Fearless Concentration

We've been lucky to have beautiful weather this week. Going out to paint today so, of course, it's overcast with rain expected. What a season this has been.

I've wanted to paint some animals for quite awhile. Decided to start with my favorite, the tiger. I was trying to get prey reflected in his eye but no matter how I approached it, I just couldn't get it right. More practice, I guess.

I start with very dark colors and work my way to light and then add the detail. I use a very old brush for the hairs and then paint more detailed hairs with a liner brush.

#22 5x7 $65

Labor of Love

It's been a long, hot week and I have not been able to crank up my creative juices. I thought I'd post one of my favorite paintings. I have done several versions of this subject, the original which was the actual flowers in my neighbors garden. I have changed the flowers in each painting and added a gate to this one. I just like the layout.

The painting is large but the size fit the subject matter and makes a strong statement. It captures my desire to create drama with shadows and light. Since fall is fast approaching, I wanted to linger on summer's bounty.

24x36 $795

Beaching

I know, late again. Too much happening this time of year with paintouts, art shows, and restocking galleries. I only have two more significant shows to do this year and then will get my gallery up and running for the fall season.
This painting is my idea of a relaxing day at the beach. I wanted to keep it simple and calming. I am working on much larger pieces (24x36) in this vein. The large ones are done on gallery wrap canvas, which means there is no frame but the canvas wraps to the back and I paint the sides as part of the scene.

I haven't had very many opportunities to go to the beach this summer. We've had so much rain and the few nice weekends I have been booked at a show or committed to something else.

I am in a new gallery called the White Mountain Artisans, which is located on the main street of North Conway, NH. This is a large tourist area and the gallery is exceptional. Check out their website (http://www.whitemountainartisansgallery.com/).

#21 5x7 $65

Cooling Off

OK, I know. I'm a day late again. Been busy this week and the days seem to fly by.

Anyone with a retriever can relate to this painting. I miss my golden, Cheyenne. She would stay in the water all day if I let her. She truly was an exceptional dog...loving, obedient and able to anticipate what I needed from her.

My current dog is a Shih Tzu named, Bailey. I originally bought him to keep Cheyenne company. Now I have the first small dog I have ever owned. Of course, he thinks he's fierce.

I was struggling with the water in the painting. I just couldn't seem to get the water the way I wanted it. I must have done about 15 layers of washes. Each painting is a journey and a learning experience. That's what keeps it a challenge.

Tomorrow I am participating in a show "Uncommon Art on the Common" in Goffstown, NH, which is the next town from where I live. The weather is supposed to be perfect, for a change.

#20 5x7 $65 sold