Helene Keough

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2011-03-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

Starting today, I'm continuing to paint 'Move 'em out, Moving on'.

For those who aren't aware, this painting is a private commission, and unlike my usual compositions of animals and/or people that are usually set in family (imagine pure domestic bliss, folks) or cool fantasy settings (imagine a scaredy cat, then toss in a nasty goblin for good measure).

I cannot tell you good it feels flexing my artistic muscles again. For those who are even vaguely interested, I'll be posting the next update in a few days. And so, until then, here's the most recent update. As you can see from the last post, I'm starting to work on the background, the reference for which is an old Normandy cemetery.

Of course, you know if you click on the image, you'll be rewarded with a larger view. But, of course, I bet you figured that out. :)

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2009-01-28T06:49:00.000-08:00

Day 7

Click on either truck to view larger image
(especially the closeup; that rusty bumper looks quite yummy)

This cold that I've had this past week hit a peak last night (hopefully). I'm probably going to take it easy today, and so I might not post an update tomorrow. Today's post shows a nicely rusted bumper, which is really going to look great once I darken the truck's underside.

I've had someone ask me what's going on with the bottom left tire. If you've followed the posts on this WIP, you'll know that I started this painting by laying down a light wash, primarily to establish hues. The tire is barely visible for another reason, which is that I wasn't sure how I wanted to handle the background...ergo, I didn't want to paint a dark wash in an area that might end up featuring sun dappled rocks. Anyway, I've finally decided to include a stone wall running behind and parallel to the truck. Will probably limit my efforts today to sketching the stones and confirming that the composition actually looks okay. Make sense?

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2009-01-27T03:41:00.000-08:00

Day Six

Click on truck to view larger image

I'm still trying to shake off this cold, so I didn't get as far as I'd hoped. If you look at yesterday's post, you can see that I've worked around the grill and headlights, started the interior/cab, and pretty much finished the underside of the wheel well. This beauty is so lively with rust that I've had to watch myself, especially when I dab the paintbrush in the burnt sienna (isn't that the yummiest hue?). Point being, if you've ever painted with watercolor, you know how unforgiving some hues are, reds in particular, so I'm proceeding with caution while this cold reigns in my head. I don't want to over saturate the shadows or start blending willy nilly, or I'll end up with mud, if you know what I mean.

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2009-01-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

Day Five

Below is a closeup of the section I worked on yesterday. If you compare it to the closeup that I posted yesterday morning, you'll see that I've added several washes of watercolor, which liven up that section. Worth noting are the washes of yellow ochre and payne's gray deepening the hues on the cracked windshield. The hue of the bonnet/hood is also deepened with washes of yellow ochre and olive green, which tones down some of the viridian washes laid down earlier. I've continued to anchor the scene by painting a thin wash of veridian and cobalt blue behind the truck, with spots of veridian and olive green for the leaves.

I'll continue to work on the bonnet/hood today, deepening the values whilst trying to maintain an ethereal air of an old warhorse 'moving on'.

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2009-01-25T07:22:00.001-08:00

Day FourClick on photo to view larger image

I've been battling a cold for a few days now, and since certain watercolor hues are tenaciously unforgiving, I decided not to mess about with my emerging warhorse until I felt better.

Today, I'm focusing on the area in the photo below, so you can expect to see this section coming into focus tomorrow.

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2009-01-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

Day Three

(figuratively speaking)
Closeup

Today feels like 'Ground Zero', although today the slate is wiped clean in a different way, and I imagine I'm a part of the majority in this country (and likely around the world), as we put our lives on hold to watch history in the making; the heady phenomenon of the Obama inauguration.

And so I continue to paint...as I listen and watch events unfold on this amazing, auspicious day.

2009-01-17T07:49:00.001-08:00

Day Two

Click on painting to view larger image

Closeup

I only worked on this for two hours yesterday (with Stephen King's adaption of Kingdom Hospital playing on my computer monitor; a pleasant distraction indeed), playing with washes of viridian, olive green, cobalt blue, hooker's green, french ultramarine, yellow ochre, aureolin yellow (applied to headlight and hood/bonnet), burnt sienna, sepia and payne's gray (the last two were used separately and combined; see grill and fenderwell.)

Note: a lot of the paint on the actual truck had faded to a delicate robin's egg blue, but I'd rather avoid using 'nursery' colors. So, I've applied a thin wash of viridian, which I'll tone it down today with layers of yellow ochre, to achieve a more ...er... rugged look. Questions?

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2009-01-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

Day One

Click on painting to view larger image
Closeup

Day one, finally! I've put about three hours into this painting so far, laying down basics, deciding on hues, similar to the way Jeff Hayes, an artist I greatly admire, creates the neutral foundation for his superb oil paintings. I'll adjust the values later on, so just bear in mind this is just a shadow of the final piece. In the end, the colors of this old war horse is gonna pop!

Before I painted this old girl, I wanted to get to know her better, so I searched for and found a terrific blurb that, I feel, truly does her justice. Here's a little excerpt on the M35 / M44 2-1/2 ton cargo truck "deuce and a half":

During World War II, dependable motorized transport, the Jeep, the "deuce and a half" truck, and the armored personnel carrier -- fully tracked, half-tracked, or pneumatic tire vehicles -- increased infantry mobility twentyfold and enabled it to keep pace with the rapid armor advance. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower observed that "[The] equipment...among the most vital to our success in Africa and Europe were the bulldozer, the jeep, the 2 1/2 ton truck, and the C-47 airplane. Curiously enough, none of these is designed for combat."

After the breakout of Normandy in July 1944, an acute shortage of supplies on both fronts governed all operations. Some 28 divisions were advancing across France and Belgium, each ordinarily requiring 700-750 tons a day. Patton's 3rd Army was soon grinding to a halt from lack of fuel and ordnance. The key to pursuit was a continuous supply of fuel and ordnance, thus leading to the Red Ball Express. At the peak of its operation, it was running 5,938 vehicles carrying 12,342 tons of supplies to forward depots daily. The Army raided units that had trucks and formed provisional truck units for the Red Ball.

Soldiers whose duties were not critical to the war effort were asked - or tasked - to become drivers. The majority of these were young African-Americans. Without the Red Ball, the advance across France could not have been made. Maj. Gen H. Essame, a British infantry brigade commander, said "Few who saw them will ever forget the enthusiasm of the Negro drivers, hell-bent whatever the risk, to get Gen. Patton his supplies." When the Red Ball Express ended 16 November 1944, truckers had delivered 412,193 tons of gas, oil, lubricants, ammunition, food and other essentials. By then, 210,209 African Americans were serving in Europe and 93,292 of them were in the Quartermaster Corps. General George S. Patton concluded: "The 2 1/2-ton truck is our most valuable weapon."

Production of the GMC Truck, 2-1/2-ton, 6 x 6, Cargo, CCKW "Jimmy" or "Deuce and a half," began in 1941 by General Motors Corporation and ended in 1945, with 562,750 manufactured. This GMC truck was the most commonly used tactical vehicle in World War II. The GMCs were originally fitted with a sheet metal type cab. This was replaced after July 1943 by a tarpaulin or canvas cab, not only for the economic use of steel, but saving volume when transported by boat.

If you're interested in reading more, check out this site.

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2008-11-06T11:52:00.001-08:00

Day OneClick on the photo to view a larger image

The weather's been wonderful these past two days, which seems extraordinary since there's a tropical storm lumbering about 800 miles to our south. So I set aside my painting and planted a few pots of herbs that I bought almost two weeks ago.

All is not lost, however. I have a sketch prepared and I'll start painting tomorrow morning. FYI, to give you a better view of the sketch, I've ramped up the contrast in the photo.

Technical details: painted a full sheet (22"x30") of 140# D'Arches Cold Press water color paper using Winsor and Newton professional grade water color paints.

Move 'em out. Moving on.

2008-11-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

Day One
Preliminary Sketch
(just click on any photo if you want to view larger image)

For my next project, I'm going to paint this wonderful old deuce and a half that's been settling in for the long rust for quite a while now. And so it starts today, using a full sheet of 140# cold press D'Arches watercolor paper. Check back tomorrow if you're interested in seeing the preliminary sketch. I'm also looking into the truck's history. If anyone feels like pointing me in the right direction, I'd be ever so grateful!

For anyone interested in historical military vehicle paintings, here are a few others that I've painted.Vietnam UH-1 (Huey) Helicopter

Korean MASH Ambulance

Willy's Jeep

Night Vision - 16"x20" water color

2008-11-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

Day Seven, loosely speakingClick on the panther to view a larger image

This is it.The masking tape is off. I'm officially done. For those interested in the process, the primary change from the previous update is that I applied several washes of Payne's Grey, which deepened the values of the bark and background. I also applied a light wash of *gasp* Aureolin (a real zingy yellow) to bring out a few highlights on the face. Anyway, it's finally finished. Feel free to post comments. I'd love to know what you think.

As I mentioned when I first started, this 16"x20" original watercolor will be included in the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary's silent auction at an Intimate Evening hosted by Jack Hanna on November 20th at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition to participating in a silent auction, guests will enjoy a wonderful dinner catered by Outback Steakhouse, with Jack Hanna hosting the evening, sharing stories, videos and live animal encounters with the folks who attend.

Tickets for this extraordinary event are $150 per person. If you are interested in attending, or in bidding on this original, signed watercolor even if you can't attend, please contact Amy Kight at:

Amy Kight
Outreach Director
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
2500 Jupiter Park Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-575-3399

Night Vision - work in progress

2008-10-31T06:42:00.003-07:00

Day Six

Click on panther to view larger image

Frankly, the weather outside is back to warm and sticky humid after a few gorgeously cool fall days, so I stayed indoors and snapped this photo in my studio, using a flash for light and Photoshop present the WIP in a more...um...'realistic' lighting. Oddly enough, the hues are closer to the original than the previous photos. Go figure.

