"Indian Bookstore" 8x8" oil on hardboard $175 SOLD

This is a corner in the small town we live in.  The Indian Bookstore has a national if not international reputation.  The man that owned it for many years had developed quite the collection of books and artifacts.  He has since passed and I don't think his family has the necessary passion.  In fact, they are moving this landmark to another location.  Sad day.

"Catty Cat" oil on hardboard 6x6" $99 SOLD

This little monkey belongs to me.  She is one of 14 strays we have adopted over the last 20 years.  No! we don't have them all at once.  The most we've housed at any one time was 9.  Right now we have 5 plus a VERY stray stray.  Life in the country.  Today the back door got left open and this one took herself for a walk with her house mate.  I was so happy when I managed to wrangle them up! it never occurred to me that while they were getting OUT the stray was getting IN.  Yikes!  Circus act.

"Blue Poppy 4" oil on hardboard 6x6"

Okay! so I said the last one was "the last one".  This really IS! at least until they bloom again in 2012.

"Slippery Slope" oil on hardboard

My neighbors have recently started surfing.  Given we live in the Pacific Northwest that does not conjure up feelings of warm water sport for me!  However, the images that small humans make when bobbing about in the ocean make for pretty dynamic compositions.

"The Eyes Have It" oil on hardboard, 6x6" $99

I have no idea who this little fellow is.  I ran into him in a park and snapped his picture.  He was so adorable it was impossible to resist.  The ears look like the wind has picked them up and he could actually levitate.

"Star Power!" oil on hardboard 6x6"

This is the beautiful Ms. Onyx.  She belongs to Patty and Georgia.  I swear she's going to open her mouth and join the conversation one day.  She follows our faces when we talk just like she knows what's being discussed.  Amazing.

"Blue Poppy 3" oil on hardboard, 6x6"

The habit of this flower seems to be in a downward, nodding like pose.  I'm trying to get up the nerve to try them in our garden next season.  Though it seems like a daunting challenge the paintings that would result could make it worth the angst.

"Blue Poppy 2 " oil on hardboard, 6x6"

The light through this flower is amazing.  I almost enjoy them more one at a time than as a "field" which is what they have at the Rhododendron Species Foundation.  Quite an accomplishment in the garden world.

"Blue Poppies 1" oil on hardboard, 6x6"

Ross and I were fortunate enough to be introduced to the Rhododendron Species Foundation in Federal Way, Wa. this year.  It was an amazing visit. Our good friend and over the top smart garden friend Greg Graves made it happen.  On that visit they had a "meadow" of the blue poppies that everyone is so desperate to grow and so often foiled.  Who knew there were so many shades of blue?!?

untitled, oil on hardboard, 12x12" SOLD

This is the second piece for a client.  This is his precious little Chatta out ruling the forest.  I'm waiting to let him assist me in a title.

untitled oil on hardboard 6x6"

I'm not even sure what to say about this one.  There are so many things I was pleased with when I finished.  If I didn't know better I would think this was a small pooch but it isn't.  Actually quite large.  What  sweet face to go with that imposing body.

untitled 6x6" oil on hardboard SOLD

Yep! this is doggy number 3 in the household of wonders that I've been working on.  Maybe he was "adopted".  When you see images of the 3 together it is such a fascinating mix. 

untitled oil on hardboard 6x6"

This is another of the "family" of pups.  Wait until you see the third!

untitled oil on hardboard 6x6" SOLD

This is part of a family of dogs I am working on.  They all have such amazing personalities!  I can't wait to see them all together.

"Look of a Winner" oil on hardboard 6x6" $99 + $9 shipping

This marvelous dog is like a painters dream.  The intensity, the movement, the glamor! it's all there in one package.  It's hard not to just run back in the studio and start another one.

"Lashing Out" oil on hardboard 5x5" $99

Same old song.  I wish the photo was more accurate.  The painting is a lot more subtle.  It was intersting to spend time so close to my own eyeball.  I thought my eyes were gray.  At age 60 I found out they are green.  Go figure.

"Chatta" oil on hardboard 12x12" sold

This pup was a rescue dog from Mexico.  The owner has quite the story.  I'm so please that he allowed me to paint Chatta from this vantage point.  The dog portraits are always fun but being able to capture something totally unique was a treat.  Chatta shipped out yesterday and their going to host a "one painting opening".

repeat - 12x12" $400

If this looks familiar it's because it is.  The original was 6x6".  However, I was asked if I could repeat it on a larger format.  It's the first time I've ever done that.  Surprised me at how well it came together.  Painting is such a mystery to me that I really didn't expect to be able to come so close to the original.  Historically artists have often copied old masters etc to improve their skills.  Since I have never done that it seemed unlikely that the two images would look the same.  Shocked!

"Lady In Red aka Me at 60" oil on hard board 8x8"

If you read the previous post you know this was the June challenge.  I posted it again so it would transfer over to the Daily Painters site tomorrow.  It's the only way I know to make it happen correctly.  If you haven't visited that site you should.  New work EVERY day and some excellent painters.  OF COURSE you are visiting my challenge partners sites - right?!?!?!?

"Two to Tango" oil on hardboard 6x6" sold

Can you see the mischief in this little guy?  I think his pal is along for the ride.  It looks like he's laughing!  I can only imagine why!