Bella (the puppy) + Show Announcement

Reference Photo

Bella, 8x10 on 10x12 paper

Framed

Here is Bella!  Now I have two! (I named my recent cat portrait Bella, too.)  I loved painting this beautiful puppy- such a sweet puppy look on her face, and I was able to use some really pretty warm and cool colors.  Scott says he may even like this one more than Nickles the Pug! 

Next up is Spud, the Black Lab!

Also, I was invited to participate in CeleBARK Your Dog Day here in Rochester!  It is on May 11th from 11am to 2pm on the lawn outside the Eagles Club (917 15th AVE SE).  If you are in the area, come check out my booth!  I'll have prints, originals, and cards for sale.  I'll also be able to talk about the commission process with anyone who is interested.  And I'll have some fun freebees too :) 

Thanks for checking out my blog everyone!

Gizmo

First attempt and Reference Photo

Gizmo, 17x22

This one was challenging.  I got it right on the third drawing and second painting attempts.  Indoor pictures make it hard for me to create interesting light direction and contrast, but I still feel I captured the emotion of Gizmo, which is more important.  And, as always, I learned a lot- specifically that I think I like Kilimanjaro paper over Arches (the tooth is finer), and that I need to approach a painting with at least three techniques in mind, not just one.  Also, I think I'm going to invest in more prep work for each painting, that is, to create value sketches. 

My next two are on their way- a puppy named Bella, and a Black Lab named Spud. 

Libby

Libby 8x10

Here is Libby!  So cute and so fun to paint.  The smallest commission I've ever done!  Enjoy her process pictures.  I'll have another post soon of Gizmo, an older dog with lots of character.

Lessons from the Jellyfish

I hate painting less than stellar work.  I know I am my harshest critic, and even though I like it that way, I have to remember how good it feels to put paint to paper, even when it doesn't turn out.

While waiting for the pictures for my next commissions, I decided to paint a 'for fun' painting of jellyfish.  I loved the picture when I saw it, and I wanted to paint it right away.  I could instantly tell it would be a great way for me to practice glazing (multiple washes of color to create an area of rich, vibrant, and smooth color), masking and blending.  I would also be able to practice painting a subject that didn't have eyes.

And, all in all, I did get to practice those things.  This painting really challenged me.  I spent a lot more time on it than I do most commissions.  And, it didn't turn out.  I was pretty bummed at first.  Having spent so much time on it and having had my vision of a bright, captivating jellyfish painting not realized was hard.

But I learned so much!  And I had so much fun painting this that I'm still glad I did it.  Also, in my search for solace during my post-painting bummed-ness, I read two different articles that really encouraged me.  They talked about how every artist has work that doesn't turn out and times when painting doesn't come easily.    The biggest lesson I learned is that I can't let one failed painting, or hundreds, get to me.  Art is a process, and I love it.  The ups are great, and the downs are wonderful learning opportunities.  I can't wait to keep painting!

And, a special shout out to my favorite person, who is the most encouraging and supportive of all my endeavors   I wouldn't be this excited about painting if it wasn't for you!

Here are the process pictures of the jellyfish.  This painting was mainly unsuccessful because I went overboard in the end with red, and ended up with a muddy, washed out looking middle.  Also, my blue glazes weren't completely smooth and too dark.

Diago!

I'm such a cheater!  I was in the zone today finishing this painting that I added the background without consulting the owner...but I only did it because I know she'll be cool with it.  However, I think this background looks great and provides a wonderful warm contrast to the dominant cool colors in Diago's fur while also complementing his eyes.

I feel as though I haven't posted in a while, but painting has been pushed to the back of life's to-do's lately as both Eilie and I have been sick the last few weeks.  Eilie is slowly on the mend now, thank goodness.

Alright, up next is a super cute little dog named Millie!  Look for her process pictures soon!

Nickles

Drawing

First detail washes and dry brushing- lots of layers!

Adding more detail, mainly black, and more layers!

Adding a warm background, and, of course, more layers of detail!

Finished!  Nickles, a super-cute Pug, 12x17

I always say how much fun I have with each new painting, but it is so true!  I employed new techniques I've been reading about in my watercolor books for this commission and I learned a great way to sign my name using watercolor pencils!  ....I used to dread putting my signature on a painting for fear of ruining it.  But this way is so easy and I have more control than I would if I used a brush, so, yea!

Lucky for me, I already have another commission that popped up for me today.  So I'll be working on that one in addition to the two I've already started.

....and don't worry owner of that beautiful Diago dog- I know you are patiently waiting for your portrait and it is on its way!

Ernie

Drawing, masking, and first background wash

Detail washes on nose and mouth, second background wash

Adding eyes and detail in fur

Finished!  22x30

Here is Ernie!  My latest portrait.  As always, super fun to paint, a real treat especially because I've never painted an all white dog before.  I wish my camera took better pictures, cause this one looks even better in person.  And, I noticed, the tape didn't stick on the upper left corner, so it's a little blurry there.  Hope you enjoy looking at a bit of the process I used!  I'm working on my next two portraits now, a super-cute Pit Bull named Brutus, and a gorgeous Springer Spaniel named Diago.  Hope to post them soon :)