Bear Essentials

One lesson I've failed to grasp from painting is the art of stepping back when encountering a problem with a project.

The bear essentials of Painting 101, it's advised to take a break and return with a fresh perspective. However, I seem to defy this wisdom. Instead of stepping away, I'm drawn to confronting the issue head-on, attacking it before the paint even has a chance to dry.

Take, for instance, the painting below. In the first photo, I began replicating this piece from the reference photo captured by my mother during her time in Alaska. It depicted a mother bear and her cubs frolicking in the tall grass. Before I had the opportunity to finish my emotions stirred within me, likely stemming from personal turmoil. 

My intention was to present this painting to my mother for her 71st birthday. However, during this period, I was grappling with a mix of emotions as a dear friend battled cancer and my mother faced unexplained health issues.

In the fourth photo, I decided to express my inner turmoil by aggressively scratching and scraping at the paint with a palette knife. Yet again, I altered the painting dramatically, much to my disappointment.

This piece serves as a constant reminder, hanging in a prominent place, of the essential nature of bearing our emotions to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.

In the beginning, the grass was not turning out to my satisfaction 

The painting was just about complete until I decided to add texture

Reference photo 

Finished painting with palette knife 

 

Creative Crafty Gift Ideas

No matter the season, a simple joy awaits you in the form of a rock. Pick one up during a leisurely stroll, bring it home, and transform it into a personalized gift or a whimsical park treasure. This creative endeavor is perfect for bonding with children or grandchildren, enhancing school projects, or surprising loved ones with a unique present. Need inspiration or guidance? Countless online tutorials await your exploration.

Visit your local art supply store and explore a myriad of ready-made items like bird feeders, hinged wooden boxes, metal or glass containers—then let your imagination run wild! The act of creation itself is fulfilling and the resulting pieces make delightful gifts.

As for the Halloween-themed rocks, my grandchildren and I meticulously hid them in a nearby children's park, reveling in the joy of watching as young explorers stumbled upon their unexpected delights.

These novelty’s items make great gifts to family and friends. 

Bee Happy Froggy

Bumblebees symbolize productivity, endurance, and determination. They represent the importance of persistence in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles.

Frogs symbolize transformation and renewal. They are associated within wetlands and rainy climates. In some cultures are believed to possess spiritual qualities of balance, harmony, and communication. 

These natures creatures make me happy as I delight in watching them work. Their extraordinary resilience within their environment fascinate and amazes me.

 

Client's Pet Portrait Saga

Single photo 

Finished painting

When a hair client sought a pet portrait for her deceased German Shorthair dog, I eagerly accepted the project. Little did I know the hurdles awaiting me. Since the beloved pet had passed away, the available images were limited, with only a striking close-up capturing her essence. Other photos lacked the necessary angles, making the composition tricky.

Lacking sketching prowess, I relied on tracing for accuracy. The client's request for a countryside backdrop added complexity. Hunting online for fitting backgrounds and dog poses became my mission.

Months passed, and numerous revisions ensued. Seeking advice online and from the client yielded mixed results. Despite contemplating starting afresh, I persevered. Surprisingly, the client loved the initial version before my numerous alterations. Taking a brief break, I returned to refine colors, backgrounds, and techniques.

Finally, the finished piece brought joy. Her smile mirrored my relief, marking the triumphant end to a challenging endeavor.

Brushstrokes of Affection: The Artistry of Pet Portraits

Painting pet portraits has proven to be deeply gratifying as owners cherish these heartfelt tributes to their beloved companions.

Each pet's unique facial expressions and character traits pose their own delightful yet challenging nuances. From capturing the mischievous glint in their eyes to conveying their endearing quirks, every detail requires meticulous attention. Among these challenges, I find curly and spotted fur textures particularly demanding to recreate authentically. Yet, overcoming these hurdles only adds to the satisfaction of bringing each furry friend to life on canvas.

Water-soluble oil

Water-soluble oil

Acrylic 

Water-soluble oil

Acrylic 

 

Three Amigos

This painting began as grey-scale in acrylic. Once completely dried I used water-soluble oil paint. 

 

Furry Friends

Painting people’s pets are challenging. Like people, animals also display a certain facial expression that only their owners love or know more than any others. 

When you hear the eyes are the gateway to the soul. I believe it shows individual expression and we all have our uniqueness including pet.

These two cuties below are my grand-pets and were done for a Christmas gift.