Welcome to followers old and new and thank you for all your lovely ‘likes’!
As soon as I saw this cow among the archives at The Library of Congress, I was smitten. Wouldn’t you be? Look at her eyes. There’s an animal you wouldn’t dream of messing with but the expression is so direct that she holds you in her gaze without allowing you to look away. I may have called the piece Take the Cow by the Horns but I would not recommend it!
I created the setting by adding a background from Asunder Ephemera and used Photoshop to adjust the colours and tones until I felt I had done her justice.
The cow has an interesting provenance, coming as she does from a scrapbook of illustrations that were collated by Hans Christian Andersen and A L Drewsen to entertain Drewsen’s grandson Jonas. These illustrations came from myriad sources — England, America and Germany — and were mounted and coloured. Anderson added his own rhymes to many of the pictures.
In the meantime…
Take care and keep laughing!
First Night Design 
I think it’s a beautiful effect, makes her look more resplendent. I’ll bet she was a good milker. Having worked with cows as a child, I learned to respect them, or risk their wrath!
LikeLike
Thank you, Andrew. My grandmother started raising cows (does one raise cows?) and all kinds of other animals when she was widowed during the war. They caused many a problem and several funny stories, none of which I can now remember. You’ll note I have changed the title!
LikeLike
I worked on a farm whilst at school, so know my cows from my heifers, and steers. Wouldn’t want to be a farmer though, have turned vegetarian!
LikeLike
Then you’re a better man than I am, Gunga Din. I’m not a vegetarian!
LikeLike
I turned veggie on my birthday this year. At a time when lambs gambol in the fields, but not this year. Like everyone else I think they always look ‘cute’. Until that is, the slaughter man has done his job, which of course we do not see or rarely think about. Well, I thought. How hypocritical of me. I know the arguments from both sides, but the lamb doesn’t; it lives ignorant of its fate. Anyway, we all have free choice and I respect that of others. Sue eats her lamb chop, I eat my Linda McCartney veg burger (which I have to say tastes and looks remarkably like beef, suspiciously).
Love and blessings.
LikeLike
I admire your decision, Andrew, but I’m afraid I shall remain a meat-lover!
LikeLike
A bull? A lovely cow! Very nice illustration – she looks like a queen!
Elephant
LikeLike
How could I have missed those udders! It just shows that my mind is chock-full of unrelated problems. Thank you for your comment and for pointing out the bloomin’ obvious!
LikeLike
You were into the beauty of her – very regal! Calling her a bull is absolutely something I would do so I understand your distraction – she certainly has the horns of a classic bull. I hope you are feeling better.
Elephant
LikeLike
I certainly was. It was the horns and the gaze that made me miss the udders!
LikeLike
Isn’t that always the way!
Elephant
LikeLike
Being a vegetarian isn’t as difficult as it used to be – many more choices now (as Andrew mentioned) – easier to eat out and people don’t faint at a party if you don’t eat meat! Maybe it is time to rethink it!
Elephant
LikeLike
I know and I’ve known that for a while but I can’t see myself ever giving up meat. I don’t eat that much because I can’t afford to but the thought of never having meat again is anathema to me!
LikeLike
I have thought about this . . . you don’t need to give up meat forever and always! You don’t need to be a perfect vegetarian! I know you like animals . . . so even thinking about the animals you eat (or don’t eat) that is something!
Elephant
LikeLike
I agree dear friends,you don’t have to give up meat altogether or feel guilty about eating sustainably and humanely produced meat. I won’t go into detail, but I think sustainability is important, made possible if everyone cut down on its consumption. Science is working on cultured meat, and processors on insects. That’s probably too much information!
LikeLike
Hi Dear
I wanted you to have this….
http://dishingitoutwithclarissa.com/2013/05/31/one-lovely-blog-award/
LikeLike
Oh my, thank you, Clarissa. I haven’t even done anything about your first honour. I will, I will. All I can say is why is life so complicated! Thank you again.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on First Night Design and commented:
One from the archive for you as I continue to enjoy the company of my beautiful niece.
Take care and keep laughing!
Sarah
LikeLike
Beautiful Sarah – love how she is looking at you, very sweet – I can see why you were moved to add her in one of your designs.
LikeLike