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Furbearer Series

February 16, 2011 by larrysmailart

Last year I completed a painting series known as the “Big Game Series.” I immediately began planning and painting the  “furbearer series.” This group of paintings consist of four species of wildlife usually considered  part of the furbearers.  The four I selected to paint are the, ever popular, raccoon; the bobcat; the muskrat and the grey fox.

I hope you enjoy viewing these paintings. As before, I would like to hear  of any interests in publishing and/or distributing these four, as well as the previous mentioned ” big game series”. (see the August 9, 2010 blog or visit the wildlife section  of the web site.)

  “Scent In The Air-Grey Fox” depicts a grey fox crossing a log when suddenly  the aroma of ruffed grouse permeates the nostrils. The fox stops to check. A grouse is squatting beside the log hoping to remain undetected.

Scent In The Air- Grey Fox

   

 

 

 

 

“Cattail Waters- Muskrat” shows a muskrat hungrily eating vegetation on a summer day. A dragonfly hovers nearby to watch.                                     

Cattail waters- Muskrat

 

Snowy Ledge-Bobcat

   The bobcat is out surveying from its vantage point as the snow falls heavily. Two crows fly past heading for a roosting area. This painting is called, ” Snowy Ledge- Bobcat”.

A fascinating critter known as the raccoon deserves respect. Many years ago, I had to go through the rabies shots because I failed to respect the speed of these animals and was bitten on the hand. However, they are a beautiful mammal and “Streamside-Raccoon” is a painting depicting one of these critters along a stream in search of crayfish.   

Streamside-Raccoon

      

Sometime soon,  I wish to do a series featuring upland gamebirds. The ring-necked pheasent; the ruffed grouse; the woodcock and the mouring dove will, probably, be the species including with this series.

COPYRIGHT LAWS APPLY TO ART!

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Bob Bemben and Alamos Squares

February 12, 2011 by larrysmailart

Welcoming Bob

   Friday evening, February 11, 2011 the Alamos Squares at the Frogtown Wildlife Club hosted a surprise coming home party for one of their own.

Bob & Mary Bemben

 

Quiet moments

   Bob Bemben  had left for duty and missed the birth of his latest granddaughter. He sat for quite some time holding his precious little bundle…obviously quite happy to be home with her!

Bob upon taking the mic expressed his gratitude to all and especially to AMERICA. He spoke openly about the subject. Bob stated to not believe what you hear on much of the media shows. AMERICA, by far, is the best country in the world and we should never take this country for granted!!!  Words well said!    

Bob's family

   

Denny Steiner

  Throughout the evening , up to five squares, went through the motions of “western square dancing”. Local caller extraordinaire, Denny Steiner performed the calling during the festivities.  Sometime I am going to take him aside and “learn” him to call “more gooder”!                                

Eats and desserts were in abundance too. Homemade dishes and cakes!   Ummmm-Ummm- good!    

EATS!!!

                     

Swing her!

    We are all so happy to have Bob back on America’s soil and I know he feels the same. WE are proud of his accomplishments and yearn for a time when “war will be no more.”  Thank you Bob!

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Native American Room At the Museum

February 11, 2011 by larrysmailart

  The old “Indian Room” in the Armstrong County Historical Museum is finally nearing completion. Properly speaking, I should verify that first sentence to read: nearing a point in time where viewers may walk about and educate and inform themselves  concerning the native from this area of and surrounding Armstrong County,  Pennsylvania.  As stated within a previous blog entry, I expect items in this museum to change as more items become available. The building of the museum  is known as the “McCain House” and is located at 300 North McKean Street, Kittanning, Pa., 16201.                                                      

The map

Let's eat!

  The “Native American Room” will be open to the public sometime in April. The exact grand opening of the recently renovated upstairs hasn’t been determined as of date.  The military room and other rooms will, once again, be open to educate interested individuals of out local history.               

I painted a map on one section of wall depicting some of the early history of area, primarily just prior to the French & Indian War through the War of Independence.  I painted a few “Indian Style” illustrations on available wall space. It is hoped these little extras will add to the feel of the times. I have , also, placed birch tree parts; leaves; pine limbs, etc. to further add to that special woodland experience. Afterall, the Indians of Pennsylvania are often known as the “woodland Indians”.  

       

 

 

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Odds & Ends

February 6, 2011 by larrysmailart

Quincy-our ferret

  Since my last blog many things have been going on.  I started and finished a painting for the Delaware Waterfowl contest. This is my first attempt to enter this contest. I began using the air brush and liked the effect this gave me. I, also, began a painting for their trout stamp contest. I placed in this contest a couple of years ago. Wish me luck. The “Gettysburg” painting is on hold for a brief time. An article in the Leader Times come March will feature my “ugly old puss” working on the painting.

