MacDuff Studio: Blog https://www.macduff.studio/blog en-us (C) MacDuff Studio [email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:35:00 GMT Mon, 16 Mar 2020 07:35:00 GMT https://www.macduff.studio/img/s/v-12/u102626047-o513583942-50.jpg MacDuff Studio: Blog https://www.macduff.studio/blog 96 120 Dustin https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/5/dustin "Mr. Dustina", as my 14 year old daughter lovingly calls him. He is an absolute sweetheart, the perfect boyfriend to Izadora, our Maine Coon girl.  

He's 17 years old and has that maturity about him that senior pets often do.  Even when Izadora get swatty he just ducks and walks away.

Here he is laying on my daughter's drawing table. He loves to keep her company when she's working.

Dustin 4-2019 17 year old (c)KMS -3b lightDustin 4-2019 17 year old (c)KMS -3b light

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) cat Dustin https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/5/dustin Sun, 05 May 2019 15:27:49 GMT
Complimentary Colors https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/4/complimentary-colors I was walking Trinity -my dog- yesterday and saw this Coca Cola cap on the ground. It's rather interesting because of the bright red color, the white text, the wavy edge, the metal it's made of -it makes clinky noises- and of course the memories it has for me of summers in the 60's -my childhood- think of The Sandlot. I picked it up and kept on walking. 

When I got home I took it out of my pocket and put it on the kitchen windowsill. Today I noticed it and decided I wanted to do something with it. Green is the complimentary color -opposite color on the color wheel- of red, and opposite colors on the color wheel make each other stand out really well. So I wanted to use green to really make the red cap pop. I thought of the green grass in the yard but it was raining pretty hard and I'm a bit too much of a worry wart to take my Nikon outside when it's so wet. So I put the Coca Cola cap back on the windowsill and started to make my daily green drink. Into the blender went healthy stuff like spinach, kale, and an orange to help it taste better. -How do those cows eat so much grass?- As I'm drinking it I realize it's a really pretty green so I pour some onto a white plate, drop the Coca Cola cap in the middle, and start to shoot. I took about 40 shots. I like this one the best. I love how the green makes the red pop and the red makes the green pop. 

coca cola 4-2019 KMS FRAMEcoca cola 4-2019 KMS FRAME

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) colors complimentary photography https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/4/complimentary-colors Wed, 10 Apr 2019 01:20:26 GMT
Macro Plants & Baby Birds https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/4/macro-plants-baby-birds I love April! It's beautiful! After the cold months of winter I can't wait to get out, grow something in the garden, ride bikes, take the dogs for walks, plan some summer fun!

These onions survived the winter in my veggie garden. They are tenacious! I love it that they can handle the cold so well. They stay green all winter, poking their heads up through the snow. My hat is off to you, little plants!

Here is the original shot in color. I do like it but prefer the antique plate version below it.

Onion 4-4-2019 KMS 4Onion 4-4-2019 KMS 4

 

 

Onion 4-4-2019 KMS 5Onion 4-4-2019 KMS 5

This is the top of the onion. It's bent over and a bit withered, but beautiful! 

Onion 4-4-2019 KMS loop BWOnion 4-4-2019 KMS loop BW

This tiny flower is about the size of a pea, if even that big.   Tiny Flowers 4-4-2019 KMS BWTiny Flowers 4-4-2019 KMS BW This is a photo from last year. These babies were in our tree. They were as big as mama in just a few weeks.

Can you count how many there are? They sure fit in with the surrounding colors!

Birds in our tree May 2017 editBirds in our tree May 2017 edit  

I can't wait to see what else pops up in the next few weeks!

(There are three baby birds)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) monochrome onions photography plants https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/4/macro-plants-baby-birds Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:25:01 GMT
Jelly -March 2019 https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/3/jelly--march-2019 Little Mr. Sterling (Poochie) woke me up at 4:15am to use the bathroom. I was unable to get back to sleep so I painted this. It reminds me of jelly, the stuff that goes on top of peanut better. It also reminds me of Cool Aid but I thought better of calling it after a brand name and getting into deep water. 

Jelly -March 2019Jelly -March 2019

Jelly (3-2019) Digital

Have a great day!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) abstract digital painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/3/jelly--march-2019 Thu, 07 Mar 2019 18:21:36 GMT
Spring Sounds https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/3/spring-sounds It's March 2nd and I've been waiting for better weather than full-on winter for a few weeks now. I was expecting it in February -as it often shows up then- but this year February was not so pleasant.

This morning I woke up to rain and birds flying around outside twittering as they enjoyed the lack of snow and freezing temps. I don't think I was aware that the birds and rain were affecting  my choice of colors in this piece, but I think some part of me that was definitely enjoying the Springs Sounds made the choice for me.

 

Birds chirping, rain splashing, wind blowing, leaves flittering.
Buds peeping, flowers blooming, butterflies whispering, ladybugs chattering.

March 2 2019March 2 2019

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) abstract Art pastel spring https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/3/spring-sounds Sun, 03 Mar 2019 00:06:23 GMT
Floating https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/3/floating I called this one Floating. I love the feeling of floating along a river, ears under the water so I can hear that relaxing water sound. I'm showing my age but I love 70's movies as it reminds me of being a care-free kid and the great summers we'd have out in the boonies. Boonies reminds me of Goonies! Who doesn't love that show?

Floating -Feb 28 2019Floating -Feb 28 2019

Floating feb 2019Floating feb 2019Photo: Red Bubble

Photo credit: Red Bubble.com

To see the pillow and other products with Floating on them click here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/macduffstudio/works/37363260-river?asc=u&p=floor-pillow

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) art drawing floating Water https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/3/floating Sat, 02 Mar 2019 01:36:40 GMT
Cherries https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/1/cherries I bought a set of Faber Castel colored pencils and decided to give more attention to botanical illustrations.

I love red so cherries certainly grab my attention. I wanted them to look 3-D and edible, like they could be picked up off the paper and popped into the mouth.

Do you think I came close?

Let me know in the comments!

Thanks!

Karen MacDuff Squires

Cherries 1-2019Cherries 1-2019

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) botanical illustration cherries cherry drawing Faber Castel fruit https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2019/1/cherries Mon, 21 Jan 2019 19:12:28 GMT
Botanical https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/11/botanical It's been a while since I posted. I've been lost. I've been trying to narrow down a method to my art. Questions I've had were what should I draw? What medium should I focus on? What style should I create in? And more. I'd spent over two years trying to create with ink, watercolor, wax pastel, oil pastel, soft pastel, oil paint, acrylic paint, pencil, digital on the computer, digital on the iPad, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, inktense pencils and block,  on and on. I enjoyed it all so it wasn't a waste of time by any means. But I did and do want a focus.

I turned to youtube again -I'd been watching loads of youtube art tutorials already- but this time I typed in -I'm lost-. I was lucky and got two really great videos on being lost. Apparently I'm not the only one. The videos helped me understand it was okay to feel lost. And that it's a good thing in the sense that at least I'm still trying.

Next I watched youtube videos on following a passion, because I hadn't been able to find one in two years. In a way art is my passion, but that's a very wide category, for me anyway. I like to focus a lot tighter than that. What I learned from watching those videos is that if you're struggling to find a passion, or have tried and can't find one, choose something you like, or don't mind doing, and become passionate about it.

I've always loved being outside in nature, although I don't want to paint or photograph landscapes. I love plants, flowers, love to grow them, and have a veggie garden every year -have to point out that I do not have a green thumb, but enjoy it anyway. So I have decided to focus on botanicals. 

I found a book called Flora by DK at Costco and bought it. It looks really interesting! I also found on Amazon a book called Flower Color Guide by Darroch Putman and Michael Putman. It's got 400 flowers, each flower large on a page by itself, flowers arranged by color. I also bought on Amazon Color Me Floral: Stunning Monochromatic Arrangements for Every Season by Kiana Underwood and Nathan Underwood. This last book hasn't arrived yet but it looked really interesting.

I've got a long and exciting journey ahead of me learning about plants and how to illustrate them. I don't feel lost any longer though, Whew!

 

Very simple, but a beginning!

Cone_Flower_Nov_2018 FLAT SIGCone_Flower_Nov_2018 FLAT SIG

Dandelion_Nov_2018 FLAT SIGDandelion_Nov_2018 FLAT SIG

Flower_Nov_2018 FLAT SIGFlower_Nov_2018 FLAT SIG

Lavender_Nov_2018 FLAT SIGLavender_Nov_2018 FLAT SIG

Queen_Ann_Lace_Nov_16_2018 FLAT SIG SHARPQueen_Ann_Lace_Nov_16_2018 FLAT SIG SHARP

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

xoxoxo

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) botanical Floral passion https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/11/botanical Sat, 17 Nov 2018 21:05:45 GMT
Betty https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/8/betty Betty_Aug_4th_2018 FRAMEBetty_Aug_4th_2018 FRAME

I had fun drawing Betty. I loved not sticking with "dog" colors and just having fun with a summer theme.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Karen MacDuff Squires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) dog https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/8/betty Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:12:26 GMT
Sterling The Bird Dog https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/sterling-the-bird-dog This is Sterling.

He loves to fly! We have to watch him carefully because he tries to fly off the couch and the bed. He's so happy and full of energy!

"Sterling The Bird Dog" July 2018"Sterling The Bird Dog" July 2018

Here he is as a bird dog. I think that's what he is in his mind:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires

xoxoxox

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Sterling The Flying Dog https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/sterling-the-bird-dog Thu, 26 Jul 2018 23:55:33 GMT
Yeah! It's Dusting! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/yeah-its-dusting
Snow in Scotland was a slight dusting compared to other areas on the planet. But when it dusted we were really happy and just had to go out and play.
 
One time I remember in particular it was completely dark outside. It was a full moon though so there was that ethereal quality to the world.
 
We didn't have gloves at all. I don't remember if it was because we were too broke, or because it wasn't that cold very often. Either way, we had no gloves. My mother came up with a plan though. She used to save bread bags for other uses. That day the use was waterproofing over the three pairs of socks she put on each of our hands to keep our little fingers warm.
 
We did have wellies though -waterproof boots- no one in Scotland didn't own a pair of those. It may not dust often but it rained like it was monsoon season most of the time. (That's my childhood take on it anyway. It might have rained a lot less than I remember)
 
After we donned socks, bread bags, hand-knitted cardigans, and wellies, we headed out into the magic for a walk in the dust for a few hours. It's one of those times that will stay with me forever.
 
What is one of your childhood memories? Leave me a comment and let me know:)
 
Yeah,_It's_Snowing!_July_2018 SIG FRAME WEBYeah,_It's_Snowing!_July_2018 SIG FRAME WEB
 
 
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
Karen MacDuff Squires
xoxoxoxox
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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Yeah! It's Dusting! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/yeah-its-dusting Mon, 16 Jul 2018 22:28:36 GMT
Mr. MacDuff Sits Under A Tree https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/mr-macduff-sits-under-a-tree Mr. MacDuff has joined our family. We rescued him from an antique shop where a group of snotty-nosed kids were playing toss-the-bear with him. He was terribly grateful. He gave the kids a scolding as I carried him off to my car.

We had a fun chat when we got home and it appears he loves to get his portrait made, and since I love to make portraits, we decided to team up and get some work done.

After he had a nap, Mr. MacDuff took off outside to check out the backyard. He sat right down in the bright sunlight. It really was hot! It made his nose ouchy so I showed him how to hide under the shade of a tree. He felt much better under the tree.

We got him cozy by the trunk of the tree. He particularly loved the white rocks. He insisted on laying his hand on one.

Before I pressed the shutter on the camera I made sure there were no speckles of sunlight coming through the leaves that would turn to white spots in the photo. I don't think he'd like that. He's rather self-conscious about how he looks in photographs.

Here he is! He's insisted on a print to hang up. I'd better get it ordered.

Mr. MacDuff July 16 2018 (2) SOFT LANSCAPE COLOR FX 4Mr. MacDuff July 16 2018 (2) SOFT LANSCAPE COLOR FX 4

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Mr. MacDuff https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/mr-macduff-sits-under-a-tree Mon, 16 Jul 2018 21:11:03 GMT
Baby Coo https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/baby-coo The little girl is walking her baby "coo" -British slang for cow- down toward the church. She loves her baby coo and feels he should go with her to service. He's fine with the idea, of course, because he wants to be wherever his girl is.

Two kids, innocent, sweet, playful, staying by each other's sides.

The way it should be.

 

Baby_Coo_July_2018-3 SHARP SIGBaby_Coo_July_2018-3 SHARP SIG

Feel free to leave comments:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires

xoxoxoxo

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Baby Coo" drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/baby-coo Fri, 13 Jul 2018 21:14:53 GMT
The Wait https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/the-wait The Wait can mean nine months of pregnancy.

For me, the first Wait was 16 years.

The_Wait._July_2018-3  SIG FRAMEThe_Wait._July_2018-3 SIG FRAME

I was late for my cycle and was hoping again that I might have conceived, but I knew that I hadn't. I'd hoped for 16 years!

I was feeling nauseated and it was increasing by the day. Sore chest. Tired. But I figured I had the flu.

For about a week I got sicker and sicker. Then one day at work I started needing the loo every 30 minutes. Oh great! I've also got a bladder infection! But then I remembered my mother had an over-active bladder early in her pregnancies. In fact it was her first sign that she was pregnant.

That day at work I decided it was time to get tested. I went to the local hospital where they ran free pregnancy tests. I was taken back and given a cup to urinate in. I handed the sample to the nurse and was lead back to the waiting room. I sat and waited for my news.

My thoughts were all over the place! I bet I'm really pregnant this time! I'm nauseated and getting worse by the day! Running to pee! No cycle! It MUST BE!

Then reality set it. No WAY is this happening to ME! It's been too long to turn up pregnant now! Sixteen years....!

I saw the nurse walking toward me with a smile on her face. She simply handed me the paper with a box check POSITIVE on it! I very calmly said thank you, took the paper and headed toward the door to the hall. Two steps out the door and I had tears in my eyes. Another few steps and I was waiting at the elevator with more tears.  Two floors lower and I had tears running down my cheeks and was beginning to gasp like a child who'd lost their cookie. The elevator doors opened and I stepped out and was walking down the hall toward the door to the parking lot. People who were walking toward me stopped and looked at me as I was now crying buckets, gasping, and trying unsuccessfully to get control of myself.

I made it to my car and climbed in. As I sat there continuing to cry, I all of a sudden realized that I actually had a baby growing inside me at that exact moment! I put my hand gently on my abdomen and said ."Hi baby! Hi"

Then my next "The Wait" began. It was a glorious time! Perfect! I loved my belly as it grew. The kicks. Hearing the heartbeat.

Our son was born right on time. He's 21 years old now and still bringing us complete joy!

The drawing isn't a representation of me. It's every woman.

Children are the purpose of my life. I'm sure many other women agree, and men too of course.

I adopted a son as well and his story is beautiful as well. I'll draw that one day.

Drop me a comment if you'd like to!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires
xoxoxoxoxo

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Infertility Pregnancy https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/7/the-wait Fri, 06 Jul 2018 02:10:05 GMT
"Bonded" https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/-bonded

A loving couple stands by the shore.

Are they watching a grown child leave to seek their adventure?

Are they waiting for a loved one to return?

Are they simply enjoying a moment together by the water’s edge?

No matter what they are doing, they love each other and are doing it together.

They are bonded.

Bonded_June_2018 SIG FRAMEBonded_June_2018 SIG FRAME

I drew this because they are watching their youngest child move away. My youngest is 13 years old and I am certainly feeling a sense of urgency to fit as much into the next few years as possible with her.  My job has been a mother for the last 35 years and I'm feeling I may be completely lost when they are all grown up.

Anyone else feeling that too?

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires
xoxoxoxox

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) couple by the shoreline drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/-bonded Fri, 29 Jun 2018 23:52:47 GMT
Summer Evening https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/summer-evening Why can't I make drawings play music? I love listening to Celtic music, and I love looking at this drawing while a soft, slow, almost haunting Celtic piece is playing. Hm. I bet I can make a gallery here on the website play Celtic music while doing a slideshow. I'll have to make more drawings and set that up.

Summer_Evening_June_2018_Summer_Evening_June_2018_

I love the black because it reminds me of heating our home with coal. It seems that everything was dusty and black, even the sky. It kept us warm though and I'll take dirty and black over being cold any day. I love yellow because it reminds me of warmth and I feel it brings life and happiness into the drawing and it's no longer dreary. What do you think?

Got to add some cool celtic text.

Summer_Evening_June_2018_ScotlandSummer_Evening_June_2018_Scotland Screenshot-2018-6-29 'Scottish Girls' Women's Fitted Scoop T-Shirt by macduffstudio(1)Screenshot-2018-6-29 'Scottish Girls' Women's Fitted Scoop T-Shirt by macduffstudio(1)

https://www.redbubble.com/people/macduffstudio/works/32473926-scottish-girls?asc=u&p=womens-fitted-scoop&rbs=&rel=carousel

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires
xoxoxoxox

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Folk Art https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/summer-evening Thu, 28 Jun 2018 22:11:32 GMT
Willard Bay, Utah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/willard-bay-utah The kids and I headed to Willard Bay, Utah last Sunday. We hadn't been there before. We figured we'd check it out this time and then head back with suits and water toys the next time.

Willard Bay June 2018 smugy facesWillard Bay June 2018 smugy faces

It sure is a beautiful place. It's as close to a beach as we're going to get in the middle of the desert, although the Great Salt Lake is pretty amazing and we love to head there too. (I blurred all the faces for privacy)

Here are some photos I made of my kiddos while were there. It's hard to believe my oldest is 34!

This is Alex Joay.

Alex Joay Wiscombe Willard Bay Utah June 2018 (2) BWAlex Joay Wiscombe Willard Bay Utah June 2018 (2) BW

This is Keaton. He's 21.

Keaton Arthur Squires Willard Bay Ut June 2018 (4) BWKeaton Arthur Squires Willard Bay Ut June 2018 (4) BW Keaton Arthur Squires Willard Bay Ut June 2018 (2) BWKeaton Arthur Squires Willard Bay Ut June 2018 (2) BW

And this is Izobel. She's 13.

Kiyah Izobel Squires Willard Bay June 2018 (1) ANTIQUEKiyah Izobel Squires Willard Bay June 2018 (1) ANTIQUE Kiyah Izobel Squires Willard Bay June 2018 (2) BWKiyah Izobel Squires Willard Bay June 2018 (2) BW Keaton Arthur Squires Kiyah Izobel Squires Willard Bay UT June 2018 BWKeaton Arthur Squires Kiyah Izobel Squires Willard Bay UT June 2018 BW

This is a path that leads from the beach to the camping grounds. It's very pretty!

Willlard Bay UT June 2018 (2)Willlard Bay UT June 2018 (2)

We left a couple of hours later. It was pretty hot there and we were not in the water cooling off. We'll be heading back there soon though:)

Willlard Bay UT June 2018 BWWilllard Bay UT June 2018 BW

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires

xoxoxoxox

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Photos Willard Bay https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/willard-bay-utah Wed, 27 Jun 2018 03:34:45 GMT
The Walk https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/the-walk This is a park in Thornton, Kingdom of Fife, Scotland. It's the tiny village where I was born. The current population is 2020 people.  I can imagine it wasn't any more populated when I was born in 1962.

"The Walk" June 2018 SIG FLAT SHARP FRAME"The Walk" June 2018 SIG FLAT SHARP FRAME        

I was born in my grandmother's bed.  My mother was born in the same home in the same bed. 

The drawing is my older sister and I running through the park. I bet we're heading home to have some haggis and chips. I bet we'll have some trifle for dessert. Delicious!

Life goes way too fast! Take photos, make videos, draw memories!

Have a great day!

Karen MacDuff Squires

xoxoxoxox

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Drawing sisters https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/the-walk Tue, 26 Jun 2018 01:41:49 GMT
Mother And Child On a Windy Day https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/mother-and-child-on-a-windy-day I've been in love with simple crofts for years! I'm sure I could live in one, maybe-:) Dirt floors mean no vacuuming! That's a huge plus! There are more than just a few no's that I'd struggle living with though. Hm. I'm happy I was born in more modern times. 

