Hercules

8 x 10 Oil on Gessobord

 

SOLD

"Say, What??  Did someone mention steak?"  That's why I'm thinking that Hercules' ear is up :-)  What a great face....and those eyes.  I loved painting the structure of the face.  This is my most recent commission.  I'm working on another one, and I have to say that these dogs work wonders for me while I'm painting.  I get into that Zen place.  Again, thank you to Hercules' humans for giving me the opportunity to paint such a wonderful, powerful companion.

First Blooms

SOLD 
 

6 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Isn't it funny how each Spring we get so excited about the first blooms we see?!  It's like we haven't seen Spring before.  That's why I like the change of seasons so much.  We forget how wonderful each season is until the following one is upon us.  This painting was done with left over paints on my palette, so very limited and lots of mixing.  Happy Spring! 

Roxie

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

 

SOLD

Watch what you say, because I'm pretty sure Roxie can hear you no matter where you are :-)  What an adorable dog Roxie is.  He's another commission and I thank his owners for the opportunity to paint him.  So cute and a joy to do! 

Lucy

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

 

SOLD

What fun I had with this commission!  How can you not smile at a bloodhound's face??  The position was a little odd, but according to Lucy's owners, this is a common trait.  They all apparently sit this way...And those sad eyes and gaping mouth.  Sadly, Lucy passed away recently.  She did live a long, happy life.   A dog's life is way too short :-(

Smith Mountain Lake View

16 x 20 Oil on Gessobord

 

SOLD

This is a larger format than I usually paint, and I must admit that I enjoyed doing a "big" painting.  I attacked it with large brushes and lots of paint.  It shows up a little darker here than it really is, but hopefully you can get the idea.  The lovely woman who contacted me asked me to paint the view from her lake house. This is one of two commissioned pieces. It's actually hard to see the detail here.  I might try to take some detail photos of it and post them.  One of the best things about painting commissions is that I meet really great people!

Opening of Olin Gallery Show on Friday

SOLD

This piece is called "In the Spotlight, Washington Square Park."  It will be one of the many paintings to see at the opening of the Olin Gallery 2015 Biennial Juried Exhibition at Roanoke College on Friday, March 13th.  The Juror's talk and reception is at 6:00 PM.  If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello.  After seeing the list of accepted artists, it should be a great show!!

February Went to the Dogs

Well, February came and went...Mostly to the dogs.  Here is a sample of some of the commissions that I completed.  I'm pleased to say, everyone was happy with them.  Me, too :-) 

I'm currently working on another dog commission, and have begun a large project which I will share soon.  It is taking a lot of my time right now, and I'm actually thinking about it day and night.  I wake up in the middle of the night with a great idea for it, but forget it by the time I get up in the morning.  I will have to keep a pencil and paper by the bed....Of course, I'll bet some of those wonderful thoughts will look pretty dumb in the light of day.  I'm so thankful to be able to dwell on painting methods, even in the middle of the night.

Beautiful Cooper

SOLD

 

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Cooper is a Boykin Spaniel, and probably one of the prettiest ones due to the curl on the top of her head.  I'll bet all the other Boykins wish they had her sense of style :-)  She is a free spirit and so full of energy and life.  She should give lessons on how to live for the moment.  She has gotten older and slower, but she still has that "let's go and play" look in her eyes.  I loved painting her!

Thinking Summer

SOLD

12 x 24 Oil on Gessobord

This seems like a really long winter, and I felt the need to paint something "summery."  Because the painting was hard to photograph, I included a portion (detail) first and then the complete painting below.  This is the beach in Amagansett, Long Island, NY.  As far as I'm concerned, there isn't a better beach anywhere.  Never too crowded, wide soft sand, no vehicles allowed....