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.