painting the birdbath...part 2: glorious color!

Here's the color portion of this story...spent a week deliberating if I should have 3 different color schemes/tiers and in the end stuck with it. In the past I would have done a coordinating border like the black and white bones I did in the 'Suite Chicago Dogs' set....but since this is one single piece and that was 4 separate pieces opted to try something different. It might look a little odd here, but wait until you see it with the black outlines painted in....stay tuned!

Actually going home to finish it tonight as I have to deliver to the autobody show in Westmont that is doing the clear coating...wish me luck!

painting the birdbath...part 1: chalk and black paint

The weekend before last, I finally started putting some art on the crazy fiberglass bird bath! I started by drawing on the composition with purple chalk - I had started with a title of "Canines'n Blooms" and a brief color rendering, but couldn't really figure it out until I was working full scale. Chalk is great, easy to erase.

I then went in with black paint and it suddenly started coming to life... 

This is great fun, I know I don't look thrilled here...but I was! ; )

I've captured most of it on video so stay tuned for the high speed painting synapses! Do you like my bike seat laptop video tripod?

And the underside...which few will see, was going to do bones, then all leaves, but settled for the swirl...I think it's a good solution: Almost forgot to show you my rendering...inspired by my 'dog park debacle' series of paintings:

CaninesNblooms

Stay tuned for part 2: color!

...and it won't fit through the studio door!

Drove out to Westmont yesterday to pick up the fiberglass hibiscus bird bath I've been commissioned to paint for the In Bloom Public Art Project on display at Oak Brook Center this summer...I knew it probably would not fit in the truck with the topper. Luckily an angel stepped in and was able to help us hoist it up to the roof and we bungeed it down. Made for a suspenseful ride back into the city on the expressways. Upon arrival at my studio, it came down off the truck easily, but no matter how we angled it, just would not fit through the door! It's currently sitting in my entryway...I had thoughts of painting it out there but am leery of vandalism, so will most likely port it home to my garage to paint. Stay tuned!

Happily Ever After...

VanSluys

This Custom Narrative Commission Print was a gift for newlyweds Katie & Tim. It features their Chicago neighborhood, Lincoln Square, their house, their beloved beagles: Nigel & Zoe, their love of travel and Mini Coopers (he races) and the site of their recent wedding ceremony: the Natural Bridges of Santa Cruz, in California. They received a Gift Certificate and were able to collaborate with me on the design for a most meaningful and vibrant work of art!

Katie & Time came by the studio this afternoon to pick up "Happily Ever After". And on that subject, they are currently fostering Kaylee (see below) a very sweet Beagle here in Chicago that needs a home. Please contact the number below or visit FoundChicago.org if you think you could give this wonderful dog a 'happily ever after', too!

Family Portrait...

The Walter family, from left to right: Tim, Isis, Meredith, Violette & Lee - with their custom family portrait. I had a lot of fun creating this for Lee who surprised Meredith with it, on her birthday. We included all the things they love including a favorite vacation spot, doggie beach, film, music and their beloved adopted pets and adorable daughter, Violette.
This is a ready to hang 20x20 Float Frame Print with a UV protective laminate surface. Let me know if you would like me to create a custom one for you!

Bear...My first Bernese Mountain Dog portrait:

Another sweet dog from the neighborhood...I think Bear may be the largest dog I have created a pet portrait of...definitely my first Bernese! Many more commissions to show you that I've been juggling over the last few months while also doing art fairs around the midwest and several new ones in the works, stay tuned...

Sam..."has superman genes in his DNA"

My clients Jim & Carol commissioned me to do another portrait for their newest member of the family...Sam! Who, I'm told, has quite the a personality "...he is a crazy retriever, a good game of fetch can last hours if you let it, he thinks every toy in the house is his and will pile them up on his bed to prove it, he's the life of the party and isn't afraid to show it, he has superman genes in his dna (can leap tall buildings or sister dogs in a single bound) 6) he's going to be a little too helpful in the garden..." Sounds like lots of fun to me! This is the 4 foot portrait I did a few years ago of their other dogs, Bud, Waldo, Meenie and Ella:

Recent Pet Portraits...Rudy & Murphy

My most recent Pet Portrait subjects, Rudy (Yorkie) and Murphy, live in sunny California.

Murphy is my official portrait of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

If you are thinking of a Pet Portrait for a Mother's Day or Father's Day Gift get your order in soon as my Art Fair Schedule ensues at the end of this month!