Signs of Warmer Weather

 This little possum came visiting our porch after the last snow storm ended. He may have been hanging around under the porch for a while and eating up any leftover bird food. His fuzzy face is worthy of an animal portrait.

My paintings have been featured in an Etsy Treasury. You can find them here. - https://www.etsy.com/treasury/Mjc2MTIxODF8MjcyMzI4NDEwMQ/warmer-days-ahead

Lama on the job

 A neighbor's lama stands guard over his sheep. He gets a great deal of respect from the sheep, but little affection, as they seem to stay a good distance away from him at all times. 

Several weeks ago my family and I attended the annual Swapper's Day Flea Market in Johnstown, Ohio.  It began as an opportunity for local sportsmen to have their dogs compete in timed trials, then as the event grew in popularity, participants brought items to swap, trade, or sell.

You can find everything from socks to antiques and guns for sale.

While I was out running errands a couple of weeks ago, I came across this beautiful guy. He had been hit by a passing car, but was still in good shape for making some nature studies from. He is a Black Rat Snake, fairly common in central Ohio. 

 He measured not quite three feet long, not full sized for a Rat Snake. They typically grow from four to six feet long, although some have been known to exceed eight feet.

 I love the iridescent reflections on his belly. Rat snakes can discharge a foul smelling substance from their musk glands when alarmed.

 This closeup shows the beautiful scales on his back and the subtle brown rings around his body. Most eastern Rat Snakes freeze in position when threatened in order to blend with their surroundings. I hope to use these photos for reference for some paintings.