Calico Dreaming

 

It can be hard to paint a moving target - especially this affectionate new kitty!  She loves attention and winds around our legs as we walk. If we're still, she's in our laps and climbing to shoulders, which also makes for difficult painting, lol. So, I wait for her to settle, then start my process.  When I'm ready for a photo, she's on the move again, making it nearly impossible to get a pic.  She's a beauty and I look forward to painting her in the years ahead.  Painting number 4800 in 4800 days. 

Curious

It was a winter goal of mine to spend more time focusing on portrait work in oils. I envisioned months of continued study, honing my skills on every painting.  Real life has not quite worked out that way, filling my days with so many other things, and teasing me with landscapes I couldn't resist!  On my mind, I have continued to return to portrait work, people, cats, dogs, cows(!), painting more of them than usual, which is a win.  Perhaps slipping them into my schedule ever so often is a good way to keep the learning fresh.  I do learn so much with each painting, loving the process of it all!  Painting number 2998 in 2998 days. 

Sweet Kitty

Oh, I love drawing a sweet kitty face after such a busy day!  I've been making and writing cards for hours, so unwinding with a little drawing is so relaxing!  Graphite is my first art love, the first thing my little hands picked up from a child's desk my Grandma Frank had loaded with supplies at a north window in her kitchen.  I remember the color of the light, the smell of the old pencils when I sharpened them, and the way their marks spread across a paper.  I remember the tactile feel of the lead on that thick, yellowed paper.  That desk was tiny and I wasn't in school yet, and those memories are embedded in my soul. I even remember a black and red diamond checkered box that all the writing supplies and antique child's scissors were kept in, inside the desk.  I haven't thought of these things for years, but drawing takes me right back to that joyful time.  Painting number 2901 in 2901 days.