"Kitten" ©

This little kitten was just too sweet to pass up, adding to my collection of animal paintings for the show at Gales in Pasadena next month.  I did learn that painting the fur is easier on a smooth canvas rather then a rough cotton duck, while painting the kitten.  It is surprising to me how different the painting process becomes depending on the surface.  

Oil on canvas, 12" X 12"

"Unconditional Love" ©

Technology has changed the art business of commissions. A cell phone photo, emailed to the artist and "taa daa" a commissioned portrait of a well loved pet.

I am still tweaking this little guy, while packing to leave in the morning for the Mission Federal Artwalk in San Diego. I have about 30 new paintings to show and am excited about the weekend. If your in the area stop by, I am in booth #125.

Oil on Canvas, 12" X 12"

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"A Bit Curious" ©

Next weekend I'll be exhibiting paintings at the Mission Federal Artwalk in San Diego. If your in the area please stop by and say HI (booth #125). This is the first time for me and I have heard that the art walk is blocks of great fine art, delicious food and fun entertainment.

I'll bring 25 paintings, including "A Bit Curious".

Oil on Canvas, 11" X 14"

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"Ram" ©

Framing paintings ate up most of my day but I did manage to paint this little Ram in between drilling, boxing and wiring.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Goat" ©

A gallery called looking for some of my animal paintings, so I have the opportunity to paint more fur and feathers. This goat lives out at the Gentle Barn in Canyon Country and was willing to pose.

Oil on Panel, 12" X 9"

"Pita" ©

This week I have been signing, varnishing, tweaking and finally painting Pita. All of this flurry getting ready for a week of painting in the San Clemente Plein Air Competition and art show the following weekend.

I bought a new laptop and will post from the little seaside town as much as possible. Wish me luck!

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

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"Olivia" ©

Olivia was rescued in Texas and flown to LA by a family with hearts as big as Texas. She is learning to trust with new day.

Oil on canvas, 11" X 14"

"Dear Marilyn" ©

This front view of Marilyn is probably the last animal painting that will be dry enough to show at the Beverly Hills Afaire In The Gardens next weekend. I may be able to sneak in one more dog, named Olivia, just adorable but time is running out. Marilyn is living large at the Gentle Barn in Canyon Country and I was able to get this view because you can't turn your back on dear Marilyn.

Oil on Linen, 24" x 20"

"Marilyn" ©

Marilyn is one of the rescued residents, living large at the Gentle Barn in Canyon Country. Every time I pass the easel this morning and glance at her furry face it makes me smile. How can that happen? She is just a cow and I don't have time to giggle, I am trying to get ready for a big show this weekend. The power of a painting, interesting.

Oil on Canvas, 20" X 16"

"Yoda" ©

Last weekend I met "Yoda" at the Gentle Barn in Canyon Country, CA. Yoda was rescued from an animal hoarder in Lancaster a couple of years ago. He was hungry and frightened but after a few weeks at the Gentle Barn he became very friendly and one of the family.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 12"

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"Patiently Waiting" ©

Still adding to my inventory of "animal" paintings, today I painted this little guy. First spotting him on 2nd St. in Long Beach, he was waiting for his family to finish up dining at a sidewalk cafe. His name is "Fatty", there must be a story behind the name because he couldn't weight more then a few pounds.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"Bed Warmer" ©

Cats have the ability to scope out a home and find the softest warm place to nap instantly. Then when disturbed the look is icy and somewhat disinterested. Oh to be a cat!

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

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"Who Me?" ©

If they could speak I think this lamb would have asked me if she was indeed who I was painting. You'll be pleased to know that wool is the reason for her being on the farm in Maine.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

"Darthia" ©

One of the many discoveries while painting in Maine was the Darthia Organic Farm. Folks buy into the farm before the growing season, $10. per month in advance for the right to collect all the bounty their family needs that the farm produces during the summer season. My eyes immediately zoomed in on the sheep glowing in the afternoon Maine sun. I named this sheep Darthia, after the farm.

Oil on panel, 8" X 10"

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"Sharing The Sheets II" ©

Last year I painted a small 6" X 8" canvas of "Sharing The Sheets", our beloved dog, Lucky in bed waiting for us. Missing him I revisited the image and painted a 18" X 24" canvas, using the larger surface to really explore the sheets and fur. I loved every stroke.

Just an update, I am still painting large canvases furiously for my show at Segil's gallery in November, exploring painting on copper and preparing for a plein air painting trip to Maine in 12 days. My blogging has been on hold, selfishly I have been sticking to the easel and not the computer. I have missed blogging and yet felt relief from the commitment. I'll be back in full gear blogging when I arrive home in mid-September. Thanks and appreciation to everyone that checked up on my absence.

Oil on canvas, 18" X 24"

"It's All About The Ears" ©

What can I say? It's ALL about the ears....

Oil on Linen, 8" X 10"

"Duck Dining" ©

The dinner menu consisted of Cheetos and torn bits of bread, thrown into the water by squealing children. Lovely ending to a cool fall evening.

Oil on Panel, 5" X 7"

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"Sunset Swim" ©

Last weekends show was a success in spite of triple digit temperatures. The best part for me was meeting a potpourri of people from art lovers to other artists wanting to figure out the process of painting. I want to just thank everyone that bared the heat and came out to visit and make purchases.

Meanwhile I met this little duck while he was floating in the Temecula Duck Pond right next to Pat & Oscars Restaurant at sunset.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

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"Sunday Swim II" ©

The phone rang today while I was painting a landscape. I was really excited with the painting, exploring all the greys I could create using Transparent Oxide Red as a base. The phone call was from the owner of the first "Venice Floater", asking me if I could possibly paint another, fast, for a special gift. Setting the landscape aside I put up a 5" X 7" panel and painted "Sunday Swim II". I think I like this little fluffy guy more then the first.

Oil on panel, 5" X 7"

"Sunday Swim" ©

I have painted this little lady before and people keep adopting her. This painting was done on request. I picked this title because I discovered a very small pond within the Venice Beach Canals, early on a Sunday morning and this duck asleep on the bank, awoke, fluffed up her feathers and slipped into the water for a "Sunday Swim".

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

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