He Loves the Sun

I have been painting animal portraits for people for over 25 years now.  I realized that as many photos I take of my Rhodesian Ridgeback "Socks" or see him in a beautiful pose, I had never painted him.  This is my third Rhodesian Ridgeback, and I know from experience the health problems these dogs can have.  He is the love of my life, next to my husband!  He will be turning eight years old this spring.  He is a reminder of the loss of my Dad that same year.  I got Socks as a puppy at eight weeks old, and eight weeks later lost my Dad to cancer.  The joy of having a new puppy helped me through the terrible loss and sadness of losing him.  This is a typical "look" for him...he loves the sun and a comfy bed.  How easily this painting came off my brushes...I guess because he is so close to my heart.

"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".

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!

Shifting Brain Gears

This Christmas I was so pleased with myself to have gotten all my commissions completed ahead of time.  Then I got a last minute call asking if I would have time to paint a Boykin Spaniel.  Sure!  I had some great shots to work from that the client sent from his phone and was able to complete the painting in time for his trip home to South Carolina.  Phew...another Christmas painting done "just under the wire"!  I try to balance my artwork with a part time job that is the polar opposite of being an "artist".  Sometimes it can be difficult when I have a painting deadline to meet.  My part time job in a bank requires the side of my brain that I prefer not to use when happily painting away as "Artsy Gail".  Shifting brain gears this year was a mental challenge, but I did it!  The completed painting of this Boykin Spaniel was a watercolor on Arches Watercolor Board with an 8 ply rag matting.  On to the next mental challenge!

Stuffed Horse

I will be turning 54 next week and I still love stuffed animals.  My favorite stuffed horse has been with me since before I can remember.  He is a 9" tall Steiff stuffed horse, which at the time he was new was quite a toy for a young horse crazy girl.  He has been through all my life experiences and struggles as an artist including numerous jobs, moves, divorce, remarriage,  family loss and birth.  He managed to survive an attack from a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that took his ears, tail and mane and also left him without a chin.  I love him and the memories he holds inside.  The other day I was in a local gallery where I have work displayed and saw this little stuffed alpaca horse for sale.  I fell in love again...I think my older horse could use a young companion to help him through the upcoming adventures in his life.

Funny Fish

My art career has been built upon my realistic portraits of animals and pets.  For the past 30 years I have developed a following and worked at perfecting my art in all media.  I was surprised when my cartoon "doodles" at my part time job in a bank, were suddenly noticed.  I recently received a few commissions and am really having fun with them!  These fish are so completely opposite what I usually do and I am really having fun and feel a sense of freedom when creating these.  I am toying around with doing one for an upcoming art show along with my usual work.

A White Cat

It took me forever and a day to finally complete this long awaited acrylic commission for a customer.  This is the third painting I have done for this client, but for some reason it was the most difficult.  This cat was so special to her that I was afraid I wouldn't do him justice.  "Cosmos" was a Persian rescue cat who only had less than a year with his new owner before sickness took him from her.  He deserved a much longer life, but spent the majority of it not cared for properly by his previous owners, which led to his illness.  She cherished the short time she spent with him, as I'm sure he did in return.  Sometimes the brief time we have them are the most cherished.