Deer and Pheasant Puzzle
Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19.25″ x 26.625″
Puzzle Artist: Carl Brenders
Overall rating: 6.5/10
Puzzler Notes: Random-cut puzzle pieces. Includes a reference poster- the quality is excellent. No glare linen puzzle pieces.
The image lovely. A familiar theme of deer in the meadow. The blue sky in background makes for nice contrast, but I do prefer more colour in puzzles. The feather and fur is very hard to do in a puzzle.
Cobble Hill’s “Dear and Pheasant” puzzle presents a picturesque scene that transports puzzlers to the serene beauty of the wilderness. The artwork captures a tranquil moment in nature, where a majestic deer and a vibrant pheasant coexist harmoniously amidst a lush forest backdrop.
At the forefront of the image stands a magnificent buck, its proud antlers reaching towards the sky. The deer’s gaze is tranquil yet vigilant, reflecting its inherent connection to the wilderness. Its coat, painted in rich earth tones, blends seamlessly with the surrounding foliage, camouflaging it against the forest floor.
Beside the deer stands a colorful pheasant, its plumage ablaze with hues of iridescent greens, blues, and reds. The pheasant’s intricate feathers are meticulously rendered, showcasing the artist’s attention to detail. The bird adds a dynamic element to the scene, contrasting against subdued earthtones of the forest.
In the background, towering trees stretch , their branches adorned with lush green leaves. Shafts of golden sunlight filter through the foliage, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor below. The tranquil atmosphere is further enhanced by the stream, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the natural splendor that surrounds it.
Overall, the image on Cobble Hill’s “Dear and Pheasant” puzzle encapsulates the timeless beauty of the wilderness, inviting puzzlers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature’s embrace. With its exquisite detail and captivating scenery, this puzzle promises a rewarding and immersive puzzling experience for nature lovers and puzzle lovers alike.
The image is by Belgian artist Carl Brenders (b.1937) is an internationally recognized wildlife painter known for his exceptionally faithful and powerful rendition of nature.
His paintings, typically created on illustration board, are executed in a mixed-media combination of watercolor and gouache.
In 2002 at the prestigious Birds in Art Exhibition organized by the Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI, he was honored with Master Artist status.
In 1998 he was inducted into the U.S. Art Hall of Fame.
Making candles has been one of the easier or more cost-effective crafts I have done. You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started. You need wax, containers, wick, colourant and most important is the fragrance oil. You will need something to melt the wax in and aa thermometer for the melting wax. I have been making my own candles for over 20 years and they are one of the most satisfying crafts I have done. I recommend you start with container candles and wax as they are a bit easier. 
I loved everything about artist Linda Nelson Stocks’ illustration of “Christmas Town”. This is an absolutely charming scene of village life and was so pleasant to put together. Victorian-era neighbours and children gather together to play and laugh over the Christmas holidays. The artwork is painted in oils, which give it its rich lustre. The puzzle features a beautiful holiday colour palette of lush greens, cherry reds, yellows, soft blues and sparkling whites painted in a folk art style.
