Wolverine, "On the easel..... "

Currently on the easel a beautiful Wolverine.  At this stage I'm well passed the base coat and now pressing on with the fine details of the branches ( I will be adding more to the right side).   I've included a few detail brushes by Dynasty that I have enjoyed trying out.  Black Gold 10/0 which I'm particularly fond of for the REALLY fine hairs on the animal, 2/0 and a #3 for the larger areas.


Once this painting is finalized, a print will be available for the June fundraiser at The Anchorage Zoo.
The subject here is a Jenny who resided at the Zoo for many years.  I understand she passed away.
RIP Jenny.  She was indeed a beautiful animal and I'm sure was a lovely source of education for years.

"Oreo" has arrived at it's new home on Monday and is hanging on the wall.   The second painting will not be unveiled until later this month.  I'll post it for you later.    Above is a 5" x 7" acrylic on Amperstand Clayboard.     

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.    

Juvenile Wolf Pup

I can't resist pups of any kind really.  Pups at this stage of development are awkward and clumsy.
They are quit humorous to watch as well.   I began this painting with full intend of completing it by the Reflections of Nature show next weekend.  HOWEVER......    I'm moving through it more slowly
than anticipated and refuse to rush the process.   I know I'm really going to love the end result if I 
take my time.  


This painting is a 12" x 12" acrylic on board.    I have all the reference to 5 pups, all one litter.  I think a large painting is in order!  I haven't done a large painting of multiple wolves before.  (Why is that? ha ha ha)   


I've been struggling with brushes lately.  I think it's probably every couple of years a manufacturer will
decide one brush or several will be replaced by another design and or material.  And in my humble opinion, not with the best results.   I'm once again in search of the perfect detail brush having marginal results with same.


For the first time ever, I'm using a liner for hair!  WHAT?  That's just crazy, but hey.... if it works, I really don't care what it's original purpose was.


I'm open to suggestions from you artists out there.  Please, offer up some suggestions.   : )   

Reflections of Nature Art Show and Sale

I'm looking forward to participating in the Reflections of Nature Show this year.  This lovely art community is pure joy for an artist or art enthusiast.  It's that time once again to visit with friends and and make news ones.   Please stop by my booth and say "Hello"!

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.  

Elk, On the easel.........

Here's a fun small painting of a Champion Elk I'm working on here in the studio today.   This one will measurably be viewed as a 7 5/8" x 4 1/8" from within the frame.


Most of the basic animal is in.   I'll be painting in the textures of antler and fur as well as correcting bits around the mouth and jaw line to show facial muscles and expression. 


The background will show distant tree line somewhat vague as not to distract from the foreground.


I have two maybe three small critter portraits coming up shortly.  The drawing for the first will be completed today for client inspection.    With clients permission, I'll post the progress on that painting as well.   Thanks for stopping by.  Love to hear your comments!  Thanks

On the easel ~ Cougar progress update

Moving along briskly now on the cougar painting.  I decided to add another dimension by including branches and fall leaves.  I have a lot of fine tuning to do before completion but feeling rather well about it's progress.


This painting is an 11" x 14" acrylic on Amperstand board. 

On the easel ~ Pacific Underwater painting progress

A little progress report as promised.  I've been painting primarily base coat on the newly added items.  (view previous post for comparison) I painted in some missing details as well on the right hand side.  The kelp is taking a lot longer to paint than I had thought.  Right now the little otters look like bullets.  I don't think I'll be happy until I paint those much needed details in to make them look real.  THEN I can really get charged to wrap up all the loose details in the remaining kelp. This painting like others will take stages of development.  After finishing up the otters, I need stop and add the sun light filtering through from above.  Then I will proceed to the foreground kelp to wrap it up.  


There is a LOT of real estate here to cover.  This is a 24" x 36" painting.  It always amazes me how some can zip through paintings this size.  Though, perhaps they are more familiar with their subject matter.  This is new territory for me. Those familiar with my work know.   Because there is little reference material (like photographs), I'm having to just use recall and imagination to pull it together.


I love a good challenge as you know!  ha ha ha!  More to come.......  Thanks for stopping by and checking in.  : ) : ) : )

On the easel ~ Pacific Underwater painting progress

Don't all New Years start with a new promise?   I'm not sure what adventures will unfold for the upcoming months.  I'm an optimist myself and feel we make our own destiny.   


My plan for this year is much like the years past; work harder, be more creative and pave a new path. (and be darn careful what you wish for, ha ha ha)


I'm back at work on my new Pacific underwater painting for the time being.   This subject matter still proves to be a learning experience as I go.  


