Cooling Off At the Lake

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

Who's ready for Summer?  I am!  I can't wait for swimming weather.  Usually around this time of year I am visiting my mom on Oahu, but that's not going to happen this year, so I'm just hoping summer comes early here!

This painting started a little differently. I was using a reference photo from Unsplash, and it had a dark background.  I painted it like the photo but it looked a little too "dramatic", so I decided to brighten it up a bunch and I'm quite happy with the result.

Can We Go Outside Now?

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This kind of sums up my feelings right now;  I'm tired of being in quarantine, but thankful to be healthy.  I really like this sweet pup's eyes and their vibrancy against his black and white fur. I chose to keep the background muted as to not take away from those soulful eyes. Hang in there everyone!

Treasure Hunter

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This water was really fun to paint! Creating the illusion of waves is something I'd like to work on more.  There's something very gratifying about the sun-reflecting water against the deep shaded areas.  Thanks to Pixabay for the photo reference.

Hula Dog

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Labradors are such patient dogs. This adorable guy was at one of our daughter's regattas last fall.  The kids absolutely love having these sweet mascots around.  It's not unusual for the canine team members to get dressed up by some of the sailors.  I especially loved that they adorned him with a lei!

The Future of Sailing Is Female

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Our youngest daughter will be attending and sailing for the US Coast Guard Academy this June.  She has worked incredibly hard for this and I couldn't be prouder!  Sailing is her passion and her joy.  I used a photo I took in San Diego 2 years ago at the National Women's High School Regatta. She and her teammates had the time of their lives there (and so did I!!).  

I tried focusing on the feeling of bright California sunshine and perfect wind.  I actually tried painting this a year or so ago and couldn't make it work to my satisfaction.  It's always a good feeling to see myself progress and get better!

Three Surfers

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

I tend to gravitate towards serene seas for my paintings but I wanted to challenge myself. One of my main focuses was to keep my brushstrokes simple and not too detailed. I struggled, but am super happy with the result.  I hope you enjoy it!

Just Keep Swimming

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

There is something wonderful about painting water.  I kind of get lost in it, in a dreamy sort of way. I wish it was warmer here so I could be out swimming!  Thanks to Unsplash for the photo reference!!

Who Me?

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

That face! It makes me smile.  I think Pugs are so darn cute.  I love their "grumpy cat" expressions!    The last few days I've been struggling with laziness and overly critical self critique which leads to BAD paintings! Do any of you have days like that? I have a lot. It doesn't help having my husband and daughter home all the time.  I just want to go goof off with them! Anyway, this sweet Pug snapped me out of my slump! Yay!