"Mother And Child On A Windy Day" June_2018-1 SIG FRAME"Mother And Child On A Windy Day" June_2018-1 SIG FRAME

I drew "Mother And Child On a Windy Day" this morning while everyone was asleep...except for our five dogs. They are up and ready to go the second I wake up...the very second...or 7:00 am, whichever comes first. So I had five snuggle buddies with me. The more the merrier, and the more the hairier. (NEVER buy a velvet couch when you have pets. You'll be purchasing those sticky roller things to get rid of hair by the truck load) They're sure worth it though, the pets, not the rollers...although they are needed too:)

 

I hear cats are the same way...waking you up early that is. Our cats play in the rest of the house all night so they are not in the bedroom to wake me up.

I love mother-child images. The bond is certainly among the most powerful there are. Stephen King, King of Horror, said in a book he wrote, "There is no bitch alive like a mother in fear for her child." Except that I just went and checked I had the quote correct and apparently it's, "There's no bitch on earth like a mother frightened for her kids." I like my version better, Stephen. (WINK) I love Stephan King though. He's brilliant!

Okay, I'd better get back to the laundry, then onto mowing the lawn.

Have a great day!

Karen MacDuff Squires

xoxoxox

 
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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing Mother And Child https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/mother-and-child-on-a-windy-day Sun, 24 Jun 2018 00:58:40 GMT
Sunday Morning https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/sunday-morning I came across an artist named Markey Robinson a few days ago. I fell in love with his paintings! 

Based on his style, I made this drawing today.

Sunday Morning June 2018 In Markey Robinson StyleSunday Morning June 2018 In Markey Robinson Style

I love the simplicity in his work. He was from Ireland, close to my homeland of Scotland.

This painting -below- is by Markey Robinson.

Markey RobinsonMarkey Robinson

So unique and full of emotion! It really grabs my heart:)

Off to have dinner with the fam:)

Karen MacDuff Squires
xoxoxoxoxo

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Markey Robinson https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/sunday-morning Sat, 23 Jun 2018 03:33:35 GMT
Simple Life #1 -Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/simple-life-1--drawing I lead a simple life in Scotland as a child.

We didn't have a tv.

When I was a toddler we had an outhouse.

We played outside as often and as long as possible.

Food was simple.

We heated our homes with a coal fireplace so it was cold most of the time. We went to bed when the sun went down to conserve fuel. We froze all night. We had to start a fire every morning and it took most of the day to heat up the one room that was warm in the house.

We wore uniforms to school. We got wacked with a ruler if we spoke in class.

Our parents wacked us if we stepped out of line. 

Life was hard, but life was simple.

I tend to like simple art. Sort of folk-arty.

Gal In Simple life (C)karen MacDuff Squires June 2018 FLAT FRAME SIGGal In Simple life (C)karen MacDuff Squires June 2018 FLAT FRAME SIG

Simple colors. Simple character. Simple life.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing girl https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/simple-life-1--drawing Fri, 22 Jun 2018 00:17:20 GMT
"Fierce" https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/-fierce I drew this to illustrate a woman moving ahead.

The spots behind her are urging her forward. The spots in front are supporting her as she moves into unfamiliar areas of her life.

The flowers that grow past the confines of her dress show she's not allowing expectations to hold her back.

It represents where I am in life. My children will soon all be adults. That brings me to a new place in my life: continuing on with career plans I'd had decades ago.

I can imagine I'm not alone:)

Fierce_June_6th_2018 FRAME STROKEFierce_June_6th_2018 FRAME STROKE

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires

xoxoxox

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing female https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/-fierce Wed, 06 Jun 2018 23:27:29 GMT
Bubble Gum https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/bubble-gum Are you in love with color? I sure am!

I can see a fun color and my brain will light up! I start dreaming about what I can do with it.

That's what happened when I saw pink and yellow in an ad the other day. The ad was a pineapple on a pink cloth. I couldn't wait to get to the drawing board to make something. This is what I made:)

Bubble Gum June 2nd 2018 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires Sig Frame StrokeBubble Gum June 2nd 2018 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires Sig Frame Stroke

BubbleGum RedbubbleBubbleGum Redbubble https://www.redbubble.com/people/macduffstudio/works/32061461-bubble-gum-in-springtime?asc=u&p=a-line-dress

The pink reminds me of bubble gum, the yellow reminds me of summer.

For some odd reason, I think I pretty much only chewed bubble gum in the summer! Hm. Could that possibly be true? Memories can be really odd things.

Have you ever shared a childhood memory with a sibling and they said that's not how it happened? Brains are funny.

My brain is saying right now that I need to go outside and pull weeds from the veggie garden. My body is saying no way! I'm good at counting to 5 and making myself get up and move.

So:

One

Two

Three

Four

FIVE!

Bye!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) art bubble gum drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/6/bubble-gum Mon, 04 Jun 2018 00:37:45 GMT
"Watching Over Me" https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/-watching-over-me I think everyone loves the magical, the mystical, and it probably holds different meanings, ideas, for each of us. 

When I was a child I felt that someone was watching over me. Although the "someone" didn't have a name, a face; looking back, it was my father. He'd left when I was 4 years old and didn't look back. I missed him and in my young mind I made up his presence.

I eventually found him after years of searching as an adult. Unfortunately he was dying of cancer. He was living in Canada, I in Utah. He didn't want visitors and thought he'd get better and then we could meet. I knew it wouldn't happen though. He was too sick.

He passed away three months later, but we talked a lot during those three months. I learned that we had a lot in common and it answered questions I'd always had about who I was. I'm grateful we had time together during those long phone calls.

After he passed away I felt his presence for about a year. He was hanging around and I needed that. I think he's moved on now as I don't feel him anymore. But that's okay. I still carry his love with me.

I don't hold it against him that he left. We all make mistakes. Living with pain and anger is not good for the soul and it holds us back.

I'll see him again someday. Until then, draw on dad, draw on.

Eye_One_5-27-2018-2 stroke on frameEye_One_5-27-2018-2 stroke on frame

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires
xoxoxoxoxox

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing eye me over watching https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/-watching-over-me Tue, 29 May 2018 02:26:48 GMT
"Traffic Jam" Markers and Caran D'ache Pastels https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/-traffic-jam-markers-and-caran-dache-pastels Do you feel like this in traffic? Blocks of colored metal everywhere? Things going fast?  Car noise? Great music playing? Singing as you whiz along?

I do!

Sometimes it's fun. Sometimes it's okay. Sometimes it's just rotten.

Depends on the day and my current mood.

But either way, there are blocks of colored metal everywhere. Things going fast. Car noise. Great music playing. And if you sing along, you'll feel much happier.

Floor and Wallpaper May 2018 Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME SIG PINTERESTFloor and Wallpaper May 2018 Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME SIG PINTEREST

Markers and Caran D'ache pastels. 18"x15"

Have a great day!

Karen MacDuff Squires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) caran d'ache pastels drawing markers https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/-traffic-jam-markers-and-caran-dache-pastels Mon, 21 May 2018 00:34:42 GMT
Planted A New Baby Evergreen https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/planted-a-new-baby-evergreen My son and I planted a few new trees today.  I have a love for evergreen trees because they -obviously- stay green all year, and they are somehow staying alive in my yard with little help from me other than water and vitamin sticks, and that makes me happy!

I don't have a green thumb.  In fact I planted the flowers in the pot last year and I discovered them today hidden under one of the evergreens. They survived the winter! Awesome!

The new baby trees are in the middle and the left.

 

Newly Planted Tree May 2018Newly Planted Tree May 2018

Here is another plant that survived the winter. It's an herb that went ahead and flowered this spring. Wish I could remember what it's called. You can see I'm not a gardener, but I enjoy playing in the mud and growing things...and enjoy taking pictures of them too.

Newly Planted Tree May 2018 (2)Newly Planted Tree May 2018 (2)

Been a long day!

Good night!

Karen MacDuff Squires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) photography plants tree https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/planted-a-new-baby-evergreen Mon, 14 May 2018 04:07:45 GMT
Duckling -Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/duckling--drawing
I drew this duckling for Easter and forgot to blog her.

Duckling_March_4_2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires FRAMEDuckling_March_4_2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME

She reminds me of the rain yesterday. I love rain, the ocean, pools, lakes. It's obvious we came from the water a long time ago:)

Duckling_March_4_2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires NO SIG CONTRAST TANK REDBUBBLEDuckling_March_4_2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires NO SIG CONTRAST TANK REDBUBBLE

If you love to draw and would like to have your art on clothing, check out RedBubble.com.  I can't wait to get this ordered!

Photo Copyright: https://www.redbubble.com/people/macduffstudio/works/31582599-happy-little-ducking?p=contrast-tank&rbs=

Duckling_March_4_2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires NO SIG Phone CASE REDBUBBLEDuckling_March_4_2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires NO SIG Phone CASE REDBUBBLE

I'm Quackers for this phone case! (Okay, Okay, OKAY! I went too far. Not funny, ha ha)

Too-da-loo!

Karen MacDuff Squires

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing duckling https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/duckling--drawing Fri, 04 May 2018 02:12:52 GMT
Rocky At The Beach https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/rocky-at-the-beach I went with my friend Jen to The Great Salt Lake the other day. She wanted to get some photos of her fur-baby, Rocky. Rocky had never been to The Great Salt Lake before and he was just ecstatic!  He was like a duck in the water! 

Jen and I were both shooting photos like crazy capturing this guy as he ran from one spot to the next. He was moving like a lightening bolt! It was fun seeing him so excited! 

He's got a huge grin in almost all of the photographs! Here are two of them.

_MMS6651 CROPPED edited_MMS6651 CROPPED edited _MMS6625 cropped and edited_MMS6625 cropped and edited

See that smile? He's impossible to watch and not smile along with him.

I bet he slept for a while after he got home!

Au revoir!

Karen MacDuff Squires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) beach dog photography the great salt lake https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/rocky-at-the-beach Wed, 02 May 2018 18:21:15 GMT
Chard -Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/chard--drawing I was in the grocery store helping my mother do her shopping yesterday when I was stopped in my tracks by the beauty of a piece of chard. For those of you that may be as clueless as I was about what chard really looks like, it has a bright red stalk and a huge green leaf. I was immediately drawn to the powerful redness, the saturated greenness, and the contrast between them.

I bought some for the sole purpose of using the colors.

Chard_ with 3d FRAME 5-1-2018-1Chard_ with 3d FRAME 5-1-2018-1

 

I ended up not using the green in such a saturated way...the green on the leaves was a darker green and very saturated. I went with this lighter, less saturated version instead.

I added some text to give him attitude!

Chard_5-1-2018-2Chard_5-1-2018-2

And here is Chard on a t-shirt.

Kick Rocks means -leave me alone! So if you told someone to leave you alone they look down and kick rocks as they are walking away.

Chard_5-1-2018-2 REDBUBBLEChard_5-1-2018-2 REDBUBBLE
Photo copyright:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/macduffstudio/works/31581561-monster-with-an-attitude?asc=u&p=womens-fitted-scoop

He's called Chard...for obvious reasons:)

Au revoir!

Karen MacDuff Squires

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing illustration vegetable https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/5/chard--drawing Wed, 02 May 2018 17:10:53 GMT
"Dream-Karakter" Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/-dream-karakter-illustration Some people love to plan every millimeter of their drawings before they lift the paint brush. Although there is nothing wrong with that at all, I would never draw if I had to do that. At most I get an idea from something I've done, seen, touched, tasted, in the previous few days, hours, minutes, seconds, that gives me a shape, color, feeling, squiggle, to start drawing with.

This drawing started with a squiggle that reminds me of my 21 year old son's long curly hair.

Original_With_Whiskers-1 FRAME SIGOriginal_With_Whiskers-1 FRAME SIG

The character (Karakter) did have a lot of pink in it originally. I decided it wasn't working though so black and white it is.

See you on the flip side!

Karen MacDuff Squires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) character drawing illustration karakter https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/-dream-karakter-illustration Tue, 24 Apr 2018 22:57:26 GMT
My Garden Plant https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/my-garden-plant Here is a "weed" from my garden. It's a tiny, tiny thing! It's about the size of a very small pea. I used a macro lens to make this shot.

It's so delicate, so beautiful! I just can't agree that this is a "weed." I'm mesmerized by it!

Plants in the garden at 2611 S Thoeau Drive Magna. April 14-2018 (3) SIG FRAMEPlants in the garden at 2611 S Thoeau Drive Magna. April 14-2018 (3) SIG FRAME

Whew! I'm blown away by this tiny plant!

Just, wow!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen MacDuff Squires

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) macro micro photography plant https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/my-garden-plant Sun, 15 Apr 2018 00:58:31 GMT
Poody Tat Cat https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/puddy-tat-cat Poody Tat Cat Drawing

I had planned on drawing another dragon/dinosaur when I sat down to draw two days ago, but Poody Tat Cat emerged instead. Sometimes switches just happen. In fact, they happen all the time. I think it's best -for me anyway- to just go with the flow -unless it's a commission- and see what happens. No point in fighting it.

Poody_Tat minus sig and dots SIG FRAMEPoody_Tat minus sig and dots SIG FRAME

I decided to put Poody Tat Cat on a pillow so he could get snuggles. I can't wait for Poody to arrive in the mail!

Poody_Tat minus sig and dots RED BUBBLE PHOTOPoody_Tat minus sig and dots RED BUBBLE PHOTO

Photo Credit:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/macduffstudio/works/31280332-tabby-cat?asc=u&p=throw-pillow

Quote: "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child."
-Pablo Picasso

I love that quote! Although I am not painting like Raphael, I sure love drawing like a child:)

Well off I head to pull weeds from the garden. I'll grab a photo of the weeds and post them tomorrow. Some of them are pretty! It's rather messed up how humans decide what are weeds are what are flowers. I just need them to not choke out the food we've planted. I do feel rotten about pulling them up though. Ugh:(

Have a great day!

Karen MacDuff Squires

It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picass
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picass
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182

 

It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picasso
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picasso
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picasso
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picasso
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picasso
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182
It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. Pablo Picasso
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/pablo_picasso_385182

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) cat drawing pillow https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/puddy-tat-cat Sat, 14 Apr 2018 21:20:57 GMT
Dragosaur https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/dragosaur Drawing A Dragon!

I'm taking a digital drawing course from Udemy.com. This class: https://www.udemy.com/the-digital-painting-mega-course-beginner-to-advanced/ 

(I'm not getting any perks from sharing the class link:)

The class is $14.99 right now -as of April 11, 2018. If the price has gone up, don't worry, they have sales all the time.

Part of the class is drawing a dinosaur. I'm not sure my version looks much like a dinosaur, especially the flames, but it was fun following along with Austin, the teacher, and seeing the drawing come to life.

This is how mine turned out.

Dragosaur (Created along with Justin Batchelor From Udemy.com)Dragosaur (Created along with Justin Batchelor From Udemy.com) I was thinking after I'd added the flames that maybe flames do not come out of noses, but come out of mouths. I did a quick search and was relieved to see that flames do indeed come out of noses. I guess I'm showing my level of knowledge of scaly beasts. :) Kiyah, my 13 year old daughter, was kind enough to tell me that I could draw the creature any way I wanted to. That's great news because I plan on drawing more of these!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) dinosaur dragon dragosaur https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/dragosaur Wed, 11 Apr 2018 23:58:37 GMT
Neil deGrasse Tyson Quote https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/neil-degrasse-tyson-quote I love Neil deGrasse Tyson! He's my favorite scientist! 

He's obviously got a great wealth of knowledge in that head of his. He's also very personable. He was in Salt Lake City a few years ago but I didn't find out until it was too late to get a seat. I was rather saddened by that.

I came across a quote of his just recently. It appears he and I have similar feelings about education Whether it's taking place in a brick and mortar building, or at home, kids need to be taught empathy.

Now I adore kids! I just love them, but understanding is a complicated thing. It's not just a matter of feeling bad for someone -that's sympathy, or happy for them, it's also understanding why people act the way they do, because if we can't "get" why they are behaving the way they are, sometimes in a manner that we're frustrated with, we can't empathize completely. And to complicate it even further, even when we are educated to understand behavior, we're at a loss if we don't know how to react properly and communicate in a way that helps the situation.

If I could design an education I'd start with empathy, understanding, communication skills, and how to handle emotions, ours and the emotions of others. Next is the importance of health and how to maintain it, including how to cook, eat properly and exercise. Then comes studying the arts/being creative.  Only after those "core" subjects should history, math, science, reading (reading skills being the most important) and other subjects come into play.

Here is the quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson:

"Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to empathize with feelings and thoughts of others, be they humans or other animals on Earth. So maybe part of our formal education should be training in empathy. Imagine how different the world would be if, in fact, that were reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy."

Neil deGrasse Tyson

I decided to put it on a t-shirt along with a painting of flowers I did a few months ago. What do you think?

Breathe_Easy_9-2017 sharp REDBUBBLEBreathe_Easy_9-2017 sharp REDBUBBLE

women's premium t shirt - Copywomen's premium t shirt - Copy women's premium t shirt 2 - Copywomen's premium t shirt 2 - Copy women's premium t shirt 3 - Copywomen's premium t shirt 3 - Copy

-Last three photos by RedBubble.com. The t-shirt is here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/macduffstudio/works/31162046-neil-degrasse-tyson-quote?asc=u&p=womens-premium-t-shirt

I'm happy to have found another use for the flower painting besides my wall hanging:)

Be sure and leave a comment if you'd like to add to the conversation:)

Have a great day!

Karen MacDuff Squires

 

Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to empathize with feelings and thoughts of others, be they humans or other animals on Earth. So maybe part of our formal education should be training in empathy. Imagine how different the world would be if, in fact, that were 'reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy.' Neil deGrasse Tyson
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/neil_degrasse_tyson_615029?src=t_writing
Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to empathize with feelings and thoughts of others, be they humans or other animals on Earth. So maybe part of our formal education should be training in empathy. Imagine how different the world would be if, in fact, that were 'reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy.' Neil deGrasse Tyson
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/neil_degrasse_tyson_615029?src=t_writing
Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to empathize with feelings and thoughts of others, be they humans or other animals on Earth. So maybe part of our formal education should be training in empathy. Imagine how different the world would be if, in fact, that were 'reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy.' Neil deGrasse Tyson
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/neil_degrasse_tyson_615029?src=t_writing

 

Neil deGrasse Tyson
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/neil_degrasse_tyson_615029?src=t_writing
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/neil_degrasse_tyson_615029?src=t_writing
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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) communication education empathy flower painting flowers neil degrasse tyson quote https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/4/neil-degrasse-tyson-quote Fri, 06 Apr 2018 01:43:20 GMT
Snowy Hollow https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/snowy-hollow I think I could be a female Grizzly Adams. I love being outdoor! It's like another world all together.

I'm an introvert, and getting more and more that way as I go through life. I love to grab my camera and head outside and get lost in shooting nature. Being alone is energizing for me. I love being with my family as well though. They bring me complete joy.

I was out a few weeks ago and shot this photograph. Can you imagine yourself walking through the snow, feeling the crunching of the ice under your feet, breathing in the crisp air? I can get lost looking at the wonder of the scene.

Sugarhouse Utah 3-2018 edit 1 FRAMEUtah 2018 Well, I'm off to have diner with the fam:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) nature photography winter hollow https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/snowy-hollow Thu, 29 Mar 2018 02:49:13 GMT
Tiger https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/tiger There are artists who feel secure that their art is good. They may be right, they may be wrong. 

There are artists who are insecure and feel their art is not good. They may be right, they may be wrong.

There are artists who have no idea if their art is good or not.

Art is a personal experience though, whether it's the artist looking, a critic, or the casual observer.  Even critics don't always agree on what's good. I've watched trusted critics completely disagree on the success of a piece.

So if you're the secure artist, great, keep drawing! You'll get better! If you're not good, you'll get better.

If you're the insecure artist, keep drawing, you'll get better.

I'm the artist that has no idea. So I keep drawing. I am going to get better.

It's not true that you need to be born with a gift to be a creative. It's just like any other skill. The more you practice. The more skill you acquire.

