recently created a website using weebly (www.dychedesigns.com).  Now I have to figure out the hard stuff like SEO's and all the other technical stuff.
 
  • I need to seriously start thinking about applying for citizenship but tests freak me out.
 
  • I'm in a creative lull but am trying to work my way out of it.
 
  • I have started to embrace purple, does that mean I'm getting old?
 
Linking up with Random Five Friday.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Lazy Summer Days

I've been feeling pretty exhausted lately so I've been embracing with the whole 'lazy days of summer' concept.


I think the dogs are embracing it too.  Ravyn hasn't been loving the heat and humidity so when she's not swimming in the pool she likes to be inside in the cool.


It's taken months of talking about it but this past weekend we finally got our window boxes planted up.  I love petunia's, they always make me smile.

 
I have managed to get some painting time in but I find that I keep repainting pieces that I'm working on and starting over.  Not sure about the color direction this one is headed in, think it could be another for the redo pile.


I was happy with the way this one turned out though.  Proper photos of the finished piece to come soon.


Well I plan to spend the day curled up with a book (the housework can wait), what about you?