The creative journey of an artist inspired by animals and life by the sea

Sunday, February 24, 2013

"Riley" is finished!


I got the thumbs up from my client so "Riley" will be off to Pennsylvania when the frame arrives.  This cat portrait was done in watercolor and a touch of gouache on my favorite Crescent cold press watercolor board.  I am so happy I spent many years as a custom picture framer.  It really helps to have the know how when a client wants their painting framed.  I chose a beautiful brushed silver frame to go on "Riley".

Monday, February 18, 2013

Paintings in Progress


I recently received a commission to paint a watercolor of a cat from the customer's photographs.  Most of the time I take my own reference shots, but there are many times where that is impossible.  In this case, cell phone images and email photographs were the only way for me to see the cat.  I have never liked showing my work in progress.  Knowing that it isn't finished and balancing that with the client's expectations can be really tough.  I had to ask the client a few color questions so sending a progress shot of it via email seemed to be the best solution.  It seems like yesterday that I was using my 35mm camera, film, mail and actually speaking on the phone with real people!  So, onward with more hair for Riley and adding the "invisible" flowers!