A BOTANICAL BREAK ...

I just had to get these clematis buds out of my system, and I wanted to paint something simple, austere. At this stage, I used mixes of aureolin and cobalt blue for the cooler greens, and quin. gold and phthalo green for the warmer ones, and floated them in to get a smooth look.

I continued with those greens, as well as some steaks of brown madder for the bud tips. The tiny bits of flower showing were done with a mix of cobalt blue and quin. pink.

The stems were painted with quin. gold and phthalo green, with quin. burnt orange and green glazed over later for the darks.

Created more depth with more applications of the same or darker colors.

Et voila - c'est fini!
Clematis Buds
28.5 x 40.5 cm. framable
$265.00 US
unframed


I was inspired to paint this after watching James Fox's documentary on the art of Japan.

Thank you so much for dropping by!!!

Doubling Down with Louis-Dog

Louis-Dog the first

Starting L-D the second - masking much less, and using  lighter touch on the eyes.

Underglaze of quin. pink and lavender [quin. pink and phthalo blue]  before starting the greys, made with  the pink, quin. burnt orange and indanthrone blue.

Here is the finished L-D the second. This is my preferred version; I think she looks younger, and dare I say, more vibrant. I also like the quieter background. Louis was painted as a gift from my riding instructor for her sister's birthday. When I had Rhonda over to take a look, she loved both versions [as did her sister], so they both were sent pout to Calgary. And I have many "free" riding lessons as payment.

I also FINALLY finished the last of the cat portraits, and they should be arriving at their home early next week.  [Apologies, the color is a bit washed out in this image.] I also added some whiskers using thinned down gesso.  I hate to say it, but this commission was an ordeal - took over two years from concept to completion. I had absolutely no desire to paint or draw - my aunt had cancer. I often read that one "should" draw, paint, create ALL the time. For me, that is just not feasible; if I paint when I'm down, I create garbage. Anyway ...

Thank you for dropping by!

FOR RHONDA

Meet Rhonda. She is a friend and my riding trainer - positive, no-nonsense, down-to-earth.  She has kept me on the straight-and-narrow path of good horsemanship  with three horses.  I am lucky she loves my artwork, and does what she can to support and promote my art. I did this painting of her about 5 years ago. We were standing under some trees, chatting after a lesson,  so there was beautiful, filtered light coming though.

This is a portrait of one of Rhonda's dogs - Carmella.

A study I did of Carmella.

Another portrait of Carmella.

Batman - a dog belonging to one of Rhonda's friends.

I was just going to post what I've been working on lately, but came across all these  works to do with Rhonda, and felt the need to express my gratitude [having just finished a tough lesson].  I am very grateful to have her as a friend!

Thank you so much for visiting!