For the Love of Paint!

English Chocolate Lab - Guinness

2012-01-20T11:18:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've done a daily portrait. This is our lab, Guinness. He passed May '11 from cancer. I took a photo of him loving life in Duck a few summers ago.

About this painting:
media: acrylic on canvas
size: 5" x 5"

Pepper

2012-01-16T16:35:00.004-05:00

Here's my puppy girl, Pepper. (Miss Thang's actually 12, but will always be my puppy.) She was wondering why all these other animals are getting portraits done. Now it's her turn! My mom took this photo of her years ago. The four leaf clover to the right is real, I found it on a walk with Pepper. She's one lucky girl! :-)

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 10" x 8"

Order a pet portrait today!

Linden House: Nashville, Tennessee

2012-01-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

This is Linden House. It's in Nashville, Tennessee and is my college friend's home. She asked me to do a portrait of it for her husband for a Christmas gift. What a beautiful place to live!

Here is the finished portrait. Emily wrote to tell me the reactions from Christmas morning, "Painting was a huge hit! Thank you for being a part of our special memory today."

Grand Cayman, BWI

2011-12-29T11:39:00.006-05:00

It's finally December 29, 2011. We've been planning it for a year. Time for our trip to Cayman. After getting up at 3:30am in Richmond for a 6am flight to Charlotte. 3 hour layover in Charlotte followed by another 3 hour flight to Grand Cayman. Oh, and did I mention this was with an exhausted and teething 17 month old?!

We definitely earned our rum punch that night. :)

The next morning when I woke up to this view...

...it made everything worth it. Happy Vacation to us. See you on January 6th, back in cold RVA.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2011-12-14T22:09:00.001-05:00

This soup was my dinner tonight. It is quick to make, (even with a 16 month old running around) flavorful, and filling. Serve with warm corn bread or tortillas. This also freezes well. Garnish with chopped fresh avocado, Cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and green onion. Enjoy! (I certainly did!)

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken

broth

1 1/4 cups water

1 cup whole corn kernels, cooked

1 cup white hominy

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile

peppers

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and

drained

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 boneless chicken breast halves,

cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces

crushed tortilla chips

sliced avocado

shredded Monterey Jack cheese

chopped green onions

Directions:

1.	In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
2.	Stir in corn, hominy, chiles, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3.	Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, cheese, and chopped green onion.

Santa Hat Brownies

2011-12-05T13:49:00.002-05:00

Usually I'm the one asking for recipes and baking ideas. But I have to share this one I came across.

I discovered this adorable dessert on the Pinterest.com site. (a new love of mine) A festive dessert to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays. I can not wait to try it. (And, of course I'll post my attempt!)

Santa Hat Brownies

Adapted from this recipe found on Erica’s Sweet Tooth

Yields 12-16 brownies

Ingredients:

1 pan of your favorite brownies, cooled and cut into desired size and shape (I used a round cutter)

12-16 small strawberries, cleaned and hulled

vanilla-mascarpone buttercream (recipe below)

Mascarpone Buttercream

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature

2-1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Method:

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter and mascarpone cheese until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and salt. Add 2-1/2 cups of sugar, half a cup at a time and continue beating until smooth. Add more sugar, if needed to reach desired consistency and sweetness.

To assemble, pipe a ring of vanilla buttercream on top of each brownie. Cut off the base of a strawberry so it is flat and place it upside down on each brownie, pushing slightly to secure in place. Top the tip of the strawberry with a dot of buttercream to finish the santa hat.

Happy Halloween! (Thanks, Martha!)

2011-10-31T22:00:00.000-04:00

This Halloween I decided to tap into my inner Martha Stewart and make Witten's costume. Here's my little lamb.

Meet Quinn

2011-10-24T16:57:00.000-04:00

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 10" x 10"

Rassawek Art Show

2011-10-12T11:35:00.002-04:00

Back in May I took a plein aire workshop. One of our sites was Rassawek Vineyard. I have been invited back to exhibit the paintings I created.

