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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.