Day 17 - Kate

 Today's painting is one that commemorates a beloved pet. I am always so honored to be able to create something to help remember a pet by and strive to bring personality and love to the portrait.  Kate was a beautiful tabby who had hidden pinks in her fur and blue eyes and was just a joy to paint <3  Her owner contacted me shortly after she passed away to ask if I could paint this special painting and after going through several images, she chose this view of Kate.  I loved painting this angle as it makes you feel like you are at eye level and maybe even laying on the same cushion together. <3

Kate, Oil on cradled panel, 8"x8", sold

Barktober commission specials run through the end of this month. 
Contact me here if you'd like more information.

Day 13 of my Holiday Painting Spree - "Watching"

Today is Cat painting #2.  I really enjoy painting cats because their eyes are so expressive. They seem to know about and analyze the world around us.  This cat captivated me because of it's intensely watchful expression... Is he perhaps planning his next meal?   Looking up quotes about Watching, I came across several that struck me as worth thinking about....

Watching, oil on panel, ready to hang
to purchase please click here

Here is one, pertinent to this moment in time, again, from Einstein:

And another, which made me smile.. 

And related to this, is one of my favorites that fuels my fire

"I thought about quitting, but then I noticed who was watching" (speaking of my kids...)

Day 12 of my Holiday Painting Spree - "Curiosity"

You know the old saying, Curiosity killed the cat. :( So sad to think that wanting to know the answers could possibly be fatal.... Well, look at it this way, Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, "I have no special talents.  I am only passionately curious." Curiosity is what finds answers, solves problems, and uncovers new discoveries.  I have always been a passionately curious person myself.  When I was a child, I remember a treasured book I was given by my parents called "Tell Me Why".  They got it for me as I was always asking questions... Loved that book and indeed, still have it today, although much of the information is sorely out of date. :)  

In today's painting, this cat seemed to be to be asking a question too. What she is asking I will leave up to you... Curious cats are hopefully luckier than that old saying....

Curiosity, oil on panel, 6"X6"
to purchase, please click here

Day 30 - The last day of the 30 in 30... can't even believe it... "Sunlit Calico"

So the last few days of this challenge have been the most challenging for me.. the painting has gone well... getting up into my studio to actually do the painting is another story.  So, alas, I have fallen behind, and I think I have only completed 28 paintings for the month... but, I will tell you, I am thrilled with this!  I really, really, really learned a lot about my technique, painting on different grounds, color mixing, time management... how great my family is.... what else?.... So much more...
And I have already sold several of the paintings from this series!
Today's painting was completed over 2 days (yesterday and today) and it was truly a challenge trying to capture the sunlight.  I definitely worked more in an impasto style (very thick paint) on this painting... it just evolved that way.  And the cobblestone floor was also a great challenge with all of the subtle color variations. Overall, I am happy with it and can't wait to see it framed!
If you have followed my progress through this 30 in 30, I thank you so much!  Your support and comments mean everything to me! It may not be a big number for some people, but throughout the challenge, I had over 800 visitors to my blog!  Thank you!  I promise I am not done... In the first few weeks of October, I will be very busy in my frame shop in the basement (dungeon) of my house.  I will post my progress on those frames. Some of these paintings will be at the Wine and Cheese Fundraiser for Art Plus Gallery on October 11th! (for more info on the fundraiser, or if you'd like to go, please go here so stay tuned for that also.  Anyway, here is the last painting for the 30 in 30...

Sunlit Calico, oil on panel, 10.5" x 10.5"
to purchase, please click here

Day 28 - Sunlit Tabby (sketch)

I am sure that for all of you who actually come to my blog to read about my paintings, you can relate... Life sometimes just does not allow for all of your best laid plans.  We all lead very busy lives and I am certainly no exception.  Creating a painting a day is just plain hard on a good day.  Today it was impossible....again.. :(  I know you probably don't care, but I must, for my own purposes review with you all the schedule of my day...
Got up at 6 and got the kids off to school (by 8:45)
Finished framing a painting (9:25)
Took super rambunctious dog for a walk (10:10)
Flew (practically) to W. Reading for a business planning meeting (-12:00)
Went to W. Reading Tavern to hang a new show (-1:30)
Got home and ate lunch.  While doing this I sketch out my painting on a panel (2:30)
Daughter comes home and tells me all about her great day - also have nice conversation with my mom :) (3:30)
Go get Son from bus (4:15)
Hubby comes home and fills me in on his day (5:00)
And here I am at 5:30 needing to plan dinner.

So, there it is... I have now explained myself. :) But really, the life of an artist/mother/wife/gallery member is just like any other busy person.  It's all about juggling and priorities.  So please don't think that I am complaining, 'cause, I love my life!  It just doesn't always go the way I planned...  Here is the beginning of the painting, which I will hopefully paint tomorrow!  (but in the words of my late Grandmother... one day at a time.... you never know what to expect from day to day..) And by the way, if you did actually take the time out of your day to read my ranting... I am eternally grateful... Thank you for caring... :)

Sunlit Tabby Sketch

Looking Up

Things are looking up for this kitty.... And that is how I am feeling about things in my life!  This picture is a positive affirmation that things can get better with a little hard work and perseverance!  This painting is framed in a solid wood black frame and it is ready to hang!

Looking Up, 6" x 6", oil on panel
click here to purchase