Jan 10 - Guardian covered, but not finished

The Doberman "Guardian" is at the stage where I start to put glazes and additional layers on these first fill-ins to develop and set the light, shadows and design.

It's coming along now,and I could list the bazillion areas I'm going to change, but it still needs many more layers of acrylic paint to really put the "punch" in the lighting. Since I know what needs changing, I won't bore you with that long list, but will get after it to finish it up. That deadline of Monday approaches for the Art Show at the Dog Show (Kansas City)!

In handling this painting, there are two images that are being used as references for it--one of a Doberman that has long since gone to the Rainbow Bridge, and a sleeping child from an old magazine (black and white). The wings are from my chickens who don't approve of modeling, but that's how I get their structure--even tho' fanciful. Now who would think "chicken wings" when guardian angels come to mind? Having the flock out back has been a boon to bird paintings. Hmmm, can they be tax deductible as models? Ha!

The Plein Air Artists of Riverside are here today, and here's a few of them in our back yard...now it's off to see how the pot luck is coming!

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Jan 9 - Doberman Angel in Process - 18x18 Acrylic

The Doberman "Guardian" with the canvas almost 80% covered with the major colors and values that will be there--except for the larger light that I'll put in later. I really like it at this stage, as I can see that I'm keeping the spirit and strength of the dog as I define and edit the large masses. What needs editing is the feeling of danger--even though the dog has wings and is in the role of protector, right now the feedback I get is one of doubt whether the dog means good or evil. That will change as it is developed.

At this point the canvas is COMPLETLY in the cool box--no warms at all except for the underpainting of Quin Burnt Orange and Cadmium Orange. Fun colors to start with, as it really sets off the cools!

Tomorrow the Plein Air Painters of Riverside (PAAR) are coming over for on-location painting at Two Trees and will stay for pot luck and a movie. We're going to be watching "Impressionists - Degas" in the theater. Of course, I'll take pictures of it!

Shadow arrived yesterday, and was immediately adopted by Alberto, who just fell in love when he saw the pup. I was ever so grateful that he took him into our casita last night, as Shadow didn't have to be in the outdoor kennel--right under our bedroom. Yip, yip, howl! After he gets used to the place...

He's settling in today as you can see, parked right next to Seiko, our older Tibetan Mastiff.
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Jan 7 - Art Show at the Dog Show Entries... Lessons!

Lesson painting time!
I'm starting one of three paintings for the Art Show at the Dog Show with entries due in their hands on the 14th of this month....talk about cutting it close!
Modus operandi, but I think you'll enjoy the stages of this fanciful and spiritual painting. I have always loved the idea of guardian dogs--we have the two Tibetan Mastiffs who guard us and the livestock, and both my husband and I have owned Doberman Pinschers in our past. Since I love the grace and royal demeanor of these dogs, it seems natural to do a painting for this show with that theme in mind.

Here's the first "go-pass" on this 18 x 18 inch acrylic, and the design comes out strongly right away. I'm looking at it over my shoulder, and the strength of the circular movement of the angel wings on the dog and the lifted, protective paw on the sleeping child already form a strong, connected design. Destined to be entitled "Guardian", just starting this painting made me feel sheltered. Even with these thin layers of dark acrylic, the viewer can see the structure of the dog. It will be corrected and detailed as I build the upcoming layers.

I finished my husband's painting, and here is the end result--a 30 x 40 oil. Yes, I'm in it now--second from left--but you'll have to go to his office to see me up close!

WORKSHOP! I've added a new workshop for April, here in my studio, and it is filling already. If you couldn't get into the February one, which filled a week after I opened it, you have a second opportunity. April 3-5, it promises to be another exciting Color Boot Camp. Click here.

You can see my entire blog here.

Color System information can be found HERE.
If you need to email me directly, please click here.