Anyway, as you can see, I spent most of my time yesterday adjusting the values (shadows, lights and darks), and while I said I would leave the background alone, I tinkered with the area above the panther's head and loved the way it made the face pop.

Today, I'll darken the bark, especially the area around the bottom right of the portrait. Basically, the only areas that I want to work on on the panther are the ear (needs a wash of Burnt Sienna in the worst way) and that lovely muzzle. Time for dessert, folks. I wanna give this beastie a downright kissable pucker. ;-)

Night Vision - work in progress

2008-10-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Day five

Getting down to detailsCloseup of right eye

Yesterday, I spent about four to five hours detailing the fur on the upper portion of the face, from...say, the nose on up. As you can see from the closeup of the eye in the image above, there are as many as five different color layers to the fur; a lot of juicy, finicky detail that will make the end result pop.

Late yesterday afternoon, I started adding some of the base shadowing on the chin but then decided I'd leave it for another day. That lovely muzzle is a bit like dessert to me, anyway. Even now, as I look at the reference photos, I imagine tense pursed lips under the white fuzz, eyes steeled, focused inward, dreaming of lost prey, perhaps...

Notes: I'm pretty well decided that the finished background needs to be darker, leaning toward shades of Sepia and Burnt Sienna in places; the same adjustment of values is likely for the tree bark on the lower right portion of the painting, likely a rich layering of Payne's Grey.

But for today, completing that gorgeous face will be my focus. I'll leave adjusting values for tomorrow.

Night Vision - work in progress

2008-10-29T05:34:00.000-07:00

Day Four
Five fun-filled hours of painting fine fur detail
Click painting for a larger, more detailed view

Okay, I realize I've been MIA for a few weeks, but there's a reason, a really good reason, actually. I've been resting my left thumb, which is recovering from an operation to relieve a disturbing case of trigger finger . And it just so happens that I'm left handed. Which means the painting had to wait for a while. Anyway, (hopefully) I'm back on track and will have this painting finished by Friday.

On another note, some of you might recall Torn Ear, a squirrel whose company I've enjoyed for nigh on three years. Thanks (oh yes, a very sincere, I really do mean it: thanks !) to the diligent efforts of the folks at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (and especially Deania, one of my most favorite people there) Torn Ear has recovered from a nasty bot fly attack and, most recently, a nasty and alarmingly quick spreading case of mange.

And so, for posterity (and for anyone who might be curious and/or encouraged to see how quickly and easily a squirrel can recover from a nasty case of mange, with the correct (very tiny) doses of Ivermectin, provided, in this case, by the wonderful folks at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary). These photos of Torn Ear were taken a few weeks ago.

The photo below shows the mange about one week after I first noticed it.
Note how the hairloss/raw skin starts between the shoulders
and works its way down the back. Boy, did it spread quickly!

This was taken just one week later after three teensy
doses of Ivermectin was administered on peanuts. Ta-dah! One beautiful, healthy looking squirrel, doncha think? :D

Night Vision - work in progress

2008-10-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

Day Three

Yesterday, I deepened the background colors, and I'll probably tweak them again once the panther is done. As you can see, it's not all about layers of black. It's about how the eye reacts to twilight shadows playing in the undergrowth.

Today it's all about bark. I'm going to spend several hours focusing on mossy crevices and woodsy details, oh, and defining those all important values (bigtime, carefully placed shadows tucked between jagged mossy bits of moonlit bark, in this case). FYI, I'm about one hour in at this point.

Night Vision - work in progress

2008-10-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

Day Two

It's Day 2 around 10am and the rain is coming down in buckets. As you can see, the background is starting to come together. I've used most of the colors that I mentioned yesterday. Right now, the paper's pretty well soaked and the colors are behaving like a pool full of 6-year-olds, so I'm going to let the colors dry and set up a bit. Getting the background colors was important because it helps me decide on what values (artsy word for lights and darks) I'll need for the panther. Remember, I'm going to adjust the shadows around the panther's forehead, eyes, cheeks and downright cute muzzle so that it appears to be staring into a moonlit night.

Once again (you don't need to read this if you visited yesterday's post), I think it's important to mention that this painting will be donated to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, and will be included in their November auction, hosted by the sanctuary's director, David Hitzig and Jack Hanna , Director Emeritus of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and longtime friend and supporter of the Sanctuary.

Click here if you are interested in bidding on this painting, or for info on attending the dinner/auction. I hope to see you there!

Night Vision

2008-10-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Folks who've read my blog will recall that over the past two years I've delivered several seriously injured critters into the capable hands of the folks at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a non-profit, educational-based care facility for injured animals located in Jupiter, Florida. Each time I visit, I empty my pockets and donate whatever I have on hand. And yet, each time, I find myself wishing I'd done more.

Last week, as I dropped off an injured Sooty Tern, I offered to paint a watercolor for an upcoming November auction, hosted by the sanctuary's director, David Hitzig and Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and longtime friend and supporter of the Sanctuary.

A few days later, I met with Amy Kight, the sanctuary's Outreach Director and we decided it would be super if one of the resident panthers was the subject of my November auction painting. (click here for silent auction details) Several photos and a handful of catnip later, I snapped the striking image below, which I will use as reference for a 16" x 20" portrait entitled Night Vision.

Okay then! For anyone interested in the process, I'll be posting daily updates of the portrait-in-progress. If you have any questions about the painting or the upcoming November auction, feel free to ask. I hope to see you there!

Day Onehint: click on image to view a really large version

The composition is sketched and the background laid out in a yellow ochre wash. At this point, I better mention that I'll be adding additional background layers of burnt sienna, cobalt blue, veridian, sepia and...um...a yummy shade of medium-dark chocolate whose name eludes me. Point being, the background is going to be a heck of a lot darker than this when I'm done.

I started on the eyes next, those candescent windows into the soul. I like to do that so I feel a sense of the animal's character. Also, I don't feel so alone in my little workroom. If you noticed that the shadows are nothing like the photo, you're right. Reason being, I'm manipulating the light source to denote a brightly lit moonlit night. As an artist I can do that. ;-)

The nose came next, mainly because I needed a visual anchor to begin work on the furry shading.

Note to self: brush in wash denoting values on oak tree bark no later than tomorrow.

Please sir, may I have another?

2008-03-08T14:01:00.001-08:00

FOR SALE
Click here for purchase information

Judging by the expectant posture of this brazen young squirrel, he seems pretty confident that if he stands on that step long enough, he'll get another peanut.

Oh, and one last note for the folks who might've missed it; the thing I loved the most about this young squirrel was the way his hair stood up on his head, like a crewcut with a rakish twist.

Water soluble paint and an ode to a squirrel

2008-03-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

I was climbing the walls this morning, impatient for my new oils and other painting supplies that I'd ordered to arrive. The inescapable truth was, I needed to paint...now! Okay, yes, and maybe lay off the caffeine a bit. And so, (I write as I sip on my third cup of coffee) despite my growing excitement to work with oils, I will paint another watercolor squirrel today. Actually, squirrels have been on my mind lately. Well, one has, anyway, and it's creating a cloudburst in my heart because I finally admitted to myself that I won't be seeing Torn Ear again. She lived close to 3 years, which is a healthy life span for a wild creature such as herself. Her disappearance is tougher for me than other squirrels, as we have a history together, a trusting bond that I haven't had with another. She will be missed.

Torn Ear, in a photo that I took last October, sporting stitches near her eye a few days after the folks at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary stitched up the fleshy hole in her cheek where a voracious botfly larvae had taken up residence.

Ah well, what can I do? Life goes on. Another little squirrel is on the board, vying for my attention. I'll post the little critter just as soon as she's done, probably late this afternoon. Tomorrow, I'll start another watercolor painting of Bast; a larger image that will show her off in all her glory. By then the oils should have arrived, and I'll start playing with my new toys. :-)

In the meantime, I found an admirable article by David Clemons, a seasoned artist who thoroughly researched water miscible oil paints (as he points out, the paints are not water 'soluble', since water does not dissolve the oil, but rather disperses it). I personally found several points invaluable, being:

How They Are Made: Oil at a molecular level contains a fraction that causes it to repel water (hydrophobic.) When chemically treated, this water-repelling molecule can be removed to allow the oil to be diluted with water (hydrophilia.) An alternative to that process is to add an emulsifier to the oil that allows it to mix with water without modifying the oil itself. The purpose of having oils so treated for painting is to eliminate the need of using turpentine or odorless mineral spirits to dilute the oil for painting or cleaning purposes, and just use water. There is no water within the tubes of paint, and it is possible to use them without adding water at all.

"Grumbacher MAX:
These were the first water miscible oils I ever heard of. I began using them back in the 1980s. There is an artists grade brand, MAX, and a student grade, MAX2. [Update: I understand the MAX2 line is being discontinued.] Grumbacher chemists blended modified vegetable drying oil with alkali refined linseed oil (or safflower for their whites) to make it water miscible, so the main oil vehicle is not modified. They offer two miscible mediums: a linseed oil and a "quickdry."

Results for MAX:
At first I was annoyed by the odor, which I found to be somewhat acrid compared to oils I was familiar with. I still have some of those paints, and the odor does not seem to bother me anymore. Perhaps I just got used to it. Some (but not all) of these paints over time hardened inside the tube into a clay-like firmness that made them hard to squeeze out; although, they were still usable if diluted with medium, but that just made them more oily (fatter.) Another annoying thing is almost all the caps on the tubes easily cracked when screwing them on. That has happen to me with other brands too, and not just the water miscible."

