Bruno

Well, instead of watching a movie tonight, I spent a couple of hours getting to know Bruno here a little better. He is a handsome German Shepard mix and is looking for a forever home here in Winnipeg. This was from one of the shelters own photos, (they got someone over there who can shoot.) I hope to drop the first two off this week, as I think they will finally be dry enough.

oil on masonite 

 7" x 5 3/4"

Rua Augusto, Lisbon

The Rua Augusto is a very famous pedestrian only street in Lisbon, that is not only notable for it's beautiful 18th century architecture and sculpture, but it's everyday bustling activity. A visitor to this wonderful and historic city would be remiss if they didn't visit this Portuguese treasure. Definitely a highlight of our trip there six years ago, I am very pleased to have completed this painting as a permanent reminder of that fabulous moment in time. 

oil on canvas 

72" x 48"

At The Beach

What a great photo Karin supplied this week. I loved all of the main figures in the photo, so I decided not to crop, but to put 'em all in. I found a very sharp #6 flat brush and as soon as I tried it, I loved it, but knew that it would be extremely hard not to noodle. I guess I ended up somewhere in between. The blues did not come out in this photo, so I'm thinking it's time to visit R. Garriott's blog and get the skinny on a photoshop program. 

 12" x 6" 

 oil on masonite

NFS

Rocky

Here is another poor guy waiting to be adopted. His name is Rocky and he is a Husky mix. Handsome looking devil isn't he? 

 6" x 6" 

oil on masonite

Duke

This is my first painting for Art For Shelter Animals. Duke presently resides at the Winnipeg Humane Society and is looking for a new home. He is a Doberman / Bloodhound cross and definitely has those sad sad eyes. Let's hope he finds a good home. 

6" x 6" 

 oil on masonite

I decided to get involved and donate some paintings to the local animal shelter. I got this terrific idea from visiting Sheila Tajima and Carrie Jacobsen's blogs. These generous ladies have created the Art For Shelter Animals blog and I think it is fantastic. I am posting this painting of a little house horse that I encountered a few weeks ago. He was walking with his owner (I'm not sure if that is the right word here) and looked so magnificent in the morning sunlight, that I couldn't resist taking a photo. I know he isn't looking for a home, but I loved his strength and purpose and perhaps that may symbolize in some way what we are all trying to do here. 

 9" x 12" 

 oil on canvasboard

Made in the USA

Here's my submission for this week's DSFDF. I am really enjoying the diversity of subjects that Karin is giving us. I mean, who is going to go out of their way to paint sushi. There was some great creativity amongst the artists this week, not here though. I just wanted to do something representational in a loosely painted kind of way. 

 8" x 8" oil on masonite ( gesso and acrylic underpainting)

Bad Hair Day

This week's challenge was one of patience and perseverance, and Karin won out ( with her computer issues), and so did a whole bunch of us with our paintings. Computer problems can drive me to drink, say bad words or make me want to practice my axe throwing (at the bad computer). Definitely one of the more frustrating things in modern day life is a malfunctioning or non functioning electronic device. So with that out of the way, I am happy to report that this painting is done. Not one that inspired, but I am glad that I stretched a little here and in the end enjoyed creating something out of ... well, what I thought was nothing. It was one of those do what you think you cannot challenges. Thanks again Karin. 

10" x 8" 

oil on canvas panel