Fishing In the Kelp

 

6x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

Kelp beds are usually filled with fish and delectable treats for herons.  I'm sure this guy had no problem filling his tummy!  Thanks to Morguefile for the photo reference!

Royal Bobby

 

6x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

This is a commission piece I did last month.  I have a fondness for Staffordshire Terriers.  I've gotten to know quite a few at our local dog shelter and they have left indelible marks on my heart.  I was excited to paint this one and really pleased with the outcome.

Nice Rack

 

8x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

I love this guy's antlers!  That's what got me excited to paint this one.  I'm no expert, but I think this is a deer and not an elk.  We have a lot of deer around here, but I have never seen one with such an impressive "headpiece".  I rarely tire seeing these majestic creatures pass through our yard and neighborhood (except when they annihilate my roses and camellia bushes!)

Two Is Better Than One

 

6x8

Acrylic on Gessobord

I'm so happy I was able to sneak in another water dog painting!  I've been going back to older photos and browsing royalty free sites for reference photos lately.  I usually have a lot more material to work from but my travels have been thwarted by Covid!  I found the photo I used for this painting on Pixabay.  I love seeing more than one dog playing and fetching in the water.  If any of you have fun water dog photos that you'd like to share, send them my way!!!

Last One To Shore Is a Rotten Egg

 

6x8

Acrylic on Gessobord

I've been super busy with commission paintings lately, so working on these water loving dogs was an absolute delight!  I've learned that I need to take regular breaks from painting commissioned pieces or I end up going a little coocoo.  I was so happy to finally get to this one.  The splashing water and active dogs have me loving this one!

Orca Pod

 

6x12

Acrylic on canvas

While out on a whale watching tour in the San Juan Islands, my friends were blessed with a visit from these beautiful creatures.  (And then said it was okay to use their amazing photos as a reference! Thanks Susan and Robyn!!) They are so fun to watch.  It's almost nirvana like being in their presence.  I  always enjoy painting clam waters.  It soothes me.  Enjoy!

The Sparkling Water Is Calling Me

 

6x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

I couldn't resist painting one more "sparkly" painting.  With all the election craziness going on it's nice to just think about sparkling water for a bit!! Thanks to Unsplash for the photo reference.

Good Day For Surfing

 

6x8

Acrylic on Gessobord

I've been craving painting the ocean.  I love the deep blues and greens of this one. Thanks to Unsplash for the awesome photo reference!

Shining Border Collie

 

8x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

The sparkling water is what drew me to paint this.  I thought I was going to struggle with this one, but it flowed so easily off my brush.  I think my mental state makes a huge difference in how I paint.  If I'm having a bad or distracted day, my work usually turns out less than desirable.  Luckily, what usually follows are GREAT days of painting.  Yay!  Gotta love those ups and downs in life! Hope you all are having a terrific day!

Echo Bay 2020

 

6x8

acrylic on gessobord

One of our favorite anchorages in the San Juan Islands is Echo Bay on Sucia Island.  This year did not disappoint!  The islands were a little more crowded than usual due to the Canadian border being closed, but in Echo Bay there's always room for one more boat. Here's to future sunsets at anchor!

Swimming For Sticks

 

8x6

Acrylic on gessobord

This is our boy, Salty enjoying some beach time this summer.  While out cruising around the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound this summer, we were blessed with some of the clearest water.  I really wanted to capture that in this painting.  I know I say this a lot, but, I am so ready for next summer!

Swimming For Sticks

 

6x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

I just finished this painting after many days of tweaking.  I hate that little voice in my head that keeps telling me "It's not good enough".  Do any of you other artists have that?  It really drives me crazy!  Anyway, as for this painting, I was so excited to paint the water!  I used a reference photo I took this past summer while playing on the beach in Gig Harbor.  The water was absolutely pristine (see photo below- you'll laugh because I changed so many details)!!!  I had a hard time finding a happy medium between color balance, pattern of sight, and simplicity.  I think I finally got it.  I hope you enjoy it!

Louis

 

6x6

Acrylic on gessobord

This sweet boy belonged to a friend of mine.  She adopted him just a couple of short months ago.  He sadly is no longer with us.  It turned out he had cancer.  My friend has devoted her life to rescuing older Pit Bulls and she is amazing at it!  She's got a heart of gold (that's a bit broken right now:() Anyway, I painted this with the hope that in time she can look at Louis's face and not feel sad.

MVP

 

10x8

Acrylic on canvas

I love a dog that plays football!  This is one of the commissioned paintings I did last month.  I feel warm just looking at it!

