Best Friends

Once in a while, I'm asked to do something special. I love recreating a special memory in paint, of a special bond.  If only our pets could live forever.  Painting number 5085 in 5085 days. 

Freya

 

I was working on this while introducing all my daughters to pastels!  It's been MANY moons since I've picked up a stick, and it sure was fun to explore the medium again.  I sketched my composition first with a pastel pencil, then a base layer with my pan pastels.  I followed with hard then soft pastels, and will hit just a couple more spots before framing.  I like the paper tortillions for blending, so far.  Who knows where this adventure leads? Painting number 5069 in 5069 days.

Jake

I love getting to paint a beloved pet portrait, to be cherished when they are no longer at one's side.  This sweetheart is striking a signature pose on this canvas, and was given as a Christmas gift.  I have lately painted a few of these in acrylic, after a pretty long separation from this media.  I do like it's layering and crisp lines, and the almost instant dry time is a big bonus.  I use a dry brush technique, never wetting those brushes until I am washing them out. Heavy body paint gives me strong pigment, even in the lightest areas.  I hope this painting will be cherished for many years to come. 

Brandy

I really love painting animals, especially beloved pets.  This darling is a commission painting, with beautiful markings, and has been a joy to paint!  In the business of the season, it sure is nice to spend a little time with the paint and create something truly meaningful for a family.  This is the very best part of this artist life. Painting number 3256 in 3256 days.  So happy I can share this painting as we drive back from Michael's graduation from college, Cum Laude, at Missouri S & T.  What a busy wonderful day of celebration and moving him home! 

Sunflower Medley

I just had to post this photo of my trusty companion rounding the flower bed between my easel and subject!  I had just lowered the painting for a better shot, when here he comes again - not minding that I'm in his way at all!  He kept circling this bed like there was something in it!  He often makes big circles around me while I'm outside painting, checking back in often.  I just never know what kind of antics he'll engage in.  Just two weeks ago he brought a live fawn to the yard to play with!  I had a very hard time getting him away from that fawn, so it could run back to it's waiting mother!  Country life is never dull!  Painting number 3080 in 3080 days.  This one will be dropped off in a gallery next week, I just haven't decided which one, yet. 

Heidi

This year for Christmas, I have been busy painting special portraits for the special people in my life.  For those in the family who do not have little babies in the family - they are instead getting their favorite fur baby portrait!  It has been fun having the time to work on portraiture, even during the busy season.  So many times, painting is my solace, and I'm so fortunate to get to share this passion with those I love. Painting number 2913 in 2913 days. 

Beau

This sweet boy has gotten into more trouble than all of our other dogs combined.  Very accident prone, he's had life threatening injuries more than once, and he has bounced back each time.  All that pampering while injured really turned him into a 110 pound lap dog, with so much personality!  So, tonight, Beau is on my easel, as he lays around waiting for snacks!  The light is a bit blown out on this portrait, so I'll try to take another pic tomorrow in the daylight.  Love this gentle giant!  Painting number 2878 in 2878 days. 

Beau in the Pasture

What a beautiful evening after such a hot and muggy day!  On days like this it pays to get out early and late for gardening and painting!  My trusty companion stayed ahead of me long enough this time to get painted in!  Haha!  Perhaps I'll start painting him in more often - he's always hanging around patrolling the grounds!  Ink and watercolor on handmade cotton paper here - and I don't remember what ink I loaded in this pen, but it is warm and reddish - a good compliment to the green of the scene.  Painting number 2736 in 2736 days.

Redbud and Old Seeder

Yay!!  The redbuds are beginning to bloom - and for a change, I am in town to see it happen!  I hope to paint many of these beauties dotted all over the homeplace.  With the fabulous sunlight popping in and out, I drop in those highlights quick and loose.  I find I am only using a few favorite brushes each time I paint - I think it is time to clean out my supplies again!  I am always quick to add them to my boxes, but not so quick to remove the extras!  Beau loves it that I'm painting so much at home - as you can see!  Painting number 2653 in 2653 days!

Getting Acquainted

This sweet lab is such an affectionate boy!  He thinks he's a lap dog, but at 110 pounds, he can absolutely squish me!  My painting companion in the field, he is always very near.  Whether I am gardening or painting, he sticks to me like glue.  Very accident prone, he has lived through some harrowing experiences!  Like a cat - he certainly must have 9 lives!  Painting number 2643 in 2643 days.  This painting is now showing at the Buttonwood Art Space - though I'm pretty sure it is closed due to the "stay at home" order. Stay safe and healthy out there, my friends!

