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!