“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Friday 28 August 2015

Let the Cock Crow - PPF

Let the cock crow! Morning everyone
Although I'd loved to keep some chooks (chickens) I don't think I could have a cockerel. 
For instance, I was visiting an agricultural show a few weeks ago and went into the poultry marquee. Unaware that I was standing right in front of a prize cockerel taking in a cute chook opposite, he let out a cry. 
Oh my goodness did I jump... he gave me such a fright that I nearly laid an egg!
I did try to take a video of him but he went all camera shy and wouldn't so much as cluck!
Ever since that day, I've had a mind to paint a cockerel using the loose style that I'm trying to adopt as my own. 
So here he is...

I'm not convinced that he's finished yet. 
I haven't used any white highlights or finalized his tail feathers, but I'm actually being prolific this week for me. I'm actually painting two pieces at once!
(You can tell that the weather hasn't been the best if that's the case)
I started My Week On A Page #3
There's still a long way to go with this, but I'm pleased that it's well underway. 
I think I should rename 'my week' to 'my fortnight' (two weeks) because I can't seem to complete them in just one week. 
Anyway, here it is so far.
When I post the finished piece I'll explain why the objects have been chosen, otherwise this post will take a week to get through and I know you'll be wanting to visit so many other artists work today as part of the Paint Party Friday link.
Here's a view of my desk that many of you might not have seen... with my Quality Control Manager keeping a close eye on the proceedings. 
Well, maybe one eye as she enjoyed getting all roasty toasty in the sun.
But don't get carried away thinking we are having glorious summer weather here... 
...because just look up at the sky.
We certainly have had a mixed bag of goodies, weather wise this summer... but not enough warmth in my book.
Average temperature over the summer months for this part of Scotland have been around 12 degree's (that would be approx 53 degree's Fahrenheit)
Yes... for summer! 
Another view to show my feathered friends are still visiting me daily. 
The seven white doves sit waiting patiently to be fed.
They arrive early in the morning and spend most of the day here.
It's a good game for Muffin to chase them when they land on the patio, but they seem unperturbed. 
I think they have sussed out that she's all fluff and flounce and not fierce or ferocious in any way.

And finally, I wanted to share this morning's view from my bedroom window.
This was about 6.00am.
Now unfortunately the picture would be a grey blanket of cloud once more. 
The sun's disappeared.
I think I may have to be an early riser (which thankfully I am) to make sure I get enough light before winter comes to call.
Is it me or does this picture look autumnal to you?
Eek... I hope not because I'm still waiting for summer! 
(I think that might have to be 2016 now)
Have a great Friday and don't forget to pop across to the Paint Party Friday gang... 
they'd love to see you
Paint Party Friday
Thanks for your visit... I love to see you and even more so if you leave a comment. 
https://secure.quebles.com/content/hotmail/emoticons/1508618.gif
Toodleloo for now

50 comments:

  1. He is already gorgeous, loking forward seeing again. Interesting paintings are coming... ♥

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    1. Well I hope so Sirkkis,
      I've had to leave them today because the sun's shining and I have lawns to cut... oh joy!
      Thanks for visiting and your comment. Have fun and enjoy PPF ;D

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  2. Ha I can imagine the fright the cockeral gave you - they are loud aren't they/ I feel sorry for them though as they often have them in the animal shelter and they're hard to rehome because of the whole ock-a-doodle-do thing! I'd have one but I don't think our only neighbour would be too happy (he's never happy about anything at the best of times!)
    I absolutely love that photo of Muffin sitting on your windowsill - how cute is that! And your view is beautiful - there's nothing quite like looking out over fields (except perhaps a nice sea view!)

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    1. They are indeed Nic,
      When we were last living here, I remember a neighbour had chickens and a rooster.
      We could hear him and he actually lived quite a distance away. It used to echo across the field. It's not really what you want to hear at 3am!
      I love the view's because we have a sea view, worked farmland, fields with horses
      and my garden. I'm so lucky to have them all I know. I constantly take deep breaths and appreciate them as much as I can.
      Muffy hunts out the sunlight the same as your Rueben, especially after visiting the grooming salon yesterday.
      Have a wonderful weekend... happy PPF to you and yours ;D

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  3. Lovely photos and your cockerel is already looking very glam! Happy PPF, Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Aww thank you so much Valerie, I really appreciate your words.
      Happy PPF to you too ;D

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  4. Your cockerel looks awesome! I always find them a bit intimidating, but beautiful to look at. What a gorgeous view form your window! The summer weather and temperature seem to have been distributed rather unevenly this year. Here, it's been hot and sunny for the past three months almost, and there doesn't seem an end to it. Not being a summer person, I'd have very much liked to send some of it northwards. Hope you'll get a great autumn.

