Stormy II - Cat Portrait

Stormy II, 8x8, oil on linen panel - commission

Here is the second portrait of Stormy in the series of 3 I was commissioned to do. The original image has Stormy in a shoe box. I cropped it down to a square leaving those 3 white rectangles to help move the eye around and break up the space.

Here is the beginning of the block in process. I liked these abstract shapes showing through. It is a shame I can't seem to incorporate them more into the new painting! I know it sounds weird, but when I have another color underneath it does push me to think differently than I would do starting on a fresh pristine canvas. One day the underlying painting will become a part of the new. Some things just take time to make themselves known.

Pet Portrait #1 Stormy Outside

Stormy I, 8x8, oil on linen panel

I was recently commissioned to do three portraits of this lovely cat, Stormy. This particular painting Stormy was outside. I have not met this cat yet.

Starting out, I grabbed an old plein air painting, for which I do not have a photo, but I think you can tell it was in fall and the trees are reflected in the lake. This painting is from Washington Park, south lake facing south. Not one of my better paintings...ie no great loss and is now better used.

My initial block in. Starting with larger shapes and breaking down into smaller shapes.

The owner is very happy with this portrait, so that means a job well done.

Coneflower: Sombrero Hot Coral

Another painting from the road trip I took through the heartland of America this past June.  I saw this beauty in the garden of my co-pilot's cousin in Columbus, Ohio. I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed Ohio, where we spent 5 nights. Gigi's garden definitely showcased someone who is gardener and I really enjoyed talking to her about her garden and older home, since we both share in those things. There are some distinct differences between gardening in Ohio vs Colorado of course. In some ways I was a bit envious but in others, very grateful!

I had never seen a coneflower like this one. It took us awhile to figure out its name, but now that I know it I think I can remember it. I looked so hard to find one like it online but Gigi finally found the original tag that came with it in her shed. Phew! It may find a place in my garden next year...if I can find a place to put it.

Shockingly, I had a clean, never before painted on panel for this one. Felt strange to start out on a white background.

Sombrero Hot Coral, 6x6, oil on panel