Bear Painting Process

I thought it might be fun to show the process of creating a painting for a client. I wish I had thought of it earlier so that I could include more steps, but here's what I have. This is a 5"x7" painting "sketch" for the final painting that will be 36"x60". This step is critical for me to work through the color and composition on a small scale and it allows me to give the client a good idea of what their painting will look like.
This is a picture of the final canvas in progress. I did a wash of yellow ochre over the entire canvas and then drew the bear in charcoal and blocked in the dark areas with burnt umber. I'll post more pictures as the painting progresses!

Some Kind Of Citrus?

Just an experiment with acrylic paint and pencil in some of my favorite colors.....

Doggies Go To Market 2

8"x10"
acrylic on masonite

Another dog at the Beaverton Farmers' Market enjoying the sun, sites, and smells!

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Doggies Go To Market

8"x8"
acrylic on masonite

The sun FINALLY came out so I went to the Beaverton and Cedar Mill Farmers' Markets and spent a lovely Saturday morning enjoying the sunshine, listening to music, watching people and lots of happy doggies!

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Pierce and Grandpa

5"x7"
acrylic on masonite
sold

My niece took this picture of her dad and her son and It seemed to be the perfect moment to capture in a painting. I find that I have a harder time loosening up when I paint people I know because I worry too much about getting it "right"!

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Fresh Spring Strawberries

6"x 6"
acrylic on masonite

Fresh strawberries inspired this little painting and allowed me to work through my challenge of painting with red.
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Kentucky Derby Inspired

We watched the Kentucky Derby on Saturday and I was inspired to do this charcoal and conte drawing on a brown paper bag.

Newspaper Faces

The newspaper provides an unlimited supply of interesting faces to draw. I've been drawing one a day for the past several weeks. Here is a sample.

I am very fortunate to have my mother living in the city of Avalon on the beautiful Catalina Island off the coast of southern California. In the mile square town, most of the residents and tourists travel by golf cart which adds to the charm of the picturesque town.
5"x7" acrylic on board

You Strain Out a Gnat But Swallow a Camel

I have many friends who read the Bible and journal and gain profound insight and wisdom and are able to eloquently express and articulate what they have learned . I guess I'm wired a little differently! As I was reading Matthew 23 (specifically 23:24) this morning this image came to mind. :)