Flying Squirrel ~ On the Easel........... cont............

Moving along slowly..........  still more work to do on his hair and other fine details.


Mustering the motivation to paint when spring is calling is most difficult. The view of the forest and birds at the two feeders reminds me I need to get outdoors!    I need a hiking buddy for short excursions!!    Rain again on Sunday and Monday...........    so perhaps I can think about painting feverishly then right? lol, lol.........  :- )

Flying Squirrel ~ On the Easel...........

Here's the update on the Barn Owl and Flying Squirrel painting.


I've spent a good portion of the day putting in tiny little hairs on the squirrel.


I hope to have this second layer completed so that it may dry enough to begin all over again next Tuesday.


In order for the hair to look real and thick, there will be many layers alternating color in this coat.


For those who have not seen one in person, their hair is much like a Chinchilla in feel and looks.


The last few nights, I have been able to hear them chirping in the woods behind the house.  They bred in Feb. and I'm sure the kids are out with Mom learning all the skills they will need to survive out there.


Fortunately, I have not heard the owls as of late.   The tree thinning pretty much frightened them off.
(Good for the squirrels, sad for me as I enjoy both)


Once he is looking real enough then back to the Barn Owl feathers....... Now that's a job!!!!!!  :- )

Barn Owl, 9" x 12" Acrylic on Board

I love the coloration of the Barn Owl.  Creating a glow around them is a lot easier than some species.  I started this one some time back and had to stop, set it aside for other pieces.    This painting is close to completion at this point.  I'll finish up the details on the owl and move on to the branch that he is preparing to land on in the foreground.  There will be several dead leaves hanging from the branches echoing or repeating the color of the owls back side feathers.


I've yet to name this painting at this point.  I find thinking up names a giant task.   Sometimes a name will come before the drawing is completed and other times, ....... a BLANK!    


I'm already looking forward to starting another American Kestrel piece.  The size is yet to be determined but close to 18" x 10 - 12 ".    I have all the reference photos out and ready to go for the drawing.   While looking through photographs taken at a local water fall, I discovered a picture of a rock slope with beautiful ferns attached to the side in cracks.  Several rocks jet out offering up a lovely location for the Kestrel to land on but carefully. (perhaps to swoop in on a lizard should he be so lucky).  


Then perhaps start another drawing of several wolves and will include water and reflexions.   Several years ago while in The Rocky National Park in CO, I took some photos of a creek.  There are a so many water ways there.  This particular spot was so beautiful with dried grasses glowing and reflecting on the waters surface.   I've seen many places in Yellowstone that looked a lot like this.  (same flora and fauna too).   I'm looking forward to painting more complex pieces with perhaps a story or two in them.  

On the Easel..... Barn Owl and Flying Squirrel painting

I'm back to painting today in the studio having had a couple of days off.
It's time for the barn own and flying squirrel to come to life.  I'll be working on them both before returning to the background and foreground in the painting.


The original idea and drawing included snow on the branches.  I thought that the light color might bring more depth into the painting.  I've obviously not completed that yet, but... the more I visualize the finished piece in my head the snow would indeed strengthen and add even more depth moving the branches  forward and tie the whites in moving down the painting.  


There are many design challenges in working outside the one third rule in a painting.  I seem to like going beyond rules to challenge myself.  It does create more work by going in this direction.   What are rules anyway........  I tend to like breaking them......   Makes for a less boring time of life.  Right?  ..... ha ha ha!    


I have back up on this philosophy!!!!  My oldest son has a Masters in Fine Art and believes that if we artist always follow the rules, it stifles creativity!  I can see his point so clearly!  Though, I'm sure many would disagree.

Dire Wolves and Mammoths

My husband and I often watch the Science Channel and or Nat Geo in the evenings.   A recent documentary on the discoveries made at the La Brea Tar Pits prompted a visit there last Sunday.


The number of preserved fossils and variety found in the Asphalt pits there is the largest in the world.  A few to mention are Dire Wolf, Short-faced Bear, American Lion, Sabertoothed Cat among the Carnivores. Many Herbivores including, Columbian Mammoth, American Mastodon, Ground Sloths, Western Horse, Ancient bison, Dwarf Pronghorn, Extinct Camel.........(really!)


It's hard to imagine this ancient world standing on the grounds among all the high-rises, parking meters and cars honking!    The Museum has done a remarkable job covering the Ecosystem, environment through the periods up to and including the ongoing excavations.


If you are anywhere near the Los Angeles area.  We highly recommend a visit to the museum. 

New Video and New on Facebook..........Plus, new paintings in the works

There is a new video available to watch on Youtube featuring miscellaneous works.  I'd like to thank all of the nice comments and for taking the time to "Rate" the new video and also the video released about 7 months ago.  I really appreciate it.    If anyone wants to "subscribe" please do so.   You will receive updates when new videos come out if you Subscribe as well. 