To train your brain to become more skilled takes a lot of practice. Drawing once a week will not be as effective as drawing every day.

So grab a pad and pencil, or whatever tool makes you happy, and draw:)

Tiger 3-2018 Karen MacDuff SquiresTiger 3-2018 Karen MacDuff Squires

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Karen

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing tiger https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/tiger Sun, 25 Mar 2018 00:34:15 GMT
Well Butter My Butt And Call Me A Biscuit! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/well-butter-my-butt-and-call-me-a-biscuit Feeling kinda Southern?

I lived in Missouri for a couple of years. It wasn't the South by any means, but it was more South than Utah.

I remember summers in Missouri with watermelon -which I'd never seen before...maybe there aren't, or weren't any in Scotland when I lived there- and I was blown away by the size of it, and the redness inside, and the taste!

The summers felt just like they are portrayed in the movies like The Sandlot...oh wait, that was the early 60's. Close enough. Okay, The Brady Bunch... summers were just like that! Fun! Outdoors! BoomBoxes! Bongs! (Can I say that?) Fantastic music! Great times! -End of tangent.-

I think a breakfast biscuit and a red checkered table cloth will jog most memories though. Heck, it might even make some folks think of Mickey D's. Whatever works:)

Butter My Butt And Call Me A Biscuit 3-2018 Karen MacDuff SquiresButter My Butt And Call Me A Biscuit 3-2018 Karen MacDuff Squires

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) drawing food illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/well-butter-my-butt-and-call-me-a-biscuit Mon, 19 Mar 2018 22:17:06 GMT
Pets Are Forever Family -Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/puppies-are-forever-family--drawing Puppies are adorable! I've fostered so many of them, and I loved each and every one.

It's heartbreaking to know that every single one of them, and their mothers, were dropped off at the shelter. Some of the puppies I have fostered were no more than 24 hours old. I just can't understand why people would allow their dogs to get pregnant and then drop them off at a germy, scary, building with their young. I've held puppies in my hand as they died from kennel cough that they picked up at the shelter. They were too young to fight the virus. 

Another issue is when puppies are adopted and then taken to the shelter once they reach adulthood. A decision to bring home a dog is a serious one. It means the dog needs the family for the rest of her or his life. Dogs grieve when they are abandoned. They have feelings just like we do.

Spread the word as far as you can. Families are forever, and that includes any pets that are brought home. You will be saving lives:)

Forever_Family_March_2018 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires FRAMEForever_Family_March_2018 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) dog drawing puppy https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/puppies-are-forever-family--drawing Fri, 09 Mar 2018 01:50:00 GMT
Cartman https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/cartman
A friend of mine, and someone many of you know -Neila Jordan- is fighting a battle to help her dog Cartman beat cancer. She has set up a t-shirt campaign to help pay for his treatment. She is heading to Colorado State University with Cartman in two weeks and could use money from the campaign to help cover the cost of his treatment.
 
Please support Neila and Cartman and purchase a t-shirt that sports Carman's cute face! There are different t-shirt styles and colors available!
 
 
Neila Jordan -Cartman- More_Eye_Heighlights (C) Karen MacDuff Squires MacDuff StudioNeila Jordan -Cartman- More_Eye_Heighlights (C) Karen MacDuff Squires MacDuff Studio
The above drawing is for the t-shirts. They are silk-screened so we simplified it; the cost goes up fast with added colors. I love the simplicity! 
 
I continued the drawing of Cartman, below, so Neila could have his full brindle coat on a print for her wall. 
 
Wall_Print_2 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires Feb 2018 FRAMEWall_Print_2 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires Feb 2018 FRAME
 
Most of us know just how heartbreaking it is to loose a loved one. Please send your thoughts, prayers and  cash (buy a shirt -:) Neila and Cartman's way to help this amazing little man.
 
Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic day!
 
Hugs!
 
Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) cartman dog drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/3/cartman Sun, 04 Mar 2018 20:03:51 GMT
Kayla -Rescued Dog https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/2/kayla--rescued-dog This is Kayla. She's a rescued dog by CAWS.org.

I had her at a park with a fellow CAWS photographer. It was a really chilly morning but she didn't seem to notice. We got a lot of really cute photographs of her. I love the one I used to draw this illustration especially because of the way she's got her mouth. It's a howl look, although there was no howl.

She also looks like she's got a donut in her mouth, it's just her adorable chin though.

I think I'll put this on a t-shirt. If I do, I'll share the results.

Kayla CAWS dog Drawn Feb 2018 -Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME SIGKayla CAWS dog Drawn Feb 2018 -Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME SIG

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

P.S. No French words this time. My computer is being weird and it won't let me highlight the French words to make them italics. Once I get that issue solved, back to the French.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) caws dog illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/2/kayla--rescued-dog Fri, 23 Feb 2018 00:10:55 GMT
Illustration of a Lady https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/2/illustration-of-a-lady Hello -Bonjour!

I love BIG hair! Maybe it's because I have small hair, ha:)

I love the rain -pluie, as well as the nighttime sky full of stars -étoiles, so this gal got both.

I drew her face from a photo on www.Pexels.com. Artist's name: Adina Voicu. 

I added the red in her hair to show her fiery side. She's nice, but don't push it! (Am I talking about myself? Not that I wouldn't love to be her, but I'm more of a rug trying to be fiery) I always wanted to be an art therapist. Art is a great way to say what maybe we can't say with our mouths. Maybe I'll throw her on a back female cut t-shirt and wear her attitude, lol:)

February 7th 2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires FRAMEFebruary 7th 2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME

Okay, done for now!

Thanks for stopping by -Merci d'être passé!

See you soon! -à bientôt-

Hugs!

Karen

French words displayed as writing practice. My daughter and I are learning how to speak it so when we head back to Scotland someday we will be able to speak French when we visit France, which is a hop, skip and a jump away from Scotland.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) female illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/2/illustration-of-a-lady Fri, 09 Feb 2018 01:29:43 GMT
My Dog Trinity -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/2/my-dog-trinity--illustration Bonjour!

Who is absolutely in LOVE -amour- with their dog -chien-, and their dog's face? I mean like a crazy, puppy dog love, excuse the pun. I love Trinity's eyes. I can stare into them for ever! They are so beautiful -beau-! I love her neck and the thick, almost chubby quality to it. I love her paws! I understand the term: Furkid!

Here she is!

Trinity Jan 2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squries FRAMETrinity Jan 2018 (C) Karen MacDuff Squries FRAME

Thanks for stopping by -Merci d'être passé!

See you soon! -à bientôt-

Hugs!

Karen

French words displayed as writing practice. My daughter and I are learning how to speak it so when we head back to Scotland someday we will be able to speak French when we visit France, which is a hop, skip and a jump away from Scotland.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) dog illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/2/my-dog-trinity--illustration Thu, 01 Feb 2018 20:18:54 GMT
The Red Lady -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/portrait-of-a-lady--illustration Welcome -Bonjour!

When I sit down to draw I have no idea what will end up being made. I know a lot of artists have plans on what's going to be on the paper at completion. I think I'm just too hyper to pull that off.

Ah well, a surprise is always nice:)

So here is La Dame Rouge - The Red Lady.

Jan_27_2018_Karen_MacDuff_Squires FRAMEJan_27_2018_Karen_MacDuff_Squires FRAME

 

Thanks for stopping by -Merci d'être passé!

Hugs!

Karen

French words displayed as writing practice. My daughter and I are learning how to speak it so when we head back to Scotland someday we will be able to speak French when we visit France, which is a hop, skip and a jump away from Scotland.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) the red lady -illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/portrait-of-a-lady--illustration Tue, 30 Jan 2018 03:06:44 GMT
Daisy Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/daisy-illustration Hello, Boujour!

We've got a daisy illustration this time! Gotta love those simple shapes that burst into something so loved,
aimé, and adored, adoré .

January 26-2018 (c) Karen MacDuff Squires FRAMEJanuary 26-2018 (c) Karen MacDuff Squires FRAME

It's a balmy 37° in The Great Salt Lake Valley today, ha ha! I'll have to get my heeler, Trinity out for a walk. 
She's going hyper this winter, hiver! She hates the cold and refuses to leave the end of the driveway when it's too cold.
Maybe today we can get her farther.

 

Thanks for stopping by -Merci d'être passé!

Hugs!

Karen

French words displayed as writing practice. My daughter and I are learning how to speak it so when we head back to Scotland someday we will be able to speak French when we visit France, which is a hop, skip and a jump away from Scotland.


 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) flower illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/daisy-illustration Sat, 27 Jan 2018 18:30:18 GMT
Floral Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/floral-illustration Welcome! -Bienvenue- (French)

I seem to be stuck on plant life! Can I have spring fever in January?

I really love tiny little flowers -minuscules petites fleurs-. Their delicacy -délicatesse- is delightful!

I think this would look cool on a canvas bag:)

Flower Jan 25-2018 (c) Karen SquiresFlower Jan 25-2018 (c) Karen Squires

Thanks for stopping by -Merci d'être passé!

Hugs!

Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) art drawing floral flower illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/floral-illustration Fri, 26 Jan 2018 22:45:02 GMT
Tree Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/tree-illustration
Trees are really fascinating! All those branches winding around, crossing over, different widths and lengths, fluttery leaves. They are pretty much magical! It's sure fun to try and capture it's personality!

"Fall Tree" Jan 2018"Fall Tree" Jan 2018

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) digital illustration tree https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/tree-illustration Tue, 23 Jan 2018 03:21:14 GMT
Mock Spring https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/mock-spring It's been so unseasonably warm here in the The Great Salt Lake Valley! I've been loving it! I know I know...we need water for the summer. But Rain will do the same job so let's have that instead.

I made the illustration -bottom of post- at the vet's office yesterday while I was waiting for our darling Dustin to get seen by the vet. I was trying to take my mind off the fact that he is old and had started acting sick the day before. I was hoping to be told he had a cold, but we were told he has a bad liver and has prediabetes. We're so very sad. We are crazy about him! We're hoping the diagnosis is wrong -first stage of grief- and that he has some virus that affects his liver. The calicivirus can do that. He is acting better today so our hopes are up. We won't let him suffer if he's in pain or miserable though. I dread making that decision and carrying through with it. 

This is Mr. Dustin about three years ago. He was a CAWS.org cat at the time. I was taking photos of lots of cats and dogs that day with other photographers and happened to be the photographer up for taking the next cat's photos when it was Dustin's turn. Little did I know that we'd end up fostering him and falling head over heals in love. I love those happy little coincidences because I have his pre-adoption portrait.

Look at that face! He's a love ball! He's so purry and friendly! He loves his girlfriends....we also have three girl cats that he adores! He kisses their faces all the time..even the Miss Izadora, who loves to swat him. He just walks away and tries again later.

We're hoping with all our hearts that he'll be okay and we can have more time with him. He's about 17 years old but we've only had him for about 3 years. Get well baby!

UPDATE on Dustin: It's been three days since we were at the vet and he's doing much better! He had a virus, a nasty one. Probably the Calicivirus. I don't know how bad the liver test at the vet was but I'll call and find out. Hopefully it wasn't that bad and that the virus caused it and hopefully his liver will recover as the virus clears up. His runny eyes have cleared up. His pink, half-closed eyes are back to normal. He's beathing normally again. No more growling at the other cats. He's eating and drinking now. And after days of sleeping, he's now awake and getting around.  We are so incredibly happy! Euthanasia was recommended by the vet so always be careful about making quick decisions.

Izobel, my 13 year old, drew a portrait of Dustin last night. She's not done yet but I'll post it when she is. It's her way of dealing with the sadness.

UPDATE: Here is the drawing Izobel made of Dustin. I love it! Her Instagram name is izobelsquires. She'd love to see you there!

Dustina Izobel Squires Jan 21 2018Dustina Izobel Squires Jan 21 2018

Here's the illustration I drew in the vet's office. Dustin was gone for a while getting tests ran, poor boy:(

There are flowers and snow. Seems to cover this winter's weather.

Jan 20-2018Jan 20-2018

Happy winter-spring-winter!

Hugs!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) art digital drawing illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/mock-spring Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:01:01 GMT
"Midnight" Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/-midnight-digital-painting I disappeared for a while. Christmas time keeps us busy because we've got one child's birthday on December 31st, and another on January 2nd. Both kiddos were due on Christmas day. 

This painting seems to be rather Christmas-y, but I didn't have that in mind when I started. My only idea was to use a limited pallet of blues. I love being intrigued as the image comes together.

Midnight 1-2017 frame sigMidnight 1-2017 frame sig

I love magical images so that crept into this one. In fact it reminds me of a photo I made a couple of years ago. 

This one below: I drew in the white fluffy weeds behind the twins. I also made those floating white and orange puff balls.

I added some magic to this one too. All those orange, purple and white fluff balls were added in during editing.

Just looking at a few more from that same day. I must have been on some crazy person fluff ball trip!

Off to watch the new release of Blade Runner with the fam. I love the original Blade Runner and can just about quote the whole movie....speaking of magical things. The effect in that show were, and still are amazing!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) blue digital painting magical https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2018/1/-midnight-digital-painting Thu, 18 Jan 2018 03:28:27 GMT
CAWS Dog Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/12/caws-dog-drawing This is a drawing of Love, a dog I photographed for CAWS.org a few months ago. CAWS found her a new home! Yeah! That just makes my heart sing!

I made this drawing of her to use as a poster for CAWS.org. She's got such a beautiful face! 

 

-Love-_Caws_Dog_3-2017-_Drawn_Dec_2017 TEXT-Love-_Caws_Dog_3-2017-_Drawn_Dec_2017 TEXT

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) caws dog drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/12/caws-dog-drawing Sun, 17 Dec 2017 03:38:49 GMT
MORE Frozen Utah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/12/more-frozen-utah It's such a cold day here in Utah! It's 1:51pm and it's still only 28 degrees fahrenheit. Brrrr...

Unfortunately I have the awesome job of being a poop scopper before the sun sets. We have five rescue dogs and they can sure make some work out there. The field behind our house, photo below, is full of cows. Lucky farmer gets to leave the cow mess to the worms, birds, the elements. Of course the cows don't head inside so they can't track it in with them. 

(I hope you're not eating)

So here are some more frozen shots.

1) Field behind my house. Can you see the cow hunkered down trying to keep warm in the field?

2) Chain link fence.

3) Blades of grass.

4) Upper part of an iron garden chair.

5) Back support on the iron garden chair

Dec 12 2017 (9 color)Dec 12 2017 (9 color) Dec 12 2017 (8b)Dec 12 2017 (8b) Dec 12 2017 (7)Dec 12 2017 (7) Dec 12 2017 (6)Dec 12 2017 (6) Dec 12 2017 (5)Dec 12 2017 (5)

I hope you're staying warm!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) frozen utah macro photography winter https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/12/more-frozen-utah Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:06:47 GMT
Frozen Utah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/12/frozen-utah The dogs woke me up about 5:00 am this morning. They wanted to go potty. I grabbed my flashlight and walked them to the back door. It was still pitch black outside. As I opened the back door a creepy flood of fog lept into the house. It was as if the fog was trying to escape the fog. It came rushing in. The flashlight made it even creepier. Have you seen the movie, The Fog? It was like that. I didn't even realize it was foggy outside or I would have been prepared for it.  The dogs thought nothing of it and ran down the stairs to the frozen grass. Wish I was as brave.

A few hours later when it was nice and light outside I decided to head out and grab some frozen photographs. For you photogs out there, I used the Nikon D810 and the Nikon 60mm f2.8 micro -the older version.

Dec 11 2017 (1)Dec 11 2017 (1) Dec 11 2017 (2)Dec 11 2017 (2) Dec 11 2017 (3)Dec 11 2017 (3)

Dec 11 2017 (4)Dec 11 2017 (4)

I really don't like cold weather but it sure can create beautiful images.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) foliage macro photography winter https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/12/frozen-utah Mon, 11 Dec 2017 22:17:19 GMT
Adobe Draw -App https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/adobe-draw--app I've been using Adobe Photoshop to edit my photos/drawings with for decades. (dating myself:)

I've always wanted to learn Adobe Illustrator, but never got around to it. With Black Friday offering Adobe products on sale, I grabbed Illustrator! Yeah! Can't wait to learn it!

In the meantime, I drew this with Adobe Draw: what I believe is the iPad version of Illustrator.

Learning new things is so much fun!

Project - Drawing 1 frameProject - Drawing 1 frame

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) adobe draw https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/adobe-draw--app Mon, 27 Nov 2017 01:59:15 GMT
Antelope Island, Syracuse, Utah. https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/antelope-island-syracuse-utah Keaton, Kiyah, Trinity and I headed to Antelope Island in Syracuse, Utah last week. It was the perfect day. Sixty-something degree. No bugs. Ahhh!

Keaton loves landscape photographs and asked me to capture some of the beauty we were seeing. He's planning on using them on his computer desktop.

Trinity had so much fun! She ran and ran and ran! Keaton had her on leash so he got to run with her. They both had huge smiles on their faces. Kiyah climbed the huge rocks nearby

We discovered you can rent canoes. We'll have to try that out. There is also a restaurant/grill that faces the water. We're definitely going to do that!

If you want to visit there I suggest late fall and very early spring. The summer is so hot and the bugs are everywhere! 

Trinity MacDuff Squires Nove 23rd 2017 (F)Trinity MacDuff Squires Nove 23rd 2017 (F)

Antelope Island Nov 2017 (2R crop)Antelope Island Nov 2017 (2R crop) Antelope Island Nov 2017 (3)Antelope Island Nov 2017 (3) Antelope Island Nov 2017 (4)Antelope Island Nov 2017 (4) Antelope Island Nov 2017 (5)Antelope Island Nov 2017 (5) Antelope Island Nov 2017 (6)Antelope Island Nov 2017 (6) Antelope Island Nov 2017Antelope Island Nov 2017

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) syracuse utah antelope island https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/antelope-island-syracuse-utah Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:12:02 GMT
Play Date https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/play-day Ever taken a child to the park?

This is what it's like!

Just fun, crazy, running all over the place, laughing, joking, hugging, joyful!

Yah!

Great times for sure!

Play DatePlay Date

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) play date https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/play-day Sat, 25 Nov 2017 04:07:40 GMT
Lexi and Landen https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/lexi-and-landen Lexi wanted relaxed portraits of her and Landen having fun together so we headed to a beautiful park and followed him around.

Lexi and I played keep-up as he ran and ran. He played with leaves, dirt, and sticks. After a couple of hours he actually asked to go home. He pooped out before we did, but just barely. He wanted to be carried back to the car. I bet he weighed twice as much with all those rocks he'd managed to stuff in his pockets. He was asleep as soon as we pulled away from the park.

We had a blast and made some really great memories:)

Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (23)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (23) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (6b)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (6b) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (1)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (1) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (6)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (6) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (5)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (5) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (9CR)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (9CR) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (10)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (10) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (12)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (12) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (14)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (14) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (16)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (16) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (17)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (17) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (18)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (18) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (19)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (19) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (21)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (21) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (20)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (20) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (4b)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (4b) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (2b)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (2b) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (7b)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (7b) Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (7BW)Anastasia and Landen November 8th 2017 Memory Grove (7BW)

Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory GroveAnastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (5)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (5) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (13)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (13) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (15)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (15) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (17)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (17) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (19)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (19) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (20)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (20) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (21)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (21) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (8b)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (8b) Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (10b)Anastasia and Landen October 25th 2017 Memory Grove (10b)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) mom and child photos https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/lexi-and-landen Fri, 24 Nov 2017 05:59:26 GMT
Love -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/love--painting Love_Nov_2017 Frame SigLove_Nov_2017 Frame Sig

The dogs woke me up way too early this morning and I couldn't get back to sleep so this painting was born. I started out with colors in my mind, then kept laying them down till I liked it.

My husband and 12 year old daughter said they saw a praying mantis. I didn't see that at all.  I still don't. But it's interesting how they looked for something in it that was concrete. I just enjoy looking at how the colors and other elements go together and affect each other. Each type of seeing is great and I love to know what pops into the viewer's mind when they look at it:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

See more of my art here http://www.macduff.studio/macduff-art

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) love painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/love--painting Sun, 05 Nov 2017 00:40:51 GMT
Flowers -October 2017 https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/flowers--october-2017  

Flowers_-final_Oct_31_2017-2 Frame sig"Flowers" October 2017

I was at the dentist's office with my mother and took the iPad along to draw while I was waiting. This is what happened:) The colors make me happy!

