Laughing Shepherd

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

Here's another one I painted for my friend.  I really had a good time with this one!  I think it's the joyous expression on this sweet dog's face that made it so fun.  I really enjoyed messing with the colors too!

Little Max

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

This is a painting I did for a friend.  I really struggled with it at first, but finally found my footing once I took a step away from it.

Ty

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

This is Ty, one of our sweet dogs from our local shelter (that was just adopted!).  He is so loving and sweet!  This poor guy was born with bad hips, but he doesn't let it curb his enthusiasm for life and people.  I took out my phone to capture a couple of pics of him and you would have thought he was a professional model!  He truly was posing for me.  What a ham!

I invented a background for this painting, that he truly deserves.  I hope he is relaxing by the water as I type this.

Beachin' Bullies

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

I don't often see little bulldogs at the beach, so when I saw a photo (Pixabay) of a bunch of bullies playing in the surf, I knew I needed to paint it!  Once, while relaxing at the beach we saw a full size bulldog try to swim.  Not much swimming was taking place, just sinking.  Luckily his owner was right there to scoop him out of the water.  He was so adorable and unstoppable.  Gotta love those dogs!

Home On the Sea

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

I painted "Home On the Sea" for this week's DPW "from the sea" challenge.    This was our home for over 6 years.  Even though we don't officially live on Pearl (our boat's name) now, she still feels like home when we go out on her.  There is nothing quite like spending time on the water.  We love going out for an exploratory dinghy ride before sunset, when the water is calm and a wonderful kind of quite takes over.

Snow Dog

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

I painted "snow dog" using a reference photo I found on Pixabay.  I just loved how studly this lab looked.  I have a soft spot in my heart for black labs.  Our first dog, Tabor, was a black lab.  He's been gone for quite some time now, but I still miss him.

Swan Lake

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Today has been so rainy.  I decided to paint something bright and cheery to help combat the gloom outside.  Once I found the photo of this beautiful swan on Pixabay, I knew it was just what I needed.  Here's to sunshine!  May we all see some soon!

Timing Waves

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

I'm so happy I was able to finish this one up this morning.  I'm off to volunteer for our daughter's sailing team fundraiser...in the rain...ugh!  I used a photo I found on Pixabay for this painting.  I was instantly drawn to the water patterns.  I hope you enjoy it!  Now it's time for me to put on my rain gear and make my way over to the yacht club.  Sure wish I had bought the hand warmers I saw at Costco the other week!

Dynamic Duo

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

On one of visits to Bellingham, we had the pleasure of running into these adorable dogs.  When we first saw them, the smaller guy was comfortably sitting on top the big fluffy one.  By the time I got my camera out, little one worked his way down to a comfy spot next to his brother.  The dappled sun shining on these two also caught my eye.  I struggled a bit with this one, and I think my head just wasn't in it.  I hate days like that!!!  Enjoy!

Late Afternoon Dip

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This was a fun one to paint!  To me, this is what summer should be like;  Hanging with my best friend by the water.  Enjoy!

Make a Splash

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

One thing I have struggled with lately is painting shaded areas of animals and people.  When it's a fairly saturated color, no problem, but when it's a more muted tone...yikes!  I loved the photo I used for this painting because of the bright spots and water.  I however have been a bit apprehensive due to this sweet lab's shaded coat.  I've been studying many artist's works that seem to have a good handle on shaded tones and went for it on this one.  I really like how this turned out.  Now I just need to keep practicing so I can be one of those artists that makes it all look easy!

Go Fetch

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

I painted "Go Fetch" from a photo on Pixabay.  I was immediately drawn to the photo because, well, number one, there's a dog in it! And number two, the pool water just drew me in.  I really thought this would be a cinch and I'd have it done in a couple of hours...nope!  It's always the ones that look the simplest, that become headache provoking exercises!  Now that I've finished it,  I'm happy with the result and wish it was warm and sunny here so I could go jump in a pool too!

Slobber Water

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Last week I started on a different dog/water painting.  I spent numerous days struggling with it and just about threw it out the door!  I seem to have this "never give up" attitude on some paintings.  It drives me nuts!  Instead of throwing things around in frustration, I grabbed a new panel and started on a whole different piece. Once I started "Slobber Water", it flowed so easily!  I'm quite happy with the result.   Maybe someday I will pick that other painting up again and know exactly what I need to do to make it work, but in the meantime, I'm going to let it sit and collect dust!

Morning Stroll

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

While visiting my mom on Oahu last May, I spent every morning walking Kailua Beach (with my camera in hand, of coarse!).  I captured this sweet Golden happily prancing along at the water's edge.  I wish I was there now!

Pure Love

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This painting signifies, for me, what loving and humble creatures dogs are.  Our furry friends are a perfect example of God's love towards us.

Pooped Pup

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This is our sweet dog, Salty.  He fell asleep in the cockpit of our boat after a long day of playing on the beach.  Our boat is definitely his happy place!  He knows that adventures await every time we leave the dock.

