Thursday, June 20, 2013

Round Pen Antics 6x12 Oil Portrait

A few months back I went to visit my friend Ben at the local Racetrack. It was a bitterly cold brutal day. The -30 temperature had everyone wondering what I was thinking but a few really nice shots were obtained including the photo that was the inspiration for this painting.

It was one of those days that made you realize that hard work has to be achieved before anything of worth can be created.

This painting was finished because I sprained my ankle, again. Usually once a year or every two years I mangle some appendage on my body. Since we as humans only have a finite amount of limbs it only stands to reason that some limbs are repeat recipients of injury. I won't tell you how I hurt myself, instead I will tell you I was fighting Dragons as that sounds so much better than the boring and mundane truth. The silver lining in the whole episode is that I am moving slower and my ever active brain is refocused on other hobbies I can complete. This painting had been in the beginning stages of completion since January and now, limited by my body's lack of mobility, I quite contently plunk myself in front of my easel and paint.

Hope your day yields great results regardless of its inspiration!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Anna's Cowboy

Anna's Cowboy Oil Portrait 6x4

This morning is surperb. Blue skies without the taint of clouds and the surrounding forest is filled with the songs of birds. These are the type of days that makes one happy to be alive!
Todays painting (yes a painting not a photo!!) was inspired by my daughter who wanted to learn about oil painting. She is actually quite an accomplished artist herself but works in mediums I do not. I am not sure if I helped or inspired her as she is now tackling acrylics! 
Regardless, it felt good to get into the studio and paint. Cowboy is a Standardbred who races at my friends stable and he is exceptionally photogenic. There are several canvas' with his figure sketched on it. With small snipets of time allotted to the studio I will eventually get them all done but I may be an old woman by the time the world sees them!!
Enjoy your day.