Pet Portraits for PPF

Experimenting with Canvas Paper

This was a fun experiment. Usually I paint with watercolor on 140# or maybe 300# paper, and the paint sinks into the surface and you can glaze on top, but this time I used Fredrix canvas paper, which says can be used for any medium.  If you have ever used Yupo, then you would probably be comfortable with this surface, except it is not slippery, but has tooth and texture. The fun part is that you can lift very easily for highlights. That is also the frustrating part, because adding more color sometimes lifts the color beneath. No chance for glazing here. I used Higgins White ink for the whiskers and final highlights. I am pleased with the results, and will probably do more like this. 

Lola, a Rag Doll Kitty, with her mom, 

9x12 watercolor on Canvas Paper

This month I am doing 30 paintings in 30 days and mostly practicing my pet portraits. I want to be familiar with all breeds of dogs and cats, but sometimes it is difficult to be sure that I have described the animal correctly. Owners are very particular about that! These are all for sale in my Gallery at DailyPaintWorks. 

5x7, watercolor, Chinese Crested Dog Pet Portrait

5x7, watercolor, Dixon, photo ref by Sally Bernard

5x7 Watercolor, A Pine Marten, not a raccoon

Photo ref by Kim Allsebrook

5x7 Watercolor, Bunny Rabbit

Photo ref by Chris Allsebrook

5x7 Watercolor Squirrel

Photo ref by Kim Allsebrook

5x7 Staffordshire Bull Terrier "Happy Dog" 

Watercolor and Pen, photo by Paola Richey

This 8x10 was done in class this week. I have been in a watercolor class for a couple of years, and I am really enjoying it. I can see now, after scanning this, that it needs some work. Still Life is not my favorite!  LOL.

Watercolors Still Life and Dogs, PPF

Another Busy Week

Yes, I have been busy painting this week. I actually finished more than a dozen pieces of art, including more Valentine ACEOs for the 30/30 challenge on FB.

"Pears, Bowl and Reflections," Watercolor, pen and ink.

Still Life, 8.5 x 11 on 140# Hot Press Paper. This is from a challenge photo posted on the Reference Photos for Artists group on Facebook. It runs all month, but I like to get it done first thing.

And I am working on 30 Paintings in 30 Days with Leslie Saeta's Blog group. Mostly I am doing animals / pet portraits.

Lily, my sweet little Chihuahua, 5x7 watercolor and pen 

on 140# cold press paper

Rodney Fox, 5x7 Watercolor and Pen and ink. Challenge Painting done from a free photo posted on the Artist Reference photos group on Facebook.

 

5x7 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Dog Pet Portrait from a photo  on another free photo site, Paintmyphoto.ning.com.

8.5 x 11, Yorkshire Terrier Watercolor, Pen and Ink from a photo by Paul Beattie on ARF (funny) Artist Reference Photos Group.

And, a Cityscape, at night.

This was the challenge on DPW this week, and it was a stretch for me. I don't do buildings, cars and people like this, but I love to try new things. I kinda liked it afterwards. It's my style, I suppose. Watercolor, Pen and ink! Loose style.

Faces and Citrus: Paint Party Friday

Challenges this week

(Face #13 for 29 Faces)

"Beautiful Little Girl with Blond Hair"

5x7 Acrylic on wood panel with 3/4 inch sides, painted all around

Challenge on PaintMyPhoto.Ning.com Acrylic Portraits

"Grapefruit and Lime by a Window"

6x6 Acrylic on Wood Panel 3/4" deep, painted on sides

Weekly Challenge - paint Citrus, on DailyPaintWorks.com

Day 23: Sushi

Day 23 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Sushi, California Roll"

8x10 Acrylic on Canvas Board

For sale on DPW

8x10 Acrylic on Canvas Board - Sushi, a Japanese food consisting of cooked vinegared rice, avocado and vegetables, in this case.  Vegetarian food because I don't eat raw fish!  This is what I have when the family goes out for Sushi.  Still Life, Original, not a print.  Small fine art.  SFA.  

Day 22: AVOCADO Still Life Food Painting

Day 22 of 30 paintings in 30 days

"Avocado Half with Pit"

6x6 Acrylic on Ampersand Panel

Buy now on Daily Paint Works

Something healthy for a change.  This Avocado is raw, vegan, gluten free and dairy free. Hey, I can eat that!    

Day 19: Blueberry Muffin

Day 19 of 30 paintings in 30 days, Jan 2014

"Muffins"

8x10 Acrylic on Canvas Board

Buy on Daily Paintworks

I took the reference photo for this one myself, with my Iphone camera, and even figured out how to get the picture into my computer.  I ate the blueberry muffin, but the other was either bran or chocolate chip, and I figured two would be over the muffin top, so to speak.  I have lots more photos of the wonderful food we ate at Leslie Saeta's workshop last week.  Can't wait to paint them.

Day 18: Canned Fruit in a Ball Jar

Day 18 of 30 paintings in 30 days.

 

"A Canning Jar with Crabapples"
Acrylic on Gessoed Board, 6x6 inches

 Buy on Daily Paintworks

Square Art, small fine art, 6 x 6 inches.  Acrylic on gessoed panel.  A Ball canning jar full of red fruit.  It could be tomatoes, cherries, baby beets, or what it reminds me of is crabapples from the tree over my sandbox in the backyard when I was a kid.  Mom canned those little gems every year.  Yummy! Still Life SFA by Penny StewArt

ACRYLIC PAINTING Classes at Michaels in West Covina, CA

PENNY STEWART, Qualified Grumbacher Instructor, teaching Fine Arts Classes at the NEW Michael's Arts and Crafts, in WEST Covina, CA. Located on Lakes Ave at Vincent, Off the 10 Freeway.   

 CLASSES FOR BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE PAINTERS - ALL AGES

http://www.craftylady.com

Plan on attending as many classes as you can to learn New Techniques!
And practice, practice, practice!

Workshops/Art Classes Fees: $25 for each 2-hour session.  Grumbacher offers a variety of opportunities for learning, from FREE demonstrations to low-cost workshops. Demonstrations allow you to test-drive the products and ask questions. Workshops provide a relaxed atmosphere to learn new abilities or refine old techniques. Grumbacher artists' classes are open to all levels and ages of students. Classes taught by:  Penny Stewart, Class Instructor for Grumbacher Fine Art Program at Michael's, Call Penny at C 951 763 2068, H 626 345 1753 or email pennythepinkgypsy@yahoo.com