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Beauty Rest


"Beauty Rest," 11" x 14", portrait of a mixed breed rescue, done in acrylic on a museum quality panel, not currently for sale. Inquiries may come to me.


You saw a detail of this one in process only yesterday, so I know that you recognize and remember Daisy, one of the Dog a Day Valentine's Giveaway finalists.


In process pics of Daisy's special portrait - including yesterday's morning painting session and my late night rendezvous in the studio, are on the studio Facebook page.

I have big plans for this painting, and cannot wait to share it with viewers.

Enjoy the weekend and thanks so much for supporting my artwork -
Kim


What Daisy
Taught Me

I am not a patient painter. I want to get right to work, the good stuff, and have it done 10 minutes ago.

That's why fast drying acrylics are a good match for me. And probably also why my style has evolved to include drawing marks amid wide swaths of paint.

But yesterday I learned to slow down and make better plans before jumping in.

You see, I started this painting without a clear idea of what pattern to put on the couch (the reference photo had a solid and neutral slipcover). And that meant I waffled about, making poor background decisions, and really mucking things up.

I took a break and forced myself to choose between stripes or floral. I looked at different patterns and color combinations, and thought carefully about what each might convey regarding Daisy's personality.

And when I returned to the easel, I painted giant blue and lilac blooms with conviction.

As complicated as the floral pattern looks, it was far easier to paint than the layers I set down (and painted overtop of) earlier in the day.

Once I found my direction, the path was clear. I need to slow down and make sure I know where I'm headed before picking up the brushes.

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