Two Green Barns
This is the first picture I have been happy with after about 15 to 20 attempts. But I usually enjoy a painting session despite not having anything to show for it. I make a lot of gorgeous messes. This scene is one of my favorite places to walk—Mill Creek park in Dexter. Melissa and I have been plein air painting, although this one was done completely in the studio from a photo.
Grover & Eddie 8
A few years ago, Melissa and I walked our dog Grover on the beach with our friends' dogs. Grover was the smallest and was the guest and we were a bit anxious about how he would get along with the others. Crazy dog play ensued with Grover being the main instigator. I took many images and have a great set of photos from which to draw on for inspiration for many more paintings. Plus, I have my memories of that exhilarating hike along the shore of Lake Michigan on a windy summer evening.
Grover & Eddie 11
Grover, Lilly Lou & Eddie 4
Doodle Rex 4
My daughter, Natalie, took a very regal photo of our dog Grover and I felt moved to make my own portrait of the royal dog. So here it is—Doodle Rex. In two color schemes.
Doodle Rex 7
In the past, I have seen color as the most important part of a painting and I usually use a full palette of color. In these Doodle Rex paintings I experimented with a more limited palette. I think it helps emphasize the other aspects of the painting, such as the brush drawing and composition.