I’ve always loved raptors. Happily for me, I live in a region where they are plentiful. In less than 30 minutes, I can drive to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a 2,600-acre Sanctuary which offers the chance to see large numbers of hawks, eagles and falcons. There is also a local zoo where a previously injured red-tailed hawk, who cannot be returned to the wild, teaches visitors about these magnificent birds of prey. I painted this watercolor for the zoo’s fall fund-raiser.
I Have New Models!
My last dog went to the Rainbow Bridge just after Christmas. I drew her a lot. I also drew pictures of a lot of my friends’ dogs. It helped but it didn’t completely heal.
Enter Nikki and Kody. They are foster dogs from MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue. I think I may be drawing and painting a lot more now!
Meet Nikki:
Work I Love
Rick Bartow
acrylic on panel
12 x 12 in
30 x 30 cm

Another Memorial Drawing 49:365
Sadly, MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue lost another life yesterday. It happens too often. But, in a way, it’s a good thing. While MaPaw rehomes many young, healthy dogs, they genuinely have a soft spot for special needs dogs and seniors. And they often just don’t have that many years left. The years they have, though, are lived with love. They don’t spend their last days in a shelter, sleeping in a cage. They share a home with a family. If they are still able to jump high enough, many sleep in the foster parents’ bed! So, yes, we are all terribly sad that Sadie has left us. We are also extremely pleased that she spent her final days in comfort, surrounded by love.
Day 49 of my one a day resolution: Yes! I skipped a few days. You caught me! I haven’t been keeping up with my resolution to draw every day. Been busy, been sick, etc. No excuses! I will be catching up! I officially owe days 38 through 48. I already have a landscape drawing and a dog painting to post, so I’m not too far behind. Guess I’ll be busy drawing today!
Siberian Puppy in Charcoal 37:365
Now That’s a Silly Goat! 36:365
Day 36 of my one a day resolution: Goats are sweet, funny creatures. Best of all, they have square pupils! That’s just too fun not to love! This is one of the goats that hangs out in the petting area of my local zoo. These goats pretty much act like pets. They love to be hand fed and brushed. They pose for photos and beg for treats.





