Saturday, December 17, 2016

"By the Bow" #1 & #2



I often enjoy taking an older painting that has been hanging around 
the studio for a while and see what can be done with it. 
In this case i felt the original was rather flat. 
The yellow house had no dimension. 
The grass was in need of improvement. 
Also i felt there was not enough contrast everywhere 
and the cows did not stand out like i thought they should. 
So! What to do? 
I started on the house and turned it a bit. The joy of acrylic. 
I then worked on the trees and created more dark values 
with the sky and water peeking through in spots.
I felt the bottom right corner was too large a space on it's own. 
I tried a boat but ended up with the road. 
And the road led to the far right building becoming a garage. 
Finally, i worked on the shadows and the grass. 
I think it works a lot better and i learned a lot doing this. 
As always there are many ways a painting can be re-worked. 
By doing this i am able to determine how i am progressing as an artist. 
In a few months if the painting is still here there may be further changes. 
I have come to realize that a painting is never really finished. 
We just need to know when to leave it alone. 
Merry Christmas everyone and God bless. 
Sold.








Friday, August 12, 2016

"Annie"


This is Annie.
She was a beautiful show dog at one time.
I had the privilege of painting her after her owner successful bid
on a watercolour portrait i had donated to a Boxer Rescue Group.
This is watercolour on Arches CP paper. 13 X 17"
Sold.

"Annie"


This is Annie.
She was a beautiful show dog at one time.
I had the privilege of painting her after her owner successful bid
on a watercolour portrait i had donated to a Boxer Rescue Group.
This is watercolour on Arches CP paper. 13 X 17"

Thursday, June 30, 2016

"Jiminy Cricket"s Birthday Surprise"



This is our wee rescue dog Jiminy. 
His story is being included in a new book
being published by a group in Kansas City. 
It is a book about animal rescue and is going to be full of stories about animals 
who went from brokenness to forever homes. 
There will be before and after pictures along with their story,
 and a painting of course! 
I am so excited to be able to participate in this worthwhile project. 
This painting is watercolour and is 10" X 13". 

Monday, June 13, 2016

"Cottage Country"


"Cottage Country". A wee watercolour 14 X 21. 
This is based on what i think an ideal place would be to enjoy winter and summer. 
Our house is the tall thin yellow one way off yonder. 
There's a pond out back with ducks. Must paint that some day. 
I'm sending this off to Ravensburger and see what they say.
 Got my fingers crossed. :)
Sold.

Friday, May 20, 2016

"Molly (Whuppie)"


This painting was commissioned by two young folks as a gift for their mother
on her birthday. 
She had wanted one of my cow paintings for a long time. 
My clients were 12 and 14 years of age and very pleasant to deal with. 
I gave them a break on the price of course. 
They'd saved their allowance to be able to do this.  
I enjoy commissions and the stories that often go with them. 
Such as this one! :) 
Acrylic on canvas, 12" X 12".

Thursday, April 28, 2016

"Penny Lane"

Acrylic on canvas.
16X20
Sold.

Monday, April 25, 2016

"Little Elbow"



This would be my turning point painting. The cows are there but only as minor players. 
Worthy inhabitants of the scene. My whimsical watercolours meet bovine bliss. 
I love colour and patterns. 
My comfort zone, deep in shape making. Time evaporates. 
I have recently come to realize why i paint the whimsy and colour as i do. 
It so helps with making sense out of a chaotic world that is overrun with evil. 
Within me there is a guilt and sadness that will not dissipate. 
My penance, the paintings. 
An atonement for being a player in the futility. 
Nature has it right. We do not. 
Acrylic on canvas. 20X30
Sold.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

"Charter School"




I have not posted here for some time and thought i might give it a go once again. 
This painting was in a show i am having just now in Calgary at the Ruberto Ostberg Gallery. 
I had 14 watercolours and 19 acrylics completed in time for the opening. 
This is watercolour on Arches CP paper. 22" X 22".
Sold.