Rassawek Art Show

Celebrating the Success of the 2011 SpringJubilee

Saturday, October 29,2011

2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Rassawek Vineyard

6276 River Road West

Columbia, VA 23038

Beach Photoshoot

2011-09-17T21:49:00.002-04:00

These are from our vacation in Corolla, NC. This was a great present from Rob's parents.

At first, Witten wasn't sure what to think.

Hurricane Katia was off the coast. It was very windy!

The whole Sievers family

1112 Grove Avenue

2011-08-29T12:43:00.000-04:00

My latest commission. A beautiful home in the Fan. Richmond, VA.

Birthday Party!

2011-07-16T21:27:00.011-04:00

Witten’s big birthday bash was so much fun, and even the weather cooled off for us. Here are some pictures from it. This rubber duckie that greeted guests at the front door is actually Witten's bathtub.

Rob and I strung up balloons that morning that I got from Target. They made the place so festive! (Thank you Ta for the helium tank!)

Just some construction paper I cut in circles, painted letters on
and taped to string.

Here's the birthday boy! Ready for our party.

Guests started arriving. Witten's buddy, James is also his neighbor.

I had sidewalk chalk on our front porch for the kids to play with. It was a hit. Our porch was a masterpiece by the end of the party.

My mom is a proud grandma.

Rob's parents greeting Ashton and Olivia.

Mary Nell showing Witten his birthday balloons. (She is the one who took all of these wonderful pictures!)

Grandpar, Rob and Witten's godfather, Mark Cross. The kids had so much fun with the large balloons. They lasted longer than I expected.

Elizabeth on the front porch with Azari and Bubba.

Elizabeth, Shannon and Mary Nell. All of Witten's Aunties. :)

Olivia and Ashton taking it all in!

Time for some cake! Here is Witten's smash cake I made. I found a little cake pan at Sur la Table. (Thanks to my brother-in-law, Scott for the baking kit!) For those unfamiliar with a smash cake it’s a tradition where you bake a tiny kid-sized cake for your one year old…

… and encourage them to dig in and make a big mess while snapping lots of photos. At first, Witten was not sure what to do.

But, he soon figured it out!

Back from his bath with Shannon.

With Papa in the kitchen.

These bubble containers shaped like ice cream cones are from Target in

the party aisle. I used a silver sharpie to write each child’s name on them
to create cute little favors.

We have had the best year!

Here is a video I made of Witten's first year. It’s amazing how much
has happened! We are very lucky parents to have such a wonderful little boy!

Plein Air Workshop: May 2011

2011-06-23T21:34:00.004-04:00

For 2 days in May I got to paint in an outdoor workshop with Christophora Robeers. She is a well known artist in Richmond. (Thanks to my husband,

Rob for the awesome birthday present!)

Day 1: We went to a beautiful home in Beaverdam, Virginia.

Chistophora doing her demonstration.

I decided to paint an old barn.

My view.

Our class getting ready to critique the paintings.

My turn... Christophora wasn't too tough on me.

Day 2: Rassawek Vineyard in Goochland, Virginia.

There was a wine festival going on while we were there. A couple of my classmates and I walked around taking some photos.

Christophora's demo.

Not a bad spot to spend the afternoon!

The clouds put on a show!

My view...

Guinness: July 31, 2002 - May 19, 2011

2011-06-23T12:46:00.002-04:00

We recently had to say goodbye to our wonderful buddy, Guinness. He lost his 5 month battle with cancer in May. He is greatly missed!

Putting Stripes in the Hallway

2011-04-13T12:24:00.002-04:00

This was a project I did a few summers ago. Thought I'd share the process.

Here is our entrance looking down from the staircase.

Down the hallway looking from the front door. Quincy sits on the steps wondering what I'm up to now.

Upstairs at the top of the steps.

Other part of the upstairs hall.

Putting up the paint!

Upstairs stripes are finished.

Now downstairs...

Adding some touches.

Finished!

Meet Marmalade

2011-04-13T09:42:00.003-04:00

This past year I decided to get to know my neighbors and help out the community. I joined the Fan Women's Club. We did many events throughout the season to raise money and volunteer for different groups in the Fan. One event was called ArtyGras. I donated a pet portrait to an art auction. Marmalade's owner, Gail was the winning bid. Here is her painting:

Meet Grizz

2011-02-27T08:44:00.012-05:00

Thank you, Shannon and Ben Custer for asking me to paint your beloved kitty.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 8" x 10"

My new inspiration

2011-02-04T17:12:00.001-05:00

I'm finding my time to paint has dramatically been reduced. But, I was able to find some time during Witten's nap to work on his first portrait.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 5" x 5"

Merry Christmas Y'all!