Messy is my thing, apparently. I think I'm too hyper to slow down for details.

I've got a yellow bedroom that this will be fun in. The yellow bedroom seems to relax our infrequent guests.

The window looks out over 51 acres of fields with farm and wild animals, and mountains of course. It my favorite room in the house.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

See more of my art here http://www.macduff.studio/macduff-art

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) flowers painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/11/flowers--october-2017 Fri, 03 Nov 2017 22:44:01 GMT
Summer's Eve https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/10/summers-eve
"Summer's Eve" October 2017 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires"Summer's Eve" October 2017 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires

It's October now and summer is over. We're still having some really nice days though, the evenings are perfect! We love to walk the dogs and ride bikes. The mosquitoes have gone to where-ever mosquitoes go in the fall. The blistering heat has moved on till next year. Time to gear up for the holidays and get ready to bundle up against the cold that's sure to arrive any day now. Are you ready?

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) painting summer https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/10/summers-eve Thu, 19 Oct 2017 22:04:43 GMT
Heaven Scent https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/heaven-scent "Heaven Scent" 9-2017"Heaven Scent" 9-2017

"I'm an introvert... I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at the trees, flowers, the sky." ~Audrey Hepburn
https://www.brainyquote.com

 

Audrey, I couldn't have said it better.

 

When I was younger I wasn't really interested in flowers. Sure I thought they were pretty. But I didn't see past the "pretty" and actually feel the beauty. I now absorb the beauty so strongly that my soul aches!

 

I studied art in college for 6 years. I was lost! I just didn't get what all the hoopla was about. (So why was I studying art? I was told as a child that I could draw, so I kept it up for lack of a better goal)  I was four weeks away from my very last art class and I still hadn't figured out what all the excitement was about. I was standing in the bookstore at the University of Utah and I noticed a book on Vincent van Gogh. I knew who he was and had looked at his paintings many times. But I hadn't really felt anything. That day as I held the book in my hands and turned each page I was overtaken by my emotions. Vincent's brush strokes brought tears to my eyes! I had to control my reaction since I was in public, but I knew in that moment I finally understood! I got it! I could feel art, and I ached from the joy. That day was almost 25 years ago.  I can remember it vividly.

 

Not everyone can be a Vincent, a Monet, but that shouldn't hold anyone back from creating art. Get out those pens and pencils. Mix oil paints and acrylics. Make something that brings you happiness and peace. Hang the art on your walls. Personalize your home. All it takes is making that first mark on the paper. Have fun!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Karen
See more of my art here http://www.macduff.studio/macduff-art

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) art heaven scent https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/heaven-scent Sun, 01 Oct 2017 01:33:54 GMT
Paradise https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/paradise

Paradise!

Those colors! They bring to mind, tropical birds, sunsets, ice cream cones, flip flops, Ferris wheels, snowcones, swimming at the municipal pool all day long, every day during the summer months, fireflies, best friends.

Where did the time go?

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Karen

See more of my art here http://www.macduff.studio/macduff-art

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/paradise Thu, 28 Sep 2017 21:52:15 GMT
River https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/river

I love water!

The ocean is me! Do you know what I mean? I grew up on the coast of Fife, Scotland and the ocean was my everyday life. I loved her with my eyes, my ears, felt her running over my feet and flowing through my heart and soul.

Rivers are a source of calm and fascination. The sounds of a rushing river can take me to that place we all need to retreat to, to restore, refresh.

I am moved by the blues and greens. How they interact and react to each other. So soft and gentle.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

See more of my art here http://www.macduff.studio/macduff-art

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) river -fine art https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/river Thu, 28 Sep 2017 21:42:56 GMT
Forest Fire https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/forest-fire "Forest Fire" 9 2017"Forest Fire" 9 2017

Forest fires are devastating! Individuals, families, pets, firefighters, may perish. Wild animals certainly do. Homes may be lost. The vegetation is lost.

I view photographs of the fires and am saddened by the loss. This painting is in response to the emotions that arise.

Let's be careful with fires we create. Keep them under control, and follow forest service guidelines.

Hugs,

Karen

See more of my art here http://www.macduff.studio/macduff-art

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) forest fire painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/9/forest-fire Thu, 28 Sep 2017 21:03:10 GMT
Orange - Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/orange---digital-painting I can't remember what kind of orange this is but it looked pretty tempting at the store, so I bought it. It had really thick skin when I peeled it, and what looks like a hat on its head. It tasted delicious!

AdobeStock_116068938AdobeStock_116068938 Spring_Orange_4-2017-1Spring_Orange_4-2017-1

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Orange Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/orange---digital-painting Fri, 14 Apr 2017 04:04:30 GMT
Leopard -Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/leopard--digital-painting My daughter and I love wild animals! She draws wolves by the hundreds! 

This digital leopard painting -painted on my iPad Pro- can print up to 30x40". That's one huge plus for digital paintings! I can imagine the amount of paint it would have taken to paint the leopard at that size with oils, or acrylics.

Leaopard 4-2017Leaopard 4-2017 Leopard_4-2017_(C)_Karen_SquiresLeopard_4-2017_(C)_Karen_Squires

 

Someday I'll give it a shot:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) -Digital Leopard Painting" https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/leopard--digital-painting Wed, 12 Apr 2017 20:18:39 GMT
Imaginary Creature -Original On Canvas https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/imaginary-creature--original-on-canvas Remember when you looked at the clouds as a child and saw cats, dogs, chickens, dragons?  Well I still do that. I bet a lot of you still do it as well. We all love to drift off, even if it's just for moments here and there, and fall into the land of make-believe.

Here is an imaginary creature that may look like a bird, but the body doesn't. I call her "Little Bird". 

She was created with professional grade Caran D'ache Luminance colored pencils and professional grade Copic Markers. She is on stretched canvas on a wood frame.  Size is 12"x12".

Imaginary Creature 4-10-2017Imaginary Creature 4-10-2017 Imaginary Creature 4-10-2017Imaginary Creature 4-10-2017

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Imaginary Creature Painting on Canvas https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/imaginary-creature--original-on-canvas Wed, 12 Apr 2017 19:46:24 GMT
"Lies" -Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/lies--digital-painting Probably everyone on the planet has been lied to and hated it. This is for all of you who have dealt with it and stayed sane.

AdobeStock_139328826AdobeStock_139328826Empty poster in old interior with brick wall and wood floor Lies_4-2017Lies_4-2017

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/lies--digital-painting Sun, 09 Apr 2017 00:38:36 GMT
Pink Rose https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/pink-rose I can smell rose when I look at this painting. I have that scent settled permanently somewhere in my brain, just waiting for that next bouquet of flowers to hop into my basket at the grocery store. There's nothing like waking up and wandering through the house first thing in the morning when the rest of the family is asleep. The sun in streaming through the window, and your flowers are just waiting there for you to move in close and take a deep breath.

"The Perfect Kiss" 2017 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires"The Perfect Kiss" 2017 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires "The Perfect Kiss" (C)Karen MacDuff Squires"The Perfect Kiss" (C)Karen MacDuff Squires

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) pink flowers -painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/pink-rose Mon, 03 Apr 2017 23:03:47 GMT
Peeps And Pets Session https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/peeps-and-pets-session Last week I met with an adorable couple to create portraits of them with their dogs, Moose and Torrey.

They wanted people photographs, and photographs with them and their dogs.

Can you see the love between the four of them?

Ah! It's so sweet!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Photography Pet and People Session https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/peeps-and-pets-session Mon, 03 Apr 2017 21:08:16 GMT
Izadora, Our Rescued Kitty -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/my-kitty-izadora--illustration This is Izodora. We rescued her two years ago when I saw a post on Facebook saying that she, along with other cats in the shelter, were going to be euthanzied that day at 5pm. She was about 10 weeks old, matted, filthy, and I could feel every one of her bones.

"Izadora With Attitude" 2017"Izadora With Attitude" 2017

 

 

The shelter she was in killed cats without doing much to help them. One amazing young gal, the same one that rescued Izadora and all the other cats that day, and had done that very same thing for years, eventually went public after her failed attempts to have the shelter treat the cats better. It's terrible what cats went through there. Cats were left untreated with serious injuries for days until the shelter killed them. Many people and rescues offered to take the cats, get them to the vet, and find new homes for them. But the shelter refused to work with anyone and killed them after days and days of pain and suffering.  So this young gal created such a public outcry that the shelter was forced to stop their inhumane practices and agree to make changes.

"Izadora With Attitude" 2017"Izadora With Attitude" 2017

 

 

This is one of my favorite quotes:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed it's the only thing that ever has." ~Margaret Mead

 

As soon as I got her that day I took her to a friend who rescues so she could get de-wormed. Then to the vet the next day where she was given three prescriptions, two for upper respiratory infection. I had to quarantine her in a bedroom for three weeks till she was feeling better. The first week I didn't think she was going to live. I had to force-feed her around the clock. As sick as she was, she purred whenever I went near her and held her.

 

Izadora is absolutely delightful! She is super friendly, has a very, very quiet meow, loves to be held and snuggled, is fluffy beyond fluffy, has huge feet, and is my daughter, Izobel's best friend. We think she's either Main Coon or Norwegian Forest cat.

 

It's horrible to think how close to death she came. We are thrilled and blessed to have her. But many cats every bit as amazing never make it out alive. Some shelters are like Nazi war camps. It's awful that goes on. I have many hopes for this world as it moves ahead, one being a stop to that kind of treatment.

 

I hope you're not too depressed reading this but the change has to happen, will happen, the sooner the better so less animals suffer.

 

Have a great day!

 

Karen

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/ma

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) cat painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/4/my-kitty-izadora--illustration Mon, 03 Apr 2017 20:43:01 GMT
Surprise Rose -Digital Painting Painted in Traditional Painting Manner https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/surprise-rose--illustration Hubby came home with flowers a few days ago. It wasn't my birthday, or any other special holiday. So I guess it was just my lucky day:) Thanks, Hubs!

I love flowers! Their perfection is breathtaking! They smell nice too. I grabbed the camera to get a few photos. This yellow rose was my favorite.

We've been having such nice weather, well we were having nicer weather last week -it's rained this week -not that I mind rain...but the color of this rose made me feel like spring was here. Of course the weeds came right along with the rain so we've got weed pulling in our near future. Yuk.

posterposterEmpty poster in old interior with brick wall and wood floor

Off to walk the dog. She's climbing on my head! I sure love her!

Karen- Mori

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Yellow Rose -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/surprise-rose--illustration Sun, 26 Mar 2017 00:31:19 GMT
Bella -Pooch -Digital Painting Painted in Traditional Painting Manner https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/bella--pooch-illustration There is just something about her eyes! I think she can read minds, do you agree?

She looks similar to my dog, Trinity. I bet that's why I was drawn to her photo -why I wanted to illustrate this based on her photo.

I feel there is a wonderful place for animals after this world. Maybe even a place away from those rotten humans that hurt some of them. Or maybe there is a place for those rotten humans so they can't inflict pain again. (I read about a terrible case of cat abuse yesterday so my blood is boiling)

 

Source photograph for this illustration created by victoriap107. A license was purchased to use the photograph as my source photo. The photographer was paid. Remember to always respect copyright:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen(Mori)

"That Expression!" 2017 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires"That Expression!" 2017 (C)Karen MacDuff Squires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/bella--pooch-illustration Mon, 13 Mar 2017 03:50:04 GMT
Elephant -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/elephant--illustration I got a few hours of time over the last few days and managed to illustrate this elephant. I love the fiery red on the ears!

 

Elephants are such wonderful animals! (All animals are wonderful-:) I came across this video on youtube a year ago and it's been on my mind since. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjsu3SGAdLs

Watching it makes me want to boogie along with them!

Source photograph for my illustration created by kyslynskyy. A license was purchased to use the photograph as my source photo. The photographer was paid. Remember to always respect copyright:)

The next illustration will be of a dog. It looks like a Spaniel. I love dogs and am heavily into rescue, but I really stink at knowing breeds-:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) elephant illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/elephant--illustration Sun, 05 Mar 2017 03:34:25 GMT
CAWS.org Rescued Cats and Dogs https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/caws-org-rescued-cats-and-dogs Here are more beautiful cats and dogs in need of permanent homes.

Head over to CAWS.org if you are looking for a new best friend, or even just to view more cute faces!

Thanks for stopping  by!

Karen (Mori)

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) caws.org cats and dogs https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/3/caws-org-rescued-cats-and-dogs Thu, 02 Mar 2017 01:42:03 GMT
Fluffy Kitty - Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/fluffy-kitty---illustration Cute fluffy kitty had some wild fur that was interesting to draw. I did better this time than the last time I drew long fur though. Practice makes not perfect, but better than the last time. 

I think the next illustration is going to be an elephant. Should be interesting, all those wrinkles.

Source photograph for my illustration created by Светлана Валуйская. A license was purchased to use the photograph as my source photo. The photographer was paid. Remember to always respect copyright:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kitty illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/fluffy-kitty---illustration Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:08:46 GMT
Pipa -Illustration of a Rescue Dog https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/pipa--illustration-of-a-rescue-dog This illustration is based on a photograph I made of  a CAWS.org dog named Pipa. Pipa is not this fluffy but I took advantage of the good old artistic license.

I'm shooting for CAWS again tomorrow - February 28th, 2017- so watch out for more photographs of adorable rescued cats and dogs coming to the blog next week.

We're at PetSmart in Salt Lake City from 11:00am -5:00pm.

389 West 1830 South, Salt Lake City.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Pipa Dog Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/pipa--illustration-of-a-rescue-dog Fri, 24 Feb 2017 23:00:14 GMT
CAWS Cats And Dogs 1/28/2017 https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/caws-cats-and-dogs-1/28/2017 I had a blast making portraits for these awesome cats and dogs! I brought Eve -directly below- to my house yesterday to play. She is an absolute sweetheart! She knows sit, and how to take food gently from your hand. She crawled very carefully into my lap for a snuggle! It was so cute! She needs a foster so please, please contact CAWS.org if you can foster her, adopt her, or any of our other available cats and dogs.

Here are the rest of them. All lovely! All in need of homes!

I'm shooting again tomorrow so more cats and dogs will be posted next week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS cats and dogs https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/caws-cats-and-dogs-1/28/2017 Sat, 18 Feb 2017 02:32:40 GMT
Prey Eye -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/prey-eye--illustration Today's lesson in the book: Drawing Made Easy: Forest Animals, by Walter Foster, is a prey animal's eye. Next lesson is a dog's nose! Whoo hoo!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen(Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Prey Eye Illustration: https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/prey-eye--illustration Sat, 18 Feb 2017 01:30:14 GMT
Animal Eye -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/animal-eye--illustration Today's lesson from the drawing book I'm learning with is a predator's eye. 

....which is different from a prey animal's eye. That drawing is next. Then onto noses. The dog nose will be fun!

The book is called Drawing Made Easy: Forest Animals, by Walter Foster.

Off to get started on the prey eye. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Predator Eye -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/animal-eye--illustration Tue, 14 Feb 2017 03:27:29 GMT
Chipmunk Feet- Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/chipmunk-foot---illustration Next lessson: Draw a chipmunk's feet. 

Well there we go. Done. Tons of room for improvement. I didn't let the old fear of ......I can't draw those feet....hold me back-:)

Next lesson is drawing a predator's eye. I love drawing eyes! They are my favorite part of portraits! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Chipmunk's Foot - Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/chipmunk-foot---illustration Sun, 12 Feb 2017 03:42:09 GMT
Raccoon Ear https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/raccoon-ear I'm going through a book on how to draw forest animals. It's called Drawing Made Easy: Forest Animals. Written by Walter Foster. 

Lesson one - once you're past drawing cones and cubes- is drawing a raccoon ear. 

Fur and hair are hard to draw!

Today the lesson is chipmunk paws. Off I go to give it a shot.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) raccoon ear - illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/2/raccoon-ear Sun, 12 Feb 2017 01:02:34 GMT
Forest -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/forest--illustration More trees. They are beautiful, so a great subject to draw. If trees interest you at all you should check out David Hockney's work. It's amazing!

Got an idea for a white snowy scene. I'm giving it a shot today! Fingers crossed!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Tree Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/forest--illustration Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:39:51 GMT
Kitty Cat -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/kitty-cat--illustration I have four cats...and two more that practically live in my garage. They come to visit every night so I feed them and provide a carrier with a heating pad for each of them. They may be strays, and I'm working on finding out if they actually have homes and just come by because they like my cat food. 

Having six cats around means it wasn't much of a stretch for a cat to pop into my head last night at midnight when I was wondering what I could do a really fast drawing of before I fell asleep. I wasn't expecting to actually finish it but sometimes things go fast and sometimes they go on for days, longer too.

I think I'm desperate for spring because I keep putting flowers in the drawings. I'm tired of snow and can't wait for it to all melt. In this kittie's world, flowers grow in the snow:)

I think there are only about 2 months till spring. Counting down!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Cat Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/kitty-cat--illustration Thu, 26 Jan 2017 22:28:47 GMT
Family Tree -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/family-tree--illustration I came across a book on Amazon a few days ago called The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from a Secret World -Hardcover – September 13, 2016. By Peter Wohlleben.

This is the book's description: "Are trees social beings? In this international bestseller, forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration he has observed in his woodland. After learning about the complex life of trees, a walk in the woods will never be the same again."

I going to purchase the book, but in the meantime, I decided to illustrate a tree family.

The varying degrees of shading on the green leaves on the adults signify stages of wisdom. The lightest green being the youngest adult and therefor (often) means less wisdom. The small yellow tree is the child and of course is being protected and watched over by the adults. The apples mean  good health. The bird means freedom. The bunny illustrates innocence and the need of the child to be cared for. (We've had bunnies for pets and miss them dearly. They passed away from a nasty organism called E. Cuniculi last year)

I should make an illustration of my two bunnies. It's on the drawing idea list:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Family Tree https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/family-tree--illustration Thu, 26 Jan 2017 06:19:20 GMT
Ballet Shoes -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/ballet-shoes--illustration When I was a child I wanted to be a dancer. I was on the dance team in high school. I was going to make dancing a career. I hurt my knees a few years later. End of dream. Not complaining. I love art and motherhood and wouldn't trade them for anything!

People are fascinated by ballet. The dancers move like gravity doesn't affect them. So graceful, every move is perfect. And can we talk about their muscles? I'd love to have those! Yes I know I could work out like they do but house work just doesn't do it. (excuses excuses) 

I found a ballet shoes photograph online and purchased a license from the photographer so I could use it as my source image. Thanks, welldoneteam! I had a blast making this illustration!

 

I'd love to take up old fashioned highland dancing.  I wonder if YouTube has some instruction. Going to check it out:-)

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Ballet Shoes -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/ballet-shoes--illustration Thu, 19 Jan 2017 19:59:43 GMT
Izobel Sleeping -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/izobel-sleeping--illustration You know what it's like when you wake up early and look at your kids as they are still in the land of Nod? That feeling that flows over you of how adorable and perfect they are. They have such perfect skin. Perfect noses. Perfect hair. Cute little mouths. (Of course I mean perfect to each parent because that's what perfect is) Well I just had to grab a photo of Izobel as she dreampt of, let's see, video games, drawing a picture, eating chocolate. I made a drawing of the photo yesterday. One thing that I wanted to show was how her top hand was like a ballet dancer's as it lay gently on the pillow.

Going to get a book today on how to work the correct colors into art so I can improve on that. I'm sure I'm way off!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Illustration Izobel Sleeping https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/izobel-sleeping--illustration Tue, 17 Jan 2017 18:17:55 GMT
Pears -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/pears--illustration There's something about those still life images that draw me in. Specifically the old master's paintings. I love the colors they used. I didn't use those colors with the Pear illustration, but will try to learn how the Masters decided on colors. There's got to be a book out there somewhere!