   I have spent some preperation hours here and at the museum in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. I have been completing some projects for the “Indian Room” as well as painting some images on the walls. The opening is to be in April of this year. Many items are made in my basement and added at the museum upon completion.

Red-tailed Hawk at the house

   As I type this blog I am blessed to be able to watch two red-tailed hawks feeding on the deer ribs. (see December 17 blog)I have been having trouble getting quality photos of them. Earlier today, I took a number of photos. Most were blurred. I think I may need to have my eyes checked. The images appeared clear and crisp, but once observed up close on the computer screen I see very slight blurriness. I will include one here.

I spent Friday evening at the Armstrong County League of Arts. I went to observe their “Hoe-down” square dance and ended up playing guitar most of the evening.

Posted in Misc. Nature, Music, Wildlife | Leave a Comment »

Buttermilk Falls In Winter

January 30, 2011 by larrysmailart

Laurie turning away

   After church services, Laurie and I dressed for a winter hike and headed for the “Buttermilk Falls Trail”. This trail parallels Cowanshannock Creek in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. This section I am guessing to be about 3 miles both ways.  The creek is fast water pushed through very huge boulders. The waters hold bass; suckers; trout; carp….anything willing to swim up from the Allegheny River.

    The trail is encompassed with hemlocks and rhododendron plus big oak and wild cherry; beech and birch. Old coal mines from long, long ago are present higher along the hill. An old brick building, maybe I should say the remains of an old brick building, is set above the trail. A couple of bridges can be crossed to witness the creek or a rock-laden spring flow.                              

The deer were actively using the trail in search of fallen acorns. A lot of blood was present along one set of tracks. I wonder what may have happened to this deer to allow this much flow to occur. Coyotes? Fall over rocks? Regardless I hope the deer survives.

Buttermilk Falls in Ice

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Coyote Hunt-Hike

January 24, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

Steep river hills

   I enjoyed some exertion on a coyote hunt-hike this afternoon. I walked about the Limestone Run area of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.  I did see some coyote tracks, but I failed to call any in to me. Most tracks were old, however, some may have been made the previous night. Coyotes are notorious for being travelers. Also, this is their “courting season”, so I suspect their distance of travel will increase as needed to find a “spouse”. I sat and called at three sites for about 15 minutes each. The time afield was primarily just a chance to get to the woods.   

Bedded deer

Birds went south!

   While walking along a noticed a  single turkey about 200 yards ahead of my approach. I correctly assumed more would be present.  Tracks and scratchings told me of a sizable flock. I peered over the hill and didn’t see any turkeys. Suddenly, the woods exploded with, at least, 25 turkeys. The birds were on a bench out of my sight. One bird glanced over and announced an escape. I manged to get one photo during the chaos. The photo was blurred.

"Porky" gnawings

   I found at two different sites porcupine tracks and trails. I searched hemlocks for any sight of one, but failed to locate a “porky”. They could have been in their holes as the trails all headed to holes and rocky outcrops.

Limestone Run was predominantly frozen over with a few exceptions.  I cautiously walked across iced over areas with success. The snow began to fall in earnest about 4:00 in the afternoon. What a beautiful sight!   

Limestone Run

Other critters I was blessed to see were one squirrel; a red-tailed hawk, another hawk I didn’t get to positively identify; many small birds and crows and 5 deer. I, also, saw some robins along the creek.

Posted in Hikes, Wildlife | 2 Comments »

Night-time Walk

January 20, 2011 by larrysmailart

    I told Laurie I had an urge to walk in the snow. I looked out the window and the landscape around the home looked beautiful from the freshly falling snow. We watched CSI and at 10:00 P.M. I bundled up and headed out the door for a walk of unknown destination. accompanying me on this trek was my wide-brimmed hat; a camera and my Tost Stick. Never heard of a Tost Stick? In simple terms it is a sassafras walking stick given to me by my friend Randy Tost. The handle has a section of leather that fits my hand well and I planned to, also, use it for stability for my camera.

  The night-time walk began the way I wanted it to… traffic was non-existent! I walked the entire length of Pine Hill Road in West Kittanning, Pennsylvania before crossing the Citizen’s Bridge over the Allegheny River. The walk continued into Kittanning before once again reversing the walk.

Citizen's Bridge at Kittanning

  I have mentioned in previous blogs about the beauty of a windless, snowy environment. I stopped more than once to listen and take in the solitude…the peacefulness.. and the quiet. These are seldom experienced in this area and I was “absorbing it all in” and totally enjoying the evening!

I returned home at midnight completely white from the snow. The only disadvantage of the hike was the fact that I had difficulty falling asleep. I felt invigorated from the 4 mile travel. I recommend this kind of walk to all. If you are fortunate to live in a rural area  the time out in the snow will be even more enjoyable. I used to do these walks  often in my younger days living in a more rural area of the county.

