Waterfront Art Gallery Weekend

Here are a couple of photographs from my exhibit and painting demonstration at Waterfront Art Gallery in Charleston, SC. The tiger is almost finished and it is the same painting that I posted previously. I just have a couple more finishing touches to do before I can frame it. The lion That I am painting on in this photo is also the same one that I posted previously. I have a lot more work to do on this painting, but I love the way it is coming along.
It was a memorable weekend in South Carolina for more than one reason. The gallery event was awesome, but also we had snow in Charleston for the first time in 10 years! At my home we had 6 inches and lost power for 18 hours. It was crazy! I even heard more than one person from out of state say how warm it was!
Thank you for visiting!

Courtyard Gallery

I joined Courtyard Art Gallery located at 149 1/2 E. Bay Street Charleston, South Carolina. It is a beautiful gallery located in the French Quarter. These are two of the new paintings that are available there. The top painting is titled "Phoenix Rising" and is a little different for me. The cardinal is the "phoenix" rising up from the candle smoke. I love to paint wildlife and nature related subjects, but I am starting to paint them in non-typical settings. I just love the way this turned out! It is a 20"x 24" oil on canvas. The other painting is a 12" x 12" oil on canvas of a male lion. I would like to invite you to stop by the gallery. Thank you for visiting my Blog!

Painting Demonstration at Waterfront Gallery

I wanted to show one of the first steps that I take in painting. Both of these images started out with my reference photos that I took of the subjects. I then work out small "thumbnail" compositions to decide on my layout. When I am satisfied with a design I draw it on to the canvas. My next step is to paint a very light under painting in acrylic. At this time I refine my drawing with the acrylic paint, adding details and blocking in some dark areas(values). My next step will be to tone the whole canvas with a light coat of warm colored oil paint (usually cadmium yellow and burnt sienna). Then I can begin my actual painting!
These are two paintings that I will be working on at the Waterfront Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina. I have been asked to be the Gallery's Special Guest Artist during the week of the Southeast Wildlife Exposition. My work will be displayed and I will be painting from 1pm- 5pm on February 12th, 13th, and 14th.
Stop by and visit!

"Black Bear Encounter"

I enjoy painting in your face portraits of wildlife. When I am sketching out my compositions, I always try to arrange my subjects in an unexpected way. That is why I chose to zoom in on the bear's face and position him on a long horizontal canvas.I also think that bears have a pig like nose from the front view! (Which is why you don't see his nose.) This 12" x 24" oil on canvas painting recently sold off the easel as I was finishing the detail work on it. Thank you for visiting!

Gallery News!

I just found out that I will be exhibiting my art at Courtyard Gallery located in the French Quarter of Charleston, SC. I am so excited! Charleston is an amazing city and the gallery has a talented group of artists!
Also, the Waterfront Gallery in Charleston, SC has asked me to be a special guest artist during the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in February. I will only be there for 3 days, but I will be doing a painting demonstration. I always enjoy that!
I will post more on this later. Thank you for visiting!

"The Littlest Fairy"- People's Choice Award

This 16x20 oil painting was exhibited in the Summerville Artist Guild's December Show. It received the most votes earning the People's Choice Ribbon. I really had fun painting her. I wanted the wings to look like real butterfly wings without being too colorful. I hope you enjoy!

Basset Hounds Commission

I had to wait until after Christmas to post this painting because it was a commissioned gift for a women who is active in Basset Hound Rescue. These are the family's three dogs. I love how different they all are. Thank you for visiting my blog!