"Ah, What a Day" oil on board, 8x8"

It's funny how you feel about a painting once you see it photographed and on screen.  The colors here didn't seem so vivid when I was working on it.  I was so in love with the odd composition and the fat little paw the the rest escaped.  I think it may mean a trip back to the paint box.  I work at the office the next 4 days so time away should give me a new perspective.  Stay tuned.

"Radley" oil on board 12x12" NFS

This is part of a commission for a woman in England for her friend in Holland.  Somehow I managed to wash out the right side when I photographed it.  The dark green background is pretty much the same all the way around.  I have been afforded a lot of reference material for this beauty so you'll most likely see him again.

"Just Hanging Out" oil on hardboard 6x6" $99. + $9 shipping

I know this is posted in the group below but posting it again assures that it will make the group post with Daily Painters tomorrow.  I hope everyone is taking the opportunity to visit the sites of these fine painters involved in the monthly challenge.  For that matter, be sure to visit Daily Painters.  There is some wonderful, affordable work being done.  You never know when you'll discover a little jewel that you just can't live without.
A special thanks to my neighbor Chris for allowing me to toss his precious shoes up over the phone line!  We DID get them down.

"Emma" oil on masonite, 12x12" NFS

I really love dogs but after these last 3 paintings I think I'm more partial to these with the smooth coats and eyes that just beg you to pick them up.  The heart bling seems so appropriate for her.  Now for the kicker:  they all 3 live in the same household.  Can you imagine? what a sight they must make.

"Boswell" oil on masonite 12x12" NFS

Taking on animal portraits has been an eye opener for me.  I love dogs and cats.  However, I find myself much more drawn to certain animals.  This regal fellow could move into my house any time.  Okay! so not really.  With our canine hating feline that would be a big mistake.  But serously, can't you see his dedication and strength right threw those eyes?  Just an amazing creature.

"Showing the Ropes" oil on masonite 6xx6" sold

It seemed somehow odd to paint today and now to post.  With all that is unfolding in Egypt my little world seems pretty unimportant.
That said, it was a very successful day!  You can't really tell from the photo but these two literally glow.  It's almost as if they are lit from within.  Some days what you strive to achieve just happens.  Don't we wish we could harness that!

"Winter Nap" oil on masonite 8x8" $175

A little break from the pooch world today.  As mentioned before, I don't think there are any more paint worthy pets than my own Ollie.  We just found out he's tipping the scale at 21 lbs. now.  The vet wants him to "have 300 calories a day".  Do folks really count calories for their pets?  That seems like a lot of work.  If I'm not willing to do it for myself what makes anyone think it will happen for the kitty?

work in progress

This piece isn't finished.  I just needed to see how it presents on screen.  In my dreams these are the dogs I have.  One of the reasons I wanted to do this image is the distortion of the paw size.  It actually reminds me of these big, cuddly pups.  It's sort of what they are about.  That must sound ridiculous!  but it makes sense to me.  I just want to grab their paws and squeeze!  We have a really big cat and his paws have the same effect on me.  He's not particularly glad to have me do it.  Oh well! the cost of being "kept"

"Pilnsner" oil on masonite 6x6" $99

Don't forget, any and all paintings I sell between now and September 25% will goes to Susan G. Komen for breast cancer research.  Come on all you beer drinkers!  one of you certainly needs this little jewel.

"Static Electricity" oil on masonite 12x12" SOLD

For me this was the best of both worlds.  A beautiful boy and a beautiful dog.  There has been some debate in our 2 artist household about the vivid red of the child's tongue and lips.  My painting, I win.  Young children seem to have that healthy, bold blood flow that accounts for strong color.  Have you ever notice the washed out appearance of the elderly?  Maybe it's one of the things that makes them immediately recognizable as "old".  Maybe that's also why women wear lipstick!  why don't men?  they get old.

"Why Not 'Queen Me!'?" oil on masonite 6x6"

Yep, you guessed it.  This is my contribution to the challenge for December.  I had forgotten how much I enjoy still life set up and objects that no one expects to have a likeness to the subject.  I also had forgotten how difficult it is for some of us to paint squares and circles!  I guess that counts as their "likeness"

"Puzzle" 6x6" oil on masonite

This is the first to be offered at $99. plus shipping with $25 going to Susan G. Komen

"Hank's Wine" oil on masonite 6x6" SOLD

"Picture Perfect" oil on masonite 6x6"

Dogs don't come a lot more beautiful than this one.

"Seriously!" oil on masonite 6x6"

oh what a queen this one is!

"Never Too Old" oil on masonite 6x6" SOLD

"I Just Won't" oil on masonite 6x6"

This kitty belongs to a friend of mine.  I'm thinking she may be quite the stunner.

"Throw The Dog a Bone" oil on masonite 6x6" SOLD

oil on masonite 8x8" NFS

This is a portrait I'm working on for a good friend of mine.  It's a surprise for someone else so I have not met this little guy.  However, after staring into his face all day I feel like I know him.  He has the softest look about him.  If he were a person I'd say he had an old soul.

"Not Another Time Out!" oil on masonite 6x6" SOLD

Okay!  I admit it.  I'm a sucker for black, white and tan dogs.  Look at those "eyebrows"!  This pup is so beautiful.  My guess is, like Ollie the cat, you will be seeing more of him.
I recently self published a compilation of my paintings.  Ross (husband) wants me to do another of my cat and dog paintings.  He thinks it would be a fun coffee table book.  Opinions?