Darla the Donkey

This is Darla. She is a darling donkey. I've been looking for reference material to paint donkeys, and my beautiful friend Andrea the animal lover is the proud owner of this little beauty. I have several paintings of her started and can't wait to finish them. Check out my Etsy shop, www.shellybroughtonart.etsy.com in the future for new oil paintings, and you will see paintings of Darla as well as some other barnyard beauties.

Coming to Terms with Winter

Well, many of you know that I love the snow and the silence and peacefulness a gentle snow brings. If I had to make a choice between the dog days of summer and the cold and snowy winter, I would choose winter. Sometimes it's just a matter of accepting it and finding the beauty. I sit here today in the beautiful rolling hills of southeast Nebraska near Pawnee City and I'm watching the snow flurries find their spot on the ground nestling in with the others, and as I see the ground getting whiter and whiter, it occurs to me again that no two snowflakes are alike! How amazing is that when you really think about it. God gives us so much beauty, free of charge, but we just have to take a moment to see it! I want to wish you all a cozy Christmas, and remember to enjoy the small things in life.

Great Finds

So, I visited one of my favorite little shops the other day. Great Finds owned by the spunky Maggie Calhoun is located in the little historic village of Valatie, New York right on Main Street in a wonderful old mill house. This fabulous two-story shop is situated right across the street from the waterfalls near Route 203. Maggie started her endeavor up the road and quickly outgrew her space and she and her husband lovingly restored this quaint old mill house. Now not only does Great Finds sell unique household and garden decor, but Maggie has added a boutique filled with beautiful clothing and jewelry. (By the way, she also sells the best little caramels you've ever eaten in your life; perfect texture combined with delicious bits of salt and hints of butter, sweet yet you don't taste sugar, they are perfect. I'm totally addicted!) Among all the other treasures you will find some of my oil paintings. Farm animals and landscapes are scattered throughout this lovely two-story gem. Stop in and check out this place; it's worth the trip. Or feel free to call (518) 758-8999 and Maggie or the beautiful Mandy will be happy to assist.