If you're seriously interested in using water miscible paints, I encourage you to read the rest of his article.

Let there be light, oh, and Zest-it

2008-03-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

Light is essential to an artist. Curves, contours, and...well, any nook or cranny that defines the space around each and everything we paint, simply wouldn't exist without light. Radiance was on my mind this morning while I searched through artist sites for information on oil based paints, pausing occasionally to ogle at some pretty amazing art. And then I came upon the art of Jeff Hayes, and stopped dead in my tracks and just...well, drooled. Ah yes, I thought, if I had a touchstone, this would be it.

One important environmentally friendly product that I discovered, thanks to Maggie Stiefvater, a wonderful artist friend and fellow Jack Russell puppy owner,

(here's Ginny, my sweet little girl
who is Maggie's little Jack Russell, Ginger's, sister)

is a non-toxic line of environmentally friendly products called Zest-it. The only bad news is, you have to order it from England, but it is really worth the hassle of ordering, says Maggie. So, for anyone searching for non-toxic products related to oil painting, here are the basics:

Zest-it® Brush Cleaner is a environmentally friendly, non-flammable, non-toxic, biodegradable, alternative to 'turps' and white spirit. It's made from the zest of citrus fruit for cleaning brushes and thinning paint. Smells of Oranges!!

The Clear Painting Medium is Zest-it® and Linseed Stand Oil mixed, is ready for use. It enhances the flow and reduces the consistency of oil paint. Very useful for blending and glazing without added varnish. Well suited to the wet-on-wet technique or paint oils on paper.

Zest-it® Artist Hand Cleaner is hand made from soap suitable for sensitive skin, with Orange peel powder, Shea Butter and Essential Oils to gently but thoroughly remove oil paint from the hands, leaving them supple and conditioned.

In search of the perfect medium

2008-03-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, I'm not looking to converse with the dead, although I did jot a note to myself to check out the late and great John Singer Sargent's palette again. The 'perfect medium' I am searching for is oily and slick, and applied with a sturdy brush in hand. Sounds more a little more interesting than chatting with recently departed Aunt Mable, don't you think, who probably just wants to rest in peace, thank you very much.

So I did a little soul searching, and realized that I needed to find a user-friendly oil based paint whose fumes wouldn't drive my husband and dog out of our air conditioned house. Here's what I've discovered about water miscible oil paint:

Water miscible oil paint (also called "water soluble" or "water-mixable") is a modern variety of oil paint which is engineered to be thinned and cleaned up with water, rather than having to use chemicals such as turpentine. It can be mixed and applied using the same techniques as traditional oil-based paint, but while still wet it can be effectively removed from brushes, palettes, and rags with ordinary soap and water. Its water solubility comes from the use of an oil medium in which one end of the molecule has been altered to bind loosely to water molecules, as in a solution.

There are several manufacturers producing water miscible oil paint, including:

HK Holbein -- "Duo Aqua Oil", produced using an activator which alters the structure of the linseed oil.

Royal Talens -- "Van Gogh H2Oil", produced using a quick-drying, odorless vegetable oil.

Winsor & Newton -- "Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color", produced using modified linseed and safflower oil.

Grumbacher -- "Max Artists' Oil Colors", produced using alkali-refined linseed oil or sunflower oils. These are identical to conventional oil colors, with one major difference — Max Oils thin and clean up with water. With Max Oils, there is no need for special brush cleaners, turpentine, or mineral spirits.

Max Grumbacher's professional-quality, water mixable oil colors are made from the same pigments and linseed oil as Grumbacher Pre-Tested Oils, and they have comparable drying time. Max Grumbacher colors can be intermixed with any other oil colors or oil painting mediums, and they can be varnished after 6 months. Use at least 70% Max color, and no more than 30% of regular oil colors or mediums to retain the water miscible properties of Max Oil Colors.

The Royal Talens and Holbein paints do not use the traditional pigments that are based on cadmium and other heavy metals, which further reduces the toxicity risks of working with them.

Although this type of paint may be thinned with water, artists may prefer to use specially prepared mediums for improved texture and control. These mediums improve flow (i.e. make the thinned paint less runny and more easily controlled), can slow or speed up drying time, etc.

If anyone has any thoughts, good or bad, about using water based oil paints (sounds fishy, doesn't it? But I am hoping...), I would LOVE to hear what you have to say.

One small matter of concern is that (apparently) this paint needs to dry for six months before applying a final varnish coat. That can be problematic, I would think, if you sold the piece months back to a collector who lives halfway around the world. Any thoughts on that are heartily welcome, too!

Late note: I thought I might share an email I just received from Edward Gordon, who said: did you ever try Old Holland Oil paint, it is nearly without smell but it is real Oil, I am a bit suspicious with this water mixable oil paint....

Hm. Good point.

Time out

2008-03-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I came to the conclusion - had an epiphany, I guess you could say, followed by a couple of startlingly vivid dreams - that I needed to put on the brakes and really think about the direction that I was taking my art.

And so, while I huddle in a corner with my muse and my second cup of coffee for the day, puzzling over my options and hopefully allowing art to take the front seat and guide me, I'll offer you this glimpse into the glorious world of Edward B. Gordon, a talented Berlin based artist whose work constantly inspires me.This link will take you to a recent page in Edward's daily blog that I think you will enjoy. Like me, you may have to scroll up the page to find a short clip spotlighting a 4-hour interview with Edward by the Emmy award winning tv show Incontext tv (a production of klru, the PBS station in Austin, Texas). I think you'll like it.

Oops. My muse is calling. Be back soon... I promise!

It's a stretch

2008-02-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

5" x 7"
Original Watercolor

FOR SALE
Click here for purchase information

I have a feeling that some serious bucks have been spent on the creation of the 'squirrel-proof' feeder. Seems to me that it's almost impossible to keep a furry slinky away from a tasty snack.

Sometimes, life happens - a little bunny update.

2008-02-27T04:34:00.000-08:00

Back on November 28th of last year, I posted a short note that my husband had been told by a coworker that he had discovered a burrow with several baby bunnies in it. My husband went to the spot on the following day, and discovered that the burrow had been filled with dirt. A single dazed little bunny that my husband spied near the hole was bleeding from the nose and only able to hop in a small circle, in one direction.
To keep this story brief, my husband put the injured baby in a small box with a couple of soft towels, and I drove it to the hospital at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

I called the center later that day, and was told the bunny suffered from blunt head trauma. There was a little good news, though. The nose bleed had stopped. The bad news was, she was still hopping in circles, dragging her right leg. But they wanted to give her a chance, so they administered steroids in the hopes it would reduce the swelling in her brain, and put her in a warm, safe place to rest. If she didn't straighten up and hop right within three days, however, the neurological damage would be deemed permanent, and she would have to be put to sleep.

And so we waited. And hoped the little one would heal. And in the days following, I couldn't help but wonder what sort of person could fill in a warren filled with baby bunnies, then beat this little one over the head. Damn...

Update: Sorry for the delay in posting! For all the folk who asked after her: I called the wildlife center a week or so later and was told she (yes, she was a little girl) had made a complete recovery. She was hopping around her little cage and eating, and was about to introduced to a group of three wild bunnies that they keep at the center. And so, in the end, this little bunny found friends, and a safe, warm, comfortable place to live.

Yay for that! :-) Helene

Mooch

2008-02-26T13:24:00.001-08:00

5" x 7"
Original Watercolor

FOR SALE
Click here for purchase information

Squirrels are naturally friendly, it seems, or at least quick to trust. I imagine that tis scenario is one that many folks have seen. A squirrel, having sampled the handouts of a friendly human, is more than ready to accept more.

FWIW, I thought the car made a nice counterpoint. Hope you like it. :-)

Fairy Tail

2008-02-22T13:11:00.000-08:00

5" x 7"
Original Watercolor

FAIRY TAIL

FOR SALE
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Not only does this magical fellow have a dazzling winter coat, but I have it on good authority that squirrels in Kyrgyzstan, (that's a chilly winter wonderland located in Central Asia) have a great sense of humor. This one hung around a 5th floor balcony window, trying to entice a cat to come out and play...or, as the cat's human suspected, "trying to get the cat to jump off the balcony. It would make funny sounds and moves to fulfill its agenda :)"

Many thanks to the cat's human, Meder for allowing me to reference this cheeky squirrel. I hope I did it justice. :-) Helene

Peekaboo

2008-02-21T12:09:00.001-08:00

2.5" x 3.5"

Original WatercolorFOR SALE
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Squirrels are such clever little creatures! Have you ever noticed how skillful they are at reaching just about any feeder? Ever watchful for predators and humans who might have other ideas about who gets to eat the tasty treats, this little fellow isn't taking any chances. He's hiding behind the feeder and filling his tummy just as quickly as he can!

Royal Red

2008-02-19T10:23:00.001-08:00

2.5" x 3.5"
Original Watercolor

ROYAL RED

FOR SALE
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Today's painting is of yesterday's little squirrel. While so much of the country is under snow, this lucky Miami local is munching on ripe berries growing in a Royal Palm located in Jenny's front yard. Those berries must be really juicy. Don't you just love those red lips?

Here's some interesting facts about squirrels, courtesy of Jenny: When a squirrel senses danger, its first instinct is to stand motionless. - A squirrel will break the shell of a nut with its teeth, then clean the nut by rubbing on its face before it is buried. This action applies a scent to the nut which helps the squirrel find it later.

