Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Progress on nuthatch bird paintings

I am quite enjoying painting these adorable little fellas! This is the first time I paint two pieces at once; I work a bit on one bird and before it progresses too far, I switch to the other bird until I've reached a point similar to the first while working the corresponding area on each bird. From my last post, you can see that I started with the background, and then progressed to the birds' heads. This way, I will see both birds emerge at the same time.

Nuthatches are lively, curious little birds, akin to the black capped chickadee.

Monday, August 25, 2014

A Pair of Nuthatches-bird paintings in pastel

I've just started these two miniature paintings of red-breasted nuthatches tonight using soft pastels. Since both bird paintings share a similar background and color scheme, I've decided it would be easier and quicker to work on them simultaneously.  I also plan to frame them as a diptych...


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Snow Leopard Print/Artist's Proof with Remarque

I'm excited to announce that I've decided to make available to the public these very limited Artist's Proof (AP)  giclĂ©e prints of my drawing "Peaceful Repose" (Asian snow leopard). The print run is limited to only 5 copies; each with a one-of-a-kind hand-drawn remarque drawing!

 You can see below a larger view of  the remarque which is hand-drawn on the print.  The drawing is created with graphite, charcoal and enhanced with colored pencil.  Each additional AP has a different hand-drawn image of a snow leopard which makes every print very unique. Note that AP 1/5 is sold but the remaining prints are available for purchase for 125$ each.


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Tree frog painting off to the 2014 AFC Annual Exibition in British Columbia!

Yesterday I packed and shipped my pastel painting titled "La Vie en Vert" so it could join other works at the AFC Annual Exhibition.
 
The Artists For Conservation Festival takes place at Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, B.C on September 27 to October 6th, 2013 and is one of the most highly anticipated events in the nature-inspired art field - AFC's 6th annual juried art exhibit and sale, The Art of Conservation 2014!

The AFC exhibit is the world's top conservation-themed art exhibit and sale. Visit the exhibit for an opportunity to buy original paintings and sculptures. The exhibit will feature over 80 original artworks for sale by over 70 leading nature and wildlife artists from around the world.

"La Vie en Vert"
5x7 pastel

What a great way to enjoy worldwide artistic excellence, learn about conservation issues, and directly support conservation work through the purchase of artwork. My painting of a gray tree frog resting on delicate fronds of the ostrich fern will be available for purchase shortly through www.artistsforconservation.org (or contact me for details)!

Additionally, you can purchase a very affordable lovely hardcovery book featuring the work of supporting artists. Click here for more details: http://www.artistsforconservation.org/store/products/artists-conservation-2014-hardcover-book

Multiple cat pet portrait commission

Some of you might remember this portrait from several months ago...It has been along time coming but I can now share the finished six cat portrait!
 

...and talk about a mouthful! From top left to right: blue point Siamese, black/white tuxedo, seal point Tonkinese, and bottom left to right: chocolate Burmese, orange tabby Scottish fold and chocolate tonkinese. 
Portrait of Thierre, Tuxedo, Neko, Sidarka,Mackay and Tyler
Pastel
11x14
COMMISSION

The challenge when painting this portrait was that I had to work from several not-so-good photos for several of the cats. This meant that, along with the client's feedback, I had to use some imagination to help me complete the painting.


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Portrait of Belgian Malinois Painting in Pastel

As promised, here is the finished and client approved version of the Belgian Malinois dog portrait using pastels.

After sketching the outline and major features of the dog, I worked the top half of the background first.  Then I started with the ears and worked my way down the dog's face. The last part was adding the darker green on the lower half of the background.

You can follow the work in progress on my website

"Zorro"
Belgian Malinois
pastel
9" x 12"
COMMISSION