Day 20 - Daisy Duck

 Two thirds of the way through this challenge and I'm happy to still have some ducklings to paint.. There are more than a few folks out there with whom ducks resonate, and its true that these guys don't stick around for long in my studio.. I try to put something new and fresh into each duck I paint.. This one was largely about his expression as he 'breaks the 4th wall' so to speak.  It makes me smile to think that this little guy is engaging with the viewer, inviting you to, I don't know, come on in, sit down and have a quack (or something) :) 

Getting a tad technical, I also went a little nutsy with texture as I enjoyed painting impasto (thick, juicy paint) throughout the composition.. 

I don't remember the artist who said this this, but his belief was that, while all the elements and principles of art are important to make a good painting, the 4 most important aspects of a painting are value, edges, shape and texture. Generally, I agree. You will notice that I consider these 4 things carefully in every one of my paintings.. So, while this may just look like an innocent little duckling waiting for a quacker, look closer to see how I handled each of these four devices.

Daisy Duck, oil, 8"x8", click here for purchasing details

Day 21 - Sometimes I Do

The title for this painting popped into my head as I looked at this silly duck who is looking right back at me.. "Sometimes I Do!" she quacked... Sometimes I do what?  I think it means - Sometimes I feel this way, sometimes I do.  A little bit loopy,  kind of goofy.. but ready to walk into the next scene of my life, preferably with daisies and a smile... I'm a little bit loopy because life's not always daisies and a smile... and a little bit goofy, because why not? And while I'm at it, why not be goofy with the aplomb of this duck. Hopefully I can brighten someone's day along the way. :) 

Oh, and yes, this lady was painted also in response to yesterday's painting :) I like to paint in pairs or 3's..  Its more fun that way, and I thought a white duck in vintage chucks would compliment nicely..

Sometimes I do, oil, 8"x8", purchasing details click here

Day 20 - Upsy Daisy

 Good morning :)  Another edition to my Ducks in Chucks series - titled Upsy Daisy,  this time the duck is an Indian runner (one of my favorite kinds of ducks) and he is sporting vintage Chucks, toting an oversized daisy. From what I can tell, these are one of the very earliest versions of Chuck Taylor sneakers and were a brown canvas with what looks like a hard rubber sole.. Scroll down to see a picture of one :)

Upsy Daisy, oil, 8"x8", purchasing details here

If you'd like to read more about the evolution of Chuck Taylors check out this article :)