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    1. Wow thanks Nordljus,
      The one I saw... the noisy one certainly was a stunner. I love the way the light reflects off their plumage.
      Three months of hot and sunny!!! I want to cry!
      I'm not particularly a hot house plant, but I would appreciate a little more warmth this summer. There's not been many hot days, so I'm fed up with wearing a fleece!
      I hope the autumn is better... I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an Indian summer this September.
      Thanks for your lovely comment and I wish you a wonderful weekend.
      Happy PPF too ;D

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  5. my first thought of the last photo was Fall!! Its coming quickly,,
    your work is beautiful, I love it!!!
    You are a busy bee!!

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    1. Noooooooo.... please Laurie, I'm still hoping summer is going to call,
      It's really not be great here and I miss it so, although having said that today has been rather nice. I left the painting to cut the lawns but when the sun shines you just have to go with it.
      I'm always buzzin' around. Thanks for popping in... it's always lovely to see you.
      Have a wonderful weekend

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  6. Oh he is a handsome cockerel, Nessie! And you have a good start on the other group. My goodness what is up with the weather in your neck of the world?! I've been trying to send some of our hot hot hotter weather your way. Just don't seem to have enough umph to get it up to you. :) But maybe 37C would be too much of a swing in temps for you. A few other blogs have mentioned Autumn seems to be making an appearance in their area too. Not here for a few more months. Hey why don't you and McMuffy pop down for a quick thaw out visit. ;) I now have an electric kettle so I will make tea! Warm hugs to all, Nan.

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    1. Hold the press Nan because for the last two days the weather has been great. Maybe we're having a late summer? I hope so. Your umph was enough after all ;D
      Have to admit 37C would be a tad hot (although I've been there before) I think a nice 27C would hit the spot.
      Now your talking... a quick visit would be ideal, but I'm just seeing the antics that McMuffy and your girls would get up to. I think we would have our hands full.
      As to the kettle purchase... I do hope you didn't buy it just for me?
      If you did then I'm truly touched ;D
      You can rest up for this weekend as the sun's shining and we have 13C at 7.30am... so looking good.
      Thanks for your lovely words and invitation... have fun this weekend.

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  7. You are waiting on summer and I am waiting to see if a hurricane is going to hit us or come really close. When that happens we have to evacuate our island home. Now that might sound simple but actually one of the three cats does not like to be held and rounding him up is another matter.
    Your art work is so wonderful Denise but I know I really don't have to tell you that. I am always amazed at your work. I hope you have kept sketch books of all the places you have visited or lived in. Much better than post cards any day. I feel like I am leaving out something but you work is so good all I should say is ahhhhhh.....
    Yes I think I could do quite well in Scotland - I do love dark and gloomy weather and the cold does not bother me as long as I have a nice warm house and good socks!
    I really enjoy your photographs. More, more - I want more!
    Sandy xx

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    1. Eww... that sounds a little serious Sandy, I hope it passes and you are all safe and well. The force of nature can be a little scary at times.
      You never cease to fail in bringing a huge smile to my face with your lovely words of encouragement towards my artwork. It means so much to me because like so many arty people (not I didn't write the word artist) I'm rather unsure and confident about my work.
      I do have lots of photo's from our travels, but I have only just in the last few years got back into drawing and painting so no art journals. Maybe one day when I have enough time (ha) I'll revisit them all and have a play.
      Now I must put the record straight before there's another Scottish rebellion Nan... it's not always dark and gloomy here. Maybe I haven't given a balanced view because I don't tend to mention when the weather's great. Here on the East of Scotland is much dryer than the West. But we have had rather a lot of rain here this year... but then so has the rest of the UK. Today and for the last few days it's been really good with the sun shining. I could personally do with it being a little warmer but I'll not complain as long as I can see the sky and not a grey blanket of cloud.
      I think we may be in for a few good days so I'll make the most of it whilst it's here.
      September might be the best month. Typical Brit... ever hopeful.
      I'll try to remember to bring you more photo's soon.
      Have a wonderful weekend... stay safe

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  8. I love the views from your house. How lovely to look out over all of that green.
    Your cockerel is beautiful. The colors are so rich and vivid.
    Thank you for sharing your world with us. I love visiting places that I have never been lucky enough to have seen in person.

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    1. When we lived abroad especially in the Middle East Ginny I missed the seasons and greenery so much. Not a day goes by that I don't look and appreciate not only the views but nature in general.
      Thanks for your kind words with reference to Mr Rooster! As I mentioned I may make the odd tweak here and there before I put him away. Sometimes I think you need to move away and then return to see it in a new light. It'll help me decide either way.
      I think visiting places you have never visited is what makes blogging so much fun.
      Have a great week and thanks for visiting my place.

