Fall updates in the studio

Quit a bit happening this time of the year in the studio.   Getting prints prepared, originals finished.
I've had some fun with a new side project.  It's one of those things that pleases the spirit more than
any thing else.  I can share that in a bit.

Firstly, I'm finally back to working on the wolf pup. In the fore ground I've added the leaves of 
a flowering plant.  I've much to do to finish these detailed bits.  But, I think I have a good start
as it is.

I've had a few requests for a small Giclee on canvas print.  I've discovered I'm out of them so it's another call to the printer for those.   Apparently, I'm out of several small canvas editions at this time.    

The little Saw Whet Owl is titled: "Fierce Abbreviated".   This image is a 5" x 5" on canvas.

The Chipmonk is titled:  "Chip N Dip".  This image is a 5" x 7" canvas print.

I have a new website in the works as well.  If it sounds like someone who could use an assistant
at this point I'd say, "Yes I do!!!"   

The new website is www.brendajohnsonart.com.  It should be open and ready for viewing before too long.  I'll post a special announcement once it's complete and ready to view.

Should anyone like to purchase either of these images please let me know.  I have a professional page on Facebook.  I can received any special request through that page.
Brenda D. Johnson Wildlife Art 

In the mean time, I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall season.  Cheers

May updates from the studio

May is breezing by so quickly this year.  I've hardly been able to catch up with myself.
  
I have a few updates.    Firstly, I'll be getting a new website soon.
Sadly, I was informed that my wonderful web gal Diane lost her fight with cancer.
Too many too soon.  She was a talented caring artist as well as a great person to do
business with.  Diane's passion was Manatees.  She did a lot of conservation efforts
on their behave.  She will certainly be missed!  

I don't have a date on the new website as yet.  I have met a new web person that is going
to help me set one up.  We will both have a tight schedule prior to her trip and mine
in the beginning of June.  I suspect that it will be reasonably ready to publish mid to
third week of the month.

I'm excited about a fresh new look to B. D. Johnson Art!  I'll be able to add new 
paintings as they come off the easel as well myself.   So new images more often!

Second announcement; After much planning, I'll be visiting the Florida Everglades,
swimming with Dolphins, visiting a Turtle Hospital and spending several days on
a small Island (Key).  The little island is a learning center and info gathering facility.
We'll be gathering specimens each day to study.   I so enjoy kayaking!  I'm looking
forward to some adventures.  Hopefully, I'll be able to share some of these with
you.

Lastly, but not least... The above image is a new acrylic on Amperstand Board,
measuring 5" x 5".  The subject is a Mountain Chickadee local to the Southern
California Mountain range where I live.  It is perched on a branch in an Oak 
Tree also local to our area.

As soon as time permits, I'll post my marine experiences on my Wilderness Blog
which you can click on to the right alone the column.

Cheers!

Wolf Pup WIP ...

Here I've added more final touches to the wolf pup.  More will be added as I move along through the painting.   A nice boulder adds some texture to the piece.  The foreground and background will be drawn out at this stage adding more dimension and depth.  

I'll post updates as time permits.    Enjoy

Wolf Pup WIP in steps.

In the image above, I've cut out a Mylar cover to protect the wolf painting in preparation for airbrushed background.   The next image shows the paint sprayed in and in the last image you can see I've removed the Mylar.

Happy New Year              Leopard Frogs and Lily

Here is my latest painting.  This 5" x 5" Acrylic on Amperstand Board was challenging for me 
still having some double vision after a years worth of eye treatment.   My vision is clear, slightly
double.  I'd say this tiny piece proves anything is possible with determination.

I always enjoy painting water whether moving or still.  Though I am not known for painting
amphibians,  I'm quite fond of them.   And truly, who could resist a relaxing pond filled with 
lily pads.  :D

On the easel... Fall in the studio

This is a view from my studio today.  I was reminded by a friend that it has been almost a year since I updated.  She's right.  My apologies to those who were attempting to follow my work.

This has been a crazy year filled with all those things that make life what it is.  One of those crazy experiences life handed me was months with double vision.  Trying to paint seeing two paint brushes in my hand at one time was a little much.  Well, I'm happy to say after months of treatment, I am seeing only ONE brush. (thank you very much!  ha!)  With that said, I am happy to announce, I'll be busy working once again in the studio.  I'm ready!  

Currently on the easel is a commission that I can't share until after the holidays least I spoil a surprise for the recipient of this little treasure.   I have one commission of a cat as well.  Once the weather warms up just a bit, (California weather changes often this time of the year) I can start to airbrush the background in.  I'll share that one as it progresses.  It should be a really fun one to do.  

Do you remember the wolves from past posts?  I'll be returning to those paintings once I've completed the two commissions.  Who doesn't love wolf pups, right?  I'm very excited about the larger of the two in the works. The larger painting will feature 5 pups.   I'll keep the blog updated more frequently once the work on those two begin.   In the mean time thanks for your patience!!!  

Warm Holiday Greetings from the studio of Brenda D. Johnson.   We are looking forward to another
lovely year here on the mountain and wish you and yours all the blessings of health and prosperity in the coming months!

2012 is almost over but certainly not all the wonderful memories associated with it.  Our summer 
was again spent exploring the southern California shores.   The weather was surprisingly warm this year which meant retreating to the water for relief.  Amongst the incoming waves were beautiful leopard sharks hunting for sand crabs.  One only had to stand in the waves knee deep to see them.
I did manage one decent photo of the leopard shark.  This one was rather large and it's markings
so striking.  Painting?  

We attended a family wedding this August back east.  The temperatures were mild.  Often trips back east are not pleasant with the humidity being so very high.  We took in some beautiful hikes along a few reserves were we stayed.  There are miles of trails to walk were we observed many wetland critters and birds.  We saw dear along the shores coming down through the brush for a cool drink.   I was hoping to see a few frogs but I think I managed to see the splash as we approached more often than not.

Until next year........ celebrate and be merry!   

Wolverine, Progress update

Yesterday in the studio was a productive one.  I'm very close to finishing this wolverine piece with a bit more work on the face, a little fine tuning here and there on the body.   Today I'll focus on the pine log.  It will begin to take a better rounded shape when I add more highlights, shadow and the amber glow highlighting the lower sides.  


As a look out my windows at the beautiful Pines and Red Cedar I am reminded of the peach and amber glow beneath the branches.  I love reflected light and color I see on many things here in the forest.  The lovely cast shadows and rays of light streaming onto the forest floor add so much dimension.  It's very nice having a reference to which I am painting just outside.