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.

Cat Portraits and quick Brush review

What keeps a painter out of trouble?  Lots of work!  This is Sam.   One of eight cats owned by a rancher collector and dear friend.


You might remember the lovely cat with the butterfly in its mouth painted last year.  Well this is her inside kitty.   We can often tell which kitties live inside by their bulk.  I'm pretty sure most if not all her cats have been rescued or saved from certain demise.   I applaud such generosity of heart!


As well as painting way here on "Oreo" (appropriately named), I've been trying out new 
brushes for the fine detail on smaller paintings.
This painting is a 5" x 7" acrylic on Amerstand  Clayboard.


So far, I'm finding a liner best for the finest hairs.  I think I've come up with an idea on a brush design for adding multiple hairs at once.    I will be presenting this idea later to a manufacturer.


Currently,  the brushes I've tried are a Simply Simmons # 2/0,  and Loew Cornell JS Mid Liner #10/0.
though both get the job done, they have particular  design traits that consume way too much time per stroke.  They are too soft and or in the case of the Simmons 2/0, hold too much paint and to tap it out prior to each stroke.   Sounds crazy I know......  The perfect brush or brushes I've used in years passed were discontinued.


The brush shown in the photo above is a Dynasty Black Gold #0  liner.  This brush along with others of the same manufacturer are very well made.  I'm finding this liner quite nice in applying single extremely fine hairs to Oreo.    I have other Dynasty Brushes to try out.  I'll be sharing those experiences as well in the future.  I'll post when those examples and reviews are up.


I have another Tabby I'm currently working on.  As it's a commissioned gift, I cannot post it until after it's been presented to its recipient.    I'm particularly proud of this little gem.  I'll post my "new brush experiments" along with the painting when appropriate.    

Spring might well be in full swing but images of Fall are still alive and well in this upcoming print release titled: "Incognito".


For those who expressed an interest in a print, now is the time to order.   The print should be available within a week or so.


For those in the California area, I'm in hopes of offering this print at the Reflections of Nature show in Fallbrook on May 5th and 6th.


I'll post the Reflections of Nature show (web version)
information up for your convenience here on the Blog.


If you are interested in attending the show, Fallbrook offers
so much for an art enthusiast such as galleries on the main street and in walking distance from Reflections event.  So, if you haven't had enough after viewing the show, you are in LUCK!




Title:  "Incognito"
Medium: Limited Edition Giclee on canvas
Edition Size: 50
Artist Proofs: 7
Image Size:  11" x 14"
Price:   $175.00 AP $195.00






Please contact the studio for inquires or purchase.  

Domestic Cat ? Final painting

Completed "Jay" and now back to the Grey Squirrel.


I rarely paint flowers.  Not sure why,  I love flowers.  The Squirrel will have Silver Dollar Flowers it it.  My backyard is almost solid with them in early April through the end of May.    


It's foggy this morning.  The June gloom coming in from the beach fog has backed up and rolls over the mountains tops.  I love when it begins to lighten up and the sun rays begin to glow through.   I'll have my camera ready when and if it does today.


The fog is a good thing for me as I would much rather be outside taking reference photos.


I'm very much liking this acrylic.  I think I've learned a lot by just keeping on task with it.  "Jay" was painted on Amperstand Clayboard.  I'm finding that the clayboard absorbs the paint too much.   It's difficult  obtaining crisp clean color.   For my next endeavor,  I will roller on a coat of gesso and see that eliminates this issue.   The one thing I have noticed seeing other paintings in acrylic is that it does not have the luminosity and glow that can be achieved with oils.    I have a goal to prove this does not have to be.