Izobel, my 12 year old daughter, said she'd love to take a bite out of the pears when I showed her this one. Pears are so delicious! Why is it though that I tend to grab the apples, oranges and bananas? Human's are creatures of habit. It's helped us survive. Of course habit can be a curse as well because we can stick to the same old routine instead of branching out. There are certainly books available on how to succeed and breaking old habits and making new ones are a large part of the process. It's a matter of retraining the brain. Sounds easy enough:)

Source photograph for my illustration created by larshallstrom. A license was purchased to use the photograph as my source photo. The photographer was paid. Remember to always respect copyright:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Pears Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/pears--illustration Tue, 17 Jan 2017 01:21:47 GMT
Gray Cane Corso Puppy -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/gray-cane-corso-puppy--illustration I really, really wanted this pup to turn out well but alas it was not to be. I did learn a few things while I was drawing so it wasn't a complete loss. When I was learning photography I made so many bad photos! But I learned something new every time. That's how we get better.

I learned how to loosen up on the brush strokes a bit. I am not interested in photo-realism and want more choppy strokes. It's hard to let go and not try to have the result look real for some reason.

Okay! Back to the drawing board!

Source photograph for my illustration created by Erik Lam. A license was purchased to use the photograph as my source photo. The photographer was paid. Remember to always respect copyright:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Gray Cane Corso Puppy -Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/gray-cane-corso-puppy--illustration Thu, 12 Jan 2017 22:58:21 GMT
Apple Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/apple-illustration After a week of climbing in bed with five dogs all over me, for two hours each day, and working on the apple illustration, I'm done! Whew!

I could really use eating one of those apples now! I wish I'd taken note of what kind of apples they were so I could get more. They seriously tasted as juicy and they look. Nice and crisp too! I'm not into mushy apples.

On another note: I've got two cats living in my garage. I'm not sure if they are stray or are just enjoying the food I leave out for them. It was 1 degree last night! So even the garage was freezing!

I have crates and feral cat boxes from Best Friends for them in the garage. I put heating pads in them. They seem to be keeping warm. I've felt their sides when they came out to see me and they felt warm. I need to find out if they have owners or not. Today I bought two breakaway collars that I was going to write my phone number on and ask if they had homes and please call me if they do. The darn collars aren't as break-away as I'd like though and I fear the cats might get hung up somewhere, on something. Back to the drawing board on how to find out if they are stray or not. If they are I'm getting them into CAWS and finding them homes. (It's illegal to take pets into your home and keep them without knowing for sure they are stray, or I'd have brought them in by now-:)

Off to get some chores done.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Apple Illustration https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/apple-illustration Sun, 08 Jan 2017 02:50:56 GMT
Glass Bottles https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/glass-bottles My 12 year old daughter, Izobel and I made this painting today. We handed it back and forth, each taking a turn till it was done. We'd collected glass bottles for a few days so we'd have some to paint. These are just regular bottles we found in the fridge.

We're trying hard to do a painting a day.  We got the idea from http://www.duanekeiser.com/apaintingaday. I do believe he started the whole movement.

Danny Gregory has a few popular books on how to get started. https://www.amazon.com/Danny-Gregory/e/B001JP28SW/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1   I'm reading Art Before Breakfast on my Kindle app. Sounds cool so far!

It's a really cool way to connect to your kids each day too. If you've got 5 kids, just pass it around to all of them. See what you get!

I'm still working on the apples painting -post a few days ago- I am close to being done! Whoo hoo!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Glass Bottle Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/glass-bottles Fri, 06 Jan 2017 02:03:09 GMT
Getting Older https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/getting-older I think I was about 26 when I first started thinking about where I wanted to retire. Being from Scotland, I chose the Orkney Islands.

For some reason I always thought it would be really cold there. I asked Siri last night and it was in the upper 40's! It was below freezing here in Salt Lake City, Utah. I don't enjoy the cold at all!

When I was a child growing up in Scotland -this is going to make me sound like I'm from the ice age- we had one source of heat in the house: a fireplace downstairs. Of course it went out during the night and it was my job, along with my brother and sister, to get up in a cold house and start the fire. We began by cleaning out the ashes from the night before. Then we went outside to get some coal from the coal shed. We then folded old newspaper into special zig-zaggy shapes. We put the coal and paper in the fireplace, and lit the fire. It took a while and we froze the whole time. Then it took half the day to make just that one room warm! If you needed the loo...well...your tiny butt was going to turn blue before you could make it back to the fire and turn your bottom toward the flame to warm it up.

My hubby and I have temp wars. In the summer I want to keep the AC at 78 and he wants it a lot colder! And in the winter, same thing. We are known for sneaking off down the hall pretending to need the loo, only to smoothly as possible, turn the temp gauge to what we want it.

This drawing is me as a not so older than I am now lady with a scarf, sweater, long skirt and boots. I know I'm going to be cold for some reason. Maybe my croft on that tiny island will not have central heat, I don't know. But cold is in my head. And the HUGE hair? Well I've always had fine, thin hair, and darn it..I was some  more! So I gave myself some.

 

Be sure to leave a comment if you have any thoughts to share:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Line Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2017/1/getting-older Mon, 02 Jan 2017 00:43:03 GMT
Cat In Skirt https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/cat-in-skirt Izobel and I had another morning of drawing. Today she got frustrated because her wolf was not turning out right. I told her that's okay, it happens to all artists.

I had a weird day too. The cat I had in mind did not appear on the paper. Something else came out. It's rather a mess but I'm sharing anyway. Maybe someday I'll look back and enjoy seeing these early drawings...because I will have improved! (hopefully!) wink

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Cat drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/cat-in-skirt Thu, 29 Dec 2016 00:43:33 GMT
Apple Portrait - Getting Ready https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/apple-portrait I was shopping at Whole Foods just before Christmas. I was looking for a gluten free pie. They had a lot at Thanksgiving but had only one choice at Christmas, cherry pie. I was going to grab it till I saw the strawberry cheesecake. I grabbed that instead. It was one tiny little thing, but rich and heavenly!

As I was walking past the produce section on the way to checkout, I spotted some of the reddest, shiniest apples I'd ever seen! As soon as I saw them I knew I had to either draw them, paint them, or eat them. Probably two of the three.

I bought them and brought them home v e r y carefully! No bruises for these babies!

Once home, I got a white sheet, pushed the blankets off my bed, put the white sheet on the bed, carefully put the red apples on the white sheet, and spent an hour moving the apples around, and moving the sheet around making new folds. After about 50 photographs I called it done and went to the computer to see what I had. It took a while to narrow down the one I liked the best. But here it is.

I thought I'd throw it in a frame to get an idea of what it might look like when it's done. I was thinking after I'd taken the photographs that an old wicker or wooden bowl may have looked nice peeking out from under the sheet in the lower middle. I've gone as far in the past as to put the project on hold and made the second-thought changes, only to decide I liked my first version. So for now I'll go along with what I've got. If I find a bowl that I like while out at the store one day  I'll use it in another setting.

Now to paint it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Apple Painting -Getting Ready https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/apple-portrait Wed, 28 Dec 2016 03:03:13 GMT
Drawing: Study of dress. https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/drawing-study-of-dress Cloth can be hard to render. Those folds are tricky. I messed with this for a few hours. Hopefully I'll get faster at it.

I drew a cat today. I haven't finished it. I may not, either. I'll look at it again tomorrow and decide what to do.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Dress painting Study of material https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/drawing-study-of-dress Tue, 27 Dec 2016 23:44:56 GMT
Mouse Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/mouse-drawing I watched my daughter draw a little mouse the other day. She used Photoshop to draw and color her in.

I loved the mouse so much that I asked if I could color the mouse too. She said yes! So I printed the mouse out and transferred her to some Bristol paper. I used Prismacolor Pencils, Dick Blick Markers, and a white gel pen to render her.

We both got to enjoy coloring the same cute tiny mouse:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Mouse drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/mouse-drawing Tue, 27 Dec 2016 01:20:28 GMT
Drawing With Izobel https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/drawing-with-the-kiddo Izobel, 11 years old, got a watercolor sketch book for Christmas. Since Michaels had a buy-one get-one sale, Santa brought me one too:)

This morning we decided to draw something on the first page. Since it's watercolor paper we choose Caran d'Ache Neocolorii pastels, and Caran d'Ache Fancolor water color pencils. The pastels are water soluble too.

Unfortunately Izobel drew on the thin paper that appears in the book just before the first watercolor page so she was unable to use water. She was a bit upset but decided to make the best of it.

An hour later we were done.

I drew flowers.

Izobel drew her favorite subject, a wolf!

It's really relaxing to just grab some art stuff and draw. We might turn this into an art journal thing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Art Journal Drawings flowers wolf https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/drawing-with-the-kiddo Tue, 27 Dec 2016 01:00:43 GMT
Merry Christmas! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/merry-christmas

It snowed like the dickens here in Salt Lake City! We woke up to a very white Christmas! There wasn't much out there that wasn't painted white.

I had to shovel the back steps before we could start Christmas so the little dogs could go to the loo. They would have disappeared in the snow.  We may have lost Sterling, who is white.

Keaton helped me shovel the snow off the driveway at dusk. Being out there with him, looking around at the white blanketed neighborhood, I have to admit that despite my lack of excitement about snow,  its beautiful.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Christmas snow https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/merry-christmas Mon, 26 Dec 2016 04:52:43 GMT
Beautiful Dress -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/beautiful-dress--painting
 

I Have A Thing For Beautiful Dresses!

Can you imagine if we went back a few hundred years wearing jeans and t-shirts? (Actually I think women would burn their uncomfortable clothing and start making some jeans and t-shirts) But I'm sure more than a few would gasp at our rather plain clothing. Anyone been watching Outlander and googling over those dresses Claire is wearing. I sure am.

This was painted using Procreate, an Apple app.  I don't have a stylus for the iPad so I used my finger. Who doesn't love finger-painting with no mess? I think I'll pick up a stylus though. Fingers, even clean ones, make for a dirty iPad screen. 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen(Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Dress painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/beautiful-dress--painting Wed, 21 Dec 2016 22:20:29 GMT
Rescue Portraits December 2016 https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/rescue-portraits-december-2016 Christmas is almost here! How did the year go so fast?

 

Last week I looked at 3250 photographs of my kiddos that I've made in the last decade. It was a sweet trip back in time. It was also a reminder that life goes way too fast. Kids grow up and adults get older. We really do need to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Family and friends are everything!

 

Speaking of families. There are way too many homeless animals in need of homes. Something needs to be done to stop the careless pregnancy rate. Thousands of homeless and abandoned animals are euthanized every day in shelters. It's completely heartbreaking. Let's all make a resolution this year to help make even more changes so that stops. Speak more often about the situation. Help make people aware of the problem. Volunteer. Donate. Adopt, don't shop.  Let's fix this.

 

Here are some of this month's rescue cats and dogs I photographed. Some have been adopted already, yeah! To see more cats and dogs that need homes head over to CAWS.org. Or look up rescue groups in your area. Check out shelters. PetFinder online is a great resource. Bring home your best friend for Christmas.

 

Happy holidays and thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Rescue cats dogs pets https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/rescue-portraits-december-2016 Tue, 20 Dec 2016 01:41:32 GMT
Adoption Event for CAWS at PetSmart in Salt Lake City https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/adoption-event-for-caws-at-petsmart-in-salt-lake-city It's just crazy that we (CAWS- Community Animal Welfare Society) have kittens in December! What ever happened to Kitten Season? It's gone way over the cut off date.

Needless to say, we have kittens and cats that would LOVE a home by Christmas! If you're interested in having a new family member, please come to one of our events.

I made this portrait today with the help of Stacey Mikesell and Lori Greco, two other CAWS photographers.  I manned the camera while Lori and Stacey played cat wrangler. It's actually impossible to click the camera fast enough to get a photo of a cat when you have the cat(s) set in position and looking in the correct direction. They moves the second you move your hand away from them. The cats(s) have to decide to stay put for at least a second. They often don't want to do that. With the three of us, along with four cats that had decided it was time to just hold still for a second, we got our portrait. Thirty shots later, we were elated to have our group portrait. Well worth the effort!

I hope to see you at an adoption event someday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Adoption Event CAWS Cat and Kitten portrait https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/adoption-event-for-caws-at-petsmart-in-salt-lake-city Sun, 18 Dec 2016 05:53:22 GMT
Pony Drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/pony-drawing Pony Graphite Drawing

I drew this pony with the aid of a book that shows you how to draw baby animals.  It's called Baby Animals by Cindy Smith.

Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Baby-Animals-Learn-Paint/dp/1600581358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481945349&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+animals+cindy+smith

The book makes it look easy, which is why I bought it. But like many other things in life, it was not as easy as it looks. It took me about a week. I have to admit that I can only draw for about 2 hours at a time before my hand gets sore. There are a ton of tiny lines for hairs on that foal. I guess I need to build some muscles in my hand.

I think I'll give the lamb a try next. It has a fuzzy kind of hair. It might give some other muscles a work out and let the pony muscles take a rest.

I got an idea to draw an astronaut for my hubby for Christmas. Not sure I've got enough time at this point. But I may give it a shot:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Drawing colt pony https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/12/pony-drawing Sat, 17 Dec 2016 03:42:33 GMT
ImPerfect Bunny https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/11/imperfect-bunny Imperfect Bunny(C)KarenSquires/MoriMacDuff

This is ImPerfect Bunny. I gave him a hump. I didn't mean to. But you know what? Most of us have imperfections, so I left his hump. It doesn't bother him.:)

I found some cool black technical pens at Michaels and wanted to try them out. Scribbling is frowned on in schools, or at least it was in mine, so I decided to go ahead and scribble all I wanted to. There....got that childhood memory taken care of:)

Thanks for stopping by!

Mori

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Bunny Drawing ImPerfect https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/11/imperfect-bunny Fri, 25 Nov 2016 02:08:05 GMT
Imaginary Bunny https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/11/imaginary-bunny  

Imaginary Bunny(C)KarenSquires/MoriMacDuff

Meet Imaginary Bunny! He's got a Tiny Friend who found a twig with some berries.

Imaginary Bunny has ears that give him some protection from the snow, and thank goodness Tiny Friend has a hat. I wonder where he found such a tiny hat.

I was washing the bathroom floor. It's vinyl. I saw a shape in the pattern that looked like a bunny....much like you'd see something in the clouds. I got my camera and took a few photographs of the floor. I did it early enough in the morning that no one was around to ask me what in the world I was doing. I took a printout of the floor to my drawing table and made this picture.

Thank goodness I was inside and warm while drawing. I don't like being cold, hat or not.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mori

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Bunny Drawing Imaginary https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/11/imaginary-bunny Fri, 25 Nov 2016 01:55:55 GMT
Bunny! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/11/bunny I love bunnies! We had two of them till last year when we lost them both to a nasty organism called E cuniculi. 50% of bunnies carry it. They can get it from their mothers, or other bunnies. Considering how many of them get it I hope they find a way of killing off those nasty entities really soon.

I love looking at drawings of bunnies. It makes me grin like a happy pit bull...love their smiles! So in honor of my bunnies, here is a drawing I made yesterday.

Thanks for visiting!

Karen (mori)

(C)KarenSquires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Drawing bunny https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/11/bunny Mon, 07 Nov 2016 00:22:23 GMT
Toddler Fun! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/7/toddler-fun

Toddlers are the most adorable little energizer bunnies! They are fascinating to watch. It's entertaining to see them go from one "project" to the next. If you pay attention, you can almost read their minds.

It goes something like this:

.......................

"What will happen if I pull this cord?"

"Nothing"

"What will happen if I pull it as hard as I can?"

Crash!

........................

"I'm going to throw a rock at the flowers."

"Mom went nuts!"

Got removed from the flower patch.

.......................

"What happens if I dump my dinner on the floor for the dog?"

"Mom is not happy again."

"Dog is sure happy though."

......................

My daughter is 11 years old now. She's my youngest. I love to watch her pick up new words, new drawing techniques, new ways of handling life, stresses. She's become "Dog Patrol" too. Dogs bark outside. She runs out and brings them inside. It's one of life's pleasures for me to observe and enjoy children's learning processes.

This little guy had fallen asleep on the way to the session. He was not very happy being woken up to discover he was in a new place, and was wondering what was going on. We all relaxed and played with him while he adjusted, then the fun began. He ran and ran and ran.

The portraits where he is shy and quiet were made after he woke up a bit but was still feeling snuggly with mom and dad. The rest were made while he ran to mom and dad, played hugging and kissing mom and dad games, threw the ball I made for him, and the doll. Mom said, "It was really fun being able to do a photo shoot where Landen actually showed his personality!"

Don't feel that you can't have portraits made of your youngster.  All it takes are patience and having fun.

Here are their portraits. We had a blast!

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Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Toddler https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/7/toddler-fun Fri, 01 Jul 2016 16:51:12 GMT
Paper Flowers and Izobel https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/paper-flowers-and-izobel

Izobel and I love a black, and a black and white paper flower I made so we designed a photo shoot around it. We also included a teddy bear that I found at an antique shop. Since she turned 11 I've wanted to get a portrait of her with a toy to indicate the passing of that stage of her life. Teddy bears were her favorite.  She recently gave them all away.  It's beautiful, but it makes me tear up.

Keaton, big brother, came along to help. Izobel adores him and he adores her. I love how he helped get Izobel's hair how I wanted it. Below, after our final edited portraits, are two unedited take-outs. They show the fun, crazy side of creating the images.

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Out-take: This one (below) shows how we got her hair to blow back off her face. See Keaton in the bottom right corner blowing air at her? It took a lot of shots to get it right. (It takes a lot of shots to get it right using other methods too) I have a fan and a hair blow dryer but they decided this was more entertaining. Don't worry though. I use the other options on clients.

(C)KarenSquires

Out-take: This time (below) we wanted her hair up in the air. Keaton tossed her hair and then ran out of the photo, or tried to.  As you can imagine this caused a lot of giggles. We got what we wanted though, see three photos above, so it was well worth the work out:)

(C)KarenSquires

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Izobel Paper Flower out-takes https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/paper-flowers-and-izobel Thu, 23 Jun 2016 00:26:11 GMT
Paper Flower Art https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/paper-flower-art

The first time I remember making paper flowers was when I was about 7 years old. I received a kit for Christmas. I used the entire kit in one sitting and was left wanting to make more. We were flat broke though so that was the end of it.

I never forgot how much fun it was though, and as an adult I'd occasionally remember making those flowers.  For some reason I never got back into it, until recently.

I saw a tutorial on making big paper flowers the other day and fell in love all over again. I've always loved larger than life photographic prints. I print my children's portraits at least 16x20". Even that seems small on the wall. So large 20" flowers just grab my heart!

I have so many design ideas flowing through my head. I'm also dying to make some peonies, huge of course!

My latest favorite thing to do is to set up the card stock, scissors, hot glue, and the templates, on my kitchen counter. My daughter turns on Pretty Little Liars, and we binge watch while I make huge flowers. I hope to get her involved too. She usually draws while we watch. She's quite the artist.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Paper flower https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/paper-flower-art Wed, 22 Jun 2016 18:40:01 GMT
Cotton Tiara With Bird https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/cotton-tiara-with-bird

I made a cape last year sometime. Izobel came across it the other day and it sparked a new interest in her and she wanted to make a tiara to go with it. We headed to Michaels and found some interesting cotton branches, a bird, and some tiny roses. As usual, making it was a mess of sticky hot glue. Gotta love and hate that stuff. It holds like cement though so it's my go-to solution. No matter what breaks around here I can fix it with hot glue. Despite the mess, we always love making them and will continue to do so.

 

We made some portraits with the results of our project. Some with and some without the cape and tiara. We really had to drag ourselves out of bed in the morning to get it done though. The day before was the Scottish festival and we hung out there all day. Thank goodness it was raining so the temperature wasn't too bad. We ate the kind of pies and treats I had when growing up in Scotland. It was one fantastic day.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child Izobel Tiara cape https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/cotton-tiara-with-bird Mon, 13 Jun 2016 03:24:31 GMT
Scottish Lass https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/scottish-lass

I was made in Scotland. My maiden name is MacDuff. I was Morag for the first part of my life, but my grandmother didn't like the name so my parents changed it to Karen. I would have preferred to stay Morag.