Old Hay Rake and Daffodils

So good to see the sun today - even though the winds are blustery!  Oh what a difference a day makes!  I sat out for hours after sunset on the balcony last night, just soaking up that gorgeous weather and watching the stars.  Oh, how I loved that!  Then today, I have my winter coat on as I paint!  With the hard freeze expected tonight, I thought I had better capture these blooms in oil in case they get nipped!  The old hay rake behind the daffodils is the one used on this farm when my grandma and grandpa were first farming the land.  Love that old machinery!  Painting number 2637 in 2637 days.

Faithful Friend

Today finds me working on entries for the upcoming "Art of Kindness" gallery show at the Buttonwood.  My brother and his family just left this morning, so I am taking this day to regroup and take care of some art business.  A lot of things are put on hold during the holidays, and that is especially true this year.  It is so healing to center myself with my ink and watercolor, and dive into the theme of kindness.  Looking forward to a very meaningful year.  Painting number 2662 in 2662 days. 

Beau

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Seven years ago today, I started a daily painting journey that would change my life.  Rising to the challenge with only the first 30 days in mind, I began the process of figuring out how in the world I was going to finish, post, blog and share a painting every single day. It seemed very daunting!  With blind trust that I could do it, and to continue as long as possible, I jumped in.  After those first 30 days, I could see progress!  I didn't want the progress to stop, so I returned to the easel day after day, week after week, month after month and year after year.  I've grown. I've stretched  I tried things I never would have before painting daily  Every day is a painting adventure.  Each painting is still a lesson, but oh how I've broadened my horizons.  I can't wait to see what the next year brings!  Painting number 2561 in 2561 days. 

Finn

sold

There is something very joyful about painting animals!  From sketch to paint, the whole process seems magical.  What begins as a few sketchy lines, comes alive as paint fills the masses.  The very best part - when their owners are overwhelmed with the results!  I absolutely love this artist's life!  Painting number 2541 in 2541 days. 

Charlie!

sold

Oh how I love painting puppies!!  Their sweet little faces and expressions are perfect for ink and watercolor!  With this little guy, I started with India ink and a super fine nib - I want those curly lines to be soft as they skip over the texture of the paper.  Next, I come in with the same kind of curly strokes with watercolor to add texture to the coat.  In this way I continue until that beautiful coat takes on life and dimension. I finish with my fountain pen and water soluble ink, adding water to blend a little.  Really love the process! 

Dani!

sold

I have always had a special place in my heart for animals, even as a child.  There is something very joyful in the act of painting them, too!  I can't help but smile as I sketch each line and paint in each color. With this little face looking back at me - how could I not smile?  Painting number 2536 in 2536 days. 

Beau in Copper!

I LOVE experimenting with all things art!  There is something very satisfying in working metal from both sides to achieve the desired results.  The more I work the masses, the more pliable the metal becomes, and the more definition I can achieve.  This metal working is so new to me that I am still trying exploring the methods and tools.  Almost anything can be used to push that metal, a dull pencil, rounded brush handles, even plastic sculpting tools - nothing too sharp or that metal will pierce!  This "little" darling is our Beau, who is forever bringing treasures in from the pasture.  His latest gift?  A young opossum - playing opossum on the front porch!  I had to make him drop it before coming inside!  Painting number 2464 in 2464 days.

Trixie Inked

I had a request recently for a painting which had already sold, but I did have the pre-sketch.  In fact, I had been so busy at the time, that I never posted it anywhere.  So, thinking this little darling should see the light of day, I am sharing this post.  I used a different paper here, one I had picked up at a local art store and found the ink moved a little more fluidly that on my preferred paper.  It does have a nice, heavy thickness to it, which I love. My fountain pen of the day is a TWSBI Eco in a limited edition yellow, filled with my favorite black ink.  I'm running low on that very ink and am waiting for it to come in.  I sure go through the ink!  Painting number 2463 in 2463 days.

Trixie

I really enjoy painting animals, even though I seldom get the chance!  This little darling was a joy to paint with that wonderful, rich coat!  Hope this Christmas gift finds a special place in her owner's heart.  Painting number 2161 inn 2161 days.

Beau in Profile

After a busy day, I settled down to paint something "easy".  Well, this was anything but easy!  Beau is such a beautiful dog, he could be painted many different ways, but I chose this position.  He holds his head like this SO often, with just that expression - I had to paint it!  In such a close up, I found the planes more difficult.  I pushed them one way, then the other.  With the light behind him, it cast many subtle color shifts in that shadow side - and I found them tricky!  I ended up spending way more time on this than expected, but I think I'm happy with it.  I'll check it again in the morning, and see if anything jumps out at me.  Painting number 1847 in 1847 days.