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!