Sweet Shepherd

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

When I was young I often accompanied my mom to her dog training classes.  My favorite dogs there were always the German Shepherds.  I still really love these dogs.  Just last week we had an unexpected visitor...our neighbor's shepherd, Gunner.  He had apparently gotten carried away sniffing for wild bunnies and ended up going on a bit of an adventure.  My dogs were so happy to have a new playmate for the morning!  Anyway, I couldn't stop smiling while painting this sweet pup, it had me thinking about our recent visitor.

As a side note...have you ever witnessed a young, playful German Shepherd drink out of a water bowl?  It is hilarious!  I think more water ended up outside the bowl than in his mouth!  Gunner gave a whole new meaning to slobbery drinker!

Sunset Reflections

 6x6
 acrylic on gessobord

I painted Sunset Reflections for this week's DPW Sunset Challenge.  I usually don't care for painting sunsets, but this one just flowed off my brush!  Enjoy!

Follow My Leader

6x6 acrylic on gessobord

I painted "Follow My Leader" for this week's DPW "Little Person" challenge.  I .wanted to capture the feeling of joy and devotion with this piece.  There is something so special about little girls and their dogs.  Our daughter, who is away at college, is missing her dogs terribly.  We are all excited for her to come home at Thanksgiving, but I know she's most looking forward to seeing her pups!

Nice to Meet You

6x8 acrylic on gessobord

Dogs are so much fun to watch.  They almost always first greet each other, nose to nose, then they get to the personal stuff...sniffing each other's butts.  Every day I wish I could understand what these wonderful creatures are thinking.  I captured these two greeting each other last May at Kailua Beach.  They proceeded to have a lovely time romping and splashing in the waves together.

Autumn Reflections

8x6 acrylic on gessobord

I painted this for this week's DPW Fall challenge.   I had planned on painting a doggy beach scene, but when I saw the photo Carol Marine posted for the challenge, I couldn't resist changing my plans!  Happy fall everyone!

Come Play With Me

8x6 acrylic on gessobord

How can you refuse a face like this!  Tomorrow I get to play with the dogs at our local shelter.  I love the ones that come running up to me with a slobbery ball in their mouths and a big, wide, happy grin.

Beach Buddies

6x6 acrylic on gessobord

It brings me so much joy painting dogs playing in the water.  After the terrible events in Las Vegas, I felt the need to share something simple and joyful.  Spread love, not hate.

Seaside Picnic

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This past spring break we took a trip to southern California.  We spent three days biking, playing frisbee and football, walking, and relaxing on the beach.  Of coarse, I had my camera with me and as inconspicuously as possible (always such a challenge!)  photographed everything going on around me.  I wanted to capture that "California beach" feeling in this painting; the bright, warm sunshine, endless acres of sand, and endless blue of the Pacific Ocean.

Kawainui Canal Morning

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

I never get tired of this view.  The Koolau mountain range never disappoints!  I've always wanted to do a painting of this and the last time I was visiting my mom I was blessed with a perfect morning to capture a photo of this scene.

This is actually the second painting I did of this.  The first one became way too busy and overworked!  Sometimes, if I'm not concentrating, I end up putting way too many details in the painting.  In a way, it's like I get lazy.  I tried very hard to limit my strokes and also take the time to step back and observe.  I'm much happier with this end result!

Rock n' Roll

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

For the last 2 years, a majority of my time has been spent cheering on our daughter at regattas.  I've learned so much about youth sailing and racing, and to be quite honest, I love it!  Some of the conditions these kids sail in would make any adult quiver in their boots!  The gumption and tenacity I've seen in all of the kids makes me proud to be a part of it all.

With this painting I was hoping to capture the movement and action out on the water, as well as the bright sunshine.  Thanks to Jim Skeel, an amazing photographer, I was able to use his photo to paint this.

Three On the Line

8x6
acrylic on canvas board

I painted this from a photo I found on Pixabay.  I was instantly attracted to the colors of the fish and water.  I started this painting with a much more "clean and simple"style (and honestly, being a slave to the photo!), but found it wasn't quite working for me.  I wanted to see more action and feeling.  I'm pretty happy with the results. 

 After not painting for a good part of the summer I started wondering if I'd lose all the progress I've made in my painting style.  Strangely enough, when I picked up the brush I felt a certain amount of freedom. Maybe getting out of the routine helped me to take a few more chances?  Who knows.  I certainly don't want to over think it!

Reflections of Pearl

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

I painted this for the "Water Challenge".  It's an actual reflection of our beloved sailboat, Pearl, while anchored in Boston Harbor, Olympia.  It was the morning after the July 3rd fireworks a couple of years ago and the water was glass calm, the sky was a brilliant blue, and life was good.

This past summer did not leave much room for painting in my life.  Our oldest daughter is now off at college, and our youngest is back in school, and I am able to get back in a groove with my art!  I hope all of you had a wonderful summer.

Black Lab Puppy

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This one pretty much speaks for itself.  Love, love, love this little guy!

Blueberry Bash Heron

9x12
acrylic on canvas

Every year our church hosts a big summer celebration known as "The Blueberry Bash".  I decided to paint this heron for the raffle this year.

