{"product_id":"65-and-counting","title":"65 and Counting","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"65 and Counting\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe common loon became Minnesota's state bird in 1961, 65 years ago. We welcome them back to our lakes each spring like a family member gone too long. Her haunting call, relaxed approachability, and steadfast presence are a source of Minnesotans' wonder and pride. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003ePainting the loon had been a long-standing goal of mine. I started with smaller, 5\"x7\" paintings, each with their own unique background and personality. This larger version was a next step, one that took days of adding light, adding dark, adding background, changing the water. I suspect this is a subject that I will keep coming back to, as there are still so many backgrounds I'd like to see her in. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor now, this deep, marshy teal feels very Minnesotan. The perfect debut for this loon.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9\"x12\" acrylic paint and chalk pastel on high quality, 140 lb, watercolor paper. Treated with a fixative to secure chalk pastel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMatted painting includes a white mat that finishes this work\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e at 12\"x16\". This is a standard-ish frame size so that you can easily frame this piece upon receipt. Your beautitful art will ship within two business days.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan you order your painting without a mat? Absolutely! Maybe you want a different color or mat size. However, it IS important to mat your painting before it hits the frame glass. The mat gives your painting a little breathing room; without it, the paint will eventually stick to the glass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you've never purchased original artwork and have questions, or if you'd like to see more pictures of this piece, please do not hesitate to get in touch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blueberry Backroads","offers":[{"title":"No Mat 9\"x12\"","offer_id":52402012225848,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Matted to 12\"x16\"","offer_id":52402012258616,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0703\/0303\/files\/65andCounting1.jpg?v=1779218150","url":"https:\/\/blueberrybackroads.com\/products\/65-and-counting","provider":"Blueberry Backroads","version":"1.0","type":"link"}