Post Christmas Commission

I took on one more commission before the holidays, but alas, my optimism about finishing before Christmas was a bit off.  This is Bella at Brant Point on the island of Nantucket, MA. 

As a former owner of a terrier, I know those sweet brown eyes mask a mischievous mind.

Extra Special Portrait #1

I love doing portraits, despite the challenges, but some I enjoy more than others.  This is the first of two I've been working on with special meaning.

Mrs Douglas passed away last winter and left a gap in the lives of my cousin and his partner.  She loved to snuggle among the down pillows and comforter to watch the birds outside her window.  I only knew her for a short while, but she was an elegant little lady.

Mrs. Douglas

Her coloring was perfect for creating a charcoal sketch using a toned paper using black and white charcoal.  It is good practice in observing and translating values.

Special Portrait #2 will be completed soon (I hope).

Pet Portraits

Kato on Lake Tiogue

I've done a few portraits of animals that belonged to other people and decided it was time to paint the pooches in my life.  I guess I wasn't a very good "mother" because I can't find too many photos of my first dog, Woody, who was a Jack Russell.  Probably because he wouldn't sit still long enough for a picture. 

But I did have some nice poses of Kato, my Belgian Shepherd.  He was quite handsome, a great Man Magnet, and the sweetest dog until the side effects of Phenobarbital turned him to the dark side.  His thick coat of black fur and big brown eyes made him so huggable.  He was so big it was almost like hugging a human.

I miss them both and wonder if is time to find another addition to my family.  I'll be sure to take good pictures this time.  And I'll go online to find some images that look like Woody.  Wouldn't want him to feel left out.

Making the Best of Bad Weather

A Warm Sport on the Rug

Loosing electricity, and heat, wasn't so bad with this little guy helping to keep me warm.  As the day progressed, he just moved to new sunny spots on the floor, warming his little arthritic knees.  A regal pose like this was perfect for a painting.  And he earned it by snuggling next to me at night until the power returned.

While he followed the sun, I set up by a window and painted a number of small paintings for my solo show open reception.