Poser

2008-02-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5"

Original Watercolor

POSERFOR SALE
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Many thanks to Jenny Romney, who kindly permitted me to reference her tropical photo of a charming Miami squirrel who had no problem whatsoever with Jenny getting close-up-and-personal. In fact, this little girl seems quite comfortable in front of the camera, don't you think?

Mystery Bunny

2008-02-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

FOR SALE
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While I painted this little scene, I imagined what was going through the kitty's head as it sniffed the chocolate bunny. 'You smell funny', is what I imagined. Probably close to the truth, don't you think?

Liliana

2008-02-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

5" x 7" Original Watercolor
LILIANA

FOR SALE

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On a remote tropical shore hidden deep within your dreams, a mermaid escapes the wintery chill and basks in the warmth of a bright, sunny day.

Any Questions?

2008-02-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

5" x 7"

Original Watercolor

ANY QUESTIONS?FOR SALE
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There's something about the way a dog looks up...questioning...guilty...waiting for you to toss that darn ball. Don't you love it?

Bedroom Eyes II

2008-02-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

5" x7"

Original Watercolor
Bedroom Eyes II
FOR SALE
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On a day when most of this continent is under several feet of snow, I thought it would be nice to paint a greyhound enjoying a good soak in the sun.

Share!

2008-01-31T14:48:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5"

Original Watercolor
SHARE!

FOR SALE
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Two squirrels are trying to nibble on the same nut. How funny, I'm thinking. Watch out for the teeth!

Night Vision

2008-01-29T05:56:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor

2.5" x 3.5"
NIGHT VISION

FOR SALE
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Equipped with excellent night vision, this cat peers into the night with the casual confidence of a nocturnal hunter.

MOANA

2008-01-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" Original Watercolor
Hawaiian Fairy Fantasy Series
Moana

FOR SALE

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Moana is the second in a series of Hawaiian fairies that I'm painting. If you've read my bio, you'll have seen that I lived in Hawaii as a teen. This fairy is named after my best friend, who used to lived in Kaimuki. I recall that she loved to sing the old Hawaiian songs, and she sang them well. Moana heritage was of Dutch origin, and she was blond, just like this little beauty.

As for the series, I'll be painting several fairies, or until I run out of Hawaiian names, which will probably be a while. I still remember one girl in school whose hair cascaded down past her knees. Her name was Melvaline, as I recall, although everyone just called her 'Mop'...well, for obvious reasons. Now that will make for an interesting fairy!

You are cordially invited...

2008-01-23T05:05:00.000-08:00

...to the opening of
M. Helene Keough's
Original Fine Art Website

I've been out of the loop for a few days, devoting time to the long delayed, important matter of self-promotion. How can you avoid doing that? You're probably thinking. No wonder so many artists starve. The unfortunate but honest truth is that most artists (that I know, at least) prefer to hunker down with pencil and paint, and often live a happy and often solitary existence in the wildly, deliciously colorful world of their own creation. But after a dear artist friend opined (with a mental two by four) that I was so much better than the current avenues that I've explored to date, I decided to grab my mental hammer and bust outta here.

And so here I am, sharing 2008 Mental to-do list with you. Oops. Felt my heart skip a beat as I wrote that. This is not as easy as you think.

Create a website. I mean, not just register my name as a domain, which I did in 2000, and feel the job was done. Get the thing up and running!
Research and register (the second half is the kicker *sigh*) for at least two exhibits this year. As you might know, I live on Florida's east coast, near about in the center of the state, so feel free to needle me if you know of any water color or miniature art exhibits that I am currently ignoring. (I'm being honest here)
Research and submit to art galleries that would best represent my historical military water colors. I can be flexible about the word 'historical', though, as I've been encouraged to paint the Black Hawk, which puts in smack dab in the present. Still, I have a marvelous image in mind that is screaming to be painted, and it would do well in a gallery, so ... no excuses, right?

Aahhh...that's enough! I'm not going to add 'find solutions to world hunger' or 'climb Mount Everest'. Still, just keeping the list realistic is giving me a headache. Aren't New Year resolutions fun?

The good news is, I started working on my resolutions two days ago. So, to fulfil the first, I cordially invite you to the opening of my website: www.mhkeough.com It took me all of two days, I am embarrassed to say, to get it up and running (oh, and 7 years of fiddling about with tons of excuses). It's still a little rough around the edges and I posted a few prints in one gallery because it looked kind of empty. But it's a start. Feel free to offer your constructive crits and dust off the pompoms. I need all the encouragement I can get.

Mahalo...

Helene

Sympatico

2008-01-20T04:48:00.000-08:00

2.5" x3.5" Original Watercolor
ACEO format

FOR SALE
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A young fairy and an even younger dragonfly pause for a moment to enjoy each other's company.

Trust

2008-01-17T15:39:00.001-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" Original Water Color
ACEO FormatFOR SALE
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As I mentioned in a previous painting, there's often a story behind each of my paintings. A squirrel I named 'Torn Ear' is the model for every squirrel painting that I've done so far. Even my Jack Russell puppy has learned to accept the fluffy tailed curiosity as a member of our extended family (well okay, like a distant cousin, perhaps, once or twice removed).

This painting hails to the week following her trip to the wildlife center, where they stitched a gash in her face. When I brought her home, I half expected she would take off mouthing a stream of squirrel obscenities. But she didn't. She actually seemed...well, even more trusting of me.

As in this painting. She's staring down at me from a ledge on my patio enclosure with what looked like a combination of curiosity and frank amazement that a human could (and would) help her when she was seriously ill.

Please visit my website: www.mhkeough.com if you would like to purchase this, or any other, of my original water color paintings.

Moonlight Prince

2008-01-16T14:37:00.001-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" Original Water Color
ACEO format

FOR SALE
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In my mind, fairy girls are no different than any other, so in my most recent painting, a young fairy princess (well, she is role playing, so why not go for the gold)? holds a tree frog that she's captured, wishing ... perhaps ... that he actually was a handsome prince in disguise.

Sweet Leilani

2008-01-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" Original Water Color

ACEO format
SOLD

Even fairies are entranced by magical creatures smaller than themselves. In this painting, we find a sweet, little Hawaiian fairy encountering a very tiny sprite. Why Hawaii? I lived there in my teens, so the magic of the islands is in my blood, I guess. Enjoy.

Sweet Leilani fine art giclee prints are available in my eBay store.

Small Talk

2008-01-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" Original Water Color

ACEO Format

FOR SALE
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I love birds and imagine fairies love them too. Well, they both fly, so it reasons, doesn't it? :-) And as I've mentioned before, there is often a story behind each painting, and in this one, I imagined that a bluejay and a fairy took a moment to exchange a bit of small talk. Judging by their familiarity, I have a feeling they've done it before.
Please visit my website: www.mhkeough.com if you would like to purchase this, or any other, of my original water color paintings.

Little Protector

2008-01-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5 Original Watercolor

ACEO format

SOLD

I've been painting fairies for a while in a rather limited color range. Tomorrow, I think I will work on a winter fairy, just to see if I can keep my hands from drifting to the yellows and reds...just for a giggle. :-)

FWIW, I thought the fawn turned out rather well (for an image that's just over 1-1/2 inches wide and less than 1 inch tall.)

Please visit my website: www.mhkeough.com to view my currently original water color paintings.

Sharing Secrets

2008-01-11T13:00:00.001-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" Original Watercolor

ACEO format

SOLD

I enjoyed working on this little painting, in part because I love fairies, and because this scene speaks of the end of snow flurries and the beginning of warm weather. A certain familiarity between these woodland creatures seemed to creep in as I painted, so that it seemed to me these two were thoroughly enjoying lying in the long grass, sharing secrets as fireflies buzzed overhead, listening. I was also interested in working through the challenge of painting the bunny's multi-colored, multi-layered short fur. Hopefully, it looks okay.

Fine art giclee prints of this fairy and her little friend are available in my eBay store.

Time Out II

2008-01-09T13:53:00.001-08:00

2.5"x3.5" ACEO Format
Original Watercolor
SOLD

There's often a story behind each of my paintings, and this one is no exception. Torn Ear has been the model for every squirrel painting that I've done so far. I've been honored by her presence for nearly two years now, and as squirrels live up to three years, I ply her with peanuts, sunflower seeds and kind words to keep her healthy as possible. Even my Jack Russell puppy has learned to accept the fluffy tailed curiosity as a member of our furry family (well okay, like a distant cousin, perhaps, once or twice removed).

To me, this painting reveals something special, as I often take photos from a distance of two to three feet. I was so close that I was able to include the little claw marks on the palm frond, from where she and others have scampered along over the years.

But it's her expression that says the most, as her eyes reveal to me, and because of this painting, to others, perhaps, that she is comfortable in my company, that I've stood and talked to her many, many times, and that she is very much loved, if only from a distance.

The original is sold, but you can find fine art giclee prints of Torn Ear in my eBay store.

Here, guinea piggy piggy

2008-01-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

ACEO 2.5"x3.5"

Private Commission
MALCOLM

Occasionally, I am asked to paint a charming critter (oh, I have such a soft spot for them, too!), such as this elegantly whiskered guinea pig. Malcolm, the guinea pig in the portrait, lives in Leicestershire, U.K. with three bunnies and a human, who appears to spoil them all equally. I was thrilled when his human decided she liked my style, and offered me the task.

After admiring Malcolm's lovely fur, I decided to paint the hair in a series of succeeding darkened washes of yellow ochre and burnt sienna, highlighting the curves and shadows with even more burnt sienna, vandyke brown and the odd bit of sepia. The white fur was shaded primarily with ultramarine and/or payne's grey, with a bit of the latter seeping into the burnt sienna shadows in the fur and ears. The nose is contoured with layers of alizarin crimson and payne's grey. The lips, thin washes of yellow ochre and burnt sienna.