2010-12-25T17:02:00.001-05:00

Witten's first Christmas! We spent the holiday at my parent's house in Goochland, VA. My cousins, Jimmie and Carla came to spend the day with us.

Guinness and Pepper can't go a Christmas without their bows.

Making eggnog.

Carla and Jimmie loved seeing Witten.

Santa brought Witten lots of presents.

Fan Snow

2010-12-19T17:04:00.000-05:00

Christmas snow in the Fan on Hanover Avenue.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 5" x 5"

Witten's Baptism

2010-12-15T11:00:00.001-05:00

On December 15, 2010, Witten was baptized at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. It was a special day for our family! Here are Witten's godparents, Ta'Azar Frias and Mark Cross.

With my parents.

Rob's parents, sister and brother-in-law.

My girlfriends, Shannon and Mary Nell.

Ta' and me with our little boys.

Ta's daughter, Azari looking at my parent's tree.

God Bless Witten!

November 2010

2010-11-04T11:26:00.000-04:00

Here is our 4 month old black kitty for Halloween.

Smiles are a plenty!

Witten's October

2010-10-22T13:26:00.002-04:00

Witten is 3 months! October 16th. 12lbs

Trying to capture "The Lip."

Family picture at Metro for our friend, Elizabeth's birthday.

I see some baby portrait paintings in my future.

Witten's September

2010-09-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

Witten is 2 months! September 16th.

Labor Day Weekend. His first trip to the beach in Duck, NC.

He did not like his new beach hat!

Filling up the swing a little bit more.

Witten's August

2010-08-26T13:04:00.000-04:00

Witten is a month! August 16th.

Witten made it to his term date! August 26th.

Tummy time with Pepper.

Hanging in the swing.

Bath time!

NICU & Coming Home

2010-07-25T16:23:00.000-04:00

Because he came week 34, Witten had to stay in the hospital. This was his home for 9 days in the NICU. Aside from Jaundice, (which I feel almost every baby gets) the doctors wanted him to gain a certain amount of weight before he could leave.

Visiting with Daddy.

Our first overnight with Witten. We got to stay in the hospital and have him in the room with us. It was lots of fun, great trial run. We saw that sleep was a thing of the past.

We get to bring Witten home!

The carrier is so BIG!

Home sweet home

Witten's Photo Session

2010-07-25T14:00:00.004-04:00

It's hard to believe these photos were taken in the NICU. Witten was placed in a small basket full of white blankets on the floor. He slept through the whole thing. These were some of my favorite photos.

Welcome Witten!

2010-07-16T19:41:00.001-04:00

After 14 days in the Antepartum unit at St. Mary's, and another week on bed rest at home; my doctor had just let me get back to normal life again. I was once again free to move around and not spend my days in bed! In the middle of the night when I got up to use the bathroom, my water broke - sending us back to St. Mary's. He couldn't wait any longer! Witten Porterstone Sievers, born July 16, 2010 at 6:23am. He weighed 5.5lbs and was 17 1/2 inches.

We are all doing just fine. Because Witten is 6 weeks early he has to spend some time in the NICU.

Rob and I got to visit him that night and took our first family portrait.

Bed Rest!

2010-06-23T18:05:00.002-04:00

Baby Sievers has been trying to make an early appearance. I went to my doctor Tuesday morning, worried that I wasn't feeling baby kicking and ended up in Labor and Delivery! (L&D) After close observation that afternoon, I was sent home and put on strict bed rest. Friday, I came back to the doctor's for her to check me and again, I ended back up in L&D. This time I was having contractions and going into labor. The doctors stopped my contractions and I stayed in the St. Mary's Antepartum unit for the next 14 days.

