These are each 2.5×3.5 inches. They are so much fun to paint! I guess I have always liked detail. The fun thing is, they look very detailed (they are for the size) but in fact I do have to minimize how much detail there is.
I have decided to try selling some mini paintings. These are very difficult to photograph clearly but I did my best at this point. Each of these are 2×4 inches. I do not plan to frame them because they are stretched canvas and I painted around the edges. I do plan to add some sort of ribbon or hanger to show how they c
ould be used as ornaments. They also look really cute on the mini easels that are available.
This is the second time that I painted this little cutie. My goal here was to focus on getting the subtle light changes and shape right. I love the little spot of light on her back that allows the nose to come forward. These types of lighting really capture my attention. It can be a challenge to get the value just right so that it will do what you want but it is worth the effort of practicing. I love the softness and variety of color in this too. I was interested in creating roundness with the contrast of cool and warm colors. It was good practice.
This is another shaggy dog portrait. The first time that I attempted to paint one of these shaggy dogs I was perplexed at just how to go about it. It seems that as I have gotten more experience, I am beginning to see all the wonderful colors of light cast upon the individual hairs as well as beginning to better understand how light works as it falls on its subject. One thing I am learning is that no matter how many times you paint a picture, it will come out a bit different each time. It’s pretty interesting to consider this.
On this foggy morning, I was just struck by the beauty of the layers and the lifting fog. Then when I got closer, to see these beautiful colors just beginning to peak through the fog…what a treat! It is a beautiful place for sure.
This beautiful place is Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, AK. I am fortunate to live just within a few miles. My husband and I love to take morning walks here and we were blesses on this particular morning with this spectacular view. I really love how the distant peak is the only area receiving the warmth of the morning sun. This type of contrast of sunlight and shadow is what really inspires me. It is a challenge to capture that light.
Here in Juneau, AK, we call the road going north, “out the road.” It is a dead end and does not connect to any other part of Alaska. You can drive for many miles along this road and the whole way is a continuous view such as this painting. the mountains are called the Chilkat range. As you can see, it is spectacular on a clear day!
This type of old tree has to be my favorite type of subject to paint. It just has so much character and probably a very interesting history of all it has endured.
This painting was done on 8×8 Gesso board which I like very much. It seems to force me to paint in a looser style, which I also like.
If you know anything about Maine, you should be familiar with the whoopie pie. These are delicious, sweet, chocolate cake filled with marshmallow creme frosting. They are awesome! There is a festival just to celebrate these wonderful treats. Everyone makes them just a little bit differently, but my kids all think mine are the best.
I was inspired to paint this fun picture when my daughter was telling me that she was going to the Whoopie Pie festival about a week ago. I was jealous that I wasn’t there to go with her. And I surely could have sold this little painting had I had it there.
Ziggy is a very lucky little dog who goes fishing with her master on a Gilnet boat in Juneau, Alaska. She is very small for a miniature Schnauzer and is just adorable, and I was told she always has her little tongue sticking out just a little.
This was a commissioned piece, and as usual with dogs, she was very fun to paint!
Art with my Coffee 