Jan 2 - The Commission of Aikido Continues

The aikido painting continues, and now I know that there will be six seated figures, all friends from the mats of various dojos.

Symbolism abounds here, as our teacher Ace Atkinson is overlapped by the founder of aikido. Rowdy is painted against a lighter, more ethereal wall, and our current aikido friends flank me on either side (that's going to be me second from left).

Now that I've solved the issues with who's where, I can come back and paint in the mats, and detail out the rest of it. Note that I put the Japanese socks on O Sensei (the older man in the foreground), and I had to photograph Alberto's foot to get that part right. Fun how references are needed and found as they occur.

On other news, we are going to be adding a second livestock guardian dog to our critter list--another Tibetan Mastiff, like our Seiko. This pup is a male, and is coming from Shadowmear Tibetans. Here's his puppy picture-- I am fairly certain his name will be Shadow, following the "oh" sounds for most of the dogs here (Seiko, Onlsow, Qso)

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Jan 1 - Happy New Year Holiday Lights!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Holiday Lights and the third painting of the Mission Inn done on location. Fun to paint the landmarks and capture the "feel" of the night. This is the Mission Inn Skybridge that has a totally different look in daytime. You can follow this link to see another view of it during the daytime.

This was done with the interactive acrylics - Golden Open acrylics - which I am learning to enjoy. Only 6 x 8 inches, it was done quickly and loosely. These paints handle like oils, yet dry to the touch usually one day later. I was positioned on the lawn near the parking structure and had many, many folks stop by and comment--more so than in front of the Inn. Go figure. Sparky was with me and again let me know when folks would approach. Good dog!

This new year will bring many challenges, several workshops, and exciting artwork and lessons coming your way. I hope you'll continue to stay with me, and please share these with your friends!

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Dec 31 - Last Painting for 2008.... This went FAST!

The front of the Mission Inn, right as the sun disappears and the holiday lights come on. This is a small, 7x5 acrylic done on location as a warmup for the second painting of this historic monument in Riverside.

Cars come in for valet parking under the archway with the flags, and it was a real challenge to capture the impending night AND the lights, as well as the color on the autumn trees. Yes, we still have leaves on our big street trees, and here in our preserve.

The Plein Air Artists of Riverside will be coming over here to our place on January 10 to paint those sycamores and the greening up mountains behind us.

I LOVE TO PAINT!!!

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