Azalea

2010-06-17T09:38:00.000-04:00

Here's the final painting from the flower workshop. I am very pleased with how it turned out! This has inspired more flower paintings to come.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 14" x 20"

Birthday Present

2010-06-12T08:28:00.001-04:00

Cute mom and baby giraffe painting painted for my neighbor. She is giving it as a birthday gift, to guess who? :)

Nursery Art

2010-06-08T15:25:00.001-04:00

Here are some pieces I have painted for the nursery. It's fun painting for baby Sievers!

Baby Post: Progress

2010-06-08T13:30:00.001-04:00

Here I am at 28 weeks. Beginning of the third trimester.

Flower Workshop

2010-05-02T09:29:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday from 10am- 5pm, I took a flower workshop from Richmond Artist and teacher, Christophora Robeers.

It was amazing! Flowers everywhere. We started around the tables and sketched the different flowers in gesture and contour style. 1, 2 or 5 minutes long.

Next we selected the flowers we wanted to focus on for the rest of the day. Here's what I picked. Ambitious!

I learned so much about paint and laying it on the canvas. Chris showed me how to place the warm and cool colors next to each other and not blend. Adding cool, French Ultramarine to create depth. Don't overdue white as a light source. Also, I learned how to add browns and yellow ochre to colors to neutralize them to make others pop. I can't wait to work on my painting and new style more and see where it goes!

Bentley's Finished!

2010-04-29T09:45:00.000-04:00

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 12" x 12"
price: SOLD

Progress on Bentley

2010-04-28T16:13:00.001-04:00

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 12" x 12"

Lilacs

2010-04-28T11:36:00.000-04:00

A small still life I did from a neighbor's lilac bush. The fragrance was wonderful, it filled the whole house.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 5" x 5"
price: $75

My Favorite Alley in the Fan

2010-04-22T15:42:00.001-04:00

One day last summer I discovered an alley in the Fan while walking Pepper. It was beautiful with so many flowers! This painting was much larger than I'm use to working with, but it's been a challenge I've enjoyed.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 24" x 36"

Bentley

2010-04-20T17:19:00.001-04:00

New commission. Bentley the dog! Painting to begin this week.

Baby Post: Nursery Direction

2010-04-13T09:35:00.000-04:00

Gotta start somewhere. My somewhere is with the window. Any of my friends will tell you my love for giraffes. Rob's favorite animal is the elephant. What better combination for our little one's bedroom. Blue and green will be the colors. The beauty is this past summer I already painted the room a light blue with light green trim. Nice to have that part finished! Must of had a feeling even back then a little boy was on the way.
Last night I was watching television and baby was fluttering around. I had a couple of flutters so big I could see my belly move!

Not Painting Related: Baby Boy!

2010-04-08T12:00:00.001-04:00

Rob and I are expecting our first baby! It's a boy and we are very pleased. So far pregnancy has been great for me aside from the normal quirks. Our due date is August 26, 2010. This blog might be turning into baby and nursery design posts as well as some daily painting posts. I am planning the nursery with a little bit of painting so that will count. :)

Stephanie's Portraits

2010-04-03T09:34:00.000-04:00

My friend, Stephanie's father is celebrating a big birthday today. She brought me pictures of him with each of her adorable twins and asked me to paint them. Here they are. Happy Birthday, Papa!

Giraffe

2010-02-19T12:15:00.001-05:00

A friend sent me a photo of a giraffe he took at the zoo. I can't believe I haven't painted a giraffe before!

About this painting:
media: acrylic on canvas
size: 5" x 5"

Jackson is Finished

2010-02-15T16:35:00.001-05:00

Here's the final Jackson portrait. My first official pet portrait! I really enjoyed painting him and hope to get more pet commissions.

More Jackson

2010-01-28T09:49:00.001-05:00

Progress on Jackson.

Jackson

2010-01-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Very early stages of my friend's cat portrait. He's a beautiful tabby. Pepper was giving me some advice! More of Jackson to come.

Quincy's Portrait

2010-01-14T20:08:00.000-05:00

Inspiration from above.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 10" x 10"

Coffee Cup - take 1

2010-01-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

Whimsical coffee cup. I will be making some changes to colors.

About this painting:
media: acrylic on gallery canvas (ready to hang)
size: 20" x 16"

Come on 2010!

