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12/24/07

Here's the story and painting of Winston

Merry Christmas, Everyone, and as promised, here's the story, and full painting, of Winston.

I was contacted a few months ago, by his Mom, about a painting commission as a surprise gift for her husband. I haven't done many commissions in the past. Not that I am opposed to doing them, but there is more pressure to capture someone's likeness, than in a regular painting. Then you need reference photos to work from . Most dogs and cats aren't terribly fond of having their picture taken either. Here are a few of the photos that she sent.

(You can click on the photos and they will enlarge a bit).


He looks like a happy dog. And those ears.

Winston was 15 years old, and had to be put to sleep back in February of this year, as he developed nasal cancer behind his eye. Winston was her first dog. He looks like a chow mix, but those ears also remind me of a corgi. Could be a little German Shepherd in there too. I don't think I asked about his lineage and pedigree.

A few years ago, they lived in Germany and were hiking in the Alps.



Got to love this photo below, with the "hills" in the background.
I wonder if they sang "Sound of Music" that day, ala Julie Andrews.




And this was the photo that I chose to work from below. I liked the light in the photo and his expression. At the same time, I was a little concerned since his face was in the shadow, and his eyes were so dark. (Ok, I admit, I was a lot concerned : ) ) Trying to get them dark enough, without looking like black holes, or lumps of coal, etc.


Here's the painting, and a detail of his face. It is painted on Yupo board, 8x10 inches, so it has that slick, wet, fluid look to it, unlike a regular watercolor painting surface. It was varnished and framed in a dark wooden frame with a linen liner.





I enjoyed painting Mr. Winston. There is something special about one's first dog.
I hope they think of him often, and remember him happy, when they see the painting.

12/21/07

Happy Holidays Everyone- Be Safe if you are traveling

As the week winds down here, I just wanted to wish everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday.
I plan on updating the dog painting on Christmas Day, so you can see the whole image. It arrived safely earlier in the week, and the person is really happy with it. I think she said she was speechless when she saw it.

I wanted to send this e-card, but can't since I am on a Mac using Firefox. Love the animation of this one. Here's a link- e card.


Best Wishes for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year-
Andy

12/13/07

Red Poinsettia painting listed on Ebay


The little red poinsettia painting is listed on ebay as a special holiday opportunity for one of my small original paintings (read- low low starting bid). It is about 6 inches square, probably more like 5.7 inches by 7 inches, as the edges aren't even.
SOLD

New Dog Painting on Yupo



It is gonna kill me not being able to show this painting until the Christmas Holiday since it's a surprise Christmas present. I finished it last night, about 1 in the morning, and rather than going to sleep, I kept wanting to turn on the light every 5 minutes and look at it. It's that good, but I am probably biased. :)

To not ruin the surprise, here's a sneak peek, I don't think anyone could recognize this.
The full image, and story will be posted as soon as humanly possible.

The full painting is 8x10 inches, varnished watercolor on yupo board, will just a few acrylic glazes added.

12/10/07

New Yupo Painting- Black Tabby Cat





This painting I finished this weekend. The majority was done with watercolor on yupo board. 5 x 7 inches. I darkened and corrected a few values with transparent fluid acrylic glazes. Two coats of acrylic glossy varnish will be added on top.

12/12/07- on its way home. Hope the post office gets it there safe and sound.

12/6/07

Limited Edition Holiday Ornaments are now available





The ornaments are now available. 3 designs. Signed, and dated on the back. Only available till Dec 31st. Listed in the Etsy Store at the moment.

Red Poinsettia Painting on Yupo



Happy Holidays Everyone- Where did the time go? It's only 19 days till Christmas day, if you haven't noticed or been counting.

Here's a little holiday painting from the last evening- a Red Poinsettia.

12/4/07

Reproductions of Yupo Paintings are available- finally




For the past year, I have searched for an inkset and paper combination that could reproduce the brilliance and translucency of my yupo paintings. Some images looked okay, others not so much. I think I have finally found a combination that I am happy with.

Glossy photo paper mimics the slick surface of yupo, but the inks weren't quite right. Kodak has introduced a line of inkjet printers and pigmented inks that do the trick in combination with their premium ultra photo paper.

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