To compliment Malcolm's rich fur, I alternated washes of deep purple and payne's grey, deepening the values toward the bottom left. The eye...well, I couldn't resist adding a touch of color to the inky black, to add a little richness and depth. The whiskers are a combination of carefully painted lines with a touch of acrylic. No masking used.

Time: 3 hours.

Will you come a'wandering?

2007-12-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

5"x7" Original Water color
SOLD

Fairy children love to play, and what would make a better companion than a playful cat?
And so I imagined a friendly tabby inviting a young fairy to join him for a romp in a nearby meadow.
Of course, you know she said yes. :-)

Peace on Earth

2007-12-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is the last watercolor in my 2007 Twelve Cats of Christmas series, which celebrates the feline point of view of this wonderful holiday season.

I thought this peaceful image was a fitting end to this years' Christmas Cat series. I envisioned a newborn lamb and a little kitten nestled together in a warm bed. Perhaps there is a manger nearby? That star seems to be shining ever so brightly.

Curiously enough, while "...the phrase of “the lion shall lie down with the lamb” is one of the more popular quotes from the Bible, it’s really misquoted. In my research for this painting, however, I discovered two touching articles that tell of modern day compassionate lions! I was going to post them here, but they're kind of long so I'll just post the 1st para instead:

THE LION WHO LAY DOWN WITH THE LAMB
The True Story Of A Vegetarian Lion

Once upon a time, in 20th century America, there lived a lion who refused to be violent. Those who cared for her tried to train her to behave in a way they thought was dictated by nature—but she refused. Instead, she taught her keepers that man's idea of what constitutes "natural" animal behavior, is not necessarily what God created the animals to be.

The rest of this amazing story is here: http://www.all-creatures.org/hr/hralion.htm

The 2nd story that I found was:

“And the lion shall lie down with the lamb…”

"...in today’s world, there really is a lion that lies down with a calf…in fact, she adopted and nurtured a total of five antelope calves.

It’s a remarkable story of the love of one animal for another, and it seems to personify the truth that not all natural enemies are exactly that—natural and unavoidable enemies."

The rest of the story is: http://www.naturescornermagazine.com/lion_lamb.html

Here's to a loving, merry world 24/7

Helene

Visit my online store and check out my 12 Cats of Christmas cards

and other items featuring my portable kitty art

First Christmas

2007-12-17T14:51:00.000-08:00

5"x7" Original water color
SOLD

Click here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

This is the eleventh in my 2007 Twelve Cats of Christmas series, which celebrates the feline point of view of this wonderful holiday season. All the color and noise of this holly, jolly season seems to have flustered this sweet little kitten. But I don't think she'll be in trouble for very long. I mean, who could resist those big blue eyes?

Visit my online store to check this Meowy Christmas mug
and other fun and practical items featuring my portable kitty art

Santa's Littlest Helper

2007-12-13T07:49:00.001-08:00

5"x7" Original WatercolorIt has long been rumored that Santa has a weakness for cookies and milk. And who likes milk better than a cat? This leads me to believe that Santa must have at least one cat in his distant winter household, to warm his hearth and soul, and possibly his cheerful woolly hat. And what would warm his hat better than a kitty?
Visit my online store to check this Meowy Christmas mug
and other charming items featuring my portable kitty art

You are a brave cat, Rags

2007-12-11T11:50:00.001-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" Original Watercolor
You are a brave cat, Rags

Check out the Rags and Snicker
story cards in my online store

This is the sixteenth ACEO in a series of watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story.

"B-but," Rags stammered, "shouldn't a braver cat be guarding you? I'm even scared of the dark."

Petals wings flashed the colors of a summer day as she flitted into the air. Alighting next to Rags, she laid a hand on the puzzled cat's cheek.

"You are braver than you think," she whispered.

"Snicker said that too," Rags said. "It's just that I don't feel..."

Petal let out a delighted laugh. "Rags," she said gently, "you may not understand now, but you will. For you see... you are braver than you think."

As Rags looked down at the tiny fairy, he thought he felt his heart swell with pride. And for a moment, or perhaps a little longer, he actually believed what she said.

Santa's Little Napper

2007-12-08T07:16:00.001-08:00

5"x7" Original watercolor
40 Winks

Click here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

This is the ninth in my 2007 Christmas Cat series, which celebrates the feline point of view of this wonderful holiday season. Santa Claus lives in the heart of many children, but if the jolly old soul himself were to have a pet, I think there's an excellent chance that his furry child would be a cat. In my little painting, we find them enjoying a quiet moment together on the day after Christmas.

Visit my online store to check this Meowy Christmas mugand other items featuring my portable kitty art

Petal emerges from hiding

2007-12-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5"

Original Watercolor
SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

This is the fifteenth ACEO in a series of watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story.

The tiny fairy emerged at the entrance to the Hole-in-the-Oak just as the sun began to set, and stood on the soft moss, looking very sad and forlorn.

"Snicker, I'm sorry," Petal said softly in a voice as crisp and clear as sleighbells tinkling on a winter's morning, "but I don't feel safe in here. I'm scared the goblin will find me."

"There aren't many hiding places left," Snicker said glumly. "The goblin has found most of them. I have good news, though. Rags has agreed to help guard you."

"He did?" Petal glanced up before Rags could correct Snicker and say that guarding the fairy had been the mouse's idea, and gave the cat a radiant smile. "Oh, thank you, Rags. I was so worried you would say no."

Gotcha!

2007-12-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

5"x7" Original Watercolor
GOTCHA!

Click here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

This painting is the eighth in my 2007 Christmas Cat series. It always amuses me how seriously felines of all breeds take the matter of stalking. This tabby, for instance, is doing his best not to excite this bird ornament. He was rather puzzled though, as to why the bird was such an easy catch. And what about that look of concentration? I hated to disappoint him, and yet, you gotta love it.

Visit my online store and check this charming kitty Christmas mug

and other items featuring my portable kitty art

Fairy in hiding

2007-12-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

2.5" x3.5" Original watercolor

Fairy in Hiding
SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

This is fourteenth ACEO in a series of watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story.

Badger stomped into the woods, leaving Rags no option but to jump onto the mossy ground and pad along nervously beside him. Long, gloomy shadows leaped out from behind the bushes and trees, reminding Rags that far beyond the cheery meadow, the sun was beginning to set. It seemed like they had walked forever, when they finally came to a clearing filled with dandelions and bluebells, which glowed orange and gold in the softly waning light.

Badger sniffed the cool dusk air then gestured with his nose in the direction of a large oak tree. “Snicker’s over there,” he said gruffly, and without another word, he turned tail and left.

“Thank you, I think…” Rags muttered to the retreating badger. With a sigh, he turned and padded toward the tiny mouse.

Snicker sat on one of the oak tree’s massive roots. Even in the fading light, Rags could see the tiny mouse wore a very stern look on his face. Snicker looked up as Rags approached and then gestured with his staff toward a dark hole at the base of the tree.

"Petal didn’t come out all day,” Snicker whispered. “I think she smells goblin.”

“She can smell it?” Rags said, sounding quite impressed.

Snicker nodded. He gave the cat a long, appraising look. “Petal asked to meet you. She likes to know who’s protecting her, especially when there's a goblin about,” he said softly. “Come. Kneel down next to me.”

The tiny mouse stamped his staff and illuminated the mossy ground just as Rags lay on his stomach with his paws planted politely before him. He tucked his head down and whispered in the mouse’s ear. “What do we do now?” he whispered.

“We wait for her to come out,” Snicker replied. “She already knows you’re here.”

Want milk?

2007-12-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

5"x7" Original watercolor

SOLD

Click here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

This is the seventh in my 2007 Christmas Cat series. It's an image that's been downright demanding that I paint it. Santa played such a big role in my childhood that I jump to any opportunity to breathe life into that loving image. And what better creature to put forth the image of generosity than a cat (hey, if you don't agree, check out the tiny kitty who kept the dying Buddha company)

And so, here he is, Saint Nick in one of his many guises, and a furry friend offering up his milk to accompany Santa's cookies.

Visit my online store and check out my 12 Cats of Christmas card series

and other items featuring my portable kitty art

Badger arrives

2007-11-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

Original watercolor
SOLD
2.5" x 3.5" ACEORags and Snicker storycard prints

are available in my online store

This is thirteenth ACEO in a series of watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story.

Badger stopped and sniffed the air, then stared up at Rags just as the petrified cat leaped onto a nearby tree branch.

“What are you doing up there?” Badger growled. “Snicker has been waiting for you all afternoon.”

“He has?” Rags said as calmly as he could even though his tail was bushed out from fright.

“Of course he has, you silly cat,” Badger rumbled. “You have to protect his fairy from the goblin.”

“Why do I have to do it?” Rags stomped his paw, feeling more than a little put upon. “Why don’t you scare the goblin away?”

“I would,” Badger scowled, “of course, if I was a cat. If I tried, that goblin would turn me into glass faster than I could eat you. Enough of this nonsense! Climb out of that tree so I can take you to Snicker.”

Sometimes...life happens

2007-11-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

I don't have a painting to share with you today, but I do have a bunny. Hm. Perhaps I should explain. It's been an odd...nay, tough few days. All three of my ferrets have suffered various ailments this past month, and now the last one is clinging to life...as it were...with me holding the ax...so to speak...over her sweet little head.

I'm going day by day. Such is the case when you are dealing with cancer. My little girl, Dee, has days, and if we are lucky, weeks, left to her.

