Paintings With Soul

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS "Lucy," paper sized 6" x 8", image approximately 3" x 6", Golden Open Acrylics on artists multimedia board, depicting a Miniature Schnauzer. Commissioned and completed for a wonderful Painting a Dog a Day fan - thank you so much MBL!! Sketching in paint isn't something many artists make a habit out of. It's a process I love, though, and something I ask my students to consider trying. It gives me the chance to play with frames/margins and really push the envelope with brushwork while reinforcing my drawing skills. It helps me to get to know my tools in a looser environment. Painted sketches are lighthearted, fun to create, and whimsical. They also allow me to offer a lower price point - these puppies start at $49 (which compliments the $200 entry level for a miniature portrait very nicely). Want a painted sketch of your own? it's super easy - just email me ! Thanks for looking at - and sharing - my artwork w...

FROM TOP: "Inquisitive" and "Precocious," both 9" square sketches of Gracie, a miniature salt and pepper Schnauzer, done in Golden Open Acrylics on multimedia artboard. One for my client and one for.... you! Drop me a line if you are interested. BOTH SOLD (thank you!) Gracie belongs to another artist, the amazing photographer Sarah Beth . It's clear from Gracie's eyes that she knows her job is to inspire. And that she takes said job as seriously as tormenting the cats. And when Gracie's "Mom" Sarah isn't shooting photographs of Gracie, she's working up equally gorgeous photos of her clients' dogs. I was moved to tears when reading about her session with Gryphon , a terminally ill golden. Sarah has the sort of compassion and dedication towards rescued animals and service animals that we love and respect around these parts, too. So, when you are done oogling over Sarah Beth's website, take a minute to visit the Daily Pa...

“Schnauzer Study (Max),” 6” x 8”, schnauzer portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (thank you!). It has literally been years since I last painted a schnauzer. I remember Gretel, a schnauzer from my childhood, as a streak of violet and silver, her moustache and ears flopping as she streaked across her yard. And then there was Schnaufer, one of my first commissioned portraits and the most solid schnauzer I’ve seen to date, who’s coat seemed pure silver with eyes of molten copper. Funny how certain images stay with you, isn’t it? Their silky little mugs are so much fun, though – all the lavenders and blues and pinks contrast well with the deep set dark eyes. And when clipped, their fringes accent their features and make for terribly playful subject matter. So here is today’s dog, a schnauzer who used to live down the street from me. Our paths crossed again in the last few months, and I was asked if I could paint Max. Of course I said yes, while trying to contain my excitem...

Yes, I know it’s Wednesday, and I’m just getting around to Tuesday’s painting. My apologies, but I was sidelined by the flu, which is still rampaging through our house. So it was nice to come into the studio this morning and forget about the drama of the last 48 hours. Along those lines, I chose a happy face bursting with spring color (he photographed a bit bluer than in real life). “Charlie,” 5x7, acrylic dog portrait on canvasboard, private collection. Thank you very much to Judy Kroon who kindly introduced me to Charlie, and then commissioned this portrait. Charlie was a therapy dog, in addition to a wonderful companion, of unknown descent. A little schnauzer, maybe some poodle and wheaton terrier. Regardless, he lived life with zeal, and blessed his family with 17 years of delight. And Charlie continues on his mission – I’m telling you, mixing all these beautiful pastel shades certainly improved my spirits this morning. I know I will return to the stack of Charlie photos and create...