When I decided a few months ago to update my business name, I was drawn to using my maiden name and my original first name.  I would no doubt have been called Mora, short for Morag, but decided since my old business name was on the chopping block, I could change my first original name a bit, and went with Mori. Hence: Mori MacDuff.studio

Meet Alli. She's 1/2 Scottish. She looks like a queen that would ride on horseback along side her country-people. No hiding in the castle for her. I love her red hair, her striking blue eyes, and her gentle gaze. Yes, a queen she could definitely be.

We had fun creating these portraits! Next time let's get some period pieces of clothing, Allie!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen (Mori)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Scottish Lass Teen https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/scottish-lass Tue, 07 Jun 2016 02:51:12 GMT
Curly Haired Boys. Beautiful Mama https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/curly-haired-boys-beautiful-mama

These little boys remind me of my oldest when he was a baby.  Alex's hair was long, blonde, soft and curly! I wanted it to stay that way forever. But just like a puppy often looses it's soft baby fur, children often loose their soft baby curls. I have some of his hair in a bag in my treasure box. As Alex grew older his hair went brown and stiffer. The odd thing is that the hair in the bag changed changed color and texture too.

The boy's mama and I acted a little funny to get these little boys to smile but it was a blast and we pulled it off. The promise of a trek through the farm when we were done certainly helped.

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Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Little Boys and Their Beautiful mama https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/curly-haired-boys-beautiful-mama Sat, 04 Jun 2016 23:48:11 GMT
Red Dress & Hair Piece https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/red-dress-hair-piece poster on blue wooden wall, bedroom 3d illustrationposter on blue wooden wall, bedroom 3d illustration

Izobel and I had a virus for a few days. We called it the tired bug because we slept for about 48 hours. When we emerged from sleep and were able to stand again, I was quite surprised. It's one of those bugs that has you feeling so dead awful that you think you'll die from it. If it's possible to say getting sick has a good side, it's that once you feel good again you really appreciate it!

We were so happy that we decided to make a portrait. We both love this Christmas decoration and wanted to use it and see how fancy we could make it look. We're happy with the results. It took us a bit to get her hair just right though. I wish I was a hair dresser and may have to actually take some classes. I have been thinking about getting a certificate in make-up too. Where will I get all that time? Hm.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

(C)KarenSquires

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) child hair decoration portrait https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/6/red-dress-hair-piece Sat, 04 Jun 2016 23:00:07 GMT
CAWS- Cats And Dogs Awaiting Adoption -May 2016 https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/caws--cats-and-dogs-awaiting-adoption--may-2016 I just had another great day making CAWS.org -Community Animal Welfare Society- cat and dog portraits!

There are many more available cats and dogs on the website too!

This tiny 1.5lb kitten lost his eyes because of a simple to treat eye infection that wasn't treated. By the time CAWS got him it was too late and his eyes had to be removed. How sad.

He is one amazing little guy though and will have a great life despite it. He makes his way around really well. He can find the potty, the food, climb the cat tree. He is very friendly, just a love bug.  He posed so nicely for his portrait too. We just called his name and he turned my direction.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS Cats and Dogs https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/caws--cats-and-dogs-awaiting-adoption--may-2016 Mon, 23 May 2016 01:48:42 GMT
Izobel -Portrait https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/izobel--portrait (C)KarenSquires

The old master painters often used one light source. The idea was to mimic our one natural source of light, the sun.  Not only do I love this look, but I feel it's the easiest to use.

The simplest way to do this is to position your subject next to a window that doesn't have direct sun streaming though it. That light is too harsh. Either wait till another time of the day when the light is not so harsh, or go to another window.

Have your subject stand close to the window facing the glass. Izobel was about 1ft away from the window in this portrait. Slowly turn your subject's head toward you while watching the way the light falls on their face. You're looking for the window light to barely light the opposite cheek under the opposite eye. There should be some shadow on the side of the nose that's away from the window.

Even though one light source is simple, it takes time to get it right, so just keep practicing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) izobel. natural light portrait one light portrait https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/izobel--portrait Sun, 22 May 2016 15:04:27 GMT
Mini Sessions -$25 For Your Digital File https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/-25-for-your-digital-file-at-wheeler-farm (C)KarenSquires

Mini Portrait Sessions! (There will be people before and after you at mini sessions)

The cost: $25 for your full-sized, fully edited digital file. Two for $40 (No session fee)

Location: Wheeler Farm in Salt Lake City.

Date : May 28th, 2016

9:00am(BOOKED)

9:30am.(BOOKED) Text or call me at 801-450-3718 to book this 30 minute session.  Please provide your name. Let's connect on Facebook, (https://www.facebook.com/karenmacduffsquires) or call me to plan your portrait.

10:00am(BOOKED)

10:30am(BOOKED)

You can make as many prints from wallets up to 16x24" wall art as you want with your file.

Nichol's Photo Lab, my favorite Pro lab here in SLC, charges around $5 for an awesome 8x12" print.  So getting your portrait printed is inexpensive.

Mini sessions are great because they allow people to have their portraits created without paying for a full session. Full session are wonderful of course, but not everyone wants, or can afford one.

When they are all booked I will mark it BOOKED above.

If you would like to be tagged on Facebook, or receive a text when the next Mini Session is happening, please contact me via text: 801-450-3718, please include your full name, or send me a message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karenmacduffsquires

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Mini Sessions https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/-25-for-your-digital-file-at-wheeler-farm Fri, 20 May 2016 20:51:47 GMT
Flower Head Piece https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/flower-head-piece Izobel all wrapped up to keep warm while we heated the studio up.(C)KarenSquires/Mori MacDuff Studio

Izobel all wrapped up while we set up the strobes.

Izobel and I wanted to make a flower head piece. We'd seen some on Pinterest. We went to Michael's with the dress we wanted to match the flowers to and found some pretty ones. Next was finding wire -easy- Michael's had that too. The type of wire we got is for making flower displays with. It's black, a bit thinner than your cell charging cord, and quite bendable.

We went home and started pulling the heads off the flowers. Once that was done we cut a piece of wire the size of her head and used hot glue to hold the ends together in an oval shape. We then started hot gluing the flowers on the wire. It took about three hours but it really wasn't complicated. The natural fluidity of the flowers allowed us to pretty much glue them on and they looked good.

Mistake- The flowers took up a lot of room on the wire and it was too small when completed. I had to cut the wire open at the back and add another 2.5" piece- just used hot glue again to attach them together. Then we added more flowers to fill it up.

It's pretty sturdy and I bet it lasts for a long time if put away when not in use.

(C)KarenSquires

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child Izobel with Flower wreath girl https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/flower-head-piece Tue, 17 May 2016 23:00:15 GMT
Models Needed https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/models-needed Since 2005, over 11,000 of my photographs have been published across the world by companies such as Nikon, Forbes, Bed Bath and Beyond, Sutherlands, Living Planet Aquarium, and many more. They have appeared on billboards, book covers, posters, and websites.

Now that the weather is perking up a bit it's time to get shooting again. I'm looking for couples of any kind including human and their cat/dog - parent and child, BFF's - engagement, married couples, dating couples, etc., who'd love some relationship portraits created for only $39! You will receive two full-sized edited digital files and a print release to make as many prints as you like. Here is a relationship portrait I made for a couple at the Great Salt Lake.

A model release will need to be signed by each person in the portrait. The portraits will be uploaded to iStockphoto/Getty Images and will be available to companies seeking photographs to utilize in their marketing.

 

Contact me by phone at 801-450-3718, text me at that number, use INFO>CONTACT above, or email me at [email protected].

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Models needed Relationship portraits https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/models-needed Mon, 16 May 2016 21:03:33 GMT
Izobel -Fine Art https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/izobel--fine-art I love these portraits. So simple. So sweet.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child black and white https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/izobel--fine-art Mon, 16 May 2016 06:36:39 GMT
Happy Mother's Day! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/happy-mothers-day Happy Mother's Day
to mother's of all kinds of babies, four legged and two!

Enjoy this Gift Certificate toward a Photo-shoot, plus $100 towards portraits.
Celebrate your relationships. Enjoy this beautiful session with your mum,
sister, best friend, partner, or children: four legged or two.

The first ten people that contact me via
email: [email protected]

or
text me: 801-450-3718

will receive this gift certificate via email. Be sure to include your email address when texting.

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Gift Voucher Mother's Day https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/happy-mothers-day Sun, 08 May 2016 16:34:26 GMT
Big Day! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/big-day You know what it's like when you've been wanting something for a long time? You've wanted it so badly but you just couldn't get yourself to do it? Then one day you all of a sudden just know it's time to make the move you've been putting off forever?

Well I'm ready to make the move! I've gone ahead and done it After ten years of wanting and not doing. Ten years of fear. Ten years of feeling frozen.

You know what though? I really wasn't ready before. Some things just take time.

So, what did I do? No, I didn't decide to have a baby at 53 years old. I did that at 43:-) I decided to get a portrait studio!

Can I say "squeeeeee" at 53?

More info to come!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Karen

vintage background with rose petals  and keyvintage background with rose petals and keyvintage background with red rose petals and antique gold key

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Studio https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/big-day Sun, 08 May 2016 01:53:17 GMT
Theodore (Teddy) https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/theodore-teddy

This is Teddy a few days before he passed away. He wasn't feeling well, but he sure loved his romps through the yard.

 

We fostered Theodore for 3 years. He was our little Teddy Bear.  The shelter that CAWS rescued him from named him Teddy because he loved teddy bears. We didn't learn that till after he passed away.

He was older when we brought him home, about 17 years.  He was on thyroid meds soon after. He was really crabby and swatted and scratched us.

He loved our daughter though. She was 8 years old at the time. Initially my husband was worried that he'd scratch her, bite her. But he never did.

As time passed he decided that we were okay after all. He was still a crab, just not as intent on actually doing harm. He was just warning us that he only wanted as many head rubs as he wanted and we'd better stop the second he was tired of it.

We sure grew to love him. I checked up on him multiple times a day. I worried about him, his health, his struggle with weight loss. I bathed him when he stopped grooming himself. As much as he hated baths he tolerated them and put up with me drying him so he wouldn't get chilled. I loved to brush him, gently. He allowed it for a bit. I adored how soft his fur was. How white his paws were. He had this way of hanging his head and looking at me that always made me wonder what he was thinking. How desperately I wanted to hug him! But I knew he'd say no if I tried. About 45 minutes before he died he laid on my chest, his head tucked tightly under my chin because pressing his head was something he needed to do since the stroke. It was the hug I had always wanted, although I wish he hadn't been so sick. We got about ten minutes of hugging before the vet came in. After she checked him she said he needed fluids and as she walked toward the door with him, Teddy and I looked at each other. I didn't have to wonder what he was thinking. He wanted to feel better, and he wanted me to take him home.

A few days before we took him to the vet he changed over night. He stopped meowing almost completely.  He started pacing in circles. Stopped eating, drinking, using the liter box, and he was pressing his head into the wall. I suspected a stroke. I got him into the vet and the vet agreed that a stroke seemed likely. I left him there that morning fully expecting to see him again. I had read that cats can recover from strokes much better than humans. Before I even made it home though, the vet called and said he had taken his last breath soon after I left. I pulled over and got myself together so I could make the drive back there, pick him up, and leave without breaking down. I somehow made it.

I buried him in a really nice spot in my yard. He's not here though. I feel him in the house in his favorite bedroom. I'm sure he's often running through the acres of farm land at the back of my house.

Thank you for the hug, little man.

We sure miss you.

:-(

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS Cat Theodore https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/theodore-teddy Wed, 04 May 2016 01:18:36 GMT
CAWS.org's Van Wrap https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/caws-new-van-wrap CAWS is getting a van wrap! We volunteers are so excited!

We needed some cat and dog portraits with the background dropped out for the van wrap people to design the wrap with. (That means the background is white) Neither Jen, Stacey or I had much experience dropping out the background so it was exciting to learn, and a wee bit crazy too because we could not fail.

 

The room we use for our studio is at PetSmart and it's a tiny room. It's about 71" wide and maybe 10' long. We managed to get three strobes in there, a backdrop, the white roll of backdrop paper, the photographers, various people who had brought their cats and dogs to get their portraits made, and a couple of other volunteers. Can you say "hot?" How about "claustrophobia?"

 

The shoot ran for 4 hours. It was a ton of fun! The van wrap gets printed in a few days and I'm so excited to see how it looks!

Below are the portraits I made.

Thanks for stopping by:)

Karen

And...ta-dah! It's done!

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS cats dogs https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/5/caws-new-van-wrap Wed, 04 May 2016 00:35:27 GMT
CAWS Cats and Dogs -Spring 2016 https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/4/caws-cats-and-dogs--spring-2016 One of the greatest joys in life is to help others. For me, this continues to be serving my family, and serving CAWS -Community Animal Welfare Society.  I love creating portraits of the cats and dogs we have pulled from shelters, treated injuries and illnesses, vaccinated, micro-chipped, neutered, healed painful pasts, and have found -and continue to find- loving homes for.

Here are some of our cats and dogs I created portraits for this month. There are more to meet at www.caws.org.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen


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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS cats and dogs https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/4/caws-cats-and-dogs--spring-2016 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 02:19:21 GMT
Izobel and Poofy Face https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/4/izobel-and-poofy-face

Izobel loves her "Poofy Face," otherwise known as Sterling. He's also been called "Flat-Face," lovingly of course.

As a long time mother -32 years- and a long time dog lover -all of my life- I know how fast children grow up, and how fast dogs grow old and pass along.  Being almost too aware of those things put a fire under me. I got in gear, and made this portrait.

I know I've said this before but portraits are so important in documenting life. Cell phones sure make it easier to keep it up too. When I was little, my parents had one baby photo made of me. I was about 18 months old. It doesn't seem to bother my mother at all but that's the way it was for most people at that time I'd be ill if that's all I had of my children as babies. I have thousands! Of course I may have more than most people, and I don't know that thousands are needed, but I think most parents want a lot. Either way, keep snapping, my friends! Our memories are not that good. We need photos!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Izobel child dog painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/4/izobel-and-poofy-face Wed, 06 Apr 2016 18:35:06 GMT
Izobel With Flowers -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/3/izobel-with-flowers Izobel With FlowersHand-painted with Corel Painter.

I've been itching to get this dress on her for about a year. I'm happy it still fits! The egg-shell blue shoes that I bought to wear with the dress are too small though. It's not a problem since her feet are not seen. :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2016/3/izobel-with-flowers Sat, 05 Mar 2016 04:41:19 GMT
My Teen Playing Keyboard -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/7/my-teen-playing-keyboard Keaton Playing the Piano

True story. My 18 year old son, Keaton, has been playing the keyboard for over 2 years and I haven't heard him play even once! He puts on the headphones, which mute the keyboard, and plays. I have asked him repeatedly to let me listen but I've been shot down every time.  I've even gone as far as bribing him with money, and still got a no. Don't ask me to explain this odd behavior because I have no answer, other than kids are a mystery.  He also plays the violin and I get to hear that every day. I love listening to him! As far as I know there is no way to completely mute an acoustic instrument so probably that's why. Lucky me!

This painting idea of Keaton started when I was stopped in my tracks, with an armful of clean laundry to fold, when I noticed the light coming through the window and how it was shining on him. The kids are used to me staring at them and saying, Don't move, when I notice something I love! I said just that to Keaton, dumped the laundry on the nearest counter, and ran to get my camera.

One thing I love about painting is the ability to manipulate the images more. You can paint absolutely anything and everything. Keaton hangs out in the basement, just like in That 70's Show, same decor as well, so the background was a large metal shelving unit full of sheets, blankets, and sleeping bags.  If I were going to leave this image as a photograph it would have looked a bit horrific.  It's a painting though, so I changed the background.

I also removed the wires from the headphones because I found them distracting -there are wireless headphones, right-? Either way, they're gone and I like it better this way.  I love the color of his shirt so I didn't have to have him change. That's always nice, less fuss.

This is a hand-painted digital painting, the same as a digital photograph, so a print needs to be made. My favorite size is 20" X 24" and I have a few of them already. I'm going to need more walls.

Now to get a photograph of him playing the violin so I can paint that too:)

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) keyboard painting teenager https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/7/my-teen-playing-keyboard Fri, 10 Jul 2015 23:32:14 GMT
Kiyah And CAWS Foster Kitten -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/7/kiyah-and-caws-foster-kitten-painting Kiyah with Rescued Kitten

Last winter we were fostering some kittens. They were found at the dump inside a machine. Their mother had been unfortunately killed so the babies needed help to survive. They were only three weeks old.

We decided to foster them, which required bottle feeding them around the clock. At first they hissed at us because they were feral. I tell you, there is nothing cuter than a tiny ball of fluff trying to scare you off with a barely audible hiss! Needless to say, we were not afraid, and it didn't take long before they decided I was mama and they ran to me for their bottle.

Around 12 weeks later they were ready to be adopted. We were so sad to see them go. We loved them and they loved us. They went to a great home though and I know they are having a wonderful life.

This all happened because of CAWS.org, the rescue that saved them.

Here is a painting of Kiyah and Emmaline, one of the kittens. Emmaline was about 4 weeks old.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) cat child kitten painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/7/kiyah-and-caws-foster-kitten-painting Mon, 06 Jul 2015 01:31:27 GMT
Newborn Baby -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/6/baby-painting Newborn AsleepLove the tiny ones!

There's something about babies. I just have to look whenever I see one. I love their tiny feet and hands. Their tiny noses are so kissable. Their baby breath, so delightful. I'd love to hold my children again as babies. I'd sit longer, stare more intently, not worry so much about the dishes in the sink. If only that were possible.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen
Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) baby baby painting painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/6/baby-painting Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:16:48 GMT
Painting: Kiyah Wearing Her Kilt -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/6/painting-kiyah-wearing-her-kilt Kiyah in Her Kilt

Kiyah and I went to the Scottish festival last weekend. I am Scottish, I grew up there, ancestor all Scottish. Kiyah is 1/2 Scottish. We both love kilts and she has grown out of her current one so we looked for a kilt her size in the MacDuff tartan -my maiden name- at the festival, but couldn't find one. She really wanted a new kilt so we bought one, shown in the painting. On my to-do-list is to find her a MacDuff tartan one:)

We went to Red Butte Gardens a few days ago and made a photograph of her in her outfit so I could paint it. We sure had fun at the festival and at Red Butte Gardens! Making memories with family and friends is the best thing in the world!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Painting child. kilt https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/6/painting-kiyah-wearing-her-kilt Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:27:23 GMT
Beautiful Bride -Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/6/bridal-painting Isn't She Lovely

I met Rachel when she was only four years old. She was, and still is my niece's friend. I have an image in my head of a tiny little girl with long, dark, curly hair. She had beautiful, soulful eyes. She was quiet and thoughtful, and just a treasure to be around.

A few years ago she asked me to create her bridal portraits. I was thrilled she asked! She brought her mother along and together we made her beautiful photographs.

Last week I was looking though photographs from the last few years and I came across Rachel's bridal portraits. I needed to paint one of them. It's not just I wanted to paint one. I just had to! I chose which one and got started on it right away. Three days later I was finished. I posted it on Rachel's Facebook page. It was also her birthday. She saw the painting and loved it! 

For her birthday gift I am giving her the painting. 

Here it is.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.


 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Bridal Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/6/bridal-painting Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:27:21 GMT
CAWS Kitten Portraits and a Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/5/caws-kitten-painting I volunteer for CAWS -Community Animal Welfare Society- here in Salt Lake City, Utah. It's kitten season right now and we have a lot of kittens available for adoption. In fact, we have so many that we held a kitten portrait party so we could get their cage cards ready and get their photos online.

Here are some of the kittens I made portraits of.

 

I made a painting of one for the CAWS Facebook cover.

Have a great day!

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS cats kittens painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/5/caws-kitten-painting Fri, 29 May 2015 18:48:22 GMT
Mother & Child https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/5/mother-child

My sweet dog, Trinity, wakes me up too early every single morning, but it may have some benefits after all. Since I can't get back to sleep after being woken up, I've decided it's a great time to paint. The house is quiet, after Trinity goes back to sleep as soon as she's done her business, and I can have a few hours to myself while the rest of the family sleeps.

