Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron
11x14 Oil on board

Finally finished this piece, forced into it as a client spied it on the easel and had to have it.  Up till then I did not think that I ever would get the eye correct and was hesitant to continue with the painting.  Their eyes are such odd shapes!  Disk-like so were such an oddity for me.  Also it was very difficult to get it with the right color.  But I percivierd and got it finished today.
Just a bit of a side note..  These birds are just fabulous to paint and to watch.   I took the photo of this bird along the way in Texas.  Seems that some members of the population migrate there to breed.   Perhaps it is just the members of the colder states that migrate.  The heron we have here just stays here.  It is a female so does not have the beautiful colorings that the males do.

Like Christmas!

  Its always a surprise to open the kiln.. Can't wait for it to cool down enough to take a peek!  Three other shelves under these two. Hmm  Still to hot, but hope to have pictures up soon. 
This batch has lots of blue, turquoise, white, and browns.

So.. Back to painting.. :D

Cow With Calf Study

This study is for a larger piece.  Yes.. I did say larger.  Everyone suggests  going bigger so I can compete on a professional level.  But I'm not sure that is all together true.  I was told the judge of the FBAA show where I took 1st immediately went to my piece and picked it out.   The Young herd sire had caught her eye too.  Since you can't have more than one award to a show so she picked what she felt was the best piece.  Those paintings were 8x10 and 5x7.  So I still have it in my head that the more emphatically powerful a piece is at first glance, along with technique of medium on closer inspection, has a greater impact than size with most judges.  But I do know from showing animals its any given judge at any given time.

Coat of Many Colors

5x7 Oil on Linen Hardboard

Just love the colors with these birds.  Didn't do him justice but he does look great on the wall. :D

A Little News

     Got a bit of news!  The Fort Myers Beach Art Association had their reception this afternoon. I was contacted and told I had gotten an award, but didn't know which one. The art there was just so stellar (and my piece so little) that I figured it was an honorable mention or some such thing. I was a bit shocked when I walked in to find out that 'Running Free' I had taken grand.
     The FMBAA had a wonderful reception and I met many talented artists.  I truly can say that this group is serious about their commitment to advancing and giving to the arts.  Everyone I have met over the last few weeks is eager to give a helping hand to all artists.
One more thing though..  I do have to give thanks to the Lord and also to Joe for being supportive. 

On The Way Home

8x10  Oil on Canvas

  This barn is located in Carrolton, Ohio.  I've been wanting to paint it for a long time.  Just could never quite find the time.  Not really thrilled with this one though.  I think the greens got away from me.  Better than the cows getting out isn't it?  I really hated having to chase cows when they escaped. :)
  Hoping to get a few more up this week.  Seems finding time for posting photos of my work is getting scarce too.