Commission piece just finished of Charlie, who was a very loved and missed companion. A great looking dog who appears to have had tons of energy and personality which I hope can be felt with this portrait. oil on board  

oil on board

12" x 9"

Hommage To Nicolai Fechin

Theia

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This little Crested Chinese pup makes me think...when Cruella met Cyndi...ha!  I saw her and her owner at the E.St. Paul dog show in September and had to do a painting.  Another breed I was not familir with, and let's face it you don't see these being walked down the street every day.  I thought this would go nicely with an 8" x 10" collection I've started with Tor-Arne's chicken and  the rooster.  It will be mounted on top of the frame as are the others.

oil on board

Hnatiuk Gardens

This a group portrait of the fine folks from Hnatiuk Gradens as they man their booth at the E. St. Paul Market every summer Sunday afternoon.  Theirs is certainly one of the busiest stands as their veggies are all home grown and beautiful and delicious.  

oil on board

9" x 12"

Ad For My First Workshop

 

I feel honoured and excited to give this new challenge a go.  Thank you to Artist Emporium for having the confidence to offer these sessions.  

Bosch

 

Bosch is another champion show dog which I was privileged to paint as a result of visiting the two September dog shows.  He is a Canadian CKC and American AKC champion Cavalier King Charles spaniel. And if that isn't enough, he is a certified therapy dog specializing in memory care patients. What a sweet and soft furry dude he is.  I loved the challenge of all those strands blowing in the wind, and was thrilled that the owners loved the painting.

oil on board

12" x 9"

Goldie

I photographed these beautiful koi in a friend's pond where he raises and breeds them.  This was an experiment with water soluble oils which I am encouraged with.  I plan on doing some plein air work out of the country using this medium as we are not allowed to fly with solvents.  As is the case with pretty much everything,  practise makes...better.

water soluble oil on board

12" x 9"

sold

Mrs. Maisel

I met Mrs. Maisel at the September dog show in E. St. Paul, and was instantly drawn to her.  She just exuded a certain amount of cool, and did come away with a ribbon the next day.  Bull terriers are an either you love 'em or don't care for the look type of breed.  I think she is definitely amazing.  I love trying new techniques and am a huge Francois Bard fan.  So I incorporated some of his beautiful background ideas, and mixed some liquin with walnut oil to create those delicious yellow ochre drip lines.  

If you are considering a commission painting for Christmas giving, now would be a good time to start the process.  It needs time to paint and time to dry.  Just email me at the above address.  This piece was $395 framed.

oil on board

12" x 9"

 

Show Time

I visited  a dog show for the first time beginning of the month which happened to be held almost in my back yard.  I took a few photos, then went back to my studio and sketched out this composition with the view to returning the next day to work on it plein air, which I did as the show was a four day event.  It was so much fun meeting and chatting with some great people including Nancy who recognized herself and her dog and asked to purchase the piece.  I had some great overall interest and hope to do some more commissions in addition to one other that I am currently working on.  I saw some dog breeds which I had never heard of including three in this very painting.  The dogs are so well cared for, presented and truly loved by their owners who take enormous pride in them.  As they should.  Hoping to get to another show next week and meet up with some of the folks from this last one.

oil on canvas board

9" x 12" 

On The Rocks

Framed and ready to go, I love doing these koi fish paintings with their gorgeous colours and movement. This composition came out of my head and developed with not too many speed bumps which is nice.  I built the frame which sits under the frame giving it a very contemporary look. 

Oil on canvas

30" x 30"     35 1/2" x 35 1/2" with frame

Combover

I snapped this fellow in Sayulita last Feb. and thought he might look good next to Tor-Arne's chicken.  I loved his beautiful colours and that jaunty comb over his eye look.

10" x 8"

oil on board

Toby

This painting of Toby is a commission for Tanya and family who lost their beloved companion a few weeks ago. My granddaughters knew him and loved him as well.  They attended daycare there and now go after school.  I met him myself a few times and he was a gentle friendly sort of guy.  Not the best photo.

oil on board

12" x 9"

Ay Chihuahua

This little guy sure has it going on with his tie and tongue hanging out the side.  Used a little different technique on this smaller surface with just a rough pencil sketch underneath.  I usually do a fairly detailed charcoal or paint sketch, but I liked developing the likeness with colours, lights and darks in a looser manner.  I think a better overall result.

oil on board

5" x 4"

Shane's 69' El Camino

This commission was a blast to paint in that the background is taken from a 16" model artfully constructed by Shane's uncle.   His uncle was also restoring the real car, and modifying it prior to his passing.  So here we have an image of a life sized car sitting inside a model of an old time garage.

oil on birch panel

18" x 24"

Elliot

Just completed commission of this little cutie named Elliot.  Lots of fun and challenge with all those curls, but who wants easy right...ha?  Unfortunately he is sorely missed by his humans and hopefully this brings them some happy memories.

oil on board

12"x 9"

Summer Blues

Completed landscape was a long journey, but I am very pleased with the result.  It had many variations until I finally felt this one evolve, with the clues for the composition being right there in front of me all the time.  Never stop trying and trust in the process is the best advice I can offer anyone.  This piece is quite a show stopper in real life with it's larger than average scale.

