Sunday, September 30, 2012

Who will win?

My dog, Drew, has been very frisky after breakfast lately.    He kept passing me by taunting me with his toy.

Naturally, I feigned interest in his prize.

Finally, I took hold of it - and he gave me the look.   So, who won?   Drew did of course.   Who could resist that face????

Monday, September 17, 2012

Irish Setter Art on Outside Flags



"ROCKETS RED GLARE”

http://www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html
go to my website link above if you are interested in purchasing this flag or mini print.

Our New Venture:

This artwork is on actual outside flags!
The flags measure 2’ x 3’...and have an upper hem for the pole as well as two security grommets.
$25.00 plus shipping


New “Mini” Print

5” x 7”
Printed in Full Color
Limited Edition of 195
Available on the website
Framed: $35.00
Unframed: $15.00

Plus shipping on both prints and flags

(sales tax for CA residents)

Thank you to my husband, Rich, for thinking of the flag!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Hogan - Larger than Life Oil Painting







This is Hogan.   Recently, a "mini" pastel painting was also created of him.   

Hogan is no longer with us.   As I mentioned in the post about his pastel painting, he was a very special dog and I was fortunate to have spent some time with him over the past few years.

His larger than life oil painting is 3 feet x 4 feet.    These paintings are always great fun to do.   

The attached photos show the process from the beginning to the end.   In the very beginning, a pencil sketch is loosely rendered on the canvas.   At that point, all I am worried about is perspective.  Once the sketch is completed, black oil paint is applied over the sketch to secure the initial drawing.    The purpose for this is to make sure I don't lose my sketch when the under painting is applied.

The under painting is then applied and covers the entire surface of the canvas.   Once that dries, layers of color are applied.   Each painting is different.   Sometimes, I block in the larger dark areas (which was done with this painting).  Sometimes, I just start applying color and don't block in spaces.   It really depends on the lights and darks in the reference photos.

Ample drying time is allowed before the next layer is applied.   This process is continued until I feel the painting is done.   There is no specific time frame in which a painting is completed.  It is done when it feels right.  My biggest concern are the eyes.   It is extremely important that the eyes of my subject draw in the viewer and make a connection.