Swimming Doodle

 

6x6

Acrylic on gessobord

I've been seeing Doodle dogs everywhere I go these past few months.  They have become so popular!  They have such sweet personalities too.  I'm hoping everyone has a chance to enjoy walking a dog these last few warm weeks!  I used a photo from Unsplash as a reference for this painting. 

Beaver Believer

 

6x8

Acrylic on gessobord

You are probably wondering what a beaver believer is.  Well, if you went to Oregon State University, like me, you'd definitely know!   Our mascot is the beaver and maybe this will be a good luck charm for OSU this year! Go Beavs!!

 I used a photo from Paul Duddy as a reference for this.  He is my favorite photographer because he takes pictures of the cadets at the US Coast Guard Academy (our daughter is in her first year there).  Luckily, he also takes some other awesome photos like the one I used for this painting. Thanks Paul!!! 

Beach Doodle

 

8x6

acrylic on gessobord

I love the warm, sunset glow on this dog's fur.  That happy face says it all!  Thanks to Unsplash for the photo reference. I hope your day is going as well as this furry guy!

Calm Water Swimmer

 

6x8

Acrylic on gessobord

It's been super busy this past week. Between commission work, sick dog (he's okay now, but the carpet may not survive!), and some other nonsense, I'm ready for a week of painting things that make me happy!! Love my swimming pup paintings!  Enjoy!

Furry Flurry

 

6x6

Acrylic on gessobord

I really enjoyed painting this one.  I haven't done a dog shaking off water in quite a while.  As we inch closer to fall I am clinging to ideas of summer.  I'm not ready to let it go!  The way the water just takes off when a wet dog shakes makes me laugh. You can't beat the flappin' jowls and ears though!   I used a photo from Unsplash as a reference for this piece. Enjoy those last summer days!

Just Ducky

 

6x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

I've been working on a couple of commissioned paintings this week and needed a break.  Painting water always soothes me.  Thanks to Pixabay for the photo reference!

Fancy Footwork

 

6x8

Acrylic on gessobord

This little cutie is our other dog, Chili Pepper.  He has been such a fun dog for all of us.  He absolutely loves his big brother, Salty, and likes to do whatever he is doing.  This is him chasing a stick into the water.  He's not big on going into deeper water, but likes getting his paws wet.  He has a way of walking that looks like he is prancing!  It is so darn adorable!  Painting this one just made me smile the whole time. I'm ready to go back to the San Juans!!

Fetching Big Sticks

 

6x8

Acrylic on Gessobord

This is our boy, Salty.  He loves, loves, loves playing with big sticks.  Unfortunately, he refuses small sticks which would be sooooo much easier to throw!! It's hard to tell here, but he is now 12.5 years old. He sleeps a lot more, but when it's time for a dinghy ride to the beach, he becomes a puppy again.  The water in the San Juan Islands this year was absolutely gorgeous!  I really love the reflection in this one.

Mexican Beach Dog

 

6x6

Acrylic on Gessobord

I find so much joy watching and photographing dogs at the beach.  I really like painting them too, obviously!  It has become a familiar, comforting place for me when I paint dogs at the beach.  I've been stretching myself outside of my painting comfort zone lately, so it is wonderful to come back to this! I have some fun beach dog paintings in the works from our sailing trip this summer. Stay tuned!

Doggone Adorable

 

8x6

acrylic on Gessobord

This is sweet Mary, one of our pups at our local dog shelter.  She has stolen my heart!  If only I could have one more dog!  She is a 6 month old lab mix, full of love and licks. I'm always amazed at the wonderful dogs we get into the shelter. Why would anyone ever be able to give up something so precious?  I have no doubt that we will find her the perfect home.  I encourage everyone to consider adopting from your local shelter; You won't be disappointed! Also, wishing everyone a happy National Dog Day (a day late!).

Bonded Pair

 

8"x 6"

Acrylic on Gessobord

I just finished this one for a friend of mine.  When I saw the photo, I knew it would challenge me, but I was up for it.  My friend has such a big heart for her animals. I tried to capture that in this painting. The shadowed figures were kinda fun to work with. I especially love the glow of the sun that lights them up in just a couple of spots.

Strong Swimmer

 

6x8

Acrylic on Gessobord

I started on this painting right before we left on vacation and had forgotten about it until today.  I added a little sparkle and voila! It's finished.  I wanted to go with a more simplified, cleaner method here. I'm pretty happy with the result. Enjoy! 

Laugh Out Loud

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This has Summer written all over it!  Blowing bubbles, basking in the sun, playing in the yard,...Oh how I love this time of year! Thanks to Unsplash.com for the photo reference.  I've been using a lot of photos from Unsplash and Pixabay lately due to being "locked down".  I'm so thankful for these wonderful free images sites! 

