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An elderly couple paints together at a wooden easel in a backyard while a black and white French Bulldog lies on the grass. 21 / 22

Ruth and Frank Set Up the Easel Outside. Domino Picked His Own Spot.

AI imagefrench bulldogpaintingbackyard

Out in the backyard, a wooden easel has been set up on the grass, and Ruth and Frank are working on the same canvas together, brushes in hand and a well-used palette of blues and yellows propped in front of them. Ruth, in a chambray shirt, is dabbing in a careful detail while Frank leans in with a proud smile. Stretched out on the lawn in the foreground, Domino has fully committed to relaxation: belly down, chin on the grass, eyes heavy, the very picture of a dog who has no interest in art critique. Garden tools, watering cans, and potted plants line the side of the house behind them.

Creative hobbies like painting are a wonderful fit for retirement. They encourage focus, offer a sense of accomplishment, and can be enjoyed at any skill level. Doing them outdoors adds fresh air and sunshine. A few pet safety notes are worth keeping in mind when art supplies come out, though. Some paints, solvents, and thinners can be harmful if licked or chewed, so it is best to keep jars, tubes, and rags off the ground and clean brushes away from curious noses. Rinse water can also be tempting for a thirsty dog, so offer fresh water nearby. On sunny days, make sure there is shade for a flat-faced breed that can overheat.

The painting may end up being a landscape or a flower bed. Given how peaceful he looks, it would be no surprise if the next one features a certain black and white napper.

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