I have one new video in the works!  This one will be a speed painting.  (Yea, I asked what that was also, ha ha ha!)

Basically, it's a series of photographs taken during the process of completion.   It will probably take a LOT of photos to produce this to make it work.  I'll be curious to see just how many!   The video can be accessed in the same location.

Also, now for all those Facebook users,  I have started a new page there as well for updates and general information new paintings and such.  While on Facebook, search:  "Brenda D. Johnson Wildlife Art"  I believe this type of Facebook page will prompt on your personal pages when updates are inputted.   Those interesting in following can simply click "Become a Fan".  

So yes, new paintings........  Currently, I am working on several. (oil takes drying time so I might have as many as five going)   I'm working on another Barn Owl, (this one in flight).  The Kestrel is in the drawing stage.  The reference for both birds are local scenes.   I love the fact that I can step out my back door and photograph the trees for reference.    

Red Fox

Happy New Year Everyone!  I hope the last year provided some excellent memories for you and this year we are all able to create the most memorable ever!   I wish all good health, and prosperity beyond your dreams! 

I have a list above my drafting table of painting ideas and animals I'd like to paint.  The list is often longer than time allows.  (Isn't that the case with most of us....)     I'll be painting more Raptors this year.        

Several years ago I drew three Red Tailed Hawk chicks in a nest.   I was going to include the female but ran into a creative block with her position and set the whole piece aside to work on other paintings in progress.   This is a piece I'd really love to work out and complete.      I'll probably start work again on it once all the "deadline" work is behind me.   Ugh!  don't you just love deadlines?  ha ha ha! 

The above painting is titled:  "Vole Crazy".   The image is small here but, there are flying bits of snow where this Red Fox is busily digging up one of his favorite niblets!  Voles!As usual,  I'd love to hear from you!  I've received a lot of wonderful comments by email.

I really appreciate them, thank you! 

 

Bobcat

I'm feverishly finishing up things now for the San Bernardino County Museum Annual Wildlife Art Festival.  Days are running out here for me as the show is just next weekend, the 21st and 22nd, November!   The image here is an Acrylic 5" x 7" on board.  This new medium continues to be a challenge for me given that all my classical training has been in Oil.  However, I'm loving it! 

I'm really excited about the new print releases for the show. The larger images will be available on canvas only. The Black Bear given the size (huge) will be offered up in two sizes. The smaller images will be available in either Paper or Canvas all Signed and Numbered Limited Edition.

Youtube slideshow - A New Adventure!

There is a new "Link" to Youtube at the bottom of the blog if you'd like to watch my newest adventure......... I Movie ! What a fun medium to explore.

This piece features misc. works from spans of work covering about 7 - 8 years. I'd love to venture on to more challenging video clips. Perhaps a "How To" video featuring a painting from start to finish. This would not only be challenging but also fun to produce.

It takes several months to complete some paintings. So this venture would be somewhat time consuming to film and edit.

Luckily, I have had lots of help with learning this program from friend and Photographer Michael Bates. He has produced some of the finest videos I've ever seen. What talent!

Smiles! Brenda

Black Bear - Tree Hugger

The Tree Hugger is coming along slowly.

Today I'll add in a branch pressed under

his arm and against his lower body.

This lower branch will serve to add

interest and balance to the lower

portion of the painting.

There are lots of little areas that

will be fine tuned after this addition.

I hope everyone is enjoying the

Summer months now! The beach is open down by

the lake. There is lots of summer activities going on

here on the mountain. Finally....the fog has passed

us by and the sun is out! Smiles, Brenda

Black Bear

This piece was started in March and despite nice weather, I've stayed on task. I'd love to go hiking!

The title of this painting is "The Tree Hugger". There is a lot of territory to detail out in this 24" X 36" painting. I'm working with oil too.

Since the weather is so much warmer it seems to be drying well between layers. It's a commissioned piece for a client.

However, I'm liking this one so much, I'm pretty sure I'll have it printed on canvas. Those that have seen it also agree, a print series is a must. I'll post a new photo when it's done. Love to hear your comments! B

Snow Leopard Study

Wild cats have the most fascinating look

on their faces at any given point.

It was 15 African and Asian Cats at a

resident I visited many years ago that

inspired me to take a major turn in

my art career. The fascination still holds

today. This study was painted using

Acrylic on 5" x 7" canvas.

I love the mesmerizing look in her eyes.

For more information on the vanishing Snow Leopard, visit:

http://www.snowleopard.org/ It would be lovely if you would become

a member also to support a very good cause. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coyote ~ "Sizing Things Up"

It's been a while since I've updated all on what is new in paintings and prints. There are a lot of new images to add too!