And then my husband called me this morning. He had found a teensy bunny beside a burrow that had been (for whatever reason) filled in. I picked up the fragile beauty and delivered her to my favorite wildlife center, where I was told that her questionable limpy hind leg was a neurological issue. Something quitet likely had attacked her. I left the wildlife center muttering prayers to all who might listen, asking that they save this little soul. After all, they'll have my little girl shortly.

If you're so inclined, please whisper a few kind words upward for the little creature who stole away my painting time, for his...or her fate is in the lap of the Gods.

No Name, but lovely, all the same...

Tropical Christmas

2007-11-27T15:44:00.000-08:00

5x7 Original Watercolor

SOLD

Click here to view all my cat and kitty giclee prints

This is the sixth in my 2007 Christmas Cat series, dedicated in this instance to Dee, one of my own furry children, who is in the sunset of her life. I've enjoyed many sunsets in the Florida Keys, and this comfortable tabby, framed by a tropical pineapple wreath, has the honor of enjoying the best of the best...with Dee, of course. But then, so do you! Merry Christmas!

Visit my online store and check this Meowy Christmas mug
and other items featuring my portable kitty art

What was that?

2007-11-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

2.5" x 3.5" ACEO
Original watercolor
SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard prints
are available in my online store

Thanks so much for stopping by. This is the twelfth installment in a series of 3.5" x 2.5" watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story. Additional story segments are posted on previous days.

Late that afternoon, Rags climbed down the wisteria trellis, but he didn't find Snicker by the apple tree, where the little mouse normally waited for his feline friend. Rags cast a nervous glance at the oak grove that bordered the manor's garden. Somehow, he knew that Snicker was somewhere amongst the shadowy trees, unable to stray far from his fairy charge, now that a goblin prowled the woods.

"Snicker needs my help," Rags reminded himself. He heaved a little sigh. "Snicker thinks I'm brave." A shudder rippled along the cat's long back, but he hesitated only once before padding into the ancient wood where soft oak leaves cushioned his footsteps and the long afternoon shadows grew gloomy and dark. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Rags heard a loud, low growl. Without so much as a moment's thought, Rags sprang high into the air and hung suspended between two trees as an ominous, dark shadow plodded by.

First Snowflake

2007-11-24T13:06:00.001-08:00

5"x7" Original Watercolor
SOLD

Click here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

I must admit I am having fun with this series. This is the fifth of my 2007 Christmas Cats. Here, I imagined how a young kitten would feel, stepping onto the back porch and staring in wide wonder at the swirling snow. Suddenly, a soft, fluffy snowflake lands on the tip of his nose! Such a delightful surprise.

Visit my online store to check this Tropical Christmas Cat mousepad and other items featuring my portable kitty art

Did you see it move?

2007-11-23T03:22:00.000-08:00

5x7 Original Watercolor
SOLD

Click here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

Happy (morning after) Thanksgiving, all! This is the fourth in my 2007 Christmas Cat series. Three kittens are entranced by a bright, feathery bird they spied in the family Christmas tree. Hours of entertainment there. Hey, did you see that? I think I saw it move!

Take a moment and visit my online store and check this First Snowflake Christmas cat mug
and other items featuring my portable kitty

Puss and Boots

2007-11-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

5x7 Original Watercolor

SOLD

Click here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

Freckles' disposition was as delicate and sweet as her stripes, and she never imagined that any of the colorful boxes left beneath the brightly lighted tree belonged to her. The young kitten was simply content to lie next to the old brick fireplace, bathed in the warmth of the dying embers, and watch the fading firelight play on the magical tree.

Deep in the heart of winter, when everyone else had gone to bed, Freckles laid as she normal did, watching the flickering lights. All of a sudden, she heard a peculiar sound in the fireplace. The very next moment, a portly human dressed in red and white, and shiny black boots, stepped out of the hearth and walked over to the tree. Moments later, he was pulling brightly wrapped boxes from a large sack.

Freckles watched him, sitting by the fireplace, as quiet as a...well, a little cat. After the sack was emptied, the curiously dressed human turned and plodded back to the fireplace, where he paused, looked down at Freckles, and laughed a deep, friendly chuckle that sounded for all the world like 'ho ho ho'. Reaching into the sack, he pulled out a very small, neatly wrapped box. To Freckles surprise, he bent down and gave it to her.

"Did you think I would forget you?" he asked.

Before Freckles could say thank you, he chuckled again and disappeared up the fireplace.

Visit my online store and check these Meowy Christmas cards

and other items featuring my portable kitty art.

Meowy Christmas

2007-11-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

5"x7" Original Watercolor
SOLDClick here to view my cat and kitty giclee prints

This print is part of my 2007 Cat Christmas Series. Seems to me the Siamese on the left really enjoys caroling. Ho ho ho...

Visit my online store and check out my Meowy Christmas Cat mug

and other fun and practical items featuring my portable kitty art

The photo below is of my puppy, Ginny, on day 5 (today) of her life in our household. So far, she has chewed her first collar (with the help of her siblings, who tenderized it for her) ,discovered freeze-dried liver treats (plain liver, nothing added), and as you can see in this photo, is sporting a burnt orange collar. Okay, she's starting to bark in her sleep. Gotta go. This is a real aw...moment.

Thanks for dropping in!

Not a creature was stirring, except for a...

2007-11-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

5"x7" Watercolor

SOLD

Click here to view all my cat and kitty giclee prints

If you are familiar with the nocturnal habits of cats, I think you might agree that there is a slight flaw in the poem, 'Twas the night before Christmas'. Obviously, (well, in my mind anyway) something was stirring that night, filled with a feline curiosity as it stared out the window at the wee hours of the morning. Ho ho ho...

Visit my online store to check out this Rags and Snicker keepsake

and other items featuring my portable kitty art.

The Egyptian Goddess - BAST

2007-11-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

Original 5"x7" Watercolor

SOLD

Fine art giclee prints of this Perfumed Protector are available in my online store .

Bast is a compassionate Egyptian Goddess who bears the face of a domestic cat on the body of a young woman. She is the protector of cats (well, of course), as well as the protector of women and children. She is also known as the Goddess of Sunrise, which is why my painting is awash in sunrise colors. Her goddess duties have changed over the years, in that Bast is also known as a Goddess of love, fertility, birth, music and dance. A little bird also told me she was the Goddess of Perfume, which I depicted with the inclusion of burning incense. She is a busy woman, no doubt, possessed of a gorgeous feline beauty. Her persona is so complex, in fact, that I will attempt to do her artistic justice more than once.

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Ginny, my new Jack Russell puppy

2007-11-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

I've been quiet these past few days because I went on a whirlwind trip to Virginia to pick up a puppy from my friend and talented fellow artist, Maggie Stiefvater. (she has a gorgeously charming painting of my puppy's mother, Peanut, on her art blog, and of course I'm going to urge you to take a peek). I took along a ton of paper and paint, and intended to post new art (with the greatest of intentions), but it didn't work out that way.

And so, without further ado, here is the reason I've been pleasantly distracted these past few days. The other good news is, I'm back! :-)

GINNY

Time to think.

2007-11-11T08:31:00.001-08:00

SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

Thanks so much for stopping by. This is the eleventh installment in a series of 3.5" x 2.5" watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story. Additional story segments are posted below on previous days.

Rags shivered in the chill fall air as he and Snicker retraced their steps through the meadow.

“I will introduce Rags to Petal tonight.” Snicker muttered to himself as they walked. “Yes, the sooner, the better.”

Even though he still felt a little scared, Rag’s heart fluttered with excitement. Petal? Was he going to meet Snicker’s fairy?

“That goblin prowls the woods at night,” Snicker continued talking to himself. “That’s when I will need his help.”

“At night?” Rags squeaked, sounding more like a mouse at that moment, than Snicker did.

Snicker stopped walking, and stared up at the cowering cat. “Rags, there are two things that I forgot to tell you.”

“What?” Rags’ voice trembled, as he spoke. He didn’t think he could take too many more surprises.

“Firstly,” the little mouse rapped Rags lightly on the paw with his staff, “goblins are afraid of cats.”

“They are?” Rags stopped shivering and frowned. “Why?”

Snicker ignored the cat’s question, turned and continued to walk. “Secondly,” he said, “you are braver than you think.”

“I am?” Rags whispered.

Without saying a word, Snicker walked toward the manor house garden with Rags following alongside. I’m brave? Rags wondered. Is that possible?

“Um…just how big is a goblin anyway?” he asked cautiously.

“Bigger than me,” Snicker laughed.

“Well, that tells me a lot,” Rags grumbled to himself.

When they reached the manor house, Rags politely excused himself and climbed up the wisteria trellis to think. Lying in the warm sun amongst the clusters of bright flowers, the goblin’s cave seemed like a bad dream. He flexed his claws and looked across the meadow at the retreating mouse. Could he really be as brave as Snicker’s said?

Crystal Clear

2007-11-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

Thanks so much for stopping by. This is the tenth installment in a series of 3.5" x 2.5" watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story. Additional story segments are posted below on previous days.
Rags walked under the hawthorn tree and sniffed a small cluster of tinkling berries. Frowning, he lay on the mossy ground and stared at one branch and then another.

“Something’s wrong,” he whispered.

“It is indeed.” The tiny mouse agreed. He gently stamped his walking staff on the soft, mossy ground, illuminating the brittle, glittering branches. “Those berries have turned to glass,” he gestured upward at the fruit that were rustling in the breeze like little wind chimes, “as cold and hard as a goblin’s heart. In fact, it's rumored that anything a goblin touches will turn to glass. That's how I knew a goblin was about.”

CLOSEUP

Rags eyes grew wide. “Anything?” he whispered, darting out from under the bush. “Even cats?” He eyed the cave nervously.

