Prickley But Pretty

Prickley But  Pretty   Oil  6 x 8 oil on linen panel
I have a love of thistles, their beauty and the pain they cause when trying to pick them, makes you leave them right where they are. In other words they adorn the weed patch where they are. But I love them for their wildness as I do all wildflowers
This painting was done on Senso linen. It comes in sheets in a tablet, sealed with clear gesso and ready to paint on. Economical  because if the painting is not one you wish to save you can dispose of it or if it is a keeper as this one is, I used Yes Paste to bond it to a hardboard panel. The canvas has a medium to coarser weave than I usually use but it was easy to paint on. This might be something you would like to try.

In the Quiet of the Morning

In the Quiet of the Morning 6 x 8 oil on panel
Early each morning I drive to Mt. Carmel where I teach and pass this little pond, it is so serene and in the morning light seems to be of another world. Always smooth as a mirror with the light beautifully reflected. I enjoyed doing this scene so much I may do a larger version as well.
Join me for a moment and enjoy " The Quiet of the Morning".

Funky Chick

Funky Chick  pastel 5 x 7
No, I haven't lost my mind after so many chickens recently. I just felt the need to step out of my comfort zone and go a bit nuts. This turned out to be so much fun, I may do more in the future, the medium of pastel lends itself well to the colorful hodge podge of color. Feel free to comment , if you think I have gone over the edge.

Pride in Appearance

Pride in Appearance pastel on archival panel 7x5in.
This white hen has preened her feathers to a glowing white. I am sure she is setting an example for all the other hens in the flock.
I used a Unison panel with an underpainting of pastel brushed in with water.I used Unison and Sennelier pastels . My goal was to have the hen look luminous. All blending was done by layering pastels, no rubbing.

Is That an Ax???????

Is That an Ax???????? pastel on board 7 1/2 X 9 in

If this doesn't bring a smile to your face, nothing will. This is a real life rooster owned by Becca Groves and her family, she was kind enough to share this photo with me and I did my own little things with it. But really, truly, the eyes are are real mc coy.
This is done on Unison pastel board, with no underpainting. Just direct layers of soft pastels, mostly Unison and Sennelier.
 I have been doing more serious work and needed a laugh and a subject with lots of color.
I hope he makes you smile as well.

White and Bright

White and Bright oil on panel 5 x 7 in.
When chickens have the freedom to range feed the develop in every way from muscles to healthy feathers. They will take dust baths and just because of the freedom they have to go where they like their feathers seem to be healthier and whiter, almost reflective of light. 
I used a palette knife to finish the grass and feathers. I begin with a light wash of all the colors after I have drawn  in the chickens and then build up layers of color until I get the effect I want.

No Butts About It

No Butts About It  Oil on linen panel 10 x 6 in.
This rooster, Henry is leading his harem, perhaps astray! I wanted to show early morning light when the chickens are let out of their coup and go off hunting for whatever chickens hunt for.
I wanted this painting to have  the light encouraging you to enter the picture , not just chickens but a scene that can be seen on almost any farm raising chickens.
I began with an underpainting, and then worked from dark to light. There is a delicate light violet on the edge of the bushes and in the grasses. Scumbling helped keep the delicate background gently recede.
As this rooster and his harem hustle off, all we see is BUTTS, No Butts about it!