Raining Cats and Dogs

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel - 6" x 8"

It's that time of year when my plate is piled high with commissions from people anxious to get in that last minute Christmas portrait of their favorite four legged companion. I hesitate to post these as some are obviously meant as surprise gifts but I was assured that the wife of the commissionee of this pretty marmalade tabby doesn't look at my website (sniff). Anyway this is Jake, one of two cats belonging to my friend Earl. Look for Abbey tomorrow.

"Bridgett"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 8"

Early this year I was asked to donate a pet portrait to the Humane Society. Anyone who adopted a cat or kitten during the spring and summer was entered into a drawing for a painting of their newly adopted companion. The winner was the owner of this pretty girl named Bridgett. Her ice blue eyes and interesting coloration would have compelled me to paint her even if there had been no contest. Her beautiful party colored markings and sweet demeanor guaranteed her a place in someones heart and home. I hope they like the painting. My fashion roots came out and I gave her the stark grey seamless treatment made famous by Francesco Scavullo, Richard Avedon and Irving Penn.

"Ella with Hydrangeas"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 10"

The cat formerly known as Dino (before we realized he was a she) is part of the rat pack of kittens we adopted last spring. She has turned into a real love and is quite smitten with JJ. She dogs his every waking (and sleeping) moment, much to his consternation. I call her Ella because she reminds me of the paintings in Robert Motherwell's Elegy series. I fear we will never be able to have flowers inside again because the rat pack seek and destroy any flora (and small fauna, i dare say) that comes into the house. Ella got a chance to check these pretty hydrangeas out before the tempting bouquet was sequestered in the powder room for the night.

"Schatzi"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 8"

"I'm baaack" Yes I finally put brush to panel for the first time in the new studio. I couldn't find my maul stick, paint rags, turpentine, and miscellaneous other painting accouterments but I managed to get something on the easel. Schatzi is my friend Beth's wire haired dachshund. She's a real schweetie and reminds me of Alfalfa from the little rascals with her cute cowlick (Schatzi, not Beth). Hey, it's a start.