"Ready for Halloween"

"Ready for Halloween" oil on 8x8 board

A little pug that belongs to a friend and neighbour close by, he is the cutest well dressed dog in the neighbourhood
this little painting I call all ready for Halloween.
Fun to paint!
Babs

Samantha

"Samantha", oil on canvas board 11x14

This was a commission that had to be ready for Christmas, and I did it on time...just!
The reference photo, was from a school portrait.
My style of painting is loose, but a portrait demands precision, and I had to be very patient with myself, and not allow my eyes to confuse me!
My dear wife was of great help, pointing out errors, some of which took me a few days to accept, but it worked and at the end I'm happy with the result, and the commissioner is too!

John

"Felicity & Davoo"

'Davoo & Felicity", oil on 8x8 panel

"Davoo" oil on 8x10 panel

These two paintings were a commission for a birthday gift for Felicity who has a passion for horses.
Her Mum was able to send photographs of her favourite ride, and I was able to paint two small pictures of one with Davoo & Felicity wearing her favourite hat and the second one of the horse close up.
Her birthday was in May I hope she had a pleasant surprise.

I got an email from Felicity a couple of days ago:
" For my birthday this year I received two oil painting portraits of my precious friend Davoo. 
Davoo was my first horse that I rescued when I was 15 years old. As a young teenager I struggled with socializing so my horse was my best friend. 
Davoo was taken from me far too early on New Year's Day 2015. Although I'm still heart broken from the tragedy I am thankful for the time that I had with him. 
Both portraits of Davoo are extraordinary. I can tell that they were created with great care and passion because they both capture every strand of his beauty. They will be cherished and hanging on the walls of our farm for the rest of my life.
Felicity"

That made my day!

Babs

Grackle Coffee. and Roots

The owner of the local Coffee shop  had  2  poodle standard type dogs one all white, they found in a ditch some years ago and took him home they named him Frank  the other dog also a rescue was all black both had lots of hair named Roots, they became close friends, there is a little white terrier too in the mix and a cat that lived for 22 years!

Amanda has a high regard for animals,she owns 2 horses one of which has been retired for many years and the other she rides taking the dogs to the Stables so they can run and enjoy the country air.sadly just a couple of weeks ago Frank became ill  and past. I thought I would update Roots little painting as a surprise. .

There is nothing sadder when a pet dies and hopefully Roots will have many happy dreams of his mate Frank jumping over fallen logs and scampering in the fields. see the movie here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuSKEVUAZQk&feature=youtu.be

Roots picture is of him relaxing he is the most sweet &friendly dog and loves a good pet patrons at the cafe like to give him some attention when he's around. 

Painting Roots was fun I could see many colours in his fur from reflections. He seems to be winking in his picture not able to see his eye due to so much hair! 

He has now had his spring/ Summer Salon Cut recently and probably looks very different maybe pop in and see him sometime. I borrowed his picture from Facebook . https://www.facebook.com/GrackleCoffee

Babs

Portrait ; "Rachell at 18"

Rachell, Oil on 8x8 board

Rachell at 18

I have tried before to paint my Grand daughter a couple of times and failed ! This time I was more determined . I used a photo from Facebook she is taking a photography course at College. One of her fellow students took the shot.

Being on a dark background can make painting difficult but decided I would be bold! and paint an 8 x 8 hoping I had improved since last time painting., wet on wet and then blending is something I have to work on making sure to look for all the nuances of colours look as right as I could get them.

Every picture tells a story! I am sure there are a lot of corrections to the eye of a pro portrait painter being self taught seems to make things harder but determination pushes me along all the time and with masses of encouragement from John and the family.
Will keep trying.
Thanks Boss and co.,
Babs

"Little M"

"Little M" oil on 8x8 board

Little 'M'

Lisa my daughter had this young lady over to make cookies a week or two ago. It seems she is full of energy and very inquisitive.  I believe there was a moment or two while at the counter top she was fascinated with spoon in hand quite happy helping scoop out and make a cookie all by herself that gave Lisa the opportunity to get a snap shot, before she took off looking for lipstick !!
A proper little Diva!

I had to try a small 8x8 board, not used to children's faces it was more difficult than I thought along with so many reflections around from dark to light, a really good challenge leaving me with the idea of working on another portrait soon.  It is good practice and great to keep going on indoor activities in this weather !

Thank you Lisa

Babs

"Ty" a family dog

"Ty" oil on 11x14 board

Wendy of Onice Farms wrote:
"This is his end of the day look. Ty is an energetic Border Collie who loves life. I have had dogs my whole life and can honestly say he is the best dog I have ever owned. His loyal character and friendly personality make him very special. I look forward to coming home from work everyday because I know he will be waiting for me. He gets down on the ground and gives me the look you see in the photo. I think he's saying "What took you so long" To have a dog like Ty is the best feeling in the world. My heart melts when I'm away from him for to long. He will be 2 on Feb 8 2014. He is considered to be our Family dog but I think it's quite obvious who he loves the most ( Me.... The one who feeds him)   Good luck with your painting and thanks for doing this     Wendy"

A painting of a well loved young Border Collie "Ty". hope you like it Wendy?!

Babs

Rachell our Tinkerbell

"Rachell our Tinkerbell" oil on 11x14 board

A Portrait of Rachell our Tinkerbell

After all the Easter festivities we are coming back to normal and back to painting, John at the moment is painting a large board with Iris (irises) for our newly decorated bedroom. I am looking forward to it being complete and off our kitchen table, the board is to big for the easel!

My challenge was from a photo on Facebook that I thought I would paint, not having indulged in the human face before I found it was very different from animals!

It has given me a great deal of anguish all the nuances of subtle colour, her eyes being so dark brown with mascara gave me plenty to work on. Being 17 years old,  vivacious, and almost a woman, I am batting a Thousand against her liking my rendition of her!

I think her personality though has crept in with my effort, as ever I have a nerve putting this one on the blog before she has seen it!

Babs