Oskar's Bulldogs

Oskar's Bulldogs

11x14, soft pastel

I think it's safe now to share this piece.  Painted for a friend as a gift for his wife.  These two pups are besties who love to go boating.  Fortunately for them, the water is right outside their back door!

Oh Hummingbird!

Oh Hummingbird!

7.5 x 12, soft pastel

Rarely do I paint plein air (outdoors) but I couldn't resist trying to capture this guy (in a painting that is).  He visited me quite often with his friends during the summer months in Cascade.  I always plant these particular flowers to encourage hummingbirds to hang around my patio...and they really do the trick!  I do confess, I had to take a few photos to see what he really looked like since he didn't want to sit still for me.   Anyway, thankfully I didn't scare him away....especially since I was singing "Oh Hummingbird" the whole time.  (the neighbors must have thought I was a bit looney)

Oh Hummingbird! - Seals and Crofts, 1972

He Ain’t Heavy...He’s My Brother

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

10x10, soft pastel

These two noodle heads have been Benny’s best friends for the past few months.  The three of them have had quite a time playing and roughhousing in a neighborhood park.  He’s going to miss them dearly and their time together when we head back to Idaho soon.  The only consolation is that he will soon see his (little) big sister soon too.

Jack and Lucy

Jack and Lucy
9x12, soft pastel

This is Jack and Lucy.  Both have recently crossed over the proverbial "rainbow bridge" and are once again reunited.   I imagine they are running free on the beach together as they were on this particular day.  They hold a very special place in the heart of their human "mom".  I hope you like it Deb! 

I'm always torn between painting realistically (as in photo-realism) vs a more impressionistic style ....so I end up landing somewhere in the middle.  I don't want to paint each and every detail of a subject making it look too much like a photograph but I strive to add an artistic twist to the painting.  It's an ever challenging process!  

Corrugated Kitty

Corrugated Kitty

10x8, soft pastel

It was time to try painting a cat.  I've been saving a couple cat photos just for this occasion.  While I don't have a cat (because I'm allergic to them)...if I could,  I think this guy would do.  Those golden eyes of his are beautiful!