2010-01-11T17:49:00.000-05:00

2009 was not such a great year. 2010 is here and I'm ready to make it a better year. Starting off with getting back into my daily painting. Look for new works to come SOON!!

Rest in Peace, Quincy

2010-01-10T11:22:00.001-05:00

On January 8, 2010 at 11:58 Quincy passed away. It was peaceful, he gave his last breath with me by his side on my bed. I said a heart broken goodbye to my precious kitty. Thank you for 15 years of unconditional love and companionship. I love you with all my heart and will miss you everyday, my sweet little kitten.

Snow in the Fan #2

2009-12-21T16:06:00.001-05:00

Second painting in the Winter WonderFAN series. I got lots of new subject matter this past weekend! This is the 2400 block of Hanover Ave.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 5" x 5"
price: $130 (includes frame)

Not Painting Related - Quincy

2009-12-01T16:21:00.000-05:00

My 14 year old diabetic kitty, Quincy, was diagnosed with a lower jaw tumor yesterday. It all started when he lost one of his few remaining teeth and what the vet and I thought was a root infection is now a tumor. Quincy had an insulin crash and was sent to the ER about 3 weeks ago and I had noticed his jaw was a bit swollen and pointed it out to the vets. They gave me antibiotics for it. I went to my vet a week later to check his blood and the swelling was still there. We talked about the infection and checking back to consult about surgery to get the root out. The vet mentioned casually maybe a tumor, but it seemed more likely an infection still. So, more antibiotics some pain meds (although he has never seemed in pain) and back home for another 10 days. I went in yesterday gripping myself more over the conversation of surgery and the cost only to be completely blindsided when the vet looked at him and immediately said, "cancer."

Aside from his lower jaw, he's his old laid back self. He's always has had quite the appetite and still does. I've never had anybody, human or pet, close in my life with cancer. This news has been extremely hard for me. Like all of you with your pets, I adore him and he's been with me through so much. I'm more needy than he is now! Please keep Quincy in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks, y'all. Court

Snow in the Fan

2009-11-19T13:22:00.001-05:00

On March 1, 2009, Richmond, VA finally got snow! Here's a painting from Rob's and my walk around the winter wonderFAN.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 5" x 5"

Lily

2009-10-12T14:26:00.001-04:00

Lily flower drawn for a family friend.

About this piece:
media: colored pencil, oil pastel on watercolor paper
size: 6" x 5"

Haystack Field in Round Lake, Canada

2009-10-09T13:00:00.000-04:00

Haystacks in a field near Round Lake, Canada.

About this painting:
media: oil on gallery wrapped canvas • ready to hang
size: 5" x 5"

Tuckahoe Library Show

2009-10-01T19:26:00.000-04:00

WNPG is having an art show at the Tuckahoe Library this month. Here are the pieces that I submitted. If you're in the area, come by and see our art!

Puffy Clouds in Round Lake, Canada

2009-10-01T12:22:00.001-04:00

Here's another painting from a picture I took while in Canada. The clouds were spectacular that day. My favorite to paint.

About this painting:
media: oil on gallery wrapped canvas • ready to hang
size: 5" x 5"

Maymont Garden

2009-09-30T13:48:00.001-04:00

Here's the second painting from my morning painting in Maymont's Japanese Garden. It will be seen in a WNPG show at the Tuckahoe Library, October 1-30.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 10" x 10"
price: $115

Japanese Garden at Maymont

2009-09-18T11:10:00.001-04:00

Here's the finished painting from my earlier post from my morning trip to Maymont's Japanese Garden. The flowers put on quite a show!

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas
size: 7'' x 5''

Our Backyard Bluebird

2009-09-15T16:44:00.001-04:00

I just finished this larger & more detailed male bluebird painting this morning.

About this painting:
media: oil on gallery wrapped canvas • ready to hang

size: 8'' x 10''
price: $150

Lemons!

2009-09-08T16:03:00.000-04:00

I am doing small quick paintings to make myself focus less on details and more on loose brush strokes. Larger brushes, have also helped a lot. Today at the store I got lemons and apples to practice several still lifes. This painting I intended to take only 45 minutes. But, a hour and half later I realized I was fine tuning.

