A Fallow Deer from Richmond Park

A special postcard from Alison arrived last week - something I associate so closely with her - one of the beautiful fallow deer that she often sees along with the larger red deer, in Richmond Park near where she lives. I've photographed it as my scanner didn't do justice to the lovely delicate, free brushmarks that describe the antlers and tail. Alison said she struggled with producing an animal for me, then one day after watching the fallow deer for a long time, decided to paint one directly with the brush, and it all fell into place. She wasn't sure if it was the long looking or the freedom of no preliminary pencil lines - all I can say is that it's so successful, and a lovely addition to my growing collection.

How now, Ayrshire cow?

My second postcard from Bridget, and I'm so pleased to have one of the very appealing residents that abound in the area in which she lives. This Ayrshire calf was spotted in a field on a walk with friends - it sounds like Bridget had to forego the packed lunch to get him on paper! She says she had such trouble drawing the legs that she left them out, but I love the way he seems to have walked right up to her in the quizzy way that cows sometimes do, full of movement and twitching skin, to stare at her with those beautiful eyes, and now staring at me!

A Hare and a Robin, from Robyn

I had just commented how surprised I was that the first postcard of the new round had arrived already on Desiree's post below, when I wandered outside and found that mine had too. I literally took in a breath when I picked it up and saw the exquisite watercolour of the hare - the scan again not doing it justice. Beautiful soft, subtle tones, the most delicate detail in the eye and whiskers - and on the other side the sweetest, bright-eyed little robin. I want to frame the hare painting, but don't want to lose the little bird...
Thanks so much Robyn, I'm so happy to have this truly beautiful postcard!