I made a photograph of a mother and her baby a few years ago. I came across it last week. I immediately thought it would make a real sweet painting, I like how it turned out:)

I'll have to track down the mother so she can see it. I bet the baby is about 5 years old now.


Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

Digitally hand-painted, one brush stroke at a time.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Mother and Child Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/5/mother-child Thu, 28 May 2015 19:32:20 GMT
My Sister https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/5/my-sister My sister, Fiona came for a visit last month. We've lived in different states since she was 17 and I was 12, so we don't see each other very often. She's decided to visit once a year now so we'll see each other more often:)

While she was here we made some portraits of her.

We had a lot of fun and it's great to have portraits of her, and a family portrait of our mother Kathleen, Fiona, Kiyah, and I.

I've started a digital painting of it.

Here is a digital portrait of Fiona: I painted it using Corel Paint.

The photo and painting side by side.

Close up.

Back to the photo-painting board:)

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) family painting photography sister. https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/5/my-sister Wed, 27 May 2015 18:41:41 GMT
Mother -Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/mother--digital-painting My Mother: Kathleen

My mother. We were at the park a few years ago. It was SO COLD! I got a blanket out of my car to wrap her up in. She looked like a portrait wanting to be made. A photo portrait that is.

Now she's the subject of a painting.

Just as well she's so willing to be my test subject!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen
 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Mother painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/mother--digital-painting Wed, 08 Apr 2015 04:58:15 GMT
Bike -Digital Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/bike--digital-painting I used to oil paint as a teen.

Then I graduated from high school.

Had a baby.

Went to college.

Graduated from college.

Had two more babies.

Started a photography business.

Decided recently to oil paint again.

Never did like the mess of paint.

Nor the smell.

Tried digital painting.

LOVE IT!

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Triycle https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/bike--digital-painting Wed, 08 Apr 2015 02:51:53 GMT
The Great Salt Lake https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/the-great-salt-lake I love the Great Salt Lake! I grew up on the beaches in Scotland and the water is just something that I'm drawn to.

Yes, the Great Salt Lake can be buggy during the warmer parts of the year. If that bothers you, go during the spring and fall, or winter. Right now it's glorious!

Warning: There are some really nice patches of sand, but watch out for the sand that you sink into. There is water under the sand and it can be too soft in places. So bring old shoes along and put them on before you head to the beach. You'll want to put your better shoes back on before you get in your car. And if you go there in the early spring or late fall, bring jackets. It's colder there than even a mile away:)

Oh, and bring your camera, and a micro lens. There are so many fascinating things to see and make photos of.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Great Lake Salt The https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/the-great-salt-lake Tue, 07 Apr 2015 20:37:10 GMT
Watch https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/watch She was playing a game.

I noticed her intense expression.

I grabbed my camera and stood to the side of her...

...and waited.

She looked up.


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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Intense. emotions expressions https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/watch Sun, 05 Apr 2015 22:04:49 GMT
Music https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/music We haven't been the most musical family. It just seemed that playing an instrument was something that other people got to do. I was raised in Scotland in a pretty poor family, maybe the belief came from being in that situation.

My grandfather loved to sing and he was good at it. People would say, "Albert, sing us a song." And he would. Singing is free so anyone can do it, but not everyone is good at it. I am not one of them.

My great uncle played piano for the silent movies. One story about him was when he went to visit my grandmother and someone asked him to play the piano. My grandmother had one in her home. He played into the wee early hours of the morning. My grandmother was really worried about that because she had the kind of neighbors that would regularly complain about the slightest noise. And here was this music playing through the night.

The next morning when my grandmother went outside to tend the garden, the neighbor approached her. She knew she was going to hear about the piano playing. But to her surprise, the neighbor asked who the wonderful piano player was and said that she had stayed up as long as my great uncle had played, enjoying his music.

We had two pianos in our home when we were growing up. That doesn't seem very poor to even me at this point in my life. But lessons cost money, so we didn't get lessons. My sister, brother and I would play children's songs on them but it never went any further than that.

A year and 1/2 ago I decided to learn the violin. I chose to rent them just in case it didn't go well. I rented two, one full size violin for Keaton, 16 at the time, and I, and a 1/2 size violin for Kiyah, 8 at the time. At first none of them wanted to play, not really anyway. Kiyah loved the idea of playing, but didn't want to actually put the effort into it. Keaton had a whatever kind of reaction. I was excited beyond excited! I couldn't believe I was going to learn to play an instrument!

We've come a long way, Keaton and I. We have so, so far to go. Keaton now loves it as much as I do. We traded in those first rentals and purchased better violins. We're on our fifth upgrade now, the most recent upgrade was purchased yesterday. I'll make a photo of it so you can see it. She's a beauty and sings like an angel:)

Kiyah completely backed out of playing. It's just not her thing. She might change her mind one day, but I'm fine if she doesn't. Her passions is drawing and she's good at it. She does love to listen to classical music, Keaton and I do too. We were listening to "Air" by Bach when I made this photo.

Well, back to practicing. Keaton and I practice about 3 hours a day each. We sure love it!

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Music https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/4/music Sun, 05 Apr 2015 03:44:31 GMT
Bosch https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/3/bosch Bosch is a CAWS.org dog. He desperately needs a foster home, or an adoptive home. He's in boarding right now and is emotionally not doing well there. He's in a cage and just needs out!

He needs to be an only dog, and would do best around older children. He walks well on the leash, is loving, loves to jog, hike, walk, anything that's physical, and is just an all around great guy!

Stacey, another CAWS photographer, and I, took Bosch for a long walk a few days ago. He loved it! We loved it! He is so cute and funny!

Here are some of the photographs I made of him. Thanks so much, Stacey, for helping with that! We also made a music video. If you'd like to share his music video to try and help get him into a home, go to my Facebook page and share from there. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10206612727421979&pnref=story Thank you!

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS dog rescue https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/3/bosch Tue, 17 Mar 2015 16:55:53 GMT
Really Fun Family https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/3/family This family knows how to have fun! They are always posting fun things they are doing. I love to look at their Facebook timeline photographs!

They adopted two of my foster dogs. I was fostering a momma and her son through the Humane Society. The son, Pipa, was only about 3 days old when I started fostering him. His ears were almost longer that he was.

When Pipa was 12 weeks old, vaccinated and neutered, Danielle called about Pipa. She and her children wanted to meet him. I took Izy with me so Pipa wouldn't have to travel in the carrier alone. Izy was very bonded with Pipa, and I really wanted them to be adopted together. I was also hoping that taking Izy along would result in them staying together.

They loved Pipa! When I mentioned that Pipa and Izy were bonded, they decided to take them both! I was thrilled!

That was just over a year ago. A few weeks ago they asked me to make some family photographs of them. Of course I said yes! They wanted Izy, now named Isis, and Pipa, now named Yoda, in the photographs as well. Awesome! This was beginning to feel like a family reunion:)

We met at Daybreak. It was warm-ish. The sun was setting. Danielle opened the car to get the dogs out, Pipa barked at me:( I was a bit sad about that. Izy didn't bark at me but she didn't seem to recognize me either. I wonder if we hadn't met outside if they would have acted differently. It was high stress for them out there.

Despite that, we had a lot of fun!  The kids did a great job! The dogs were great! What an evening!

Here are the photographs we made together.

Thanks, Danielle, Bella, Aaron-Martin, and Kathryn, Isis and Yoda.

(Pipa is brown. Isis has a lot of black on her.)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) dogs family foster rescue https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/3/family Fri, 13 Mar 2015 22:12:03 GMT
CAWS -Community Animal Welfare Society- Photographs For February 2015 https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/caws--community-animal-welfare-society--photographs-for-february-2015 I made these portraits this month, February, 2015.

CAWS.org has more cats and dogs than these though. So head over there and see if your Best Furry Friend is there waiting for you:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS animals cats dogs rescue https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/caws--community-animal-welfare-society--photographs-for-february-2015 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 17:53:55 GMT
Valentine's Day Mini Sessions https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/valentines-day-mini-sessions On February 14th I held mini sessions at Wheeler Farm. Lots of amazing people met me there and we created portraits together. It was fun, fun, fun!

Thanks as always to Stacey Mikesell for her amazing patience and assistance:)

If you would like to be tagged on Facebook when I post the days I'm doing these, please send me a friend request. A full sized digital file with printing rights is only $10! 

https://www.facebook.com/karenmacduffsquires

Here are the portraits participants on the 14th received:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) $10 Mini Sessions https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/valentines-day-mini-sessions Tue, 17 Feb 2015 01:31:10 GMT
Warrm February. https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/warrm-february This is the warmest winter I can remember here in Utah! I bundled Kiyah up because, well, it's February! It didn't take long before she had removed her jacket, scarf, and gloves.

I think it was about 65 degrees fahrenheit!

Crazy!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) February child outdoors warm February https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/warrm-february Fri, 13 Feb 2015 03:39:54 GMT
Flowers - My Foster Dog https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/flowers---my-foster-dog Poor little Flowers. She is my Humane Society foster dog and she's now gone out on two trial adoptions, and been brought back both times.

The first time was because the family wanted a dog that can handle Utah's cold weather. I think that she actually can do that. She came from California so her fur is really short. It just needs to grow out a bit.

The second family brought her back because they say she needs someone with her all the time. I think they meant she can't be left alone. There is almost always someone in my home so she was never left alone. But I'd crate her if we all left anyway. Of course I don't want her in a situation where she is being left crated all day while people are at work. That's just me though. I know that other dogs handle that just fine.

Neither families are in the wrong. I'm stating the reasons as facts. Not to pick fault with:)

Here she is.

Adorable?

I think so!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) foster dog https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/flowers---my-foster-dog Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:25:25 GMT
Deep In Thought https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/deep-in-thought Kiyah was in the process of drawing a wolf in these portraits. That's all she ever draws. She's getting better and better along the way.  She has a youtube channel and sometimes records herself drawing them.

Here is one of her videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EFg9d0gXKI

She gets really intense when she's drawing. It means a lot to her. I get that because I'm the same way with photography.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah drawing https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/deep-in-thought Wed, 04 Feb 2015 17:24:57 GMT
A Warm January Day https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/emotions We were out a few days ago enjoying the weather. I've got a body that doesn't handle the cold well so I don't venture out under 35 degrees very often. I think it was in the high 40's this day.

 

Keaton made this photograph of Trinty, Kiayh and I. He's a natural at photography.

I love being with my kids! They are amazing people! I seriously treasure every second I have with them. They get along so well too! Kiyah adores Keaton. Keaton adores Kiyah They play together all the time.

Kids have these eyes that you can't help but stare into. The wonder and imagination in there is out of this world amazing!

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) kids https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2015/2/emotions Wed, 04 Feb 2015 02:08:22 GMT
Little House https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/10/little-house This reminds me of Little House On The Prairie. I loved that show! Who didn't want to be Laura Ingalls?

Okay, maybe a lot of people. It was a rough life. I love being outside but I do appreciate the warmth and comfort of a modern home:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Autumn Child dress field running sunflowers https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/10/little-house Mon, 20 Oct 2014 02:41:04 GMT
Kiyah In Red Hat https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/7/kiyah-in-red-hat Kiyah and I had fun making these photographs right after a thunderstorm:-)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child Kiyah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/7/kiyah-in-red-hat Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:53:48 GMT
Sweet Family https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/7/sweet-family What a sweet mother:)

What a sweet father:)

What an adorable little boy:)

What a love bug of a pooch:)

What a beautiful evening.

Such fun memories we created!

I had such a great time with them:)

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Family https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/7/sweet-family Fri, 25 Jul 2014 19:25:25 GMT
Frozen https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/frozen In honor of Frozen, yet not trying to actually emulate Frozen, Kiyah and I made some portraits that are rather ice-like, cold, mystical, soft, childlike, innocent, and maybe a bit of evil (like the wicked stepmother from Disney) in the portrait of Kiyah with the beaded hat.

Here they are-:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Frozen https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/frozen Thu, 19 Jun 2014 17:25:43 GMT
Scottish Festival https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/scottish-festival I came to America when I was a child.  I've been in the US for a very long time now and I love it! (I love Scotland too) Every year when the Scottish Festival comes to Thanksgiving Point I go. I went for years before it was at Thanksgiving Point when it was a much smaller festival at local parks. I love tasting the food; sausage rolls, meat pies. I love seeing so many people in kilts, hearing the music. And I love taking Keaton and Kiyah along to give them a taste of their mother's homeland. They are Scottish-America. What a great combination! I will take them to Scotland someday for a long-ish trip. It will be the best vacation ever!

I only took a few photographs at the Festival because the kids get tired of my camera-:) But here are the ones I got:

This first one was taken by Keaton. It's Kiyah and I.

I don't have a kilt for Keaton because he is still refusing to put one on. Someday I hope to change his mind.

A guy in a kilt throwing a rock. (It is an actual game, throwing heavy objects.) Check out his shirt! It's so funny!

Men in kilts are so awesome! They are handsome!  And no one dare laugh at them! They might throw you!

Keaton and Kiyah are always wrestling, It's really cute. They get along so well. They never fight! Am I lucky or what?

Trying to catch Keaton again.

Watching highland dancing. I asked Kiyah if she'd like to learn. She said no. Bummer:(

This is a t-shirt. I wanted one but other than this display, I couldn't find one. Just as well. My mother would faint.

Later at home. I think she is worn out. It wasn't too hot but the little ones get tired faster. And despite my best efforts she still got some pink on her cheeks from the sun.

 

Well that's it.

 

Bye.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Scottish Festival https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/scottish-festival Sun, 15 Jun 2014 21:14:54 GMT
Grain-Free Pancakes https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/grain-free-pancakes I read a post on Facebook that said you could make grain-free pancakes from bananas and eggs. I was excited, but a bit suspicious. There was a photograph of a pancake with the post and it looked like any other pancake. I wondered if that was a photograph of an actual banana-egg pancake.

So I decided to give it a try as I was lucky enough to have bananas and eggs in the house right then. Am I the only person who often discovers I'm missing at least one ingredient when I want to make something?

So here goes!
I gathered the eggs and bananas.

Put two eggs for every one banana in the blender.

Mixed it up using the smoothie button. (Just guessed which botton)
 

Melted butter in the pan.

Poured in the batter.

And amazingly enough a pancake appeared after a few minutes!

(Ignore the dirty metal ring thing. Got too much to do to have those things sparkly:)

Add some toppings, and voila, A yummy pancake! (I'm bad, I added some ice cream)

Amazing! Right!

In case you are wondering....they taste great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Grain-Free Pancakes https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/grain-free-pancakes Wed, 11 Jun 2014 19:05:03 GMT
Kiddos At The Great Salt Lake https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/kiddos-at-the-great-salt-lake Six cousins at the Great Salt Lake Beach.

Guess what happened?

Sandy wet kids!

Sandy wet kids equals happiness! 

Happiness is the best!

Happiness causes smiles

and jumping

and climbing

and giggling.

Look and see!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Great Salt Lake Beach https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/6/kiddos-at-the-great-salt-lake Sun, 08 Jun 2014 03:56:43 GMT
Family On Utah Beach https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/5/utah-beach Love the beach! I grew up on the beaches around Scotland.  I'm drawn to the water, even if it's the easily accessible bath tub. So when my friend showed me this location, I had to use it for a portrait.

Here are Josh, Landen and Anastasia. Landen is three months old and is one adorable baby! Mom and dad are completely in love with him, understandably,  and with each other. What a beautiful family:-)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Family On Utah's Beach https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/5/utah-beach Sat, 24 May 2014 14:54:29 GMT
Beatle's Jacket https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/5/beatles-jacket My very awesome and cool cousin from Scotland told me this is a Beatles' style jacket. So that's what this post is getting called. I have to admit that I fell in love with it the minute I saw it.

These portraits were made in Magna, Utah, where I love, I mean, where I live. It's an old town, but quaint. Downtown Magna is full of fun places to create portraits. I love it here!

So here we go. Miss Kiyah in a Beatles' style jacket, a Donita dress, and some fun running around. (She has TONS of energy!)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah Beatles' Jecket https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/5/beatles-jacket Fri, 09 May 2014 23:28:23 GMT
Spring I Here! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/5/spring-i-here I am SO excited it's May! It feels like the beginning of an adventure! The whole summer is ahead. What shall we do?

We have a Camperworld membership. You get entrance into camping locations across Utah. Recently there has been some trouble and they closed their doors. Well there went our summer right down the drain. It appears it may have opened again so I have high hopes we can camp this year after all.

Warmer weather also means I can make portraits with Kiyah and not have her bundled up in coat and boots. Even bundled up it's freezing. So now she can wear pretty things and feel comfortable.

She is missing so many teeth right now she lisping. It's adorable!

I love children running, and with a pretty dress that swings, even more adorable:) Toward the bottom there is a running portrait.

We really enjoyed making these portraits. She is nine years old now, a tween according to some sources, and we now can talk and laugh and joke around on a whole new level. I love it!

Here they are. What do you think?

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah May Spring https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/5/spring-i-here Sun, 04 May 2014 16:44:35 GMT
Tween https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/tween It just occurred to me that Kiyah will be a tween soon! How can that be? I was pregnant with her not that long ago! I feel sick!

Slow down little girl!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah Tween https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/tween Sat, 19 Apr 2014 04:00:45 GMT
In The Field https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/in-the-field I love trees with blossoms! They are the promise of warmer days.

Kiyah was a champ this morning when we went to see this orchard. She fell and hit the ground pretty hard. She jumped back up, I wiped the mud off her, and off she went.

It was chilly and wet as well as muddy, but the view was worth it.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah in the orchard https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/in-the-field Mon, 14 Apr 2014 00:49:08 GMT
Ice Cream Run https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/ice-cream-run Sometimes you just have to have Ice Cream. Even if you have ice cream in the freezer,  you still have to leave the house to get some. I know it doesn't make any sense, but when the feeling hits, you drive to your favorite ice cream stop and fill up!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah Ice Cream https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/ice-cream-run Sat, 12 Apr 2014 02:21:20 GMT
The Neighborhood https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/the-neighborhood Sometimes you go to beautiful locations to make photographs. Other times you just go for a walk around the neighborhood.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/the-neighborhood Wed, 09 Apr 2014 23:57:27 GMT
Three Guys https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/three-guys Three handsome guys hanging out by the stream on a beautiful but chilly(BRrrrr...) day. They didn't even seem to mind the cold water:-)

One boy was a stray and the other two were rescued. Along with their human family members, they make a great team!

What a fun time we all had creating their photographs!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Fur-kids https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/three-guys Mon, 07 Apr 2014 00:10:45 GMT
Annabelle and Abe https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/annabelle-and-abe Here are Annabelle and Abe, our foster puppies. Are they cute or what? They love to run outside in our fenced backyard. They are indoor dogs though and are only allowed outside with our supervision. They are sweet, take food from our hands gently, and love to curl up next to us for a cozy nap once they've worn themselves out.

It was quite the job getting them to sit for their photographs. As soon as Keaton would let go they'd jump off the bench like they were Superman and take off across the lawn. Then we had to catch them! It took about 30 Superman jumps and chases to get these two rather serene looking portraits.

First is Annabelle.

And here is Abe.

They are available through the Humane Society of Utah.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Humane Society of Utah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/annabelle-and-abe Sun, 06 Apr 2014 18:21:09 GMT
Good Mornng! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/good-mornng Good Morning Princess:-)
I love you!

Mommy

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/good-mornng Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:31:44 GMT
Kiyah's Fake Birthday https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/kiyahs-fake-birthday Kiyah was born on December 31st. That's so close to Christmas that it seems to her that she never gets a birthday. Or that everything fun is crammed into one week.

So we decided that she can have a few gifts on her real birthday, and more gifts on a second birthday. She chose March 31st as her fake birthday. Since daddy was working that day we had it on April 1st.

She had a pile of fun, as did we all! She got a t-shirt with wolves on it. She LOVES wolves! She also recieved a calligraphy set. We watched a Charles Dickens movie a few weeks ago and she was fascinated with the way they wrote. We'll have an interesting time figuring that out. She also got some sand toys. We live 5 minutes away from the Great Salt Lake so we love to go there and soak up the minerals in the water.