About this painting:
media: oil on canvas

size: 5'' x 5''

Bluebirds

2009-09-06T10:59:00.000-04:00

This bluebird couple lives in my parents' backyard. They have had babies 3 times this summer. I love watching them as they interact with us, asking for their meal worms. It's also interesting watching the mom and dad work together taking care of the babies as they grow up. Their feathers are such a brilliant blue, especially the male bird, it was only fitting I painted them. They each are on their own canvas. I enjoyed painting them so much I plan to do more. One is in the works now!

About these paintings:
media: acrylic on canvas

size: 5'' x 5''

Canada Landscape

2009-08-27T11:23:00.000-04:00

Last summer Rob & I went on vacation to his family's cabin on Round Lake in Ontario, Canada. The landscape was beautiful offering so many opportunities for painting and taking lots of pictures. We went on a bike ride and the clouds that day were so big, white and puffy--my favorite!

About this painting:
media: oil on gallery wrapped canvas • ready to hang
size: 5'' x 5''
price: $75

Painting at Maymont

2009-08-26T15:42:00.000-04:00

This morning, I decided to go to the Japanese Garden in Maymont and paint. It was a beautiful place for painting. I'll definitely go back and do more pieces. It's amazing somewhere so nice is so close to where I live. Hopefully, I'll be almost finished with the painting tonight at Wednesday Night Paint Group. (WNPG from now on)

Yesterday, I visited an art gallery and was amazed at the pieces there. I love the big, bold brushstrokes! I need to use larger brushes when I paint.

The eggplant has been completely redone. I decided it's not right; the way it's sitting next to the bowl, so la de da. The eggplant alone will look much better.

Happy Birthday, Stasia!!

2009-08-24T16:17:00.001-04:00

Here are the 3 pieces that I made for Stasia's surprise birthday party this weekend.
They are acrylic on foam board.

bowl & eggplant

2009-08-24T16:05:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday night, my friend, Shannon brought me an eggplant from her parent's garden. I had every intention of cooking a spectacular dinner for Rob & me Friday night, but it just didn't end up happening. So, I decided I'd cook it on Sunday. Again, didn't happen. Rob's playing tennis tonight so isn't happening again. So what to do with this eggplant?! I'll make it my first daily painting... It is still in progress, not quite feeling that it's finished yet.

About this painting:
media: acrylic on canvas

size: 10'' x 10''

Getting an Expert Opinion

2009-08-23T18:49:00.000-04:00

I worked more on the cats this morning. Quincy decided he wanted to get in my lap and give me some pointers.

Kitty Painting

2009-08-22T12:14:00.000-04:00

My painting Wednesday Night Painting Group had guest pet portrait artist and teacher, Adele Castillo. We all brought in a pet picture we wanted to work on. She did a demo for us to see how to get started then walked around and helped us. I choose an old picture of my cats, Quincy & Bandy snuggled together on my bed. I've always loved this picture, but I didn't consider how hard it is to paint!!

The background was yellow and now I'm making it purple. I think the darker background makes the cats pop better. Right now, my trouble is defining their faces. I'm working in oil so it's taking a while for the paint to dry for me to continue on the next layer of paint. I have a long ways to go....I'll continue to post on it's progress. I believe for this painting, patience is key!!

Here goes nothing!

2009-08-21T18:21:00.000-04:00

I just signed up on this blog site. Not sure who's really interested in my thoughts, ideas etc. but what the heck, I'll give it a try. I'm currently working on a painting of my two cats. It's been a work in progress forever. I keep thinking hopefully I'll get in the zone with it soon! My group (WNPG) has a couple of art shows coming up this fall so I also need to get the kitties finished for that.

After the kitties, I want to do a painting of my shih-tzu, Pepper. Next, I'll paint a gem of an alley I found in the fan on a walk one day. It was like a secret garden. Fortunately, I had my camera and took a bunch of pictures. I'll post pictures when I figure out how all this works!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T21:37:00.000-04:00

My parent's recently took a trip to Ireland. Dad took some photos and this highland cow was included in his collection.

I thought it would make a great painting for him.