Paintings of Wildlife & Nature by Rebecca Latham
I have been wanting to post this in the blog for a little bit, but haven’t gotten around to it until now. I have been working primarily on the head and shoulders of the moose bull since my last posting – adding more fur texture and detail. For my next revisions of the pre-cast sculpture, I will be refining the detail on the logs and boulders at the base of the sculpture. I will be doing some work on the antlers fairly soon as well. :) 
I recently did a little rearranging in my studio – going through a few things. In doing so, a few items resurfaced (isn’t that always what happens?). Among them, were some paints I have been neglecting to use in my work. It’s strange. It seems I have so many tubes of color, that I never seem to use all of them at the same time. Perhaps that’s why artists have been known to go through "color phases". :roll:
I’m eagerly looking forward to doing a little wildlife study. :D I have been spending quite a bit of time glued to my easel lately. I try to schedule "inspiration" into my routine, such as studying wildlife or nature. It becomes very difficult to paint creative or inspirational pieces when you are unable to go out because of deadlines and the pressure to produce new work .
I get quite a few questions at exhibitions and via email about various aspects of being a professional artist. One of which is the subject of commissioned work. As you may already know, I am working on quite a number of commissions at the moment. All of them on display on various easels in my studio. I have a great deal more of them than I did a short time ago. If the murmurings are correct, my prediction is that there will only be more of them in the future. It is a little overwhelming at times, having so many things just "waiting" for me in my studio. ;)
I know that numerous artists tend to dislike commissions, and refuse to take them. Most often, artists paint (or sculpt) things they feel connected to. There is usually a story behind a work of art that impacted the artist and generated the inspiration to make it. So, when a subject is predetermined, it is difficult at times to muster enough creative inspiration to plunge through some of them.
With that said, I should clarify that I really don’t mind painting commissions. It is rather interesting to have a subject for a piece requested. Often, I find that it makes me think of creative concepts and arrangements to make an idea "work" in a painting that I may have never thought of before. A creative exercise or puzzle, if you will. In a sense, the act of painting itself becomes the inspiration.
My family and I were recently contacted by several magazine publications in Britain about our artwork, etc. Both interviews/articles should be available to the public soon.
Interaction with other countries often makes me think of the uniqueness and similarities of the United States’ art community and market in comparison to other cultures. How artwork and artists in other countries are accepted (such as Japan, where artists are considered national treasures). There is such variety. Often just a brief exposure to artwork of another culture will stir up a little inspiration or creativity.
I have met quite a number of artists from England and other areas of Europe, both on the web and in person. It is fascinating to see the different approach to painting (or sculpting) and mood expression an artist has based on the influence of where he or she resides. The spice of life. :D
I am so inspired! :D
The weather is changing – it seems there has been a nearly constant thunderstorm or spring drizzle outside of my studio window. It has also often accompanied by a chorus of songbirds enjoying it as well. Fresh. Clean. Spring :D
I recently started on (another) painting – a miniature (well, it isn’t much more than a sketch at the moment ;) ). I decided I should paint something from my studies last year in the western US. Of course, I am spending most of my time brushing up on a number of commissions I have sitting on a number of easels in my studio. Back to the drawing board….. ;)
This is a new miniature painting I am working on. I am also in process of finishing an existing rabbit piece that I started some time ago – a photo of that will be posted shortly :).
My family and I recently agreed to be represented by a new gallery in "Paradise Valley" Livingston, Montana, opening in May. Some additional plans are being finalized for this summer. It is such a beautiful area for an artist to gather inspiration for painting! :)
Of course, my family and I will be showing work at our gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Galleries West Fine Art as well. The Jackson Hole gallery is hosting an exhibition for our family June 24th – July 1st, with an artist reception on June 30th. We are planning to do a little painting in the gallery during the exhibition also. :)
Jackson Hole has been such an inspiration for my work in recent years. With mountainous habitats and wildlife so abundant, I find it impossible to refrain from painting during my trips in the area. :) I am really looking forward to visiting again.
Visit the lathamstudios.com exhibit schedule page for up-to-date information. Drop in and visit one of our shows/exhibitions if you’re in the area!! :)
I recently finished a commission of a number of ducks (waterfowl). I really enjoyed painting these birds and the habitats.
The models for these paintings were simply beautiful, though the weather decided not to co-operate during our studies (in the rain). Each bird seemed to have it’s own personality, so a part of my goal in each piece was to capture the essence of each bird.
This is a sketch of another new painting I have in my studio. This is a larger painting of a great egret.
