Here's a few pictures from my one man show this weekend. It was a lot of fun. 

Our gallery walls desperately need patching and painting....hence the black backdrops. My lighter paintings looked horrible against the white wall, and it only made the nail holes show worse, so I decided to hang the black sheet behind. I think it makes everything stand out better.

Thanks so much for everyone who came, to my opening reception, and during the weekend. And thanks to those of you who bought my work. Your patronage is deeply appreciated!

24" x 36" oil on canvas ~ Wading Grizzly (title ideas...please?)

I suppose I should have given this one a bit more thought before I posted it, but I can not for the life of me, think of a good title right now. If anyone has any brilliant ideas, please let me know! Lol!

I'm finished!...the paint was still wet when I hung it in the show, but it was definitely a hit with everyone. I was very happy to be finished in time.

This was my first time working with Liquin, using it for what it was meant to do. I tried it once before, on an alla prima painting, and it just frustrated me, so I didn't try it again for a long time. After a bit of research, I realized that it is meant for fine detail work, to help the paint dry faster. It is what enabled me to actually paint layers of fur, and not have to wait for days for it to dry. Previously, I've only used acrylic for wildlife work, but I don't really like acrylic. Let's just say, our personalities clash! So my Liquin discovery is a blessing!

Voila!

PS: I also have quite a few new prints available. This one will be available soon,  at a size of 12" x 18", so check my shop often. Click HERE to check out my available prints on Etsy.

Cheers!

Teamwork~ 10" x 10" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I finished these guys a few days ago, but I kept forgetting to photograph them until it got dark!

So...now it's done.

This gorgeous pair of draught horses are the hardest workers in Barkerville, an old restored mining town that operates as a park in the summer. I've talked about it in previous posts, and done many paintings from there. It's one of my favorite places. It is a  place that has roused my imagination and created a passion for our history in my soul from the time I was a young child, running through the streets, shooting at imaginary gunfighters with my pop gun from the Mason and Daly general store.

Sneak Preview of new Grizzly Bear painting and demo

Picture of me and my painting for the local paper

Not finished yet!!

So...I'm having a one-man show on April 20th. I'm pretty excited, but do I ever have a lot of painting to do! This is number two in the grizzly bear series...am I doing a series? Hmmm...Maybe I will...I've been enjoying painting these magnificent creatures. 

The first photo is one that was taken by the local paper to advertise my show, and the following two show the painting in progress. As you can see, I toned the canvas first with acrylic paint in a thin was of yellow ochre. The painting will eventually have a sunset look so I thought the yellow would work. I actually started doing the painting in acrylic, but got frustrated with the colors drying darker than I mixed them, so I switched to oils, and it's actually working out fine. It makes for softer edges, brighter colors and it's just easier for me to control, all the way around.

Next, I blocked in all of the darks. I forgot to take a picture, though. I got a bit carried away and in "the zone"...you know, that place where time and everything else disappears?

The second picture, I've started adding color, blocking in the lights in the water, and trying to work out the reflection. I'm finding that to be the hardest part. 

So, maybe a day or two left. I want to fix the perspective on the bear's body, finish the water, fix up the fur....I'll keep ya' posted :)

Grizzly Bear portrait and painting demonstration

Too Close and Very Afraid ~ 16" x 20" oil on canvas

$1200.00

It's bear season once again! They'll soon be lumbering down the mountain from their chilly dens to eat the newly blossoming skunk cabbage that is finally starting to bloom. I have yet to see one awake this year, but the sunshine and the promise of a beautiful summer filled with our exotic wildlife inspired me to paint this guy. Here's your chance to have your very own "too close for comfort" encounter with one of the world's most impressive creatures!

Glove and Sock Animal Week

Zoe, Pearl, Pinkey, Spot and Whiskers

I've been back from Maui for about two weeks now, and it's been a bit difficult to adjust, I have to admit. There's still six inches of snow in my yard! And it's still below freezing most mornings...What happened to spring?

Well, the first week back was a whirlwind of cleaning, unpacking, organizing, dusting...ewwww...two months of dust and cobwebs...and the second week has been one of adjustment. Adjusting to the MUCH slower pace of life here. Adjusting to the weather. Adjusting to my home. I feel a bit like I've been thrown  off of orbit. I felt like that when we arrived in Hawaii, too, but now it's the other way around. I felt intensely creative, but had no urge to pick up a paintbrush. So I sewed instead. Sewing is relaxing. It is quiet, methodical, and allows one to almost meditate. And at the end of a few hours, there is a sweet little creation, staring back. My kids love them! I'll be selling them in a new Etsy shop I've started, just for my other creative endeavours. 

I'm at Heartfelt Pals on Etsy...click here to see my shop, and check back often as I'll be adding new items all week.

Maori Dancer

Maori Dancer -- 14" x 18" oil on panel $750

Here's another dancer painting. He was enacting a Maori War dance. I loved the power of the pose and the dramatic light. It's another one in which the photo doesn't really do it justice. I'll try to get a better one soon.