I am trying to finish up on my Barred Owl watercolor painting for the Whistle Pik Galleries Christmas Miniature Show in Texas. Here’s a photo of how the piece looks at the moment. :)
New Adventures in Clay and Bronze…
Well, I’ve just ordered some sculpture tools and clay from the art supply store today. Bronze will be a new adventure for me! A number of respected western artists made both paintings and bronze works and were very successful at it, so I suppose I could give it a try. :)
I did dabble in clay and plaster sculpture a few years ago when we taught classes in our gallery, but I hadn’t thought to actually become a "sculptor" until recently. The blame for that really goes to a few friends of mine ;). Some time ago, Shawn Stewart was a resident sculptor at a gallery I was in and really encouraged me (and the rest of my family) to try bronze, but it wasn’t until Bill and Scott from Galleries West in Jackson Hole (where I currently show my paintings) talked to me about it that it sounded like a realistic possibility. So…. I will be starting with a large game mammal, and we’ll see how things develop!!
Minnesota Ducks Unlimited – Sponsor Print Painting
I have been painting the reflection portion of my Canadian Goose piece for Minnesota Ducks Unlimited earlier today.
This piece will be printed later this year as Minnesota Ducks Unlimited’s Sponsor Print. The original and it’s limited edition will be unveiled to the public at the state’s annual banquet. Visit Ducks Unlimited’s website -www.ducks.org- for information.
Painting in the Rain
It’s been raining for most of the morning. I love painting during thunderstorms (but inside my studio, not outside plein air ;) )!! It’s so relaxing!
I have been painting on my large Canada Goose piece today — it’s about half finished. I’ll post a photo of the full-color painting a little later. The sketch for the painting is featured on the left.
I am also still working on my four 9×12-ish miniature/small works paintings. I have been working primarily on my new owl piece — the Barred Owl portrait. It is coming along well. I think I will be sending it the Whistle Pik Galleries in Texas for their annual Christmas Miniature Show that my family and I are a part of.
I really like painting in a variety of sizes at the same time. I feel it stretches your abilities. Handling variety in your work allows you to grow as an artist — leaving your creative options limitless. I couldn’t imagine being restricted to painting only a certain way, size, or subject — it would make painting a tiresome chore, for me. I suppose it could be summed up that art shouldn’t be boring. :)
Starting New Paintings
I began working on four brand new pieces today. The first three are requested works of several waterfowl species. The fourth is a portrait of a Barred Owl. All of the paintings are miniatures/small works — about 8×10 to 9×12.
I will post photos of all of the paintings a little later into the color phase. :)
Waterfowl Painting
My 20×30 painting has come along fairly well since the 1st (of October). The piece is of a canada goose — one of the geese that posed so well for me during one of my photoshoots in Jackson Hole last month. I am going to set the piece aside for a short while — maybe I’ll start a new piece….
Sad News
Paco’s leukemia has returned. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
-pacofriendsforlife.com-
Painting Again!!
I started working in my new studio today! I really like the new setup! It is finished for the most part. A few minor adjustments are still in progress (one of my pieces of artist’s furniture still needs to be moved in, for example :) ). I’ll post a photo of my new studio a little later when everything’s in place. :)
I started working (sketching) on a 20×30 requested piece today (photo to come…). :)
Almost There….
My studio is almost in place. I should be painting again in the next few days or so. :)
Moving Out…
I’m moving out.
Ok, I’m not really moving "out". I, and all of the other artists in my family, have been working underground, in our basement art studio, for a few years now. It’s tough to make inspirational wildlife and nature paintings when you can’t even see the outdoors. So, we decided to change that. We will also be getting some more space to work as well.
Yippee!!! ;)
My apologies — I have been/will be posting irregularly until I’m finished with my new studio. Thanks for visiting!!!! :) I’ll be back up and running shortly!!