DUCK HUNTING MEMORIES

This is the finished 11X14 graphite drawing that was started last week. I had a lot of fun doing this drawing. It brought back a lot of hunting memories for me. I had so much fun that I've decided to do a series of drawings with duck hunting as the theme.

Keep watching in the days ahead for the next in the series. I hope they bring back memories for you also, whether you are a hunter or your parents or grandparents used to hunt.

I remember my dad's den filled with the smell of gun oil, boots drying in the corner and pipe tobacco smoke.

Till next time....keep your powder dry.

ON THE DRAWING BOARD

I am trying something a little different for me. This is a rough sketch of a still life drawing I am just starting today. I have included the original photo that I am working from also. The items in the photo are some of my collection of duck hunting memorabilia. The wooden duck calls were purchased for me by my wife. The call on top of the book and the one lying sideways were purchased in an antique shop in Missouri. The other is newer, but was also a gift from my wife and kids. The box of shells I bought at an antique show. The shotgun shells are paper as compared to the plastic shells we use now. Plastic is much easier to keep dry!!

The book I bought at a Half Price Book store. It is the classic "American Duck Shooting" by George "Bird" Grinnell. This is a first edition from 1901.

Keep checking back to see how it turns out!!!

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE

I picked my 15-year old son up from his last "two a day" practice this Friday. He was covered in sweat and happy to have survived another pre-season work out. He had his game jersey and pads with him so I told him to try them on. I couldn't resist taking a photo after seeing how the sun reflected off the black jersey.

This 11X14 drawing was done in a day or approximately 5-hours. I think the light reflecting off the jersey worked really well and if you look on his sleeve you can see the "hawk" emblem. I know it looks like an eagle to me too, but they claim it's a hawk.

I will be doing a drawing of my daughter who is a senior this year. She is a captain of the color guard squad. I just have to catch her before they perform.

If you are interested in a portrait like this; graphite, head and shoulder pose on 11X14 Stone Henge paper, they can be commissioned for $75.00. Just send me a comment or e-mail me at prairiecreekart@aol.com

FROM THE SKETCH BOOK

This is a sketch that I made from a photo taken a year or two ago. This is our great nephew playing with one of his grandpa's labrador puppies.

I am currently working on an acrylic painting (16X20) of the sketch. I think it will turn out nice. I will show the painting on this blog when it is complete.

What is more Americana than kids and puppies?

FROM THE SKETCH BOOK

From the Sketch Book is a new feature to this blog. I will share actual sketches from one of my sketch books that contributed to or actually became a painting.

This first sketch is a labrador retriever puppy with a mallard duck decoy. This became a watercolor painting and then our family Christmas card several years ago.

Our family loves dogs and labradors are one of our favorite breeds. We have two as pets and my brother-in-law breeds, raises and shows champion labs.

I also love to duck hunt, so this became a natural choice for our Christmas card. I hope this feature becomes a favorite. I look forward to comments.

North Woods

Here is the finished acrylic painting (24X18) of the moose cow and her calf. This was somewhat of an experimental painting for me. The background of pines and reflection in the water were my challenge.

The painting is a bit faded in the middle due to my poor photography skills. I am happy with the end product and learned a lot from the experience.

teenage attitude

Anyone who has a teenager can probably relate to a little bit of attitude! This is a portrait I completed of my daughter when she was about14 year old.

We were at my sons baseball tournament and she decided we had been there long enough. By her gaze you can tell she wasn't happy with the choices she was given.

I'd like to say she no longer gives me this look but......

Graphite Drawing

This is a graphite drawing of a labrador retriever with a semi-detailed background of a marsh. The work is 14X11 on Stonehenge paper. I like the intensity in the eyes. It makes me eager for fall and waterfowl season.

Work in Progress

This acrylic painting of a cow moose and her calf is still in progress. I have most of the colors blocked in and will now work on ading more detail.

Keep checking back to see how it progresses.

Yellowstone elk

This painting is from a photo we took while on vacation at Yellowstone National Park several years ago. It wasn't very far off the road, but one bull was resting while the other fed as onlookers took their photos.

This painting is an 8X10 acrylic and is one of my first attempts. I have approximatley six previous acrylic paintings.