48" x 96"

Koi School...framed

I just delivered and installed this latest painting in the new owners home.  Couldn't be happier with the way it transforms their room and how the frame I made matches all their black accessories from the kitchen faucet to the squared off black matte drawer pulls.  The canvas is mounted on top of the frame which gives the piece a very contemporary look in my opinion.  I decided to stand beside it to give an idea of the size.  They loved the painting which is all that matters.

Deklan's Cat

Dekan's Cat was a commission just completed.  I was supplied with several photos that didn't have that something extra until I cropped this one, and instantly loved the paving stone design for the background.  Also the cat is looking off at something which raises a question for the viewer.

oil on board

12" x 9"

My 15 Minutes

I am humbled and truly grateful for the wonderful article written by Brandi Johnson.  She is an aspiring author.  And check out Becky Fleury's amazing award winning photography.

My Studio

This is my sanctuary where it all happens...if I'm lucky.  Just put the finishing touches on the big one in the back and the cat.  I'm still playing with the abstract but getting close.  Another commission is shaping up off to the side out of the frame, but will be posted soon.  

Pool School

I just did a glaze on this earlier painting, varnished and framed it, so it is now available and looking very vibrant.  I love the calming effect of koi on a larger scale.

36" x 72"

oil on canvas

Sightseeing In Tuscany

This is a new posting showing the frame I just completed.  This started as a landscape, but I found it boring so decided to add this young couple who I photographed in another location. I suspect they were probably on their honeymoon at the time.

48" x 72"

oil on canvas

Molly

The owners just said goodbye to this beautiful pup and here she was playing fetch with a potato. Love the two different coloured eyes. Commission piece gifted by a good friend.

8"x 8"

oil on canvas board

Koi School

This new painting is available and just awaiting a new frame which I will make in the next week or two after it dries.  Just know that it has a ton more lovely subtle details and vibrancy in real life.  I am using an iphone 13pro max which does not take great pictures of paintings.  I need photography lessons for sure, and a new battery for my Canon.

oil on canvas

40" x 48"

Dave

 Friend Dave prior to a Tuesday afternoon spin class.

Parker

Quick sketch of a young woman from my gym after a one hour spin class.  Trying to sketch more...it is a habit one should strive to to create.

Pencil on paper

6" x 10"

NFS

Blondie

This is my friend Mark's pride and joy, and I was happy to paint this little portrait of her as a birthday present.

oil on board

8"x 6"

Betty

This portrait commission for her son was created using about three reference photos and hopefully suggests her strength and kind soul. It is always an anxious time when paintings are unveiled, and a great relief if they are loved as was the case here. I really enjoy the challenge whether it be an animal or a human to capture their spirit and personality, and of course a good likeness.

12" x 9"

oil on board

Tor-Arne's Chicken

I borrowed this composition from Norwegian artist Tor-Arne Moen whose work I greatly admire. I  changed it to make it my own not wanting to copy another artists work, but this may be too close...don't know.  May be hearing from Tor-Arne's solicitors shortly...ha!  Hope not because I really love this man's work and want to learn as much as I can from his effortless technique.  He is very generous with his videos, and does make it look way easier than it is...a true master.

10" x 8"

oil on board

Eva's Chicken

This little study is for friend Eva in Puerto Vallarta who raises chickens on her egg farm.  Now hanging in her kitchen, it did not require a frame as it is on 1/2" thick MDF with the sides finished.

10" x 8"

oil on board

Krueger

Pugs have a face that only a mother could love, but millions adore them nonetheless.  It's the soulful eyes. My own daughter rescued one, and Duchy became the apple of her eye.  This little tyke, I call him "Freddy" looks to have quite the attitude kitted out with a dapper little bowtie. He was a challenge, but thanks to his other mom I was supplied with this pose which we instantly adopted. 

oil on board

12" x 9"

Rex and Daisy Rose

Another commission piece framed and delivered.  This is a Christmas gift for a couple that look after my clients dog from time to time.  What a generous gift. I love the vibrant greens in the grass and may use this image on my next business card.  Not to mention that they are a couple of good looking dogs.

oil on board

12" x 9"

Checking On The Neighbours

It's been a very busy fall with commissions and this is the latest.  The client was very happy and is anxious to present it as a gift...love making more than one person happy.  Horses are a challenge, but fun to work on even though, and these three were no exception.  I loved the way the sunlight was hitting them.  

oil on board

14" x 18"

Silver Bay Sunset

Amazing sunset on Silver Bay, Lake Manitoba.  During the day if the lake is a bit calm and it's sunny, the water shines like diamonds. It is a spectacular sight for sure, and then it ends like this.  With a few friends and a nice fire it doesn't get any better.

oil on board 

9"x 12"

Sadie and Layla

Just completed a commission of these two lovely girls.  Burmese have the most delicious colouring don't they?  Photo doesn't do the painting justice, but you get the idea.

oil on board

9" x 12"