She loves her new British flag scarf! I love how she wrapped it around her heed. (Heed rather than head...got to add some Scottish brogue in there.)

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah Birthday https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/4/kiyahs-fake-birthday Wed, 02 Apr 2014 20:11:22 GMT
Jordan Trailway https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/jordan-trailway Keaton and Kiyah decided that today would be a good day for a walk. I couldn't argue with that so off we went.

The Jordan Trailway felt like a good destination. It's a beautiful walk:-)

We dressed up semi-warm as it's spring and I thought we'd be okay with lighter jackets. The mother in me said be prepared so I packed three extra coats.

Just as well I did because it got wet and ccold!

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Keaton and Kiyah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/jordan-trailway Fri, 28 Mar 2014 02:38:52 GMT
Landen. Mama. Papa. https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/landen-mama-papa Babies grow and change so fast, as just about any adult will attest to. They go from seed, to talking, running little people in about 24 months. If there is ever a time to create a lot of photographs, it's then.

Here is baby Landen, along with his mama (my niece) Lexi, and daddy Josh.


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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) newborn https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/landen-mama-papa Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:55:15 GMT
CAWS https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/caws Here are the CAWS (Community Animal Welfare Society) photographs from March.

If you're looking for a cat or dog, be sure to check us out! 

We LOVE to hold them and talk to them while we're taking their photographs. It brightens our day!

To see more cats and dogs that are available for adoption go to CAWS.org.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) caws https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/caws Sun, 23 Mar 2014 23:08:15 GMT
The Blanket https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/the-blanket Found this blanket for $3 at a second hand store.

 

SCORE!!!

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Blanket at sunset https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/the-blanket Thu, 20 Mar 2014 04:34:55 GMT
Tarten https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/tarten I am Scottish. Kiyah is 1/2 Scottish.  She loves tartanTartan is plaid.

I knew when I saw this jacket that she'd love it.

I was right:-)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah Tarten Jacket https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/tarten Thu, 20 Mar 2014 00:41:59 GMT
The Other New Foster Puppy https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/the-other-new-foster-puppy We've got colds here so it's slowing down my shooting a bit and I'm having withdrawal symptoms.

What are withdrawal symptoms for a photographer?

Let's see.

1) Nightmares that I've lost my camera.

2) Nightmares that my camera is not working correctly.

3) The need to take some photographs of literally anything! Dirty dishes. Weeds. The garbage.

4) The sudden desire to beg for models on Facebook.

5) Willing to pay the kids cold, hard cash to pose.

Keaton got a dollar for this one. Abe got a new chew bone.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) keaton puppy https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/the-other-new-foster-puppy Thu, 13 Mar 2014 21:56:22 GMT
New Foster Puppy https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/new-foster-puppy We have two new foster puppies!! Yahoo!
I LOVE puppies! They are happy and loving and soft and furry and they run funny and eat cute. What's NOT to love!

Kiyah loves the little girl in particular. Her name is Annabella. She looks Egyptian, like Cleopatra. She has built in eye liner:-)

First we made some photos of Kiyah to get the settings perfect. Then we brought out Annabella and photographed them together. I love the test shots so much that I'm keeping some of those too!

We'll get a photo of her brother Abe in a few days so be sure to come back and see him.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Puppy https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/new-foster-puppy Fri, 07 Mar 2014 05:50:25 GMT
The Shed https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/the-shed Love the shed in the background!

Love the girl in front of it more of course:-) Time to get some paint and make mine look like this. It's like a flower garden!

After we made these photos we went home and ordered in some Dominos gluten free pizzas.

 

Hey Dominos! How about reducing your prices on those?

 

It's hard enough already buying gluten free food without paying $12 for a 10" pizza! And we need more than one because they are so small.

They sure taste amazing though, yum!

Well let me get over it by looking at what Kiyah and I made together:-)

Thanks for stopping by:)

 

Love,

 

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/3/the-shed Tue, 04 Mar 2014 05:44:50 GMT
Glimmer https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/glimmer I love drama. Not drama in my life. I want peace there. But drama in photography. I love rain, windy days, long hair blowing in the wind, kids running, laughing out loud, eye contact, emotions, genuine smiles, it all adds up to a connection. It's hard to explain what that all means but I have a glimmer, and I'm after it.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/glimmer Sat, 01 Mar 2014 05:41:25 GMT
Superman https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/2-27-2014 He loves Superman!

Now that he has glasses we think he LOOKS like Superman!

..........Trinity just has to see what's going on all the time. Her nickname is "Curiosity Girl."

 

 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Superman https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/2-27-2014 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 17:03:07 GMT
Kiyah- Jordan Trailway https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/2-23-2013

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/2-23-2013 Thu, 27 Feb 2014 03:09:52 GMT
Wheeler Farm https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/wheeler-farm Keaton, Kiyah and I went to Wheeler Farm last week for a walk. We had a bit of cabin fever. It appears we're having a nice, early spring this year, fingers crossed. We weren't the only ones there, human hibernation has come to an early end and the droves were out. People, dogs, bikes, everywhere!

Here are some photographs from our walk. Keaton didn't want his photo taken so no photographs of him:(

 

Her boots are still covered in mud. I wonder if they will survive the washing machine?

 

 

Mrs. Goat is telling me to scram!  :) She has amazing colors though! What a doll!

 

 

Love the babies!  I wanted to hug the calf but I'm sure mama wouldn't go for that.

 

 

 

""Oh my heck! My shirt is on some chicks' blog!"

 

 

Poor Trinity got her harness under her leg. I feel so bad! She was like that for a while before I noticed! I felt like such a bad mother!

 

 

"No more chocolate!" ....actually she was just posing with a serious expression. But this could work for that kind of ad.

 

Well that's it!

 

Later,

 

love,

 

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Farm Wheeler https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/wheeler-farm Mon, 24 Feb 2014 20:51:15 GMT
Newborn https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/newborn My niece and her sweetie just had their baby. See their maternity session here. He is one beautiful boy! It's almost made me baby hungry:-) Almost...

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Newborn baby https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/newborn Tue, 18 Feb 2014 05:27:50 GMT
Painterly Portraits https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/painterly-portraits I'm a sucker for the sun. I love it! That big fire ball has to be one of the more beautiful things we have. I'm not the type to go outside when it's hot and get fried, but I do love the sun as it rises and sets, and during the day in the spring and the fall.

I'm also a sucker for portraits made with the sun in them. Add my daughter and a painterly effect and I'm happy as punch:-) The painterly effect is a Photoshop action with a bit of additional work. I love this effect so much though that I may have to get serious about digital painting. I used to do oil paintings, real oil paints and canvas that is. I enjoy digital painting more though, less mess. There is a program call Corel Painter that allows you to paint over your photographs, so that's now on my want list.  How long is it till my birthday? Hm. I've got a while to wait:-)

 

Of course I want a portrait of my son with the painterly effect too. Love the tongue sticking out. It's so Keaton!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Karen

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Painting https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/2/painterly-portraits Tue, 11 Feb 2014 02:31:26 GMT
Purple and Pink https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/1/purple-and-pink Portraits from the last few days.

I'm not too crazy about being cold but I do love how amazing it looks outside when it's frosty, foggy, and makes the cheeks pink.

 

 

Bunnies used to be Kiyah's favorite animal. She's moved on to wolves now.  In the meantime we adopted two bunnies. Guess who gets to play with them and love them now? Me:) Just as well I love animals. Oh, and I said no when she asked for a wolf.

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah girl winter https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/1/purple-and-pink Fri, 31 Jan 2014 18:45:34 GMT
Girl In Grey https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/1/girl-in-grey I bought a beautiful grey dress.

It's winter so I made a grey cape.

I bought grey tights

and silver shoes

and a silver, heart hair pin.

I added a chain necklace

with rings dangling.

And I curled her hair.

Then we made portraits.

But first I had to build a gray wall

and add a grey floor.

That took a lot of time.

It was cold and I don't like being cold.

But it was worth it.

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Girl Gray In https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/1/girl-in-grey Tue, 14 Jan 2014 02:13:04 GMT
The Red Coat & Hat https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/1/the-red-coat-hat I ordered a gray coat and hat and red arrived instead. It was not returnable, store policy, so I am stuck with them. At first I was not too happy as I had also purchased a very pretty gray dress and silver shoes to match. I decided to deal with it and see what I could do.

 

Kiyah and I made a garland with stars....who doesn't like stars. We decided to put a beautiful white/cream dress with the red coat and go ahead with our photo idea. We love them:)

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child girl jacket red https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2014/1/the-red-coat-hat Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:37:59 GMT
Medieval https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/medieval Medieval Times

 

I got creative and made this outfit, minus the white dress underneath. 
And lucky for me Kiyah loves medievel times as much as I do so she
was game to put it on and make some portraits.

 

I'll probably use it again when the weather warms up and I can
get outside in the woods, but for now it's the studio for us.
We value our fingers remaining pink.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Chlld Midieval https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/medieval Tue, 31 Dec 2013 05:18:06 GMT
The Sword https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/the-sword Kiyah is 1/2 Scottish. I am from Scotland. Hubby is American. I talk to her about what life was like in Scotland when I was a child fairly often. It's crazy but I think I lived in the dark ages. Our home was heated by the fireplace in the family room downstairs. We used coal. We walked everywhere, no car. We picked potatoes in the summer for pocket money. My Granny knitted us blankets, sweaters and socks. There was no internet or iPods. Only the financially well-off had a tv. She is astounded life was so different. I sound like an old lady but it was better before cell phones and Facebook. It was better when we had to head outside to get un-bored.

We go to the Scottish Festival every year and last year we bought this sword. Today we decided to use it in some of today's photographs.

Here is what we made:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child girl sword https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/the-sword Mon, 23 Dec 2013 05:06:37 GMT
Homemade Christmas Tree https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/home-made-christmas-tree My 16 year old son Keaton and I decided to make a homemade Christmas tree. We found a large dead branch and decorated it. Then Kiyah and I made some photographs with it. Of course Biblo had to join in. He never likes being left out.

Here is what we all created as a team.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Child City Lake Photograher Salt https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/home-made-christmas-tree Mon, 16 Dec 2013 05:36:12 GMT
The Beautiful Chelsea https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/the-beautiful-chelsea Chelsea has a 6 month old baby. It appears she still has the wonderful pregnancy glow. Her sister tells me she always looks this stunning though. Lucky lady!!

Chelsea is the same mother from a couple of posts back called "Sweet family," sans family. Let's see how amazing she looks on a chilly day in downtown Salt Lake City.

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) City Lake Mother One Person Salt Urban https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/the-beautiful-chelsea Sat, 07 Dec 2013 21:44:06 GMT
Anastasia & Josh https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/anastasia-josh I watched this young lady grow up. She's my niece.

With her is Josh. A lovely young man.

Together they've made a new life. He will be known as Landen.

I can't wait to meet him. I know he is going to be loved beyond all measure.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) couple maternity pregnanat https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/12/anastasia-josh Sat, 07 Dec 2013 21:04:51 GMT
Sweet Family https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/11/sweetfamily I was helping a friend photograph her family recently. I grabbed some portraits along the way. I adore how loving they all were together. I have some really sweet shots of daddy and son, and some of the other amazing family members.

Here they are:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) family https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/11/sweetfamily Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:28:57 GMT
Growing Up Too Fast https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/11/growing-up-too-fast I know parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, Big Sisters and Big Brothers will agree with me when I say kids grow up way too fast. My first son, now thirty years old, grew up slowly. I think it was because I was young too and time speeds up as we age. My second son, now 16, grew up much faster, and my 8 year old daughter has just shot up! Not only has she shot up fast, but even at 8 years she seems much more mature. Could be a girl thing I suppose. But she's more like a 13 year old.

Here are a couple of recent portraits we made together.

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Kiyah child https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/11/growing-up-too-fast Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:16:52 GMT
Hair Chalk In The Park https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/11/hair-chalk-in-the-park Kiyah and I had a play-date in the park with Stacey, Jenuary, Aiden, B.J., Bailey, Hunter and Paige. We made our hair awesome colors with hair chalk. Hair chalk looks great, but for the easily freaked out, beware, your hair will feel like it's full of dirt.

Jenuary was a really cool mom and aunt and allowed the children to chalk her hair. She sure looks beautiful!

Kiyah was really good at sitting through the hair chalking considering she has a sensitive head. It sure was worth it because her hair turned out bright and colorful.

 

B.J. loved her new style and it looked even more spectacular on her amazing red hair!

Little Bailey has spots all over his hair. He looks like a tiger! GRRR:)

Jenuary captured the photographs of the other children. They looked awesome as well. I bet we'll be having more hair chalk parties in the future. It was a huge hit!

FYI: We got the hair chalk at Sally's Beauty Supply. It was $10 for 4 colors. Or was it 5 colors? Hm. Anyway, it washed right out, and if you don't hair spray it right after, it will fall out pretty quickly.

Later:)

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Hair Chalk https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/11/hair-chalk-in-the-park Mon, 04 Nov 2013 03:02:26 GMT
Family At The Farm https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/family-at-the-farm I love the great outdoors. I tried to talk hubby into selling the house, buying a good-sized camper-trailer, and moving to Camperworld. He said no! Can you imagine saying no to that? It's like a dream come true! I'm not giving up though. I'll keep at him till he gives in:)

This sweet family loves the fall, and the outdoors too. They didn't ask for urban or studio, they wanted trees, grass, leaves, barns. So that's what they got. It was a fabulous day outside as well.

After we made these photographs we headed to a farmer's market and got some grub. We talked for a while as we ate. Good times I tell you! It doesn't get any better than good weather, outdoors, good food and great people! Yes, I am blessed and happy!

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) family farm outdoors https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/family-at-the-farm Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:12:41 GMT
CAWS Photographs https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/caws-photographs Yahoo! More beautiful CAWS furkids available for adoption!
Contact
CAWS.org -Community Animal Welfare Society- for more information:-)

 

Mini MeowMini Meow(C)KarenSquires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Animals. CAWS Cats Dogs Pets https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/caws-photographs Sun, 27 Oct 2013 03:18:50 GMT
New Foster Puppy! https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/new-foster-puppy We brought home a new foster puppy today. He (I think he's a he) is about the size of a hamster. His eyes are still closed so he is under 11 days old. His mother is terrified and shakes from fear. It's so sad. I wish their family would have kept them till the puppy was about 2 months old. Poor mama just can't figure out why she's been left and where her family is. My heart aches for her. I don't have a photograph of her yet as she was just so scared that we left her snuggled on Kiyah's lap. I'll get a photograph of her in a few days.

 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) dog foster newborn puppy https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/new-foster-puppy Sat, 19 Oct 2013 04:28:31 GMT
CAWS Adoption https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/caws-adoption Keaton got his braces off today! At last we get to see those $5000 teeth:-)

Here he is with Oscar Wilde, our CAWS foster kitty. Oscar is going to be at the Super Adoption event at the State Fairpark this weekend. In fact it's going on right now! It's running today, October 18th till 7pm. Tomorrow, Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00 am till 7:00pm. And Sunday, October 20th, from 10:00am till 4:00pm. Oscar will be there on Saturday and Sunday. He is one very friendly cat. He even loves my dog!

I hope to see you there!

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) CAWS https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/caws-adoption Fri, 18 Oct 2013 19:48:55 GMT
Red https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/red I love red! It's my favorite color.

 

I almost always wear black though. Black hides the dirt. I don't have a life where I dress all fancy and head out for the day. I'm a stay-at-home mom with a pile of kids, pets and dishes. So black it is for me:)

 

If I did wear red, I'd wear something like Katrina has on. She is a married mother with two children, and sometimes a busy mom has a hard time just getting out of slippers and a robe, especially when the children are young. We do like to dress up sometimes and say, "Hey! I'm still here, and I still like to look great."

 

So here is Katrina, one beautiful mom, still looking great:)

 

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) mother https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/red Tue, 15 Oct 2013 02:58:40 GMT
The Eyes https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/the-eyes Her mother adores this portrait! She practically weeped when she saw her daughter's expression. It's one she has seen before, and it melted her heart. Now she has this portrait to help her remember, long after this little beauty has grown up.

 

(C)KarenSquires

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) child eyes https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/10/the-eyes Thu, 03 Oct 2013 17:54:23 GMT
October Special https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/9/october-special Only $49!


During October only! Get three lovely full-sized digital files to make prints and Christmas cards with! Cross off a lot of people on your list with portraits!

 

Book now as October goes fast!

 

 


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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) Christmas https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/9/october-special Fri, 20 Sep 2013 23:37:34 GMT
Jolie ("Pretty" in French) https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/9/sexy-mamma We women are beautiful with our hair left natural, no make-up, and jeans with a baggy shirt. But sometimes we want to dress up a bit. It just feels good. For me it is a reminder of more youthful days when Russ and I were dating. We would stay out till the next morning, crash for a few hours, then get back up and head to school and work. I don't know how we did it on such little sleep.

 

Now, 1/4 of a century later, I haven't worn high heels in years. I don't even own a pair. I don't want to break a leg and be unable to clean the house. One day with me out of commission and the house would be a complete disaster! Nice dresses are no good when you're scrubbing floors and doing dishes either. Long nails break off when pulling weeds. Long hair left flowing gets tangled in the vacuum when bent over to pull out kite string.

 

Introducing beautiful Jenuary. She is the mother of two amazing little boys, and wife to Allen. She had a lot of fun going through her closet, combing the web, and heading to stores to put these outfits together. It wasn't expensive, it just took some imagination and time. You can believe she feels good all decked out and looking absolutely stunning!

 

Jenuary, Stacey, ...who is a fellow photographer and a great help at photo sessions... and I met at 8 am and we played making portraits. It was a pile of fun and we all love what we created together.

 

Here's what we accomplished.

 


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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) (Lady) Famme La https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/9/sexy-mamma Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:20:21 GMT
Teens Rock Out https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/9/teens-rock-out Here are two very cool young men, brothers. They play music and sing and I loved listening to them as I made these photographs. It was like my very own outdoor concert!

 

A big plus about having young men at the session is getting help moving equipment around::) Thanks Dean and Chase! And thanks Aunt Stacey, you were a great help too!!

 

Here are a few of my favorites.

 

 

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) boys teen https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/9/teens-rock-out Wed, 04 Sep 2013 02:16:06 GMT
Macro https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/8/macro More macro shots:)

 

This first one isn't that hard to figure out. If you want to guess before I say what it is, don't look at the text below the photograph.

 

 

It's the inside of my water glass. My fingers are on the left side. I thought about cropping it to make it more mysterious, but I just couldn't cut any of it out. I like it as is.

 

This next one is a lot harder. It was Kiyah's idea. (My 8 year) The answer is under the photo.

 

We were painting a wall and were wearing plastic gloves to keep the paint off our fingers. This is two of the glove fingers all covered in dry paint.

 

I see faces in this one. See the space between them? I see a face on either side. They are facing each other. The one on the left has a bridge of a nose and tiny black eyes on either side. Then I see a scar running from the nostril to where the ear would be. The other face on the right has one dark slanted eye.

 

It seems like two people getting so close that they must have a very passionate relationship. They are best friends. They have that once in a lifetime bond that we all search for. I can almost feel the emotion coming from them.

 

Do I have a crazy imagination or what? I really do see it though.

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[email protected] (MacDuff Studio) macro https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/8/macro Mon, 12 Aug 2013 04:50:21 GMT
Princess K https://www.macduff.studio/blog/2013/8/princess-k I love teenagers! They are smart, funny, and charming. And Princess K. was all three:) I could have talked with her all day.

 

I brought along a huge balloon. I wasn't sure if she'd want to have it in a few photographs. She did! And she was so cute with it too.

 

She's only 13 years old. I know she looks older. (Are kids growing up faster today? It seems like it.) And like most 13 year old's, she loved the water, bare feet in the sand, and picking shells out of the river. I wanted play as well.

 

By the way, big balloons don't handle 100 degree temps very well. It exploded!

 

Princess K. is a cheerleader. See what she does in the last photograph! I have never been able to do that! A rubber band, I am not.

 

Here are the portraits we made together.