Cover up on the beach...

"Lakeside Assata"
(in progress)

10"x8" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

I covered up most of yesterdays work with new paint today. Today's paint wouldn't look so great if it wasn't for yesterday's paint. So, you could say I'm much happier with the results today.

Bri-

Dots on a beach...

"Lakeside Assata"
(in progress)

10"x8" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

I spent today at the Short Term Gallery making dots on the beach. Lots of layering is going on and it was one of those days where I kept thinking, "Isn't there an easier way to do this?"

Yes it's called photography.

I think the other problem was that I was working without my reference photo and so was making lighting decisions that were wrong and even some color selections I'm regretting a little now. I'll see how I feel tomorrow, maybe it will seem better then.

On a completely different note, the Turkey Trot was a great success again. This year we had just under 300 folks sign up and take part and we almost doubled the amount of money raised. Most importantly we helped local people in need and people had a great time celebrating with friends and family before heading off to Thanksgiving dinners.

Bri-

p.s. I'm sure I'd sound more positive if there was better lighting in my studio for photographs this late in the evening.

Lakeside progress...

"Lakeside Assata"
(in progress)

10"x8" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

For the first time this season we awoke to snow everywhere and I was able to do some shoveling. I know it sounds crazy but I really like shoveling. I think because it gives me a feeling of accomplishment so easily. When I start shoveling I know that it will end and then on to the next thing.

Painting is different in that once I start I don't have a concrete idea when I'll be done. After I've been painting for awhile on a piece I get a sense of when it might be done, but not like shoveling. I know on days when it is snowing non-stop you could say those are days when shoveling is like painting.

I need to make some adjustments to Assata's right side to add a little size to her shoulder, but other than that I'm happy with the way this is turning out. I think tomorrow will be spent creating the beach beneath her, so she may or may not change at all tomorrow.

Only time will tell.

Bri-

Look a forest grows...

"Lakeside Assata"
(in progress)

10"x8" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

Here's the little changes that made up today's work. The forest on the other side of the lake is coming together and the beach has a more accurate pitch to it.

I don't think there will be any progress tomorrow since I'm spending the day xc skiing at Anthony Lakes. Sunday, I'll be at the gallery all day so I'm bound to make lots of progress.

Bri-

What's developing on the beach?

"Lakeside Assata"
(in progress)

10"x8" acrylic on canvas
SOLD

Today I started creating the frame work for this painting, by painting base colors for the background and foreground. There's little things that still need adjustment before I start to paint Assata, but overall I really like how it's coming along.

I started listening to John Hodgman's new audio book "More Information than You Require" and I have to be careful where my brush is at times because it's so funny. Well, it's very funny to me, and not everyone likes fake trivia or the other nonsense that's in his books.

Bri-

Lake side sketches...

"Lakeside Assata"
pen and ink on paper
NFS


So I quietly celebrated the one year anniversary of my blog over the weekend. I didn't do a posting, shame on me I know, but it's because I was out of town. Corrine was part of the Wildfire Ceramic Showcase in Bend, OR and I took part in a swim meet there.

We both came away as winners. I won the 200M butterfly in my age group and she won "Best of Show" in the sculpture division. I still can't get her to tell me whether or not she voted for herself. I always tell her she's supposed to, but I never know if she does. We artists are a funny breed.

These images here are for a new commission I'll be starting this week. Tomorrow is my goal. I'm really looking forward to the colors I'll be using in the black fur and the water in the background.

Stay tuned, there's so much to see in the New Blog Year.
Bri-

Restful Dexter

"Restful Dexter"

12x12 acrylic on canvas
$400
SOLD

Here's the finished Dexter. I think I achieved the right amount of sleepiness in his eyes, not to open, not to closed. I wanted him to look restful, not stoned. Although the sheets of the bed he's sleeping in are pretty psychedelic if you ask me.

Bri-

Lazy Eye...

"Restful Dexter"
(in progress)
12x12 acrylic on canvas
$400
SOLD

Today I got the eye of Dexter to seem more restful, or lazy you could say. I think I'll be done by late morning tomorrow and have a new painting started tomorrow as well. Wishful think sometimes, but, I'll be at the Short Term Gallery all day and that should help.

I might not get as much done since traffic has increased quite a bit in the past week. No sales today but there were about ten times the number of people through the door versus the last time I was there. Let's hear it for increased art sales.

Bri-

Restful Dexter continued

"Restful Dexter"
(in progress)
12x12 acrylic on canvas
$400
SOLD

Here's a look at the most recent work on Dexter. I'm working at getting his eyes so he looks more restful instead of surprised. With a few choice brushstrokes I'm sure to have what I'm looking for.

I want to take a moment to shamelessly plug my new Esty store. http://www.etsy.com/shop/dustydogstudio There you can find Coffee Hounds that are new and old, all original one of a kind coffee and ink paintings, and I'll also have ceramic travel trailers that Corrine has made. Check it out when you get a chance.

Bri-