Sebastian in Charge

Pastel on Pastelmat - 6x6

This portrait of Sebastian is taken from a series of photos I took of him a few years ago.  It was hard for me to concentrate on this painting because he was such a good friend and wonderful pet.  In the end, I believe I captured some of his gentle, faithful, and loving spirit.

Abbie in the Window

Pastel on Pastelmat, 12x9

This is a portrait of one of my favorite pets.  She was number 14 of 20.
 

Bridget 10 - Don't Look at Me, I'm Thinking

 Pastel on Toned Tan Paper, 7x5

This is the standard view of Bridgette. Every time I get the camera or my phone out to take a photo, she refuses to look at me.  This is Bridgette - Don't Look at Me, I'm Thinking.

Rusty Num 9

Rusty's Question

Pastel on Pastelmat 6x9

With this pose of Rusty, my goal was to capture his quizzical expression and show his white fur in shadow.  

This is an updated photo posted on 8/16/2024.

This portrait is number 9 of my 20 in 30 days personal challenge. 
 

Roxie 5x7 - Cat 08

 

Pastel on Drawing Paper - 5x7

This is Cat #8 of my 20 Cats in 30 Days.  The subject is my sister-in-law's cat, Roxie.  I plan to do a larger, more formal portrait of Roxie on archival pastel paper, but.  I wanted to do a  test because of the unique color patterns and expressions of this beautiful cat.

Cat Drawings - 1st Five

Cat 2 - from Photo

Cat 3 - Bridgette 1

Cat 4 - Bridgette 2

Cat 5 - Rusty

Cat 7 - Lady Gray

First 5 of 20 Cats in 30 Days

I have set myself a project of drawing / painting 20 cats in 30 days.  These first 5 images are drawn in pencil with pastel on drawing paper.  I wanted to start slowly with pencil to master the proportions and expressions of the cats.  Not all the drawings made the "final cut."

More will be coming.

If you are interested, I would be delighted to do a portrait of your pet.  Contact me for details about my process and prices.

Windy

Ink and watercolor wash, 7x10

I am trying out a new Mixed Media pad from Artist Loft. I thought it would be a good surface for line and wash and a good size for plein air sketches.  No wet-in-wet, so not a complete test.

Old Path

 Pastel over watercolor - Arches paper

"Old Path" 5x7 pastel over watercolor. This is a color / value / composition exercise for a possible larger painting. I have tied to a create a nealy-abstract landscape.

After the Rain

Line and Watercolor, 5x7 on paper

I love the freshness of the beach and dunes following a summer shower.

Around the Corner

 Ink and Watercolor Wash - 5x7 on paper

This small work is the first painting I've done on over a month.  I chose this title to express my hope that I'm on the mend.  

In St. Augustine, the bougainvillea grow in almost every corner and out of the way place.  This old vine is growing in a large blue pot next to the end of a garden wall.

Dune Passage in Summer

Watercolor and Ink on paper, 5x7

This is a variation of an old passage through the dunes.  In the midday summer sun, the light is bright but diffused, and the perfect time for a stroll on the beach.

Path in the Pines

Pastel 12x16 on LuxArchival 100

This view of an old path through the pine woods has held my attention for years.  The woods are now a housing development, but the memory is precious to me.  My goal was to use contrasts in values, temperature, and color with hard and soft edges to draw the eye to the unseen distance where the path curves away into the woods.

Winter Waves

Watercolor and Pastel on Arches - 4x6

"Winter Waves" 4x6 watercolor and pastel on Arches. This view of the surf at Vilano Beach was inspired by my photographs and videos after a recent storm. The air was crisp and wind had died, but the waves were spectacular.

Follow the Bird

Ink and Watercolor with Pastel on paper, 6x4

This view of the "quail pines" presents the early morning sunshine as the birds begin to move into the open.

Cardinal - the Lord Will Provide

Line and Wash, with digital script added.

'Cardinal - the Lord Will Provide" 4x6 ink and wash. I painted this spring cardinal with space at the bottom to add "Trust in the Lord.  He will provide."  Matthew 10:29-31."

Cedars and Muhly Grass

Cedars and Muhly Grass

 Pastel on Sanded Paper, 6x9

This quick exercise that started with a "spontaneous" watercolor, and it evolved into this study of cedar trees and muhly grass on the dunes.  As it progressed, it took a life of its own.  In order to correct weaknesses in the basic composition, I added the path, extended the pink muhly grass and moved the cedar tree to the left and back.  I had to abandon much of the native color to get the values and movement in the painting to work.