This is one of my plein air paintings I painted earlier this spring — I thought some of my visitors might be interested in having a look at it. :) The painting was painted in oils on canvas and is about 5×8 inches.
Iris Painting
I just finished this 8×10 iris painting titled "After Spring Showers". The reference for the piece was taken from my garden after a rain shower. :)
Updated–
Here is a detail view of one of the iris blossoms in the painting.
Animal Studies & Shoot
We had a nice photoshoot today. It was a little rainy earlier, but the weather cleared later on. We should have a lot of new material to work from. Thanks to our friends for inviting us out to take pictures!! :)
Tomatoes!!
I just took a little break from painting to go outside and do a little sketching. I decided to rough in some tomatoes in my sketchbook — I thought it was a little strange to be a wildlife artist and be sketching tomatoes, but I think I needed a break from my usual routine. :)
Wildflowers
I took a little break from my studio painting to go out and photograph some of the beautiful wildflowers that are growing right in our backyard.
I don’t think I’ve seen so many butterflies in the area before! I think it’s due to the popularity of butterfly gardening and so many organizations promoting natural land restoration in Minnesota and elsewhere. I think it’s wonderful!! :)
Here’s a link to the UKY site about butterflies and butterfly gardening. Enjoy!! :)
"Love is like wildflowers; It’s often found in the most unlikely places." — Anonymous
Lynx Miniature Painting is Finished
Here is the scan of the Lynx painting I promised — "A Closer Look – Lynx". The painting is 5×7. I think It’s finished, but I may fuss with it a little bit more before it’s framed.
"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn." — John Cotton Dana
Blue Skies
The weather has been so nice the past few days. All of the backyard animals and birds are enjoying it. Classic summer weather — breezy and sunny. I think about how nice it would be to be a plein aire painter on days like this. :)
I have been going through some of our recent photoshoot references — picking out some subjects and habitats to paint. I am planning to begin sketching a few of them at the end of this week, or perhaps early next week.
I am nearly finished with my Lynx miniature painting (5×7) I began in the car on route to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (last week). I will try to post a photo of it tomorrow.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." — Mahatma Gandhi
Fox Painting
I’m just about finished with the 16×20 fox painting (shown left). :) It was requested by my wildlife gallery out in Frenchtown, New Jersey — Decoys & Wildlife. They are planning to use it for their September "Show and Shoot" invitations (it will also be in the show). I’m very honored to be chosen as this year’s artist to represent the gallery for the event.
I really liked painting this piece — despite the deadline. The rich autumn colors of my palette were very exciting to work with. I had never painted a fox in this large of a painting before.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." — John Quincy Adams
Wildlife Inspiration
What an awesome experience! I have so many great new references to work from!! I was even stalked by a large male cougar, which in itself was a bit disturbing, but was also exciting to witness such behaviour first hand. :) (Many safety precautions were being observed and I was in no danger of actually being attacked).
As you can see in the photo, there were also some new arrivals to study as well!! This is truly the inspiration I use to paint. All of these creatures are amazing and precious. I see so many magical elements in them and their environment — I try to reflect that in my work. I am so fortunate to be able to do what I do and experience so many wonderful things like this in the process. (Not to mention all of the extraordinary people I’ve known & met along the way, my family included. I would not be the painter or person I am today or have the opportunities I have without all of you. You mean the world to me! :) )
I hope to start some new paintings from these references to include in my family’s exhibition this August and/or the "Fall Roundup" this September at Galleries West Fine Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (www.gallerieswestjacksonhole.com).
"If you see a friend without a smile; give him one of yours." — Proverb
New Reference Photoshoot
I am so excited!!! :) We will be shooting some new reference photos early tomorrow. I love seeing animals face to face! It seems magical to observe them in motion — they take my breath away! :)
We also had a get together with some wildlife/art friends this evening. I had such a nice time! :) It was also nice to have a short break from my easel.
"I would much rather have regrets about not doing what people said, than regretting not doing what my heart led me to and wondering what life had been like if I’d just been myself." — Brittany Renée