Molly was my first adviser, a great listener and wise. Always agreeable. Sometimes she would doze off under my easel, or if there were no models she would curl up on the model's stand and arrange the pillows to her comfort. When there was a model, she would turn on the charm in hopes of a treat. She often inserted herself into the pose, curling up behind Jordan or replacing the book Kim just laid to rest. On breaks you would see her, tail wagging, waiting for that pinch from the model's sandwich. A slice of apple now and then was her reward for staying quiet during these sessions.
No models meant walks around town, and visits with fishermen. She often pointed out subjects for sketching and patiently waited while I sketched. Unlike Henry, she allowed petting. It was good for us to get out of the studio and breathe the fresh air. Colors always looked a bit fresher when I returned to the easel after those walks.
A cleaning of the palette and with fresh colors laid out, the background and foreground were taken on. Conversation with Molly would pick up, though usually it was one-sided, and she never argued over my ideas for the painting. Models sometimes questioned my sanity when I forgot I was painting a figure... I find it helpful to talk things out when I have questions about a painting and both Molly and Henry were good listeners.