Welcoming Belly Rubs

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

Dogs sure have a way to get what they want.  Look at that face, drawing the nearest sucker in. There's no doubt in my mind that I'd be all over this adorable Beagle!!!  Thanks to Pixabay for the photo reference.   

The Beach Brings Out the Best In Us

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

I find it to be so rewarding to paint these water dogs.  There's something wonderful about the properties of water and its movement when a dog is put into it.  Our dog, Salty, lives for moments like this.  He's now 12 1/2 years old and has arthritis.  He forgets all about his pain when he gets to the beach though.  It's almost magical how it will turn any dog into a puppy again.  Thanks to Pixabay for the photo reference.

On Top of the World

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This is my friend's husband and beautiful Golden Retriever.  Isn't the view spectacular?!  I'm looking forward to some hiking myself in the near future!

Water Dog 2

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This was really fun to paint! It all came together so easily! The cool shadows and warm bright sides of this pup pulled me in.  I wasn't sure if I could do the huge wave justice.  But I'm really happy with how it came out.  I am in awe of this dog. So brave!  My dogs would have been freaking out! Thanks to Pixabay for the photo reference.

Golden Beach Dog

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

Just a happy dog loving the beach!  Enjoy! Thanks to Unsplash for the photo reference.

Orcas

6x12
acrylic on panel

As we inch towards summer my mind wanders to days of cruising the San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands.  We are hoping to get a glimpse of these beautiful creatures again this summer. Thanks to Pixabay for the photo reference!

Flying Furball

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

This is the look on a dog's face when you've just called him to come to you; Always so happy to see you and get there as quickly as possible.  The joy a dog brings to a person's life is unmeasurable, in my opinion.  This is the main reason I paint dogs so often.  I love hearing that my painting has brought a smile to someone's face!  I hope this made someone smile today. Thanks to Pixabay for the photo reference!

Hollyhocks

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

I absolutely love these flowers.  The first time I saw them was just a couple of years ago at the Fort Vancouver garden.  They're like a hibiscus, but smaller, and come in such vibrant colors!!  They also remind me of my sweet Aunt Rosalie.  She was with me when I saw these and told me how they grow like crazy at her house (California).  I'm kinda jealous about that.  I've thought about planting them here, but I'm not so good at the gardening thing and I'm pretty sure the local deer would make a snack out of them in no time! 

SUP Dog

6x6
acrylic on gessobord

This is our friends' sweet dog, Fathom, on our old sup.  She is a true water dog, and such a cutie! I played with the colors and reflection to suite my desires.  I wanted to portray a beautiful sunny day in the San Juan Islands.  We're hoping to sail north this summer, so I hope to capture more moments like this!

Splashing Labrador

8x6
acrylic on gessobord

I was recently going through my photos and I came across a few that I had forgotten about.  I used one of those photos as a reference for this painting.  I did a little cropping and then added my own colors.  I'm really happy with how it came out!

My New Friend

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

While on vacation in Mexico this past February, I met this curious guy.  He and his buddy were having a great time frolicking in the water and wrestling in the sand when we first saw them.  It didn't take long before this friendly boy came over to say hi.  I'm always up for dog time when I'm away from my own boys!

Painting the warm, clear water has pushed me into a daydream state.  I wish I could be in Mexico now!

Blown Out Tourists

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

I have been admiring a lot of  Lori Mehta's art (#lorimehtaart) lately and that is what inspired me to paint this one.  She has a way of painting fabrics blowing in the wind that just impresses me so much. This was a bit of a challenge for me, but I feel like I've learned a ton!  I painted this from a photo I took last year while visiting my mom.  I love when a wonderful photo opportunity arises and the subjects have their back to me (this way I don't get the strange stalker accusing looks!).

Chimi

6x6
Acrylic on gessobord

This is a portrait I did for a client recently. He commissioned me to paint  Chimi for a friend of his.  Sadly, this adorable pup passed away recently.  It is so darn hard to lose a beloved pet.  R.I.P. sweet Chimi.

Swimming Shepherd

6x8
acrylic on gessobord

When I was a young girl, my favorite breed of dog was a German Shepherd.  They are so smart and loyal.  I used to join my mom when she'd take our dogs to obedience training. The instructors had German Shepherds and that's where I first learned about the breed.  Now that I'm grown up, I love ALL dog breeds!! 

 It was relaxing painting this piece.  There's just something about glassy, calm water that I enjoy so much.  It's actually hard to stop painting it, because I like it so much!  Thanks to Pixabay for the photo I used as a reference!

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!