Makoa the pit bull

Sweet pet portraits… “Come Home Soon!” and “At the Park”

I did two versions, based on photos. I think the dog was older when shown lying on the floor.

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Fried again

Just love those fried egg poppies.

Ireland

Dear friends are moving to Ireland… happy for them but will miss them. They took a photo there recently, which I interpreted in this watercolor painting. The puddle was added purely from imagination; it just seemed apt for the misty atmosphere.

Mother’s at the spa and not to be disturbed

A serene afternoon in Calistoga. (I sketched this last summer but didn’t post it.)

Summer poppies

House on Paru St with Matilija poppies (the “fried egg poppy”) behind its little white picket fence. Quintessential summer day!

Sheila found a happy home

Sheila is a rescued pit bull who found a new home! There were some challenges in this Pet Portrait. The client’s first pic depicted Sheila happy with her new companion, but it was so blurry she appeared to be a white lab and I knew that wasn’t right! I asked the client for more reference, and they sent a photo but warned me it showed Sheila unhappy and stressed, before she found her new family. However, the photo clearly depicted her coloration, including that delightful little mark on top of her forehead. Combining the references, I used the happy pose but lowered Sheila’s head so her markings were visible. Yes, those two photos show the same dog, hard to believe!

Naked ladies sighted around town

These lovelies (aka “Naked Ladies” because of their scandalous bare stems) are abloom now.

The outdoorsy sort

Beaux, German shepherd, was a recent pet portrait completed for a friend of a friend’s birthday. Beaux conveys a character of loyal love fortified with protective strength.

Sketches on display!

I’m part of an exhibition of 4 artists on “The Art of Urban Sketching.” I really like the work of the other 3 artist showing with me; I am very inspired!

Show dates: July 5 through Aug. 4

Reception: all invited 7 to 9 pm Friday July 13

What: Many small, colorful original artworks will be displayed, ideal for gifts or display on desks, mantel or shelf.

Where: 1601 Paru St., Alameda. Gallery is generally open 11 am to 5 pm Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun.  For info see https://www.frankbettecenter.org/

Shown: “Ready to Rumble,” which I sketched in Occidental. At first I didn’t particularly like this sketch… then later I felt like I did capture the funky, rumpled character of this old truck. It is important when sketching to not be self-critical. Just have fun & let it happen, and the sketches that aren’t “perfect” tend to work out fine in the end, and are more expressive and not overworked. Try it and let me know how you fare.

Summer Sunflowers

Haven’t been sketching much lately… missing it, and noticing an increase in stress & the feeling of being overwhelmed by “busyness.” TO REMEDY THAT… sat on a stoop and sketched these lovely sunflowers yesterday, on Willow St. in Alameda. Very enjoyable.