As soon as I finish the kelp visible here in the photo, I'll be adding the underwater critters.   I have no photo reference to study and work from.   I've studied the critter and drawn it out according to observation.  I think I have good understanding of the anatomy and her design function or movements through the water.   


I should think it will take another several days to complete the kelp and I will add in the critters.  (Yup, it's a surprise unless you've kept up with my travels and articles here.)   I'll repost updates as time permits. 


For all those I have not had the pleasure of chatting with, I wish you and yours a healthy, prosperous New Year!         

Winter in the studio ~ On the easel

The cool winter temperatures are keeping the studio a bit chilly.  Oil paintings back on the wall and on to a bit of acrylic painting for now.


On the easel now for a week or so is this cougar with miles to go. (so it seems)  She is a beautiful cougar and I love painting her.  She has a sweet face as cougars go.


I've started on the eyes which I find draws me into the painting process easier.  Today I'll work my way down through the base coats from the mouth down to the base of the painting and back to the upper areas filling in the thickness of the hair and it's details.


The holidays are fast approaching.  It's comes on way to fast for comfort given what I would like to accomplish before hand.    


I've not painted a cat (my favorite) in some time.   It's always a good thing to throw in a kitty to warm up the brushes and my heart.

Autumn and Winter in the Studio

Last year I started this  painting of a male Elk.  It's been hanging on my studio wall ever since set aside for other pressing work that needed to be completed.


Winter is a wonderful time to hunker down in the studio and catch up on all those such paintings.
It's a bit chilly out and rain is in the forecast.


This Male Elk making his presence known to all those willing gals is once again on the easel.
Yesterday I began by filling in all the rocks beneath his feet.  Today much of that is still to wet to work on so I'll be painting in the legs and slowly working in the body.

In the image to the right you can see the rocks are roughed in.  It will be a slow process tying all upper and lower levels of water together.   Oil dries way to slow during the chilly winter months.  


The Elk painting measures 22" x 28" and is on stretched canvas.


So far I'm still on my original design track.  However, anything can change as I see something that can me made better as I move along.

As you can see the level of the water drops off the further back into the image.   The water in the foreground will be shallow.   I'll be leaving some of the rocks above the waters surface to enhance the look.


As mentioned above I'll be letting the work from yesterday dry while I begin work on his legs.


I'll post the progress as time allows.   I hope you have enjoyed the painting process so far.  I do believe there are earlier posts from last year.  I''ll check that to make sure.    And repost if anyone is interested if not.

News, Updates and New Announcing new print releases.

The month of September was one of those rare but brilliant vacations of all time.   One month at on the Southern California Coast.


Mornings often foggy burned off by mid afternoon in time for some sun and exploration.  We ventured south along the coast for some kayaking and site seeing.    We re-visited some of our favorite places like Coronado, La Jolla, Carlsbad and Cabrillo Beach just to name a few.  


I'll be slowly posting in my other blog (Wildlife Art with Brenda D. Johnson, click tab right column) about these adventures and discoveries.    The sunsets, ocean breezes and the many species of wildlife will be relived through my upcoming works.   I have several in mind to create featuring shore life.


We've been back now for almost three weeks and working double paced getting ready for the next show this weekend at San Dimas Wildlife Art Festival.  (check my main site for schedule and information)

I'd like to also announce a new print series of two small works.   The image to the right titled: "Fierce Abbreviated" featuring a Saw Whet Owl and a new Owl painting titled: "Ranch Hand" a 5x7" acrylic on board.  The original is available on the latter of the two mentioned and was the subject of my last post here.  


If you are in Southern California this next week end, please stop by and say hello and enjoy a great wildlife show.   : ) : ) : ) 

On the easel ~ Saw Whet Owl

Work continues on the little Saw Whet Owl.  It's very close to completion at this point.   More shadows will be painted in beneath him adding more dimension to the overall piece.   More fine tuning of the visible leg and talon.


I spent this morning prepping some small canvases. Each 6 x 6".  I'll be taking these with me on my September adventure.  (I can hear the sound of the waves as I type this)   The drawing will go in on each this afternoon.   (Surprises for the next show in October in San Dimas.)    


Please check my "Schedule Page" on the main website for the dates and time.  San Dimas is a fun show to do.  I'm looking forward to it.
The venue will return to it's original location as well.  The Civic Center in Downtown San Dimas.


 It's always great to catch up with all these folks and meet new ones.  Please stop by my booth and say "Hello".  

On the easel ~ Saw Whet Owl

It’s been a varied summer so far combining painting, field trip studies and a trip to Ohio for several weeks.

I’ve started more paintings than I think I’ll ever be able to complete

and had to set them aside for more pressing ones with deadlines.

