Tucson Cactus

 

A barrel cactus in late January. Acrylic on Masonite. 8"x8"   

This is by far the only blooming cactus this time of the year here in Arizona. I am enjoying painting shadows and the barrow shapes. Also trying to make the colors interesting with minimal pizazz. Shadows are important so values are important to pay attention to. This is my second attempt at a barrel cactus. Still struggling somewhat. 

Drake

Drake  acrylic on board, 8"x8"

Drake was a Christmas commission painting.  He is a perky dog that I had much fun putting to color.  I have not met this dog so I just have a photo to go by.  It is harder if I don't know the personality of the animal.  I think it helps with clues to how I will approach the painting if I have a closer relationship with the subject.  I did play around with the background some with a wash to give it an additional texture.

Boo Boo

Boo Boo acrylic on board 6"x6"

I do not know much about this puppy named Boo Boo.  Just from his name I have to wonder about  his owners and lifestyle this dog might have.  I painted this for a Christmas present commission in December.  This little guy certainly has the fur.  It always amazes me the uniqueness of the canine family.

Murphy the cat

Murphy  acrylic on board, 8" x 8"

This is Murphy.  It is a cold January day in Iowa and I think Murphy is doing well just sitting tight and staying warm.  Winter sure can get long and desolate.  This year it has been colder than normal and I am always thinking of all the animals out side in the elements and how they survive.  A good coat of fur is definitely a benefit.

Duchesses

Duchesses  Acrylic on Hardboard  6"x6"

One week until Christmas.  We are in a deep freeze here in northern Iowa.  Temperature is 45 degrees below zero if you figure in the wind chill.  Most of the United States is experiencing similar raw weather.  This makes it difficult for my dog, Rondo, to go outside to do his business.  But, necessity calls and he dutifully complies.

The painting above, Duchesses, was painted for a client in St. Paul.  I had done one of her dog a few weeks ago and she asked me to another one for a brother I believe for Christmas.  I feel real good having someone request an additional painting.  It is a Christmas present for the ego.  The 6 x 6 inch format is small and hard to use larger brushes.  It is easy to tighten up in this case.  I prefer the 8"x8" as a minimum personally but it is a challenge to go smaller.

Stay warm.

Bella-Lets Go

Bella  Acrylic on Board  8"x8"  

This dog was painted for my daughter who is giving it away for a Christmas gift.  I have seen this intent gaze in my own dog. The dog looks up at you for something....food, a treat, a sign that you might be taking a walk, any number of things. It is the look of anticipation.  It is the look of "Lets go".
Winter has definitely dropped her cold and frigid breath on the Midwest with temperatures dropping even lower this weekend.  My own dog, Rondo, is not happy with the snow and below 0 temperatures when he goes outside.  He does his business quickly, however and is happy to reenter the warm house.  I haven't taken him to the groomer recently and he is getting quite long fur.  In this weather it does him good.

Thomas-the Watcher

Thomas Acrylic on Masonite 12'X12'

This was a more complicated or should I say involved painting than the previous ones I have been working on.  I have two definite styles that are developing in my work.  One is the more detailed, defined painting like this one.  The other is a more playful, cartoonish look what emphasizes the black outlines akin to print blocks.  I chose to do a more serious painting of Thomas here.  He was a cat that lived in St. Paul, MN with my sister.  He was quite old and died recently of a medical problem.  But, I knew this kitty personally and he had a great life with great people.  He had the freedom to roam the neighborhood for many years and was a friend to many.  His fur was long and luxurious and reminded you of a lion.  But, this was a gentle animal and enjoyed being on your lap or not.  Here he was painted sitting in the backyard garden in early spring enjoying the sun and watching.....as cats tend to like to do.