This month I'll be adding lots of new prints to my main site encluding,

This coyote painting called "Sizing Things Up". Other images to look forward to is a new Cougar original (you know I can't get away from painting those!), the Cougar image is an oil on canvas 11 x14".

I am particularly proud of a large Moose piece, oil on canvas measuring 28 x 30". I have not commited to printing this one as yet but it's so tempting! I would reproduce it on canvas as well should I decide.

There is a nice new collection of Mini Prints on canvas in the works. i.e. Squirrel, Coyote, 2 wolf pieces, and a new Snow Leopard. That's a good start!

For those in the Tulsa area at the end of the month, I'll be attending "Nature Works". I'm looking forward to the show once more this year visiting with old friends and making new ones.

If you are planning on attending, please stop by and say "Hello".

Look for all the new originals and prints to be displayed in Tulsa in a few weeks! I hope to

see you there!

Barn Owl ~ New Canvas Print

"New Canvas Print Release" 12" x 24" Due out this
month. Call or email for details and pricing.


The Original Painting titled: "Who's Who" has returned
from The Art of the Animal X l l l at the Bennington
Center for the Arts in Vermont. It was an honor to be
juried into the prestigious show.

I have had a great response from those who have seen it.
A new print release is expected to fulfill the requests for
same. The new print will be a canvas giclee sized at
12" x 24". If you'd like to order a print of this very Limited
Edition, please contract me to be put on the list.

It's been a very busy summer and zipped by faster than
a tornado! I hope everyone has had a great summer and
hope to hear many exciting tales soon.

My next show is in San Dimas in October. (Check the website
for dates) If you'd like to receive an invitation to my open
studio in November, please email or call the studio with your
request.

Many new works are in progress, including birds of various
types (raptors too!) Fox kits, Bear and some kitties of course !

I'm looking forward to those stories of summer adventure!

Many are planning ahead for the holidays. If there is something
special you'd like painted for a love one or a treat for yourself, I'm
available for appointments at the studio to discuss your ideas.
(check website for contact information.)

Kestrel original ~ "Table For One"

American Kestrel, smallest of the falcon family.

This is the second painting done in acrylic on canvas. She is coming in for a landing on this weathered branch and dine on her catch.

June and it seems more like spring here on the mountain. Yesterday it was foggy with drizzle. Perfect day

to paint.

This fishing bear is in the works. I still have areas left and right to work on. The splashes will be more defined upon completion. The foreground water has some detailing to work on as well.

I've set this piece aside and will continue work on an American Kestral .............

I am often asked by artists how I prefer to work. I've shown my drafting table set up with all reference material ready to work. For larger paintings an easel is necessary of course. However a flat surface makes for more stability for the intense detail.

The sun has come out this morning which makes it difficult to sit still for all the painting

detail ahead. It's such a nice day for a hike!

Cougar Creek Gallery

Cougar Creek Gallery ~ Sky Forest, CA

This 1926 Log Cabin is now the new location of my Gallery. It was originally built as the Post Office for the Village of Sky Forest. It is indeed a challenge hanging art on the walls, however.... if there is a will, there of course is a way....

Besides a main room, there is a small one Antelope Kitchen, and a half bath adjoining my framing room and office. There are two decks front and back offering not only an excellent spot for the Musicians during Events, but.......also to paint outdoors.

The season here on the mountain has just started to gear up. The flowers are beginning to bloom. I look forward to old friends popping in and making new ones this year. Until then,

Sunshine and smiles to you, B

Coyote Painting ~"The Clever Opportunist"

This new 9 x 12" original painting (also available in print)

was inspired by the clan of Coyotes living in my area.

This clan is so well fed, the fur on them is thick and shiny.

Sadly this good health has been gained by neighbors who leave their kitties and small dogs out. Coyotes are not the

only danger to small pets living in the wooded Mountains.

I certainly cannot blame the clever coyote. His needs are

simple and honest.

"The Art of Contentment" - The beautiful and amazing Snow Leopard. This new oil on board painting is sized at 6" x 13.5". It is available in canvas print as well as the original. This new work will (as well as other cats) be presented at the upcoming Nature Works Show and Sale in Tulsa, OK on the 22nd of February.

I am so looking forward to this show again this year. It's great joining old friends and making new ones who share the same passions. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods, please stop in my booth and introduce yourself! B

"Down Time" ~ wolf. A new small works original available

now at the gallery.

The gallery (Cougar Creek) will be having a special holiday

gathering on December 15, 2007. Besides new works and products to consider for your friends and family gift giving,

there will be special treats throughout the Willow Woods

Art Colony.

Be sure to stop by and say "Hello".