30 Paintings in 30 Days--Oh My!

Well, that's the plan anyway. I signed up to participate in a new year's project started by Leslie Saeta.  The goal is to paint one painting a day for thirty days.  I've tried similar projects before and didn't get very far, but now that I'm no longer employed (my choice), I'm going to get back into the studio full time, and this seems like a good way to get started. 

Besides the daily painting, I have started work on a big commission:  2 large panels depicting Michael the archangel slaying the 7-headed dragon from the Book of Revelation.  This is quite a challenge for me--I'm excited about it, but also a little intimidated--it's been quite awhile since I painted LARGE and even longer since I created any dragons!  I'm working on a study of the dragon right now--will post photos when I get a little further along on it.

The other project is for a book, "Pawsome Patriots."  I will be painting images of service men/women and their pets.  I'll post more details later, so check back, especially if you or someone you know would like to be included in the book.

Here's another small painting I completed this week:  it's called "Lucretia's Snake." This little girl's family ran a small zoo near Puerto Vallarta, and I couldn't resist photographing her.  I've had the photograph in my desk for years, knowing I would paint it one day--and I finally did it!  So...that's all for now folks!

Full Speed Ahead--Commissions & the Holidays

Wow, the month of October literally FLEW past for me--I've been busy, busy, busy with commissions and jewelry and trying to squeeze in a few moments for "playing" in the studio.  But I'm nearing crunch time, so I think the playing is going to have to take a back seat for awhile. I have several commissioned portraits in the works and only a week left till Trims & Whims to finish up the jewelry I've been working on.  Yikes!  But I've discovered over the years that I seem to do my best work under pressure--and a deadline!  Reminds me of my college days, when I'd wait until the night before a major paper was due to start writing it.  Guess I enjoy living dangerously!

Back in October, I posted a work-in-progress of 2 beautiful dogs: Prescott and Fallon.  I thought it might be cool to show the progress of this painting.  Here is the initial stage (left) where I just blocked in the shapes and colors on the canvas.
And on the right is the current stage.  I've added in some eye detail, worked on refining the coat on the retriever, and worked in some color on the background.  When I paint, I like to move all over the canvas. It helps tie everything together, plus keeps me from focusing too much on one spot, which can create problems. In the next stage, I will finish up the eyes on both dogs, continue to refine their coats, and finally finish off the background.  I'll post the completed painting next time! 

A couple of weeks ago, I finished the portrait of Kirby(left) for Kitty Key.   This was a birthday gift for her sister. I hope she liked it!

Well, that's it for now. I'll post photos of my new jewelry creations as soon as I can--and of course, the works in progress. I have 2 "people" portraits I'm working on and several more pet portraits coming up.  I love it!!