Misty Morning at Shilshole Marina

16x12
acrylic on canvas

This is a commissioned piece I did this summer.  I was hoping to evoke a feeling a quite and peace.

Bumbles

We have a bunch of bumble bees working in our garden as I write this.  I couldn't be happier!  I love seeing these furry little guys, and my flowers are loving them too!  I used a picture from Pixabay to paint this.  I can never seem to get a good shot of the bees in my garden.  Thank goodness for royalty free photos!

6x6 acrylic on gessobord

Smiley Face

It's been an incredibly busy month!  I have been working on a few commissioned pieces and being a mom.  I am hoping to start spending more time in the studio.  Unfortunately, when I've been away from painting for a bit, it is so hard to motivate myself and also find that inner artist.  I painted Smiley Face to help snap me back into action.  I can't help but smile when looking at this face!  Enjoy!

8x6
acrylic on canvas panel

Siamese Sitting in the Sun

I painted this for this week's "window challenge" on DPW.  I used a photo I found on Pixabay a while back.  I have been wanting to paint it for a while now, but other things kept popping up.  I love the sun shining on this elegant feline!  Now say the title three times fast!

8x6
acrylic on canvas panel

Sweet Nana

This is one of my newest commissioned pieces I've been working on.  I started with a completely different painting that just wasn't working.  Once I switched gears and began working on this one, it just flowed so nicely.

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Ready For Some Fun

While visiting my mom on Oahu earlier this month, I was able to get some much needed beach time.  This day was a particularly beautiful day at Waimanalo beach. This little boy especially caught my eye.  He was charging into the water to catch up with his older siblings who had escaped their mother's sun screening grasp just minutes earlier.

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

Busy Bee

I really enjoyed working on my last painting with the bee, so I decided to do another one.  I think my daughter is probably cringing right now because she is deathly afraid of bees!

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

The Pollinators

Another one for the flower challenge.  The colors really drew me to paint this.  Enjoy!

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Flower Challenge

This week's challenge on Daily Paintworks is to paint a flower.  I used the photo provided by Carol Marine.  I struggle a bit when painting flowers, so I thought this would be a good chance to work on my botanical skills (besides, I really liked the colors for this one!).

5x5
acrylic on gessobord

Windward Oahu Sunrise

The challenge this week for Daily Paintworks is to paint clouds.  Sounds easy enough, right?  Well, that's what I thought until I actually started painting!  This is my 3rd attempt at a "cloud" painting,and the only one I'm satisfied with.  Hope you enjoy it!

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Automatic Sprinkler

I am infatuated with dogs shaking off water!  Have you ever watched one in slow motion?  It is absolutely hilarious!  I am trying to paint in 4's.  Subject matter, that is.  So this wet pup completes my canine series (for now- I can't go too long without painting dogs!).  I'm thinking I might start on some landscapes or seascapes next.  Or maybe not.  Tomorrow will tell.

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

BEST IN SHOW!!!!!

I am bursting with joy this morning because last night, at the 2017 Olympia Art League juried art show, my painting, Coastline, was awarded...BEST IN SHOW!  I couldn't believe it when my name was called.  All I can say is, Wow!  I didn't expect that!  My other entry into the show, Three Broads Abroad, was awarded honorable mention!  What a night!  It feels soooo good to get rewarded for the hard work I've been doing.  God is good!!!

Coastline
20x16

Three Broads Abroad
16x12

Big Smile

This is how I feel today...Happy, because the sun is shining!  Enjoy!

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Soaking Up the Sun

This dog looks like a lot of us in the Pacific Northwest this spring;  When the sun comes out we all rush outside to soak up what little sun we can find!
I usually paint dogs with shorter coats of fur, so this was fun to work on a "hairier" pup.  I had a few different titles in mind while painting it; one being, "Naturally Curly", and the other, "Sunshine Makes My Fur Curl".
I hope you all find some sunshine in your neck of the woods!

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Retriever

I can only go so long without painting a dog!  I loved the water dripping and splashing from this good dog as well as the red toy.  Enjoy!

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

Avalanche

I painted this for the "Lost edges challenge" this week.  I have found that fading certain edges helps to create the illusion of movement.  It was fun to experiment some with the colors and brushstrokes in this one.

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Easter Fun

This is a commission piece I finished recently.  I just love this family.  That is one of my favorite things about doing commission work; getting to meet new friends.

14x10
acrylic on canvas
SOLD

Wild Orcas

We are so blessed here in the Pacific Northwest.  It is not uncommon for these beautiful mammals to give us a show while out in the Puget Sound.  I found this photo on Pixabay, but have had a few viewings just like this (I just never seem to have my camera ready at the right time!).  I just heard from neighbors that a couple of Humpback whales were spotted the last couple of evenings around the Olympia area.  I would love to see that!

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

Tunnel Vision

I painted this for the "Brushwork challenge".  I concentrated on keeping my brushstrokes purposeful and not overworking the painting.  Often times I find myself enjoying the act of putting paint on the canvas, so much so, that I loose sight of my vision.  This challenge was great practice in control.

6x8
acrylic on gessobord