"White-tail Doe"

For whatever reason, I awoke this morning with an idea for a painting. It was just a mental image of a deer standing in a meadow, but I could see the composition my mind. I knew I had to paint it. So, after breakfast and a couple of errands, I leafed through a few reference photos I had on hand and got started.

This is the result of a fairly detailed Acrylic underpainting with Oils over the top. Because of it's fast-drying nature, I can get a lot of detail with the Acrylics. But, I still love the richness and vibrancy of the Oils. With this approach, I get the best of both worlds.

We have a lot of deer in the meadow behind our house, so they provide plenty of inspiration.

I've had a very busy class schedule for the past couple of weeks ( nearly every day ), so my intent is to spend some time on my own paintings this week. I'm not sure I'll complete a painting each day, but I will definitely be at my easel, as I have some other ideas I'd like to work on.

I have a true compassion for any and all animals, so I feel privileged to be able to capture them on canvas.

New Works

Here are a few pieces I've been working on lately in preparation for our Open House in October.
All are in Oils, some with an Acrylic underpainting, some not.
I've had a busy week with classes each day at the Thousand Islands Art Center in Clayton, NY.
It was a great time and I had the privilege to work with a great bunch of folks. Painting truly puts us all on one level and diminishes any social barriers. I meet people from all walks of life in my classes and I am fortunate for that.

I had a call the other day from the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. in regards to my appearance on the local Labor Day Telethon again this year. ( I have gone "on-air" every year for the past decade or so at the local TV station, to create a couple of paintings which are raffled to raise money for the cause. ) When I get that call each year, I know that Summer is winding down and Fall will be here all too soon. It's hard to believe we're zeroing in on September already! But, the crisp air and rich colors of Autumn are always welcome, too. It's just hard to let Summer slip by.

"Baxter" ( Pet Commission )

This is my latest pet portrait. Meet "Baxter". This piece was commissioned as a Christmas gift for the client's daughter. Having never seen this little fella in person, I worked from reference photos which were e:mailed to me.

Personally, I feel that I have captured him and it is finished, but the final, ultimate say on that is always left to the customer. I'll let her look it over and if need be, I'll make any adjustments she may recommend. It's pretty easy to render a dog, but it's much more challenging to capture their dog, since they know him best. I can't always trust photos 100%, as they sometimes fall short of a true representation.

In any case, this was a really fun piece to create and I enjoyed working on it.

Loons on the Lake

We have several nearby lakes, streams, rivers and ponds which have become "home" to many northern critters. There are many waterfowl species, ( ducks, geese, swans, loons, herons ) as well as muskrats, beavers and river otters.

Common loons ( as featured in this painting ) are very popular around these parts and folks who frequent the lake can experience their sightings and calls quite often. Indeed, it is a calming experience to witness these beauties lazily floating along. Their wonderful call is unique and something you won't forget.

This piece is on 12" x 16" canvas. The loons started as a black & white underpainting in Acrylics. The background and loon "embellisments" were in Oils.

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

This is a painting I started last night using an Acrylic underpainting. I finished it this morning with Oil glazes and highlights. It's on 9" x 12" panel.

These Grosbeaks are very frequent visitors to my feeders, so I get to study them quite often.

I'm always amazed at the array of birds my little "feathered friend oasis" pulls in. Right now it seems to be mostly Goldfinches, Grosbeaks and Bluejays. For whatever reason, the Chickadees have disappeared for now, but I know they'll return. Along with the Nuthatches, Juncos and Woodpeckers.

I have an "Open House" scheduled for my new studio in October, so I'm trying to get new works ready for display. I'll hang on to this one for that event.

Talcott Falls

There is a popular landmark, Talcott Falls, which is about 50 miles from my home, near Adams, N.Y. Last week-end, my wife, Glenda and I drove over to take a look and get some photos. It was a nice day, so it gave us a good excuse to take the convertible for a cruise.

Glenda took some nice snaps and I was totally inspired and have determined that I am definitely going to return for a plein air session.

Although this painting is not truly literal to the actual scene, it was certainly inpired by it. I took a few liberties here and there to refine my composition. There are numerous vantage points and potential areas to choose from on site. Everywhere you look is a possible painting. It's a beautiful spot!

You can search Google Images ( Talcott Falls, Adams, N.Y. ) and see it for yourself!

"OREO" ( Pet Commission )

Over the years, I've done a ton of "pet portraits". Last week, I picked up another such commission from a young lady in my class, requesting that I paint her kitty, Oreo. The photo she provided as a reference was a very close view, just as you see here. While my usual interpretation would involve a full head-shot ( including ears and shoulders ), this was the photo I was given and to be honest, I found it to be a refreshing change from what I had first perceived. I think this is a much more intimate, personal view of a beloved friend and I must give credit to Emily for making me "see" this in a different way. ( and in a more interesting perspective )

I can relate to Oreo, as my wife and I also own two black & whites ( Chloe and Tigger ) and they are very much a part of the family.

This piece is in Oil and is on 9"x12" canvas panel.