I want to keep this cow.

We went to Durham today, just beside the Bulls stadium to pick up the cow.  You can see some of the cows lined up in the warehouse.  Sorry the picture is a little blurry.  I was really nervous up until this point, but when I saw it I got soooo excited! 

Andrew and I put it in the back of the truck.  It weighs about 120lbs, so it is not as heavy as it looks.  First stop was Jerry's Artarama to get massive amounts of paint. 

Then we brought it home and moved it into the house.

Here's where I should say, "Oh, excuse the mess in my studio.  It's not usually this messy."  But, that would be  lie.  It is usually this messy.  About every 3 or 4 months I have to clean it up, but, I swear, the minute I start on a new project, it's a wreck all over again.

I had to remove the bubble wrap, which I need to save, so I cut it under the chin down the belly and legs so that I could pull it off like footed pajamas.  Hopefully it will slide back on easily when we take it back August the 10th.  If we take it back.  'Cause I LOVE it, and really want to keep it!!! 

Ta-Da!  Here it is without the bubble wrap....

Beautiful!  You can't tell it, but the two pictures below are after about an hour of work.  The cow comes primed, but I have to paint it white and then once it dries, paint on the black design.  One coat is done, the second coat I'll do tomorrow morning.  The clock is ticking!

I turned in three designs.  The one that was selected is called "Black and White Bovine."  It has a simple, but elegant black vine that swirls along the lines of the cow.  I want to finish up by August 7th so that the varnish will be completely dry for the August 10th trip back to Durham.  No Pressure ;)