“Even fairies.” Snicker gave Rags a stern look then turned and walked back the way they had come. “That’s why I need your help.”

At the Cave Entrance

2007-11-09T06:34:00.001-08:00

SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

Thanks so much for stopping by. This is the ninth installment in a series of 3.5" x 2.5" watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story. Additional story segments are posted below on previous days.

The curious tinkling sound that filled the air behind him didn’t mask the snorting and snuffling that Rags heard rumbling up from deep inside the cave. Paddling nervously in place, Rags pulled his eyes away for the briefest moment and glanced over his shoulder at Snicker, who was examining a cluster of berries near the ground.

“Don’t tell me you’re hungry again,” Rags whispered irritably, but before Snicker could answer, a loud, blubbery sound very much like a cow breaking wind, burst from the cave. “Oh, this is ridiculous,” Rags whispered to no-one in particular, and slowly backed away from the cave.

Rag hesitates

2007-11-09T02:55:00.000-08:00

SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

This is the eighth installment in a series of 3.5" x 2.5" watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story. Additional story segments are posted below on previous days.

Rags padded across the meadow feeling rather nervous. And so he should, he thought. After all, he had just agreed to help his friend protect his fairy charge from a marauding goblin.

Rag had never seen a goblin before. Perhaps they could talk to it, he thought hopefully. Maybe it would leave if they asked politely. He glanced down at Snicker, who was bouncing along with a smile on his face. “Snicker, what are we going to say to the goblin when we find it?” he asked.

“Oh, we aren’t going to talk to the Goblin,” Snicker laughed. “Goblins are terrible listeners, and besides, they sleep all day, so we probably won’t see it.”

CLOSEUP

Rags felt more than a little puzzled. “So why are we going to its lair?”

“To see if it’s still here,” Snicker answered matter of factly. “If it is…well, that’s where you step in.”

“I was afraid you were going to say that,” Rags mumbled.

Snicker's Scary Secret

2007-11-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Snicker's Scary Secret
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Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

This is the seventh installment in a series of 3.5" x 2.5" watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story.

Snicker stared toward the goblin’s lair for a very long time, and then tapped Rags on the shoulder with his wooden staff. “I have a secret, Rags, a big scary secret,” Snicker said. “I’m afraid it involves you.”

“Scary.” Rags blinked with surprise. “You don’t think I’m scary, do you, because I would never…”

CLOSEUP

Snickers laughed and raised a tiny paw. “Rags, I have trusted you from the moment you padded into this garden.”

The tiny mouse leaned forward on his wooden staff and gave Rags an appraising look.

“Long ago,” Snicker said, “when the first mouse rose to the task of guarding a young fairy while she slept, he discovered that he needed a little help from time to time. And so he befriended a badger who secretly protected the fairy when…”

Snickers coughed and cleared his throat. “What I am trying to say is…would you be my big, scary secret and help me scare the goblin away?”

The Goblin's Lair

2007-11-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

This is the sixth installment in a series of 3.5" x 2.5" watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story.

Snicker ate several berries in silence, which seemed strange to Rags, as the mouse was normally very talkative. After Snicker was done with his meal, he heaved a weary sigh, gripped his walking stick in one paw and walked over to their favorite apple tree with Rags padding behind him. “Is something wrong?” asked Rags. Snicker, who was about to climb up the apple tree trunk, paused for a moment, but then he shook his head. “You wouldn’t understand,” he said quietly. Turning, he climbed onto a branch laden heavy with ripe apples and sat down. “If something is wrong, you can tell me, you know.” Rags moved closer until his nose almost touched Snicker’s tail. “I’ve always been a good listener.”

“Yes, Rags, you certainly are,” Snicker’s tiny black eyes glinted warmly as he spoke. He hesitated for a moment then he raised one paw and pointed to a distant hill. “There’s a small cave up there, just past that copse of trees. Can you see it?”

Closeup

Rags nodded. “Of course, I can. Cats have very good…”

“A goblin lives there,” Snicker interrupted in a quiet voice. “I think he’s discovered where my fairy charge sleeps.”

Foraging for breakfast

2007-11-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

3.5" x 2.5" ACEO
Original watercolor
SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

Rags found Snickers the next morning, foraging for fruit in a nearby hawthorn bush. Rags had offered to share his breakfast with Snicker once before, but the tiny mouse had politely refused. So Rags smiled, then lay down and quietly watched the little mouse jump from one branch to another, reaching for the shiny red berries.

Heavy horses on parade

2007-11-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

5"x7" watercolor
HEAVY HORSES ON PARADE
SOLD
Fine art giclee prints of my watercolor horses
are available in my online store

I fell in love with image of two Clydesdales on parade when I was in a distinctly holiday mood (my husband refuses to let me put ornaments up until after Thanksgiving, so I have to make up the color somewhere, and so here is the bright and cheerful end result.

Minor details: I ramped up the eye detail, so that he seems to be looking at the viewer. All in all, it was a change from painting cats and meece. Back to that tomorrow.

Moonlit Magic

2007-11-03T04:21:00.000-07:00

2.5"x3.5" ACEO watercolor
SOLDRags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

This is the forth in a series of original watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's story. I invite you to check back and enjoy watching the set develop.

The rain had stopped by the time Rags lapped up his bowl of milk. But he didn’t curl up on the soft blanket the cook had left near the hearth. He headed for the open kitchen door instead, sat on the stoop and curled his tail around his haunches. Gazing past the flowers blooming along the path, past the red coach house with its warmly glowing windows, past the meadow lighted brightly by the full moon, his ears pricked to a faint, sweet melody carried on the night air. He tilted his head and listened. What that the sound of fairies singing, he wondered?

Rainy Day Blues and Greens

2007-11-02T02:35:00.000-07:00

3.5"x2.5" original watercolor
SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
are available in my online store

This is the third in a series of original watercolor illustrations that I am painting to accompany a children's short story. I invite you to check back and enjoy watching the set develop.

Day 3: It had just started to rain when Snicker left Rags at the manor house kitchen door. Rags meowed and waited to be let in, then padded over to a chair near the kitchen window. Jumping onto the cushioned seat, he placed his paws on the windowsill and peered through the rain splattered panes at a little flicker of light bobbing toward an old oak tree at the far end of the garden. Was it a firefly, he wondered, or was it Snicker, returning to guard his fairy charge? Rags had never met the fairy that Snicker guarded as she slept, but true to his nature, he was very curious to meet her.

Scaredy Cat

2007-11-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

2.5" x 3.5 ACEO
SOLD

Rags and Snicker storycard giclee prints
can be found in my online store

Day two: Rags loved Snicker's tales so much that he supposed something like this was bound to happen. He swished his tail nervously and peered into the gloom that extended across the lawn. Snicker had been recounting an exciting tale about a cranky barn owl that had so engrossed him, Rags had walked over to the reassuring glow emanating from the open coach house door and begged the field mouse to continue. And now the sun had set and the manor house where he lived looked like it was a million miles away.

His tummy grumbled, prompting him to think of the bowl of warm milk that was surely waiting for him by the cozy kitchen fireplace. He took one step into the dark yard, and then another. Then he planted his front paw on a smooth, black rock (at least he hoped it was a rock and not another sleeping turtle) and gulped.

"Um...are you certain it's safe out there? " He glanced down at Snicker, who had stood and was brushing the dust off his fur. "It looks so...well, dark."

"Of course it is, Rags." Snicker gave a little chortle and stamped his tiny staff onto the hard packed earth. A tiny light burst from the tip, illuminating Rag's wide green eyes. "Now step this way and I'll walk you home."

Tall Tales

2007-10-31T04:43:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor and a teensy story
Size: 3.5" x 2.5" - the painting, not the story :-)

SOLD
Check out the Rags and Snicker storycard
giclee prints in my online store

This week begins with a daily art card (ACEO) featuring the antics of Snicker and his feline friend, Rags. Here's today's first storycard installment:

Snicker had befriended a cat named Rags on the first day he’d shown up in the garden as a kitten. It was an odd match, some whispered, a dangerous one as well, if truth be told, but Snicker found the well groomed feline to be a far better listener than his young fairy charge, and Snicker had so many tales to tell! He was a fairy guardian, after all, and like his father and grandfather before him, he had dallied with many a trickish goblin and fun loving pixie.

There was an apple tree at the back of the garden, the last of an old orchard that had stretched across the gently rolling hills long before the manor house was built. On hot summer days, Rags and Snicker retreated under the shade of its fruit laden branches, where Rags sat in the long cool grass, listening attentively while Snicker described his adventures until the sky grew as red as the large, ripe apple he leaned against.

MASHED

2007-10-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

FOR SALE
Visit my online art gallery for availability and purchase info
on this 20" x 28" original watercolor

With a top speed of 54 m.p.h., ambulances like this 3/4 ton, 4x4 Dodge truck sped on to save thousands of lives during the Korean War. And now, many old war horses are "settling in for the long rust". They might be gone, but they are not forgotten.

The only good thing I can think about having a hurricane-in-the-making heading in my direction is that the high winds are periodically blowing the clouds away. I leaned the clipboard holding the painting up against a deck chair, sat down myself and snapped a few photos before another clump of clouds obscured the sun. Happily, this photo is close to the original.

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and other portable art featuring my historical military art.

MASHED - home stretch

2007-10-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

The sun was fleeting today, and so this photo suffers from peculiar tints. Since yesterday, I've added ground cover. I'll paint the last touches of rust and deepening of a few metal areas (you'll see the front windshield 'pop' when I do), darken the values of the dirt and perhaps blade or two of grass. Then I think I'm done.

