December, 2004
volume 2 number 12

As winter has rolled around, we find ourselves taking off on another adventure. We are heading out to Mexico and Guatemala. We'll be gone for seven weeks returning at the beginning of February. I can hear the collective groan as you read this. We are well aware of how privileged we are to be able to take this journey. Our past experiences tell us that these travels will open our minds and our hearts while we see some of the wonderful things of the world and meeting new people. We are truly blessed!

As a result of preparing for such a trip and the usual busy-ness of life, there are only a few paintings that I can share with you from the past month. I have been taking it fairly easy on the painting and having some fun. First let me start with another illustration of how a painting can take several different forms over the course of years. This painting etitled, "Vermont Sunset" was begun in 1997 from two separate pencil sketches. One sketch was done from our rooftop in Brattleboro. The other was done while driving in Westminster, Vermont.

  The first version of the painting as completed in 1997

  The second version after a couple of sessions in December of 2003

  The third (and final?) version completed in December of 2004

As you can see, the changes are sometimes broad and other times simply tonal variations. In the not-so-distant past I hardly ever changed a painting once completed. These days, I would say that I will eventually repaint about every third painting.

The fun part that I mentioned above has been several years in the making. I did a painting of a cow as an illustration of an idea for a PR campaign some years ago. I ended up giving it to Patricia for her birthday just before it appeared in an article about Gallery Walk in Vermont Life Magazine in spring of 2003.

  "The Cow" Oil on Panel 23" x 16"

From this painting I received a commission to do a painting of a Great Dane that had been a beloved pet. They wanted the painting in the same style as the cow. So I did this painting:

  "Bennington II" Oil on Panel 23" x 16"

Over the years, I have been thinking about doing a series of dogs. There are few things in this world as endearing as a happy dog. So I started with a few different breeds. I hope you enjoy them.

  "Golden Retriever" Oil on Canvas 23" x 16"

  "Chocolate Lab" Oil on Canvas 23" x 16"

  "Beagle" Oil on Canvas 23" x 16"

I hope this got a smile out of you and more. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! See you in 2005.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours,

William H. Hays