Dog Heaven

Dog Heaven, 8 x 10

I've started working on some larger studio pieces this week, so today, and periodically for awhile, I'll be posting some finished work that had yet to make it to the blog. This plein air piece was done on our first of two visits to Bull Creek Dog Park back in early June. Despite the lack of canine activity in the painting, this place was full of all kinds of dogs that day, every one of them seeming to have the time of their lives. This swimming hole is fed by the creek coming from the viewer's left, and it is this portion that the dogs seem to like the best because of its a smooth, rock bed which is shallow enough for the pooches not to have to swim. If they get too hot, they (the lab and retriever types, mostly) will jump into the pool you see here.

Too Busy To Sit

Too Busy To Sit, 8 x 88
SOLD

This afternoon, the Plein Air Austin paintout was at Martha Ruth's house, just a mile or so below Mansfield Dam, on Lake Austin. It's a beautiful spot and Martha and her husband, Gene, were terrifically hospitable to have us there.

Well Deserved Rest

Well Deserved Rest, 14 x 11
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This was my first submission to Karin Jurick's "Different Strokes From Different Folks" Challenge. If you're not already familiar with the Different Strokes blog, check it out at http://differentstrokesfromdifferentfolks.blogspot.com. This bi-weekly challenge is a great service to artists interested in getting better. Also check out Karin's work at http://karinjurick.blogspot.com. She is phenomenal.

Poolside Prep

Poolside Prep, 8 x 10
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Even on 100º-plus days, some people need to baste for awhile before plunging into the cool waters of Deep Eddy swimming pool, adjacent to Town Lake (recently re-named Ladybird Lake in honor of the late former first lady and beloved Austinite, Mrs. LBJ).

Lifeguard On Duty

Lifeguard On Duty, 10 x 8
$200
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I waited all morning for the lifeguard to show up at this chair. Since he didn't make it until after noon, I painted most of the picture with the chair still empty. Finally, I asked one of the lifegaurds if one of them would be willing to sit in this chair so I could get a photograph. This is Ben, who was more than willing to help out.

And Now For Something Completely Different

Trickle Down, 36 x 48
acrylic on canvas
SOLD

This is a piece done earlier this year for an abstract class I took, taught by Linda Montagnani, at Laguna Gloria. I love abstract art, but because there is so much to consider about any kind of art, I find it hard to work in two completely different genres at the same time. I would like to explore abstract art further, but am not sure when that will be.

Not All There

Not All There, 6 x 8

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More still life practice today. I really enjoyed it, but am looking forward to going back outside tomorrow.

I'm Driving. No, I'm Driving.

I'm Driving. No, I'm Driving, 6 x 8

$85
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Another good day for painting inside. The gravy boat has been in our family since the 1800s.

More, Please

More, Please, 10 x 8

The paintout this Wednesday was at Lake Travis. We had to take cover early under a gazebo, but it was worthwhile just to watch the rain approach and sweep down the lake. The storm lingered long enough to bring the temperature down to 72º, for a couple hours, anyway.