MR. TURNER preview - Video posted by the Tate.

Join director Mike Leigh and actor Timothy Spall for a behind-the-scenes look at how they brought Turner to life for the big screen. In this short video, they focus on how they recreated the great British painter’s Queen Street Gallery.

I spent all of last evening watching numerous videos about this period film. I want to have all the background possible before I see the movie. Timothy Spall, the actor who portrays J. M. W. Turner, took painting lessons for two years in preparation for the role. 

If you can't see the video above, click here. Watch full screen for the best viewing experience.

View another article posted by The Royal Academy - when the link opens, scroll down for a fabulous 14 minute video and discover how the makers of 'Mr. Turner' recreated scenes at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition in this fascinating behind-the-scenes featurette.

I hope you too will now be as excited as I am about this upcoming movie that is getting rave reviews. Your art lesson for the day is over now. xo

Wonderful Twirling Santa

Isn't this the best animated gif ever? via

Merry Gifmas!

Preening Pelican

I've never thought pelicans were beautiful until I saw this photo.

via

Chickens Wearing Hand Knits

Now I've seen everything. These girls look pretty happy, don't they? Do you knit for your flock? Images found here. Happy Monday.

Starry Night

I love a good winter sky full of stars. via My stars are out too but there are lots of clouds. I just got back from a walk with the wonder dog. Have a great Sunday evening. xo

Webster's Nap

We went on a really long walk today and he's been asleep ever since we got back. I like to exhaust him every once in a while so he will be mellow for the rest of the day.

Christmas Cookies with Original Art Decorations

Only in Sweden! Don't you just love these cookies? There are many more photos to delight you over at Fine Little Day. Enjoy looking and maybe you'll be inspired to make some too. See you later. xo

Doing Winter Chores - Beatrix Potter

Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter "Preparing for cold weather." via

Beautiful Cold Winter Snow Scene

We don't have snow on the ground any more and I'm glad. Today is cold and windy with a cloudless blue sky. It's a perfect December day. Have a great weekend. via

English Cottage

Yes. Take me there now. via

So Many Christmas Wreaths

This ouse looks lovely, doesn't it? The owners even put a wreath on the garage! I'm such a failure at outside decorations and lately inside ones too. via

Cozy Foxes

I'll be tucking in early tonight too. Isn't this a fabulous photo of two sleeping foxes? They look so peaceful. I watched the most wonderful movie last night -- The Book Thief. If you haven't seen it, you are in for a treat. It will blow you away. Stay warm. xo

Not Too Big -- Just Right

Not too big antiquarian home.

I had to stop and study all of the architectural details here and thought you might want to look too. I'm sure this home must be lovely when it's decorated for Christmas. My favorite thing about winter is the bare trees that expose what's hidden in summer. I think that's the best time to look at real estate because you can really see what you're buying. via

George Washington's Headquarters Morristown NJ

General George Washington’s headquarters was established here at the Ford Mansion in Morristown, New Jersey on December 1, 1779.

I went here with my mom for a program at Christmas time three years ago. Must go again this year to see it all decorated for Christmas. It's a gorgeous building with a great museum. via

A Great Kitchen Range + Coffee Machine

I like this kind of dedication to having a fabulous range that is also beautiful and a dedicated coffee machine. That's prioritizing at its best in my opinion. I like the big hood and the beautiful back splash too. There is probably a good workspace to the right that's not too far from the cooking area. It would  be awkward at first but I'm sure after a while one could get used to this arrangement. via

New Girl in Town

Harlow and Indiana welcome their new little sister named Reese. via Instagram She looks like a dachshund puppy with pointer markings. Love her, and she looks like a boss!

December

"December’s wintery breath is already clouding the pond, frosting the pane, obscuring summer’s memory." ~ John Geddes

Such a lovely quote and so true. via

A Border Collie and His Lambs

A dog and his flock, growing up together.

When can they go outside so I can herd them? via

Our Poor, Sick Planet

Someone came up with a great idea to illustrate the condition of our poor earth using a globe and some of the things we humans use to treat ourselves when we are sick. More and more experts are warning that pretty soon, we will be at the point of no return. 

I'm not trying to be negative but thought I should post this poignant image as a reminder that Mother Earth is hurting and cannot heal herself without our help. via

Shrinking Christmas List

I'm sure many of you can relate to this quote found and put on one of my blue sky photos.