Block In -Scarlet Tanagers

I have spent today, blocking in the new bird painting.  Needed to let the Indian painting sit for a day or two.  I like to let my paintings percolate in my mind a bit before proceeding.  It often results in seeing mistakes before they become impossible to fix. 

Current Work- Shawnee War Party

Something I am currently working on, in addition to a new bird painting. This is the blocking in stage. 

Next Bird Painting, Scarlet Tanager Family

Family Tree, Eagles

The eagles project is finished.  It measures 24" x 30", oil on linen and is titled, "Family Tree, Eagles".  The original drawing, also 24 x 30 is now for sale on my website store, www.lindalawlerart.com.  The painting is not for sale at this time, I will be offering prints in the near future.

Carl Brenders, My Inspiration

Well, I have had the eagles painting in the living room with me so that I can critique myself for about 7 days now.  I saw one or two areas I thought I might work on, but was pretty sure I was near done.  Then I decided to look at my beautiful book on the wildlife artist Carl Brenders.  He has been my inspiration for years when it comes to wildlife art.  Crap, I am nowhere near done, if I want to do my very best and even come near being a great wildlife artist.  So, onward I go...... photos coming soon.

Eagles Near Finish

I am now heading into the home stretch on this painting.  Details and more details to do before I call it finished.  Unfortunately, I will be out of the studio for extended periods of time, due to a coworker leaving the museum which means more work days for me. 

Eaglets and Eggshells

Now the fun has begun.....details.  Oh how I love details.  Painted an entire morning on the eggshell and fussed with the eaglets for half an hour today.  I am really obsessed with making them look fuzzy.  I still am not happy with them.  More to come.

Eagle's Head

I have now gotten around to painting in some detail.  Already I can see an end in sight...but, after putting this image on the computer screen, I see adjustments to make. Such is my OCD nature.

Eagles Project Update

I have gotten a few more hours in the studio and here is the progress on the eagles project.  I have started to actually paint the leaves on the tree, no detail in them yet.  I worked a lot lately on laying in more of the tangle of branches.  It amazes me how long it is taking to lay in these branches with just an initial layer of color.  I am having to really think about whether or not the arrangement makes sense with regard to the construction of the nest.  Again, I am not terribly concerned with detail, simply trying to find the correct forms, shadows and values.

Eagles Project Progress

I am still laying in the initial layer.  Checking it against the drawing as I go.  Making sure the shadows and lights are correct and not worrying about the details at this stage.  Unfortunately I am not getting much studio time these days.  That should change shortly.

Eagles Project Proceeds

I have transferred my drawing to the linen canvas and began the actual laying in of the painting.  I am on day three of the painting process and once I have it entirely laid in, I will post a shot of it. 

It Wasn't Done After All

I put up the last image that I thought was done, on a critique site with fellow students from SmArt School.  Here is the image now that I have made several changes which resulted from fresh eyes seeing my art and spotting some awkward areas and mistakes to change.  I love this drawing.  I have never spent this much time working on the initial stage of drawing for a planned painting.  I think it has really paid off.

Stick a Fork in It

As my husband says, Stick a fork in it, it's Done.   Now having said that, I see two more places that need attention.....shadows cast by the momma eagle and grassy nest area on the left.  Other than that, I am pretty happy with this drawing.  I have used three graphite pencils, numbers 2H, 2B, and 3B as well as a white charcoal pencil.  I am now ready to transfer this drawing to a 24 x 30 stretched linen surface.  (I hate this part)

Slow Art vs Fast Art

Here is another afternoons worth of progress on my eagles project.  As you can see, I take a lot of time when I do a drawing for a large piece of art.  Yes, I am slow and methodical.  And yes, I am going to charge a lot of money for the finished art.  I recently overheard an artist telling a prospective client that they work very fast, and can do several paintings a day.  This artist also told the client that they sell every thing they paint.  I was a bit put off by these comments....I wonder if Da Vinci  or Michelangelo would have been put off also?  I understand that they took years to complete some of their greatest artworks.  I do know this, for me, artmaking is enjoyable and I don't want the process to be fast, I want to savor it.  I want my art to be the very best that it can possibly be, even if I have to start it over several times to get it right.  I also, could care less if I sell every piece I paint, and I will not sell my artworks for ridiculously low prices, just to make a sale.  This is called Integrity. 

Eagle Project Progress

Today's progress.  I noticed immediately after posting the previous days work, that the two branches in the upper left were very small and frail looking which made me feel the whole thing was too delicate and not stout enough to hold an eagle's nest.  I have increased their thickness and now it reads as a very substantial tree.  The entire time I worked on the branches and nest sticks, I am keenly aware of where my lightsource is coming from.  I am trying to keep shadows running in the correct direction.  It really helps that I have some very good reference photos of the nest and birds. I can draw without worry, since the lightsource is the same throughout the references. 

Eagle Project Progress

I started this drawing of eagles, 24" x 30", and this is about two days of work.  Its on a tan toned paper and I did not realize just how intricate and tedious my idea was.  But, I am thoroughly engrossed in this project and loving every second.

Studio Cat Growing Up

Willa is now about 5 months old and a month with us.  She is total energy, chaos, and fun.

Parklane Gallery 24th Annual International Juried Miniature Show

I am so excited and honored that Parklane Gallery in Kirkland Washington, has chosen my little miniature, Deuce - Looking Back, to feature on their show promotionals and advertising for the 24th Annual International Juried Miniature Show.  Just take a look at http://parklanegallery.zenfolio.com/2016miniatures/e76dbcd8e  or go to www.gallery@parklanegallery.org
You can also see additional paintings of this Doberman, like the one below, on my homepage at www.lindalawlerart.com

New Art Muse

This is Willa, named for the author, Willa Cather who was born here in Gore VA.  Willa is just four months old and is a birthday gift from my husband.  She will be in my studio to inspire me with her kitten antics. 

Snowstorm Jonas

This is a perfect kind of day for making art.....snowed in and nothing else to do but make art.  That's our car and four foot tall fence from my studio window.   Our last measurement was 35 inches of snow.  And Still Snowing!!!!

Free At Last

Well, my husband has returned to work today.  As Mr. King said, Free at Last, Free at Last.   I am now getting back into the studio routine today.  Cleaning out some clutter, replacing light bulbs, and turning on the little heater.  Things got a bit messy, the classes had me in such a rush to finish up before the husbands surgery and I just did not bother with my usual OCD neat and tidy work behavior.  Also, used my studio space to store plants that needed overwintering, porch furniture and garbage bags headed to the landfill.  We discovered that bears and raccoons love it when we leave our trash outside the garage.  I am nursing a very painful neck and shoulder problem, headed to the doctor this afternoon and find out what's up with that.  Till then, I am headed into the studio for some much needed Art Therapy.