Dreams of Friesians

After several long months I finally finished up this big boy.  It had been hogging up my drafting table since November.  This is the largest colored pencil drawing I have ever attempted, and I am quite happy with how it turned out.  I have no idea how many hours were spent on this project, but it's probably safe to say that I won't be pulling out the colored pencils again for a long time. The thought of how much faster and easier this would be to complete in paint soured my thoughts on more than one occasion during the process.  This pretty boy has a happy home in my living room for now.  

American Pharoah

American Pharoah
9"x12"
Acrylic on Canvas

Sooo excited that I got to witness a triple crown win! American Pharoah is an incredible horse, and I might have shed a small tear or two when he crossed the finish line. So of course he became my artistic inspiration for the day. I'm not entirely sure if it's finished or not, but I figured no good things could happen from continuing to paint after 1am.

Dakota

Dakota
8" x 10"
Acrylic on Canvas

Here is a painting of a very dearly loved dog who is no longer with us.  She was a very sweet dog who brought her owners many years of love of happiness.  She will be greatly missed, but hopefully this painting will help them remember all the happy memories.

Farm Animal Birthday Sign

16" x 20"
Acrylic on Canvas

This is a Birthday sign I made for a boy named Tyson.  He loves farm animals! I wanted to make this a quick, easy painting, but when it was all said and done I had clocked about 10 hours on this!  Oops!

Jan 2015 30 in 30 - Day 6

Emma
Acrylic on Canvas Panel
5" x 7"

This is Emma the Dachshund.  She is just a pup.  I just love her split-face marking.  She is a unique dog for sure.

Jan 2015 30 in 30 - Day 5

Roxy

Acrylic on Canvas Panel

5" x 7"

This is the dachshund, Roxy.   I had fun painting her this small.   I hope to do more small acrylic dogs

Jan 2015 30 in 30 - Day 4

Lounging
6" x 9"
Watercolor

Another demo painting out of Pat Weaver's Watercolor Simplified book.  Despite using the colors she suggested, I could NOT very my painting to have the vibrance that her cat had.  Again, each time I tried to "fix" something I made it worse.  But if I hadn't tried to fix things then the painting would be very pale and unfinished looking.  I guess trying to learn to paint from a book isn't really a good idea.  I wish I could watch her actually work with the paints in her palette and how she applies it to the paper because I believe that is where the disconnect lies.  Practice practice practice.... I just feel like maybe I am practicing the wrong techniques.