Dog Portrait "Buddy"

"Buddy" Oil 6x8"

This little guy belongs to some young girls who are second cousins of mine. They live down in Oregon so I only get to see them a couple of times of year. I think this painting will make a great Christmas gift.... something I am doing this year is painting small oils for family members if it seems fitting. I am finding that when I am working on a painting that is specifically for someone else, I change how I paint. I don't get experimental for starters. I follow the rules (which is great), but I also tend to paint a little tighter. Some of my family does not appreciate the looser style and wants to see more detail. This also goes for portrait commissions when the client will be most impressed with a photographic rendering of the animal. Do you paint paintings for gifts? If so does it change how you paint?

Painting at Kanasket Palmer State Park

Fisherman

Oil 6x8"

Now this one was a challenge! After all my struggles I felt really happy with the results. I see what needs done to it...a little stronger design with the background rocks could lead the eye out of the painting. The value and saturation of the rock in the center needs taken down a couple of notches as it is stealing the show. But overall considering how challenging this was for me I feel good about it. This was a busy scene and simplifying is still a struggle for me.

Figures in Sunlight (or light)

"Rehearsal" study Oil

I'm broadening my horizons and learning so much. Drawing and painting people has always been a difficulty for me. For some reason the human is hard for me. So after several instructional dvd's I am feeling a bit more confident. Expecting to see more like this - I am having fun! This is from a photo of my daughter (on the left) at her ballet rehearsal.