The field trip (mentioned in the previous post) will be on my companion blog for those who are interested in the pacific underwater

piece.   Of course, I’ve just returned from Ohio only Monday so

that adventure (and an interesting one) will be forthcoming as well.

There is approximately three weeks at the easel and off on yet another adventure.  I’ll be spending some time at the beach with dual purpose,

both fun and reference photos.  

My next show is in October and I’ll be finishing up some small works

for that venue. (check my main website calendar for dates).

There are several reference photos that look interesting for same; i.e.   The Saw Whet Owl I’m in the process of painting now, and I was thinking of painting a beautiful swan.  I have a dove in a nest in which the colors are amazing that I might squeeze in as well. 

I’m missing my favorite subject cats !  It’s been some time since I painted one and feel an itch to do so.  It’s often so hard to decide

which subject to paint.  Too may options!

Here is the beginnings of the little owl.  It’s a 5” x 7” acrylic on board.

Sea Otter ~ Aquarium of the Pacific ~ Time to study !

Probably the best thing about being a wildlife artist is the field work necessary to capture the best representation of the subjects or habitat being worked on.  In my case, the recent work on my Pacific Underwater painting has come to a point were my reference is somewhat inadequate.    So off I go again to gather those necessary refreshers on the subject; the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nersis).


Luckily the Aquarium of the Pacific offers up a very nice exhibit to observe and study this little darling of the sea.


A dear friend has offered to ride along and enjoy the day with me.  She is an artist in her own right and loves nature and wildlife as much as me.    I love my job!  Great friends and wildlife go together very well.   : )


The image I have posted here is of one tank among many at the aquarium.   Rather sets the mood I think!   I can't wait !


I was thinking about posting some of the finds on my other blog as well as this one.  So, with that, check back and follow the Wildlife with Brenda D. Johnson blog. for the next update on Pacific Otters and more.    : ) 

Pacific Underwater Scene... On the easel

My fascination with the ocean probably started when I was first introduced to Padre Island while living in Texas as a young child.
My parents took me to the beach often.  I remember the Gulf Coast well.  


Our family relocated to California around my 4th grade of school.  I fell in love with the California coast line.   


I've spent many a weekend and or weeks out on the ocean boating (including sailing) deep sea fishing, kayaking...... you name it.


Why I never chose to paint the ocean waters previously is beyond me because so far I've enjoyed every moment of the exploration and study required to do so!


This painting is the second of my adventures with painting the ocean.
I am in love with the lighting and cast shadows of underwater scenes.  The light dancing on objects below the surface is fascinating to me.


I hope to capture that same feeling with this new painting!  Of those
who know me also know, I love a good challenge when it comes to painting.   


A dear friend and I will be venturing down to Long Beach Aquarium to study some specific species which will be included in this painting.  Reference photos are difficult to get, so I'll be taking along sketch pad and pencil to capture a bit of anatomy for same.    


Here in this photo, you can see a nice base coat starting to build and a sense of depth.  I have a long way to go in completing this one.   The left side will have more kelp as well but the critters must to drawn in first to achieve overall balance.   


I will post updates as time permits.   I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories as well.  So please feel free to email or post to this blog.     : ) 

51st Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists

I'm honored to announce “Caribbean Cruise”, has been selected for the 51st Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists, to be displayed from September 17 through December 31, 2011 at the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City, MI.


If you are in or around the state of Michigan, I highly recommend attending or viewing this exhibition.  


For more information about the show or the National Tour that follows, check out the website :


http://www.societyofanimalartists.com/exhibits.html


I'll list the tour itinerary should this painting be selected for the annual tour.  The selection has not been made for same as yet.  


It's been a great start to the year!  :)

Pet Portrait commission ~ on the easel

The pet portrait commission is coming along nicely with still much to complete.


I'm concentrating on the grasses and ground at this time.  Once the back ground has been painted in, I'll return to the kitty for some last details pulling it all together.


This portrait has been a lot of fun in that the client wanted a nature setting.  This kitty spends most days out in and out of the woods surrounding the property and play hunting.  (well, maybe not always, it is a cat)


I'll post  the completed painting as time allows.  Look for the updates in several weeks.   

Pet Portrait, Domestic Cat

Several years ago, one of my Bobcat paintings made the cover of a hunting magazine.  I can't believe people hunt them!  Yikes!  But, through that cover I met a lovely couple whom I've kept in contact with over several years now.  I've been honored by a commission from them and their character of farm cat will be the subject of that piece.


Here I have the base coat in.    There is lots of tid bits on the ground to paint in, grasses to complete ... and, of course the kitty.      I'll post updates as time allows.


The size of this painting is a 9" x 12", acrylic on board.   :)