Rough start

Good news is, I found some time to paint on Monday.  Bad news is, boy am I rusty.  I repainted the eyes on this kitty twice, and I still don't like them.  That's what happens when you don't practice, kids!
I may have to redo this one.  Not sure yet.  But I hope to be practicing more this summer!

June Kitty #1
6"x6"
Acrylic on canvas panel

Painting time... I've missed you...

Not much time to paint lately.  It has made me a very unhappy camper.  Was hoping to do more this summer, but I ended up having to work full-time.  I will be showing some of my completed works on Friday evening, hope at least one of them goes home with someone who appreciates it!  The Iris painting is one I did at a workshop this spring, and I love it.  I don't know if anyone will love it more than me though!

White Iris

22"x15"

Watercolor on 140# Arches paper

Bruno's Story

Bruno is a young dog living outside of Chicago, IL.  He was abandoned as a very young puppy because of his physical disability - he was unable to use his back legs.  He was rescued and placed into a foster home where he has been able to receive intensive physical therapy, which has enabled him to regain some use of his back end.  Every day is a small victory for this baby, and even a day in the sunshine is a gift. 
I hope to auction this painting to support some of Bruno's therapy.  For more about Bruno, visit his Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/BrunosStory
To participate in the auction that will help with his therapy, visit the auction page at Dailypaintworks:  http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/42630

Bruno thanks you!
Bruno in Sunshine
14"x11"
Acrylic on Canvas

Sarah's Chula

At 16 years young, this Lady is the Queen of her Domain, which consists of quite a few rescued cats and dogs.  Her quiet demeanor screamed at me to paint her!  So here she is!

Cattitude - Chula
6"x6"
Acrylic on Canvas Panel

Horse Challenge!

I awoke early this Sunday morning to find that Carol Marine had posted a photo of a horse in a grassy field as the DPW Challenge photo for the week!  Imagine my delight!  And then the dilemma - stay true to the photo, or experiment?  I decided to stay close this time and use acrylics - I can always do another version!  Since I posted my version this morning, two more have posted with watercolor versions, which is what I want to try next.  Maybe later.  I have something else on my easel right now I need to finish!

Misty Morning
6"x6"
Acrylic on Canvas panel

I've been long away...

It has been an incredibly hectic month since I last posted.  Very little painting got done, with the exception of this one post-Christmas commission.  Well, at least it got done.  I am not fond of painting from photos I didn't take myself.  I usually have to do a lot of manipulation with the contrast in order to see some of the details.  Such was the case with the reference photo for this painting.  Additionally, the eyes on both dogs were barely visible, and that's usually my favorite part to paint.  It's done, so now I need to move on to something new!

Buddies

20"x16"

Acrylic on Stretched Canvas

White on White Challenge

Had to try the DPW Challenge this week because it was a white challenge.  I love to paint white things - flowers, dogs, and now a cat.  Found this image on Morgue File, and did the painting on a canvas board that had been toned a mid-blue, then went back and added the light color over the blue.  I really tried to use lots of different colors in my whites, but after the first pass, it looked splotchy.  I just put some more light whites on the kitty, and that's where I am now.
We've had a tough week.  Lost a friend and former student who was only 25 years old to a rare form of cancer.  Painting helped me take my mind off of it for a minute.  And as white symbolizes hope, this one's for you, BobbiJo.

Angel
6"x6"
Acrylic on Canvas Panel