Couch Grouch

Mr. Tuxedo, suddenly awakened from his nap for a photo shoot! 8x10 original oil on panel, $250

There he was, all cozy on the back of the couch, and wham! There's a camera in his face. "Poor guy," my husband would say. He totally identifies with Tux. Hey, it's for art's sake!

All kidding aside, I was interested in creating a limited palette painting using four colors and white. I used Cadmium Orange, Alizarin Crimson, Phthalo Blue and Phthalo Green. It was really fun to see how the colors combined and created a split complementary color scheme.

Snuggly Kittens

"Snuggly Kittens" 5x7 original oil on panel $175

Love is a warm kitten! I couldn't resist these little cuties. I've been going through my photo archives, and these kittens lived with us quite a while ago. I'm thinking, this would be a good image for Valentine's Day (coming soon), so I will be offering greeting cards of this image as soon as the paint dries! It's also perfect for my business, Leggett Portraits "From Heart to Art." OK, don't get me started...

For now, it's back to the easel!

What's Black, White and Green?

"It's T-Bone the Cat" 6x6 original oil on canvas panel. $150.

A cat on the grass, of course! This is T-Bone, another pet of one of my students. I really enjoyed painting his portrait, and making the most contrast between foreground and background by controlling the values. Of course, I also like the challenge of making furry edges.

Thanks to all of you who have made nice comments on my blog. Feel free to share the link if you like any of my paintings. I love this 30 paintings in 30 days group challenge - it's a great variety of subjects and media, and browsing through the blogs is really inspirational. I've learned so much already.

Play With Me?

"Play with Me?" 6x6 original oil on panel $150

Just throw the ball, OK?

I enjoyed painting this shepherd with the strong light contrast. I started the painting as a demo for my art students this morning and finished it in the studio this afternoon. The dog had belonged to one of my students years ago, and she brought the photo in for my challenge.

I really like painting these quick little paintings as often as possible. Every day is a great challenge, but so far I can do three or four a week. Teaching four classes a week may have something to do with it!

Thanks for taking a look - with an artist's eye ...

The Calico Tree

"Calico Tree" 6"x6" original oil on panel $150.

Find a comfortable tree and take a catnap - sounds good to me! I enjoyed painting this relaxing scene, and I actually stayed awake (thanks to a hot cup of tea). I do paint better that way.

Trying new techniques and different color schemes is good exercise. I premixed the colors, although I found I did need more contrast halfway through. I didn't want the kitty to totally disappear in the tree, and the photo reference was all neutral colors. Starting with a big flat brush loaded with lots of paint, I worked from background to foreground, ending up with my small flat, filbert and round. I like Rosemary and Co's Ivory line of brushes.

I'd love to paint your favorite feline or canine in a cute pose (no obligation). Send me a photo!

Cats-in-the-Box

"Ebony and Ivory" 6x8 original oil on canvas panel, $175

These two cuddly kitties look so happy curled up in a box! I enjoyed painting them. It's been a cold day in southern California, so it was nice to curl up with my brushes and paints in my studio, plug the music in my ears, and get to work.

I haven't been keeping up with the painting every day thing very well, but I am learning a lot about my thought process and how I schedule my time. I am seeing where I need improvement - like, put the painting first and the computer second! Right?

Red Bird Dressed Up

"Red Bird" 6x6 oil on panel $150

There's a party somewhere, and Red Bird is ready! He thought of some good one-liners, but he's decided to wing it. Actually, this guy lives at the San Diego Zoo in the aviary where people can walk in to the cage and the birds can watch them. What do you think he's really thinking?

I'm way behind on the 30 day challenge. It's called a challenge for a good reason. My mind writes checks my body can't cash sometimes! You know what I mean. Anyway, I'm still having fun with it and learning a lot about preparation and persistence. Good stuff!

I've got some more cats and dogs lined up, so stay tuned... and if you email me a great pic of your favorite feline or charismatic canine, I'll paint it! Our cats are tired of posing, and we are dogless now.

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"Red Bird" 6x6 oil on panel $150.00

#6 of 30: Marmalade Cat

"Marmalade Cat" 5x7 oil on panel $150

This orange tabby cat used to hang out in our yard and harass the dogs. Caused all kinds of ruckus. He lived down the street, but roamed the neighborhood looking for trouble. Sure is a pretty kitty, though.

I enjoy painting textures. The grass was done with a painting knife, and the cat with bristle brushes. Just for fun!

Gotta Love a Mutt

This is Gunner, who belongs to my grand-niece. I had mentioned on a previous post that people could send me a picture of their pet, so she took me up on it! She and her husband think he is a Queensland heeler and a Texas cattle dog. Whatever. He's just darn cute!

I will be uploading my paintings to my websites after they dry and can be properly photographed. But for now, it's back to the easel!

Day 3: It's a Dog Day!

This beautiful Belgian Sheepdog was resting in the sunshine at Huntington Beach Central Park, so I shot him. With my camera! It was fun to paint this little 6x6 panel, which I started as a demo for my Friday morning art class, and finished later in my studio.

Hey, if you have the most beautiful dog or cat in the world, send me your pic for the 30 day challenge. I may just paint your fuzzy friend for the fun of it!

Day 2 - The Challenge Continues

"Model in Fur Coat" was my challenge for today. My cat, Mr. Tuxedo, is getting pretty good at posing. For a minute or two. Good thing my husband has a Nikon handy! This is an oil painting on a 6x8 Raymar canvas panel.

While you're here, please subscribe to my blog. Mr. Tux needs a bigger audience!

Thirty Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

+Leslie Saeta has challenged artists to paint every day in January (except New Year's Day). So here's my first painting hot off the easel this morning! I call it "Cat Eyes" today, but if any of you have a better name, I'd love to hear it! Just in case you are as curious as a cat to know all the details, I painted it in oil on a 6x6 board.

I am so excited to take this challenge! It is very easy to put other tasks ahead of painting and never get around to it by the end of the day. I'm glad to have good company in my quest for consistent production. After all, 2013 is going to be my best year yet! 

I've been painting animals recently, and I will continue that trend with this challenge, although there will be some  deviations here and there. Stay tuned!