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  9. your cockerel is fantastic!! Your sweet pup has the right idea to enjoy from inside since it's not very warm. I do hope it warms up more before the season changes. Really lovely views though. Happy PPF!

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    1. Hehe Thanks Linda,
      Oh yes that particular pup knows exactly how/where to get the best out of life!
      I don't want to frighten it away but we've had good weather for the last two days and I've heard a whisper that it might be a good week. I'm hoping September is the best so we can enjoy and then be ready for what's to come.
      Wood store is fully stacked though just in case ;D
      Happy PPF to you and I hope you have a sun-filled weekend.

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  10. Replies
    1. Thank you Rose of Walk in the Woods,
      Have a great weekend with lots of creativity.

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  11. Hello, I just love your cockerel. And your quaility control manager is adorable. Wonderful images. Happy Friday, have a great weekend!

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    1. Hello to you Eileen,
      My quality control manager is curled up at my feet so obviously it's a slow start at the weekend. She woke us at 6.00am but I told her I'm not working overtime. I'll work later today so she's having a little snoozelet just now.
      Have a great weekend Happy PPF to you

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  12. Lovely work to show this week, beautiful style! Sorry about your summer. Thanks for the idea to outline my piece, I just reposted it http://cmlk79.blogspot.ca/2015/08/paint-party-friday-first-leaves.html

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    1. Hey Christine... summer's visited us this last two days. I heard a whisper that it might even stay for the coming week. Woohoo!
      I'm happy to hear you like to outline too. I'll pop across to see how you got on.
      See you soon... in the meantime enjoy your weekend

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  13. I love your window studio and Muffypup supervising your art work. Love your rooster, but brings back memories of a mean one we had growing up....you turned your back on him and he would jump up and hit you in the back...My mother said she would make stew of him, but he'd be too tough to eat. HaHa. Love, love love your work.

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    1. Hehe, that's conquered up quite a picture Wanda,
      There seems to be quite a few mean and nasty roosters out there. So far I'm glad to say mine's behaved!
      Have a great weekend (rooster free) and thanks again for your lovely words about my art ;D

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  14. What a handsome cockerel he is. You've created glorious plumage, you must have so much patience to do all those lines.
    Your week/fortnight on a page is looking good. I love the highlights you've already achieved, it will be great to see it when it's finished.
    I believe we've had a year long Autumn, as Winter was as pathetic as the 'Summer'. has been. I'm not a lover of the heat, so temp wise, I've been happy but I could do with a little less rain, lol. Aren't we silly really? There's not a jot we can do about the weather, yet we always find something to complain about it, lol. My Polish friend says she is learning to chat about the weather now, but when she goes home it's ones health that gets discussed, lol. There's nowt so queer as folk!
    Muffy is looking adorable in the window, like a prized ornament ;)
    Have a fabby weekend, whatever you're doing {{Hugs}} xox

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    1. I do have patience, people have said this before, but I don't feel I gave him as much attention as I should. I may revisit or move on. I haven't made up my mind yet.
      But I do need to move onto My week on a page, otherwise it'll be a month and not a week!
      Yeah, I think you might be right about the seasons... they have all sort of merged into one. I do hope that that's not going to be the case. I like a cold winter but would like the reward of a hot summer or at least warm....(ish).
      My Nan used to say 'there's nowt so queer as folk' and I immediately heard her voice when I read what you'd written. hehe
      Hmm...A prized ornament but she's in the doghouse today (or she would be if we had one) She woke us up this morning at 6am, she then took a tour of the garden, had a little brekkie before heading back to bed for a snoozelet. Meanwhile, we're up and about. It's our normal time for in the week, but not what you want at the weekend.
      I hope you're having a great weekend. I was going to say it's been a good day here with lots of sunshine, but maybe I should say I hope you're fit and well instead of talking about the weather again! ;D

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  15. Replies
    1. Aww, thank you Clare,
      Happy PPF to you too ;D

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  16. Love the colors you have chosen for your cockerel. Can't wait to see the finished bird. He looks finished to me but I'm not the artist you are or Tracey. We too here in Mid-Missouri USA are also having cool weather. Not much summer either because of to much rain. Sounds like your weather. Our vegetable garden did not produce at all because of the rain. Oh well, thank goodness for Farmers Market. Take care and take time to enjoy your painting.

