Preliminary sketch and underpainting

Working on an oil portrait of Tap Dance and Peanut which is 9"x12" on canvas. This is only a rough start, and the painting will go through many changes before it is finished. It will take months to completely dry. There is a lot ot tweaking to be done (ears, eyes, etc.), as well as top color overlay and outline adjustments.

Today's experiment:

These paintings are sumi and watercolor on rice paper that has been treated with a wax resist to create an interesting effect. There are also some glitter bling flecks on one which did not photograph enough to really see. Fun to push the envelope a bit to see what happens.

Breakfast for sure...

Crow puzzling over a piece of trash

A sumi art supplier friend has sent me a gift of rice paper called Waterwave. It has tiny distinct lines over a creamy beige surface throughout. I am experimenting with this paper today while being aware of the crows outside.

First day of Fall

and the holidays are coming soon.....

time to get organized. Make a list.

Change of seasons brings new work

The studio clean-up is almost complete, (is it ever really, though?), thanks to my helper, Allison, who is a super organizer and helps me part with stuff I don't and won't need. Since recent visits to the barns I frequent, I now have some horse portrait commissions for oil paintings to start working on this Fall. Ever busy....but still enjoying the end of summer sun breaks in Seattle.

Run-in shed - value study

Not much time to paint lately because it is studio clean-up time. More to come, later...

Experiments with color on silk

Trying to paint the gesture and stay away from realism, this primative pony is painted in ink and Japanese watercolor. The sizing (glue) in the silk creates unexpected & interesting results. Much more to learn about silk-painting.

More experimenting...

Linoleum block and acrylics printed on bark paper; it helps to change mediums and mix it up every now and then. Going back to sumi painting is refreshing after trying other mediums and grounds. After working with a knife, block of plastic, and acrylic paint, a soft brush & ink on rice paper will be smooth and easy. Changing mediums gives perspective and sometimes grace.