Mad Hatter Drawing

It's good to change the pace up a bit so I took a minnie break from the critter project. Changing gears helps to keep the creative juices following. I'm a big fan of the Alice in Wonderland story. The new upcoming movie is creating a lot of excitement for fans of this fairytale. I am definitely among those who are looking forward to the new movie. With that being said, I got inspired to create my version of the Mad Hatter character. I think I did a reasonable job of creeping him out. This is a 9 x 12 inch drawing on Bristol done in pigment ink markers and pens.

Do you have a favorite character in Alice in Wonderland? I would love to know what you think and what character I might be challenged to try.

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Henry 10

Henry is the rooster in my flock of 13 chickens pictured with 2 hens. I raised the birds from day old chicks. Henry and the Hens is a 8 x 10 acrylic painting on unframed canvas and is available for sale at my website. I would love to see more pets for this art project. You can forward your pet photos to me at SunfluerDesigns@Yahoo.com

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Art Journal

While the underpainting of the new pet portrait is drying, I made an art journal. This is a project I've been wanting to do for a while. I know I can just go buy a sketch book for journaling but why do that when I can make one with the materials I have on hand. Plus it's fun to do. I gathered up some very nice heavy card stock and cut it to size. Cut up sheets of sketch paper and put together this book. I now have a unique journal to record my art ideas.

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Aspen 9, 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days

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Aspen is the 9th painting in the pet portrait series. He is a sweet, Dudley Yellow Lab in his party hat. Dudley's have the distinct pink nose. My Lab, Moon has a "winter" nose. The nose has a pinker hue to it during the cold weather months.

Every animal is an individual. In these likeness paintings, without personally knowing each pet, I try to pick up on the individual characteristics that sets them apart from the rest.

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Sirius 8, 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days

This is one of my pets, Sirius the German Shepherd dog. I decided to do this portrait in an expressive or painterly style. I like this style of painting because it's so liberating. The painting is done on a 16 x 18 inch canvas using acrylic paint.

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Slinkie 7, 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days

Here is Slinkie a very cute and unusal looking Dachshund dog. I choose this particular dog because the eyes are so big and different. It's the largest eyes I've seen on a dog. I thought, Slinkie would be an excellent subject and fun to paint.

I have to say, I'm not 100% pleased with the completed painting. I thought about re-working it a bit but decided aganist it for concern I would overwork the painting. At some point, I may take another shot with a new painting. For now, it will be put on the back burner and I will move forward with another pet portrait.

Slinkie is available for sale at my website.

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Scout 6, 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days

Scout 6 is a cute English Bulldog puppy. I must say I fancy this breed. They are just so cute. Although, I love dogs and animals for that matter. As with all the portraits, I enjoyed making this likeness rendering of Scout.

Creating these portraits within an established schedule is pushing me out of my otherwise leisurely comfort zone. It is proving to be a very good exercise and helping me become a daily painter.

What do you think of this project so far? I love to receive comments and questions. Thanks to everyone for submitting their pet photos and participating. I continue to accept photos so please keep them coming.

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Duke 5, 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days

Here is Duke, the yellow lab in all of his splendor. I painted a 9 x 12 inch acrylic likeness portrait of Duke. I used artistic license by making a red background. I love the way red makes the pale yellow "pop".

Painting a light colored coat has it's challenges blending the light and dark colors. I worked on showing the subtle shade differences in the coat and the skin folds in this Lab's body. You can see by the photo I referenced he's a very healthy boy.

Duke is available for sale at my website. I also make great practial products from the paintings at my Zazzle store.

I am accepting pet photo submissions. Information about the project and submitting your photos can be found here.

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Zoe is Oreo

I find out yesterday from "Zoe's" human that her name is actually Oreo. Oreo comes from a multi-pet home and so I guess I confused the name. Actually, upon very close inspection, it's very clear how well the name Oreo fits her/him. Zoe is a very nice name also.

I'm getting ready to make painting #5 so please be on the look out for it - and hopefully, I get the name right :) Blush.

Pet photo submissions are still being accepted and I would love to see other pets: horses, pigs, chickens, birds, etc. I love them all! So, let your family and friends know about this project. There is no obligation whatsoever to participate. Anyone can choose to purchase the original painting and I'm making the images available on products in my Zazzle store It's a nice way to have a keepsake momento of your pet or favorite breed and/or animal.

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Zoe 4, 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days

Here is Zoe 4, the fourth painting in the 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days self imposed art project. Zoe was challenging to paint due to all of her lovely markings and color variations in the coat. I am very pleased with this likeness rendering of Zoe. And, my aim in this project is to achieve a likeness of my study.

I referenced a photo submitted by Zoe's human to create this painting and think I did this sweet girl justice in the painting. When I create a painting, I dive right in. I do not sketch the work out. Instead I create a background with my paint and make a general outline of my subject. I then move in to bring my subject to "life" on the canvas. The early stages of the work can be a little frustrating because it takes a bit of work with layers of paint for the subject to begin shinning through. When I'm finally satisfied with the outline, I then work in the details.

I realize my approach is unconventional and loose but this is what comfortable for me. I enjoy working outside of the box.

I welcome comments so please consider leaving some of your thoughts and/or questions here on this blog. Thanks for visiting and participating in this project.

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Cooper 3, 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days

Cooper 3 is the third painting in the 30 Pet Portraits in 60 Days series. He is a beautiful chocolate Labrador Retriever. I'm enjoying the pet portrait series. It is helping me to learn with each and every painting just little bit more about my creative self and hone in on my style. The process is a welcomed challenge for me as I am a self taught artist.

This painting is available for sale. In addition, I'm making these pet portraits available on practical gift items at my Zazzle shop.

I continue to seek pet photo submissions. Please let your family and friends with pets know about this special project. Thanks to everyone who have submitted photos.

www.OffTheCuffArt.com
www.BarbaraGiordanoArt.Etsy.com
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www.Zazzle.com/Sunfluer
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