Leah Rene Welch Art

December 09th, 2014

12/9/2014

Wolf

Wolves are social animals whose pack consist of a mated pair and their offspring. The average size pack ranges from 5 to 11 animals. Sometimes 2 or 3 families will form larger packs of as many as 40 plus wolves. They are monogamous and are occasionally known to adopt orphaned pups. Wolves are vocal animals and will howl to assymble their pack for a variety of reasons; communication, sound an alarm and to locate each other. In Northwest tribal lore the wolf is considered a medicine being, associated with courage strength and loyalty. The wolf Fenrer of Norse mythology was depicted as the son of Loki, the ancient Greeks and Romans asscociated wolf with the sun god Apollo.

Wolf Traits

Socialable

Intelligent

Verbal

Animated

Family Oreinted

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November 20th, 2014

11/20/2014

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Bobcat

The Bobcat habitat is quite varied; from wooded areas, semi desert, forest edge, urban edge and swampland reaching across southern Canada to Mexico. A camoflauge coat sometimes called 'the cloak of invisability' contributes to the bobcats reputation as an excellent hunter. Mostly preying on small rodents, they will hunt deer if necesarry. Able to survive long periods without food, the bobcat will feed heavily when prey is avialable. Known for it's sharp hearing, vision and strong sense of smell, it is an excellent climber and will swim if necessary. Mostly silent it uses scent and body language to communicate. The bobcat is crepsular and is most active during dawn and dusk. Native American mythology holds that if the bobcat appears in a dream, superior hunting skills will be bestowed. Pawnee associated the Bobcat with stars, parents wrapping their babies in it's fur, bestowing celestial blessings.

Bobcat Traits

Solitary

Indepedant

Patients

Secretive

Self Reliant

　

　

　

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Seal, Totem, Spirit Guide, Power Animal

11/15/2014

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The seal represents wealth and plenty among Northwest tribes. They are associated with skill and safety on the ocean waves and are used as emblems by sailors and whalers of the Inuit people, thought of as the mammal of innocence.

People with the Seal as a Power Animal are generally highly imaginative and very creative.

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November 13th, 2014

11/13/2014

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Spirit Animals

I'm beginning a series of paintings focusing on Spirit Animals also known as Totems. Since the beginning of mankind humans have looked to animals for healing and guidance. Animal folklore, legends and myths are evident in cultures all over the world.

Urban Dicionary, Spirit Animal

In pagan religions and systems, a spirit animal or totem is meant to be a representation of the traits and skills that you are supposed to learn or have. Online, saying something or someone is your spirit animal is a statement that said person or thing is a representation of you or what you want to be.

Wikipedia, Totem

A totem is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe. The totemic symbol may serve as a reminder of the kin group's ancestry or mythic past.[1] While the term "totem" is Ojibwe in origin, belief in tutelary spirits and deities is not limited to indigenous peoples of the Americas but common to cultures worldwide. Totemistic beliefs are found in regions of Africa, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Arctic.[citation needed] Contemporary neoshamanic New Age and mythopoetic men's movements not otherwise involved in the practice of a tribal religion may appropriate "totem" terminology for the personal identification with a tutelary spirit or guide.[citation needed]

　

　

Deer

The Deer traits are both soft and gentle as well as strong and determined

Gentleness

Innocence

Sensitive, Intuitive

Able to move through life and obstacles with grace

Vigilance

Able to change direction quickly

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"Vintage Barbie" a work in progress

3/2/2013

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Follow along as I paint Barbie using soft pastels on sand paper, starting with a basic sketch. In the image below I have blocked in her hair and back ground.