Resistance - in the physical form!

Such a funny thing, this Resistance.. I got my studio all cleaned out; caught the mouse and restored order.  Of course, that could also have been a form of resistance.  Planned my next project, had the palette set up... dreamt about how I'd approach it.  And BAM.  Something got me!  Cough, fever... Three days later I finally got back to the studio.

The first time I started "The Artist's Way," I sat down to my Morning Pages.  I'd had a great night's sleep, no excuses.  Paper on table, pen in hand.  First my hand cramped and I could scarcely hold the pen. I plowed through.  Then I fell asleep.  Right there in the middle of the page!  Talk about Resistance!

Plowed through this morning too.  And "Sammy's Bone" is the result.  Phew!  It'll be easier after today.

Jumping Jacks – Dog #23

These Jack Russell Terriers belong to a friend, and true to their character, they are happy, lively and fun.  I love their energy!

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White Poodle – Dog #22

White dogs are hard (black ones too).  They usually come out too blue – or something.  I am looking at cool light and warm shadows, so the blues are the lighter colors.   Just read (again) about cool light in the Richard Schmidt book.  Blinding flash of the obvious – since white will cool any color and it is the lightest and coolest color on the pallet, then cool highlights are “easier” to achieve than warm ones…. (this isn’t exactly what Richard said, it’s what I took from it and played with today).

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Great Dane at Westminster – Dog #21

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The Westminster Dog Show is wonderful for photos!  It is the only major show (that I know of) where the public can wander through the grooming and boarding hall.  It’s crowded, loud and colorful and some of the photos reflect that.  I love this photo of a Great Dane and have wanted to paint it since taking it in 2008.

Beagle Baying – Dog #20

Life has gotten in the way!  We are building a house in Texas (live in California) so I was in Galveston week before last.  Too many meetings, stuff… Then I managed to total my daughter’s car and came home two days later.  Of course, I also trashed myself and so drugs have been the way of the day for the past 10…  Finally back to painting!  Feels good!!!

I have to admit, beagles are not my favorite breed.  They are loud and unruly (I’m a German Shepherd kind of a girl).  But I fell in love with Uno when he won Best of Show in Westminster, so I have taken another look at them.  They are also fun and happy, affectionate and “beagle people” are quite in love with them!  When I think of Beagles, I think of baying in a field.  So here he is!

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Jay - Dog #18

Jay was rescued in Maryland by family.  He is a poodle terrier mix – and lives up both reputations: smart and ornery!

I am working on technique ideas on this one – I’m looking at using the transparent paints in the background to set the palette, and then played with palette knife on the dog.  I ended up with brush on the eyes and parts of the nose… and some of the fur.

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