The Nose Knows

The Nose Knows

10x8, soft pastel

A dog lives and dies by his nose...sniffing out every scent along the way.  Westies typically have black noses...but occasionally there's one with a soft pink nose.  Many are born with pink noses that change into black.  I love the expression felt when I look at this painting...lovingly looking up to his master.

Rufus

Rufus

6x6, soft pastel 

Rufus is a dear sweet Westie who lived in Ireland with his family for the past 17 yrs.   This is a painting of him in his honor and is on its way overseas.  Knowing the heartbreak of losing a family pet, I hope they will enjoy it for years to come.  

Little Boy

Little Boy

7x5, soft pastel

I love how the warm golden sunlight was lighting this little guy up in comparison to the cool shadowy blues. Tubby was a happy little dog who loved going on walks especially with his "big brother".  He was a dog's dog...alway looking for other dogs who wanted to run and play.   Rest in peace my little buddy! 

My First Haircut

My First Haircut

7x5, soft pastel

This is little Bruce...and he just got his first haircut.  Like most Westies he's adorable and probably already full of Westitude!  Thank you Kaka from Brasil for sharing him with me!

Little Buddy 2

Little Buddy 2

9x9, soft pastel

Even though it's been a year since losing Tubby, I find myself still needing to paint my little muse...the Westie.   One of the most stubborn, headstrong, tenacious yet most loving dog breeds I've ever had.  Miss you Tubby and Scooter!  

Hanging Around

Hanging Around

17x13, soft pastel

This is a larger than usual painting for me and it was a fun one to tackle.  I love the shadows cast from this scarf's fringe and the Western/Southwestern feeling of the piece.  I've been painting as much as I can the past few weeks preparing for two art shows, one at Meadow Lake Village in Meridian the evening of May 4th (open to the public) and the other one is an art show the evening of May 12th in downtown Boise. The location of the Boise event is not to be advertised on social media because it's a "by invitation only" show.  However, if you are in the Boise area and would like an invitation I have a few to distribute (you can contact me by commenting to this post).  It should be an exciting show as 61 artists will be displaying their work.  

Streaming Sunlight

Streaming Sunlight

8x8, soft pastel

            

Early morning sunlight streaming through the window...how do you depict that delicious feeling of filtered light and warmth in a painting?  Well, this was my attempt.  

Chasing Shadows

Chasing Shadows

12x12, soft pastel

     

This is a very special scene because my stepson Travis took the amazing photo that inspired this painting while covering the 2016 Iditarod for Filson.  I believe this was on the last leg of the race near Nome, AK. At first glance from afar, it looked to me like a blue streaked meteor shower.  Then, (considering the title) I realized the crazy blue streaks were of course tree shadows...and next, after further review, I noticed the tracks, sled, musher and his dogs.  It was a picture that made me stop and look around at all it had to offer.  It was a delight to have the details unfold before my eyes and such fun to paint!   Thank you Travis, you inspire me! 

Lily Pad Down Under

Lily Pad Down Under

6x8, Soft Pastel

    

 Today I had a shot of inspiration from an artist buddy who is in Vienna, Austria today at the Albertina Museum.  She shared photos of works by Monet and Degas this morning...two of my favorite artists!  

I've been meaning to take a swing at lily pads for a couple years...and today was the day! I have quite a few pictures from various areas around Idaho and the Midwest...always imaging how awesome they might be...and I have to say, I had a blast painting this little study.   I think I'll paint a larger version!  I hope you enjoy!

The past couple months have been a blur.  Lots of travel, a long bout of influenza (I never get the flu!), a wonderful surprise birthday party, working on refining the Plein Air Painters of Idaho's website and preparing for a couple of art shows. Life is exciting right now...and yes, I have a few paintings to share that I haven't gotten around to posting but I hope to soon.  Thanks for reading!  And, if you're a fellow artist....keep on painting!