Number 28 - Cardinal

Cardinal, 10x8, Oil on Hardboard

I've always been fascinated by birds. I think it's something my mother gifted me with as she's always enjoyed watching birds and building bird feeders so that she can watch them all the time. One of her favorite birds is the cardinal. She also likes bluejays, robins, wrens, finches, and hummingbirds. But I decided this painting was going to be a cardinal.

I experimented with the background and environment surrounding the main subject in this one. I wanted to give a sense of 'planes' and distance. You'll notice that the closer twigs and branches are more clearly defined than the background branches, which are softer and bring out the cardinal more, making it pop. It turned out to be an effect that I like and will probably continue using in future paintings.

Thank you for stopping by and looking at the Cardinal. I hope you've enjoyed looking at it as much as I enjoyed painting it!

Number 29 - Well, Hello There!

Well Hello There, 10x8, Oil on Hardboard

I've really enjoyed painting the kittens and dogs, so I decided to broaden my horizons and try something new. Here is a beautiful Mute Swan taking a drink and seemingly reflecting on its reflection. I've been exploring water and water effects for a little while and really enjoyed painting this one with all the colors that popped out at me.

One thing that this painting reminded me of was that throughout the process of painting my first 100 paintings, I've been seeing something new each time I look at anything. It seems that in the process of painting I've unlocked the gift of observation. I don't just see what my mind is telling me is there, but a whole world more! I see colors in things that I've never noticed, the way light plays with EVERYTHING, and how something can look totally different depending on your perspective at any specific moment.

I wonder if this swan has seen its reflection before but just hasn't noticed it for what it is...

Thank you for stopping by and looking at 'Well, Hello There'.

Enjoy!!!

Number 30 - Kitten

Kitten, 8x6, Oil on Hardboard

I enjoyed painting the last kitten so much that I thought I'd take a shot at another! I really liked the coolish colors of this one - the blue and the whites and light colors work very well with each other and make everything come together.

I appreciate you stopping by and taking a look at the Kitten! Enjoy!

Number 31 - Paradise

Paradise, 8x10, Oil on Hardboard

Painted this one from a reference photo of our trip to the beautiful country of Jamaica. As I'm posting this, it's 23 degrees, windy, and there's a thin but dangerous layer of ice covering everything! Winter's back and I sure wish I was back in Jamaica!

Thanks for stopping by to look at Paradise!

Number 32 - My Pumpkin

My Pumpkin, 8x8, Oil on Hardboard

Well, I couldn't really do a dog and not a cat, now could I? When Jen challenged me to paint animals, I just had to paint a cat, too!

And what a coincidence, the Daily Paintworks weekly challenge was Paint Your Pumpkin! So, I got to put a kitten with a pumpkin, prove to Jen that I can really paint animals, AND I got another Halloween painting in! What a weekend!

Thanks for stopping by and looking at My Pumpkin!

Enjoy!!!

Number 33 - Bailey

Bailey, 8x8, Oil on Hardboard

This is a 'critter portrait' of one of our dogs, Bailey. She's only ten months old and gets in her fair share of predicaments, mostly of the trouble variety, but she's just so loveable and curious! This is her 'whatcha doin'?' look.

Jen challenged me to do an animal painting, so here it is!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look at Bailey. Enjoy!!

Number 34 - Puppy Power

Puppy Power, 6x6, Graphite on Hardboard

Sometimes the power of a dog's love can move mountains - not to mention me. I did this little piece to try something new. Well, it started out with the intention of actually putting paint to the surface, but I didn't really get that far. It just looked right the way it is...

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look!

Enjoy Puppy Power!

Number 35 - Pink Tail

Pink Tail, 8x8, Oil on Hardboard

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I work for one of the world's largest airlines that supports this great cause, I decided to paint this one.

By the way, I can't really say which airline I work for. But I'm sure you can figure it out...  ;-)

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look at the Pink Tail. Enjoy!

Number 36 - Jamaican Clouds

Jamaican Clouds, 6x8, Oil on Hardboard

I did this little painting from some pictures that Jen and I took while on vacation in Jamaica. I really like how the clouds in that part of the world just pop up in little 'towers' and keep going straight up.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the Jamaican Clouds!

Enjoy!

Number 39 - A Wedding Toast

A Wedding Toast, 10x8, Oil on Gessoboard

OK, it's now ready for prime time! I kept this one hush-hush because I painted it as a gift for a very dear friend that got married yesterday, October 8th, and didn't want her to see it beforehand.

If you think it looks familiar, well, Cuvee Rouge and a Rose was painted as a reference for this one!

Congratulations, Helen and Kirk! I wish you the best in your life together and many happy memories to you both!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look! I hope you enjoy my Wedding Toast.