Hitting the studio with gusto! Today's daily painting is a Border Collie. What About Me? is the title of this one. It depicts my most favorite breed of dog. This one really, really wants to come out to play but can't reach the latch! :) This one is a small 5 x7, acrylic on canvas panel. As always can pop into a standard size stock frame. This little gem is super affordable and can be yours for $35 and includes Priority Mail shipping! To purchase What About Me?

I have been laying really low these days so I apologize for my lack of updates. Been feeling icky with this Lyme disease. Here is the much delayed finish to the jumper painting. Titled Flatwork it measures 10 x 8 and is acrylic on canvas board. Check out the previous post for the story behind this piece of art. This one is available for sale. To purchase click the following and you will be directed to my website for a safe and secure transaction. Price is $80 and includes Priority Mail shipping and insurance. To Purchase Flatwork

A reminder for next Saturday evening (May 2). Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces. Here is a great article on the show.  Click on the images for artist info. Maplebrook Art Show

The next couple of weeks will be pretty busy. So today's update will be event related. So mark your calendars! I am really looking forward to participating in these events.

ArtEast and Pawling Library Slide Slam
Friday, April 24, 2009
Pawling Library Annex
Broad Street
Pawling, NY

(845) 855-3444

A Little Space for Artists
in collaboration with ArtEast
featuring
Slide Slam
Spend an entertaining evening viewing the work of artists.

Listen to what inspired each unique style.

A Little space for Artists is a once a month gathering where artists can meet in a supportive and charged atmosphere to share their talents and knowledge of the art world. This forum is open to all working in any medium, from painting and sculpture to illustration, photography, printmaking and more.If you are not an artist but have a love of art and would like to contribute your ideas to the group, you are most welcome and encouraged to join us.

Surviving as an artist is not an easy task, even at the best of times. Our sincerest wish is to see artists (and others)comes together for help and support and an abundance of good will.


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I am delighted to be exhibiting at the Maplebrook Show. I will post updates as they become available.

25th Annual Maplebrook Art Show & Sale
Opening Reception
May 2, 2009 5 pm
“Over Hill and Dale”
Art work will include a section representing the equestrian world, landscapes and other nature based themes and interpretations, especially those of our region and the greater Northeast.

This year’s show will coincide with and celebrate the running of the Kentucky Derby and feature a Derby theme at the opening including favorites such as mint juleps, big hats, and Kentucky celebratory foods, plus a viewing of the 135th annual race at Churchill Downs, “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

Doing a half pass across the diagonal really does feel like dancing. An awesome moment when it all comes together! This is acrylic on canvas. Price includes shipping and insurance. Payment plan available contact me for details!

This is part 5 of this acrylic Dressage painting. I went into this painting without any sort of plan what so ever. Not a good idea...it has gone through many changes and has been a bit of a compositional challenge. I need to get rid of that low fence line..I have added a planter of flowers to break up the line... I need to stare at it for a while. Comments or thoughts are most welcome.

I want to give a warm thanks to all of the folks who have purchased my artwork and for the emails of kind praise . Thank you for helping me stay in business and appreciating the art that I so lovingly create. It is much appreciated! In these tough economic times I will be offering a lot more small, affordable works so that you may have the opportunity to purchase an original peice of artwork at an affordable cost. Nothing brightens your wall better than  an original painting that touches your heart.
I completed this painting last evening. Here an adorable foal sketch done in acrylics. I just love his long eyelashes! This a 10 x 8 gem done on canvas panel. It is ready to pop into a stock frame and hang  on your wall. As always title suggestions are welcome!! Available for purchase. Just click the Paypal button and this will be on it's way to you! $50+ $6.85 for  Priority Mail.

WIP1

I have been doing so much acrylic work lately that I've been itching to get back to my watercolors. WC's are my most favorite medium and I particularly enjoying painting dogs with them. This posted image is my latest effort. I found this really cute BC pup in the Wet Canvas reference library. I am using a very limited palette for this painting..6 colors. Aliz. Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Cobalt, Payne's Grey, Indigo and Gamboge. This is the early stages of many glazes. I work wet on wet at this point just building up layers, mixing color on the paper and pushing the paint around. I just get in the zone, listening to Jack Johnson and playing with my watercolors!



WIP2
I have put some more painting time into this so time for a new update. I have added quite few more glazes of Ult Blue, Perm Alizarian Crimson and Davey's Grey. I am trying to find the darks and balance at this point. I have a ratty old brush that I use to do fur. I need to do bit of lifting next and some more glazes on the nose for the next step. I am pretty happy with this so far.

I homeschool my son with a Waldorf style curriculum and we do a lot of watercolor painting. So yesterday I joined him in one of his wet-on-wet projects and just played with my watercolors. This was unbelievably freeing (and fun)! I didn't know where it was going but out of the mingling colors I found interesting shapes and themes that are very familiar to me. This quite large..18 x 24...I usually work 11 x 16 or smaller. If you have been stuck or used to working in a certain way I highly recommend trying something like this and just letting loose. It was quite intimidating at first! I had no plan.... just a jar of water, a big sheet of white paper and a big brush..... untitled, M Graham watercolors on Arches CP paper. It is a bit washed out from the flash. I apologize for that. The colors are much more vibrant and brilliant IRL.

It is no secret that I LOVE books and studying. I am, also, starting to crack up with the ice and snow so what better time to hit the books! I especially love art books on technique and have been re-reading some of my favorites. I adore David Dewey's Watercolor Techiques. I find this book to be one of the best books on the subject of watercolor painting. Highly recommended!

A second favorite and what I consider to be a must for every artist's library is The Complete Guide to Watercolor Painting by Edgar Whitney. This is a book about watercolors but the sections on composition are really excellent.

I would love to hear of your favorite books and recommendations. I am always looking to add to my library. So feel free to add your favorites in the comments.