Some new canine paintings to begin 2017 - untitled as of this moment.
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| Oil on linen panel / 18 x 24 |
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| Oil on linen panel / 16 x 20 |
And a graphite figurative drawing on some old wrinkly newsprint. It's been quite a while since I did any figure drawing and this was a difficult pose. I am not displeased with the results but wish I had drawn it on better paper.
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| Graphite on newsprint / 24x18 |
We had a white Christmas and several storms these past few weeks. Lots of rain resulting in flooding of the Truckee River. It was quite a sight to see and I certainly learned to respect the power of Mother Nature. Reno had been in a drought for the last 5 years (since we moved here) and this past summer, the river was down to a trickle. It's the first time we have seen it in all its raging glory! The rain storms were followed by snow storms - up to nine feet in the higher elevations. The ski resorts nearby are having a wonderful ski season and my husband and I are getting good use out of our shovels and snowblower!
And my five favorite Christmas gifts - four wonderful art books to devour cover to cover and add to my library and a porcelain tea service from my dear friend in the UK! What a nice surprise that was and it has led to a rather civilized new habit of my husband and I sharing a pot of green tea each afternoon!
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| Art books for Christmas! |
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| Wedgewood tea service from England |
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| Plenty of snow! |
We are expecting several more storms by this weekend - the local meteorologists are calling them "atmospheric rivers". Apparently the storms originate far out over the Pacific Ocean and pick up huge amounts of moisture while generating fierce winds. The storms rush in succession over California (which has also been drought ridden and is benefiting from all the rain) then they soar over the Sierra Nevada Mountains where they become colder and change over to snow. We have a wonderful view of all this energy from our back yard. It's amazing to watch!
Off to relax with a cup of tea and my new David Curtis book - Painting with Impact. He is a wonderful painter - both oil and watercolor and this book is mostly about his philosophy of painting. I can't wait to read it!
Hope everyone is having a terrific start to this New Year!
Your dog paintings are always a pure delight - these two are just wonderful. I love those perky tails.
ReplyDeleteThe drawing is sensitive but strong at the same time and may I say I have a soft spot for your lovely teapot. I have not seen that design and emote for it.
Please let us know how you like the book and have a great painting week.
Thanks, Julie -seems as if the dogs are begging me to paint them and I am not done yet! The design of the teapot and mugs is Sarah's Garden. Its so delicate andcharming with a touch a whimsy. I love it too! Thanks for stopping by -I always appreciate your comments so much.
DeleteI love your backlit dogs, beautiful! And the drawing is fabulous! Enjoy your Christmas gifts, happy new year, Susan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy - those dogs were great fun to paint - such personality!
DeleteLove these hounds! It reflects what I say about dogs having the same mentality as little boys!! Just look at their faces, they are all about fun and the next adventure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tricky pose! How on earth did you pull it off without making him look like a contortionist? Brilliant.
There's nothing better than books, and these look like wonderful reading
Try to get some Assam tea. If in a teabag, put it in a cup, fill boiling water(filtered water I use) stir the teabag & water until it's a burnt-umber, add a dash of milk ... heaven! My granddaughter bought me 1500 Assam teabags for Christmas!
Those hound dogs do look like mischievous little boys now that you mention it!
DeleteI will look for the Assam tea - I always love my tea with a dash of milk and some sugar! 1500 teabags - that amount should keep you heaven sent for quite some time!
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteOnce again your hounds bring a big smile. I've wondered if these paintings are from your imagination and you are using your adeptness at composition and displaying personality or perhaps you have gathered a series of dog photos over time. These little guys make me smile whatever their origin.
Your drawing is mesmerizing. The subject's positioning certainly is dramatic and captivating. What gifts you possess! Having tea is a beautiful ritual!
I use photo references for my paintings - sometimes as many as three or four photos per picture. I think it is great fun and quite a challenge to combine the photos and try to keep the lighting conditions the same. I use them mainly for the body positions of the dogs and take a lot of artistic license as you might imagine! Thank you for the nice comment.
DeleteWhat can I say Susan but brilliant. All the best.
ReplyDeleteVic.
Hi, Vic - hope all is well and many thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
DeleteThis is a great time for you to read and paint! We're having cold weather here in NY but thank goodness no snow yet!! These dog paintings are amazing as always Susan!!
ReplyDeleteWe have had 5 or 6 significant snow storms this year ao far and I am loving it! I have always loved the beauty of snowy white winters and this year has been a treat. Plus shoveling is keeping me in good shape!
DeleteHallo Susan, je honden zijn echt fantastisch !!
ReplyDeletehopelijk kan je veel genieten van je kerstgeschenken,
zeker in deze koude wintertijd.
groetjes van Simonne
I have been through the David Curtis book but haven't had time to begin any of the others yet - I am really looking forward to the Degas book. I will probably save it for last!
DeleteLove that figure drawing, you must only use good paper from now on :)
ReplyDeleteLesson learned!
DeleteAlways love your dogs, so cute and almost real and so full of life.
ReplyDeleteAnd fun to paint! Thanks, Jane!
Deleteyou are wonderful at this dear !
ReplyDeletethey are marvelous and amazing!
Many thanks for your lovely comment, Baili!
DeleteLOVE your hound paintings,Susan!!! I can hear those paws padding along with the occasional tick of nails. I have to ask - do you do much drawing and other preparatory work before starting a painting?
ReplyDeleteYour drawing is superb, wrinkled paper and all! You have portrayed an extremely difficult pose so very well!!!!
Happy reading!!! :)
Kathryn
Hi, Kathryn - I admit to almost no physical preparatory work for a painting. I do lots of drawing and sketching in general (which I may use later as reference for a painting) and am always trying to hone my drawing skills. When I get an idea for a painting, I gather photos and select ones that I will use for reference. From that point, the rest of the preparatory work is done in my head! I plan and prepare the composition, the colors, the light direction and the mood I want to convey in my mind. When I can almost visualize the completed painting, I begin with an oil sketch done freehand on the canvas. After that, the painting just takes off. Its not always successful of course but, over the years, I seem to have decided that is the best way for me to go. In the past I have done a lot of preparatory sketches and small oil studies, but many times, I would find myself bored by the time the brush hit the canvas. My current method seems to keep the subject interesting and alive and that seems to serve me best.
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