Lesson

Finally employed some self-discipline and created a quick piece for Illustration Friday. This is acrylic on watercolour paper drawn with a Staedtler Pigment Liner pen. I always intend to participate in this challenge and rarely do it but this was fun and good practice so I'm intending to do it, or so I say today.

Little Black Dress

The idea for this popped into my head so I just went for it. My eyes are a little screwy so I suspect something is a little off-kilter in this, but I can't see it. It bugs me a little, but that's what makes art unique and human. Acrylic on wood panel.

Kagi

Another gift commission, this one a college graduation gift. Kagi was a homeless cat found in a forest in Japan. Now living in the lap of luxury in Atlanta. Hopefully I'll be there to see the recipient receive his gift. Something started to feel familiar as I was painting and I realized I know someone else with one of these stubby-tailed Japanese cats and had done a portrait of their cat several years ago. Didn't even realize they came that way. It hangs out at a auto repair shop during the day so I just thought it had had a bad experience with a car door.

Cadeaux

A commission created as a gift. I received a very rewarding picture--a jubilant recipient wearing jammies in bed holding the painting.

Mosely

A portrait commission. I sometimes have trouble with long-haired dogs but this one seemed to go pretty well. As a matter of fact, I didn't even get to an "ugly" stage where I hate how the painting looks and wonder if I should sand it off and start over. Other than me fretting that it was getting too tight and wanting to loosen up, this one went quite smoothly and is one of the best pets yet. Wish they were all this easy! Acrylic on wood panel, 11x14.

Teddy

I'm really enjoying painting small! Could be a touch of ADD, but when starting a big painting I always feel like I'm setting off on a trip like driving from SF to LA, and there's always a point where I feel like I'm running out of gas or off the road. The little ones are fun, quick, and I can't mess around with them too long or it's time to bring out Mr. Sandpaper and start over. So this is a piece I'm doing as part of an alphabet for a kids' book. I'm planning to do one set of people-made objects and one natural things...if I can stay on the road. I'm also doing prints of these mounted on wooden panels that I trade for a green picture of Andrew Jackson.

Betty Cake

A painted card for friend Betty's upcoming birthday. This is a 4x4 painting on wood. Love doing these. They're like eating a bon bon--a satisfying little treat that won't kill you.