Painting Small

I decided to enter a judged show that required the art to be no larger than 8" framed.  I had fun doing these little watercolors that measure 4" x 6" or smaller.  I love painting detail, so it was a change of pace for me to complete a painting fairly quickly!  They also didn't require expensive framing and no huge boxes to lug when delivering to the show.  It was a fun and I am looking forward to seeing the show at the Carolina Artist Studio Gallery in Morehead City, NC                                                                          

Sharing Painted Memories

I have to come to the realization that most of my paintings will someday find that special someone that connects with them.  I just sold this acrylic painting I did when we first moved to North Carolina.  We rented a little old cottage along the Bogue Sound and had the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets.  I was inspired every day to paint them and I created this painting with one of my older dogs in the scene.  He had passed a few years earlier, but the scene reminded me of him and memories of his thoughtful gazes.  The painting will be heading to New Orleans on Monday to that "special" person who now shares my memory with their own.

Step away from the computer...

I am an artist, not a computer whiz.  I should have repeated that to myself yesterday before attempting a new website.  My brain is fried and I didn't get any painting done!  I have been researching other online sites that so many artist's seem to have these days and decided I needed to create a bigger and better online site.  Needless to say, I realized after hours of watching youtube videos and trying to set up a new site, that what I had was perfectly fine!  Technology is moving at such a blazing speed these days, but I also have to come to terms with my "techy" limitations.  I sell on fineartamerica, Etsy, Zazzle, and Ebay.  I have a blog and I maintain my own website gaildolphinart that I created through the ancient iWeb program.   As much as I do enjoy teaching myself the computer, it is easy to become consumed by it when I should be creating!  Time to "step away from the computer" and get back to the brushes!

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!