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    1. Thanks Pam, I can't decide if he's finished or not so I'm leaving him for the moment. I'm prone to taking that one step too far, so I'm holding back and then I'll take another look to see what I think.
      I have difficulty calling myself an artist, but you sure made me smile ;D
      I love Farmers Markets too which is just as well. I've managed to produce a few peas and strawberries, but I'm not sure how the carrots are doing. I'm frightened to lift them just yet. I've the odd tomato, but I'm not sure if we don't get more sun if it'll turn red. Fingers crossed.
      I hope to get back to painting my week page sometime over this weekend.
      Have fun and enjoy your weekend.

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  17. Love your cock he is mighty fine! All the photos are fabulous and I am jealous of your gorgeous green grass...everything is brown from drought and water restrictions, here is Beautiful British Columbia!! You would be doing a happy dance right now like our whole province since the rain has finally descended! Yes we too have said it feels fallish here...the way the light is more than anything! Sometimes the heat of summer can be a huge nuisance... there have been enough forest fires to break the budget for many years running! So enjoy your cooler weather and green grass...because the alternative could have been nasty. All wonderful sketches too...love the glasses!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. Haha... what a giggle Giggles!
      I'm glad you love 'my art'!!! (cough)
      I've been hearing about your lack of rain, water shortages and forest fires. The weather seems to be all over the place this year. I missed the greenery when I lived in the Middle East so I will carry on appreciating it and just purchase a new fleece (I'm sick of wearing what I have) and with a stiff upper lip (as the Brits are renowned for) I'll grin and bare it.
      Having said that... the past two days have been great and there's a whisper that it might stay around for a week or so. My fingers are crossed.
      Enjoy your dancing in the rain and I'll get back to my painting.

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  18. Love the colorful rooster. He looks as proud and cocky as some of the roosters I grew up with. Only yours is surely a champion. Yes, your photo does look like fall.

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    1. Oh that's lovely Faye, thank you for your kind words,
      The farmer is collecting the hale bales today so it really does look like the autumn prep is underway.
      Good job our wood store is full.
      Have a wonderful weekend and thanks once again for popping into my place.

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  19. The light in that photo does look autumnal. And I hope you don't have to wait until 2016 for summer. Love your rooster, and how fun to have that cute little pooch with you while you create!

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    1. Hmm... well it's been really nice over the last two days so maybe I won't have to wait. I just hope we get September before it arrives.
      That little cute pooch wasn't fun this morning at 6 am, when she woke and wanted to play Erika! It's okay in the week because we are early risers, but not at the weekend.
      She's my shadow and I love her to the moon and back except just not as much at 6.am (who am I kidding... of course I do)
      Have a great weekend and thanks for your visit.

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  20. Your rooster is exquisite. YOu have a beautiful view,

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    1. Thanks Kate,
      Yeah the view is pretty spectacular and one I never get tired of looking at.
      Enjoy your weekend

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  21. Oh I love him! Such beautiful colors and he looks like such a proud fellow as is the case with most cockerels I've met:) The week on a page is looking nice already. Happy weekend!

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    1. Do you really Ginger... I'm not so sure :&
      They certainly do have an air about them don't they?
      I'm looking forward to finishing off my week page although it seems wrong to call it a week when it's normally two!
      I don't suppose it matters as long as I get there.
      Happy weekend to you too. Enjoy!

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  22. Your cockerel is gorgeous! Your photo does seem autumnal, the long shadows and light. We are just on the verge of spring, the first blossom is emerging, but it is still nippy and there is snow on the ranges. Have a lovely weekend.

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    1. Aww thanks Sharon, I appreciate your words,
      The long shadows were just the early morning sun peeking over the hill... very low but yeah it's a worry if we've had our summer. I must have blinked and missed it!
      What a lovely thought that spring is just heading your way. I love blossom time, but I suppose we have to have the bad before the good.
      I'll be very impatient for those spring signs to show.
      Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy that blossom for me ;D

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  23. Your cockerel is amazing! So lifelike!
    ...Raine

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    1. Your words have made a huge smile appear on my face Raine :D
      Have a great weekend

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  24. Your rooster is awesome. There is something in the face that really gives him a personality. :-)

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  25. Yes, it is becoming autumnal very early here too with some trees turning. It must be lovely to see the white doves, they obviously know to come to a good place.
    That's a very fine cockerel, he looks pretty good from here.
    Hope our (fairly) warm and sunny weather spreads North to you for a while.

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  26. Love your cockerel. Looks wonderfully colorful. Perfect candidate for painting. I think he knows it too!

    Thanx for visiting my blog. Happy PPf

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  27. The brushstrokes for the feathers are gorgeous! And the "quality control manager" made me smile -- so adorable!

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