Here's a preliminary post, the last will hopefully will be posted no later than tomorrow. Thanks to those who have hung in there. Comments are always welcome, folks! I am very easily swayed! ;-)

MASHED - second to last entry

2007-10-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Did I mention this was a full sheet, 22"x30" painting of this rusting beauty?

As I paint, I really revel in the looseness of the grass and soil, especially after paying stricter (but not adhering to 'paint-fully' realistic) attention to the old warhorse's details. Feel there is room for a little more Payne's Grey near the tires, but other than that, I will move the grass down the slope and then add a finishing touches to the truck, and call it a day.

Comments are encouraged, especially at this point. Thanks for popping in!

Click on closeup to view larger image.

MASHED - progress on a dreary day

2007-10-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

Click on images to view larger picture

Here's a closeup of the crumpled metal edge, faded paint and a nice bit of rust.

The early morning sky is drooling down here in Florida, but I will do my best to post a better image around midday. Here's where I left off last night. At this moment, I'm plugging away at the front wheel.

Click here to view giftable items featuring my watercolor war horses.

MASHED - contd.

2007-10-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

(Hint: click on picture for a better closeup)

G'morning. I'll be working on this again this afternoon. Comments welcome, of course. FYI, I've been toying with the idea of fading the truck toward the rear, rather like the truck was fading back in time. Any thoughts on that? In the meantime, I'll continue adjusting values, adding tires and grass. Thanks for looking!

CLOSEUP

MASHED - a work in progress

2007-10-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

(Hint: Click on the image for a juicy closeup)

As I began to paint this tired old warhorse, I realised how much I favor (or dare I say, lean on) certain shades of paint. There are probably several dozen shades blended into this painting that originated from a few daubs of paint:

Primarily, I've blended Yellow Ochre with Sepia (hey, for those who would eschew this color, it sure beats using lamp black...right?) to create the basic body color.

And then, for a little visual delight, I've added the following:

Burnt Sienna (rust would never look the same without this lovely shade)
Olive green, to tinge the contours where true shadows aren't needed.
Payne's grey (Oh, how I love this vibrant, shadowy blue)
Viridian (such a cheeky color to blend into lighter shadows)

I'll post additional photos tomorrow. Feel free to comment on the current WIP.
See you later!

MASHED - a Work in progress

2007-10-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

MASHED - a Work-In-Progress

2007-09-12T04:08:00.000-07:00

Hi again. I thought I'd try something new, and begin this WIP with the reference photo. That way, you can follow me as I make judgment calls, and watch the whole evolve.

This painting, by the way, will be the first the watercolor framed canvas that I've painted. I've heard so much about this medium, and I am really excited to work on a large canvas. By 'large', I mean 24" x 36". It's the largest I've painted to date.

So without further ado, here's the photo of another old warhorse, sinking slowly into the grass.

Spanish Andalusian Series - Take 2

2007-09-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

BEDROOM EYES
Pastel
Original held in artist's collection

I had the pleasure of standing next to this magnificent stallion many years ago. I had never seen an Andalusian up close and personal before, and the strength in that curved neck was almost palpable. And yet, when it came down to painting him, I focused on those calm and confident eyes. He certainly has an air about him, didn't he?

Spanish Andalusian

2007-09-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

6"x8" Original Watercolor
SOLD

I've always loved horses but I have a real soft spot for the dramatic Spanish Andalusians and the prancing Lipizzaners. Here is a seriously regal Andalusian stallion that I enjoyed painting. I hope you like him too.

Check out the fine art giclee prints of my horse paintings in my eBay store

You will be with me always...

2007-08-01T10:27:00.001-07:00

I've been commissioned to paint a wonderful assortment of furry children, but it is often a poignant occasion, if the dog or cat child has recently passed on. In order to capture a dog's (or cat's) personality in their portrait, I ask their human to provide me with important details about their furry child, a difficult undertaking for a grieving owner who had viewed the portrait as a means to fill an empty hole. I work very hard on every commission, to create a fitting memorial. And as one client told me, seeing the finished portrait for the first time can be a bit 'overwhelming'.

Above is a portrait that I've painted of an old chap who recently passed away. The reference photo was taken when he and his humans went on vacation...one last trip with a dog who had been a faithful companion since puppyhood. I especially chose to work with this one photo when I was told that he looked the happiest that he had been in a long time (I gather he had been ill). He loved his family, and he loved the vacation. Ultimately, the painting captured the best of those final days.

Old Friend

2007-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

22"x16"

OLD FRIENDIn Private Collection
Fine art prints are available on my website

I had planned on putting in a background reminiscent of hedgerows in Normandy, France, but now that I've got to this stage, I'm pretty well decided that this jeep should remain a vignette with just shadows and grass nestled underneath. I hope you like it!

Willy's Bumper Sticker

If you like portable art as much as I do, check out my online store where my military art is showcased on a lot of fun and practical stuff.

Old Friend - work in progess Day 2

2007-07-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Here we are, a couple of hours later. I thought I'd better take advantage of the sunlight and show you what I've done.

I've darkened the values a bit and started work on the tires. I'm leaving the background until last because, honestly, I don't want to overdo it. In my opinion, the jeep is interesting enough as is and I don't really want to detract from the simple beauty of the scene. But then again, if you have any opinions, I'd love to hear them.

Old Friend - work in progress

2007-07-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Estimated 16"x24"

Click on the jeep to view a larger image

I love vintage cars, and so I jumped at the chance to paint this rusted WW2 Willy's jeep. And since it is a new and, hopefully, interesting topic, I thought I'd share the painting's progress with you. Here's where I left it today, just before the sun disappeared.

MEXICAN STANDOFF

2007-07-17T08:55:00.001-07:00

I just love this image of Jazz, a retired English racing greyhound, standing over her favorite pheasant plush toy, as though daring it to move. You can almost sense Jazz holding her breath. Just wonderful...I couldn't resist painting it!

MEXICAN STANDOFF - Day 2

2007-07-16T08:24:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've kicked up the values a bit (oh, and lightened the face!), then added shadows and bricks and palm leaves and whatnot. Do you notice that I've left the stuffed pheasant toy for the last...kinda like dessert. I should have this finished later today, but the thunderclouds are moving in, so we'll have to see if I can get a decent photo later, or wait until tomorrow.

And so, until then, thanks for tuning in!

MEXICAN STANDOFF - work in progress

2007-07-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

5"x7" watercolor

Sunday is a day of rest for most folks...right? Haha! Not if you're an artist.

Remember when you were a kid and someone said, "okay, now don't imagine a polar bear eating a vanilla ice cream in a snowstorm. Well, there'd be nothing to see, of course, but your mind is off looking for forbidden fruit.

My point is, that as an artist, it's impossible (unless you're Carlos Castaneda) for me to turn off my thoughts. My mind is always ready and willing to dash off on flights of fancy...such as this dog staring at stuffed toy in what appears to be an hilarious Mexican stand-off.

I will finish this off tomorrow morning by posting a completed mid-value painting, and then the final painting, with full blown values.

See you then. :-)

Marilyn

2007-07-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

If you've followed my art, you probably recall a similar painting that I created a few months back. I couldn't resist revisiting this theme in a rich, velvety red. It certainly seems to fit the bill. What do you think?

Moonlight Sonata - work in progress

2007-07-11T10:36:00.001-07:00

8"x10" water-color-to-be

The topic of today's painting is a fairy who is entranced by the night, and dare I say it, by her own music. But there is actually method behind my madness (for a change), in that I dedicate this piece to a very talented friend of mine, who is putting the finishing touches on a novel about fairies. So I have it on good authority that fairies love music. And so, here we are!

See you in a couple of hours, or maybe sooner.

Little Guardian

2007-07-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

5"x7" Original Watercolor

Snicker had watched over her longer than he could remember, long before he chipped his tooth on that old acorn, and certainly long before his whiskers started turning grey.
Chittering to himself, he peered over the fallen branch and gazed down on at his slumbering charge, a duty that he bore proudly, just as his father had...and his father's father...and so many other field mice before them.
Turning a glittering eye to the night sky, he listened to the wind whisper through the fairy oak's massive branches. When he felt assured that all was well, he jumped down and crept quietly over. Curling his tail around his shoulder, he lay down and lowered his head onto the soft moss. Letting out a soft sigh of contentment, Snicker continued his night's vigilance.

My Little Guardian - work in progress

2007-07-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

5'x7" Watercolor

I've always loved my fairy portrait, Mossy Dreams, and since I've had a number of requests for similar pieces, I thought I'd present this version as a work-in-progress.

The Florida sun seems bashful today, so I'll snap as many photos as the day allows. The sun just peeked out from behind a bank of clouds, so I ran outside (no rain today so far...big yay for that!) and snapped this photo. Now! Back to work! :-)

Well then! Here we are, two hours later. First of all (and I have to rush because--for obvious reasons--I need to switch off this computer and then rush around the house unplugging everything), this is a photo of the sky outside my place in the last two minutes. Given that there is zero-zip sun, my Canon Rebel XT and Photoshop (bless their little hearts) did their best to make the next fairy photo look cheery. That's the one below the looming clouds. ;-)

Whoop! Starting to pour. Gotta go, guys!

Friday's note: The sun didn't cooperate yesterday, and so I plugged on realizing that I wouldn't be able to chronicle the detail as well as I wanted to. I hope the few steps that I included here help a little. Generally, I put down the midtones and worry about the bright and dark values at the end...sort of like dessert...or unwrapping a present. It always amazes me how vivid the image seems with a touch of color here and a dab of acrylic (white whiskers demanded it) there. I posted the completed painting in Friday's post.