Fogged-in Beaver Pond

“Fogged in Beaver Pond”
11x14” Unframed - Oil on Hardboard

Laura Marie Anderson © April 6, 2007

Another foggy day, no sense staying inside. I walked over to the beaver pond and found this lovely site.

Beaver Pond, December 13, 2006

“Beaver Pond, December 13, 2006”
8”x10”
Available at $200.
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite
Laura Marie Anderson © December 13, 2006

Today I had an appointment in Billings, so no new paintings. However, yesterday I was in the dark so I went to bed early. So I am posting for yesterday and the following painting which I finished today.

Yesterday, I sat in my car while the winds were howling. The beaver pond is tuck in a bit, so with the car window facing opposite the direct wind, I could open the passenger side window and while sitting in the car, painting box on my lap, paint while not freezing to death. Aha! I have learned something new. Anyway about 5pm the trees were bending down from the wind and quite frankly it was getting a bit creepy. Just them a flash of light, just like in a sci-fi movie and this weird electrical noise. That creeped me out completely, so I packed it up and headed back to the house. It was now almost completely dark. I got back to the house, took a hold of the back door, give it a pull and the wind is so strong, for a moment. I thought it might not open. I stepped into the house hit the light switch and there were no lights. I stumbled around in the dark, wondering where I put that lantern, found a candle and call my sweet neighbors, they had power. So I figured I was the only one. I call the power company, Beartooth Electric, and to my surprise within two hours they were out moving the tree that caused that arch of electricity and got my power going. How sweet is that?

Beaver Pond #2

6”x8”
Unframed - Oil on prepared Masonite Panel
Laura Marie Anderson © October 22, 2006

The beaver has been busy plugging up the culvert that passes under the dirt road. Karl, my husband and Lake Caretaker has been busy removing the dam sticks (literally and figuratively). The ice has started to form. The thin ice skin causes the colors underneath to be opaque. The beaver never showed his face today, probably because Sammy, my dog, was busy fishing. He can stand and wait for hours in the freezing cold water waiting to make his move.

Beaver Pond - Fall

5" x 7" Oil on prepared masonite.

Available at $100.

After lunch I headed up the road towards the mountains. I spotted a place to paint the other day when I had no time. As I passed the beaver pond, it yelled out at me, paint me, paint me, but I was destine to paint my prearranged place. So I continued up the road, climbed over some rocks, and downed tree, to get to my spot. I held nothing for me today. I went back to the pond swearing I'd never do that again. Instead, paint the first thing that moves me.

I set up my paints and began. I had my trusty guard dog with me, my golden retriever, Sam. He will be 2 years old on Jan. 15. I need him as I space out while painting, thus making me a meal for the wild animals, that doesn't even run. ( While alone, I have been startled several times by wild animals - deer mostly, a few gigantic moose, and a bear once.)

About twenty minutes into the painting the beaver surfaced. Sam noticing stepped down into the water and then just stood there, the most patient hunter I know. He surfaced again, but in another spot. Sam stood in wait.

I put some of the leaves back onto the bushes for this painting. The recent snow and wind has almost stripped them naked. When I was down with the painting, Sam stepped out of the water and we walked home. I with a lovely little painting, Sam with visions of himself as the great hunter.