  As for photos, I had some success despite not using a tripod. The colors are beautiful. The amount of snow falling somewhat softened the images. 

Middle of the bridge

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Cold Morning Hike

January 17, 2011 by larrysmailart

   

Frank (The Muskie) Maus

   My good friend, Frank Maus and I planned for this winter hike despite the cold temperatures. The trek’s beginning was at Rosston, Pa at the site where Crooked Creek enpties into the mighty Allegheny River. The hike would takes us south past the site of the old community of Logansport. The small village is now gone and all that is present is coal mining operations.

The temperature in the morning was single digit number around 7 degrees. Being the hardy (some may say stupid) individuals  we just bundled appropriately and headed off for the approximately 5 mile hike. The river was about 99% frozen over. We pointed out the number of tracks on the ice and snow as deer, fox and coyote cross from one side to the other.

1902 Railroad Bridge

   The walk began with the crossing on the rails to trail bridge built on the old 1902 railroad bridge. The first thing of interest were the number of deer tracks utilizing this bridge. Frank told me of a hunt of chasing deer and when he was following them was uncertain as to where they went. Their tracks told the tale!

    We continued south on the trail forcing our boots through the eight inches of snow. We discussed the various sights as we walked. At one point we stopped to gaze upon the rocky outcrops and some fox tracks when the red fox suddenly ran out along the high side. We saw it go back and forth three times. Later on I could see movement high in a tree. We shortly decided we were seeing a balloon.

    The walk proved to be a “gab” session as well as a walk! We talked hunting and fishing. Frankie and I fish occasionally together for muskies on the river. As usual our topics end up with laughs over the place we worked those 30 plus years and the fellows we worked with. Always a howl!!

Crows on the ice.

   Other critter observations  of the morning were some geese circling an open area of water; cardinals; and some crows.

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Another Wintry Hunt

January 13, 2011 by larrysmailart

 

A hint of sun

 The morning hunt began around 8:30. I have been blessed with the ability to observe and enjoy the beauty winter has to offer. As I walked about, I peered over one hill and was granted the privilege if watching a buck edge down a hollow. I could readily see it’s rack, but couldn’t count points as usual. I hoped this deer would circle around towards Bob. The snow averaged 8-12 inches on the ground. I was concerned with Bob hunting in such conditions so I purposely kept him on the flat areas of the hill. I elected to try push deer uphill as much as possible.

Peace Bro!

  I was sneaking along and spotted a deer in its bed. I crept to about 40 yards before the doe bolted and headed directly towards Bob. Shortly, the deer turned and walked about 80 yards below him amongst thick brush. I managed to get a photo, but unfortunately it was blurred.

Later, I spotted another deer about 80 yards below me in its bed. I debated back-tracking to see if we could sneak back allowing Bob a shot.  The deer spotted me and left hurriedly.

Two other deer emerged about 10 yards from me from among a blow-down.  Later, I watched a deer sneak out of a briar area. I followed it straight towards Bob. I jokingly asked him if he had a silencer on his flintlock since I hadn’t heard the shot. Bob, elected to not shoot hoping for a better broadside shot.  I commended him for not shooting if the shot didn’t feel right.

Solitude

  All told I saw 14 deer sightings including three in their beds. Bob saw two. We quit around noon and headed home for some grub. The morning was a good one!  I take photos of landscapes for my memories. I hope you can find some enjoyment with them.

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Wintry Walk

January 11, 2011 by larrysmailart

Sumac

Laurie and I decided to take to the fields behind the house for a nice hike in the snow. There is something about walking in a snow on windless day (or night) that is good for the spirit. The walk was an ascension up and over the hill behind the house. From this vantage point on a clear day one can see across the Allegheny River onto distant hills and hollows. This is an enjoyable view.  Today we could just make out the outline of the hills due to the snow.

We continued our walk along a long ago abandoned field covered with sumac, goldenrod, briars and young oaks. As we walked along  I was talking about seeing plenty of fox tracks in this area a few weeks ago. Suddenly, a fox ran towards us at about 200 yards along the same border. But wait… that isn’t a fox!  The animal proved to be a coyote! A ‘yote sighting is always a wonderful critter to observe.

   We walked around to see an area I called the “field of red” where a number of staghorn sumac thrive and grow. When the cottontail rabbit was a plentiful animal I would annually see where they would chew the bark from sumac where I grew up.

On New Year’s Day, Susie (my springer spaniel) and I were outside. I had erected two brush piles for a rabbit that was traveling in the area to my feeders.  Upon completion of these piles we were walking towards the house when I looked along the creek and a red fox was traveling past. This is the second time I have seen a red fox here and behind the house.

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