The things I do with my hands....

Back to school...

2014-03-14T16:28:00.002-06:00

Back in the fall of 2012, I decided to go back to college. I enrolled in a local community college, and spent the last year and a half getting better than anticipated grades. I have recently been accepted to attend The School of Art and Design at The University of Northern Colorado, and I can't wait.

2012-07-02T18:26:00.001-06:00

So, I decided to bite the bullet and go back to college....I completed my first semester with excellent grades. I will have to post some of my WIP photos that I posted on my FB page for C&C.

WIP: AA Horseback

2010-10-14T09:12:00.000-06:00

I think I am finished with my rough sketch, and ready to proceed with the painting. The reference photo was submitted by a member of the online medieval arms and armour forum, the Armour Archive.

Dry Spell......

2010-09-29T12:25:00.000-06:00

So, since my return from vacation, where weather prohibited me from doing any of the Plein Aire painting I had planned....pout. So now, I am experiencing a drought of inspiration, and I thought I might search some other venues for that inspiration. I would like to attempt a series of paintings depicting various armours from throughout history, if I can find photos that I like. I am more than a little interested things medieval, and am prone to fits of recreation, and involvement in the Society for Creative Anachronisms.

WIP: Big Bird....wild hairdo. Finished

2010-09-17T07:07:00.000-06:00

This is where I am going to leave this one. I have submitted it for C&C on the wetcanvas.com site, and can't wait for some feedback. This was done on Canson 11X15 140lb cold press, with W&N paints.

WIP: Big Bird....wild hairdo

2010-09-15T19:48:00.000-06:00

Working on this as part of the September Watercolour Challenge on Wetcanvas.com. I haven't played much with masking, so this has been an experience.

WIP: Moose, moose, oh I likes a moose...

2010-08-28T04:53:00.000-06:00

Is it finished? I dunno. I keep thinking that perhaps I need to have a branch protruding from the chest area of the moose.....but I don't want to overdo it. The balance seems to work the way it is, but I tend to overthink and then overdo.......GAH!

WIP: Moose, moose, oh I likes a moose.....

2010-08-25T17:24:00.002-06:00

Not sure where I'm going with this one, so I'm playing with it a bit.

WIP: Moose, moose, oh I likes a moose....

2010-08-24T15:50:00.000-06:00

Laying in the branches with the brush is scary......and I must admit to being horribly dissapointed in the paper I am using on this project. If you look close, the moose actually looks hairy......not brushwork, just the paper "pilling". <Grumble> I went out and and used a 40% off coupon at Michael's to purchase a three pack of Arches, just in case I decide to completely scrap this attempt.

WIP: Moose, moose, oh I likes a moose.....

2010-08-24T15:44:00.000-06:00

So, I have started another painting, but this one is going to be a straight up watercolour. I am attempting to do this one with a more "loose" hand, and am painting , much of the background without laying a groundwork of pencil sketch.

WIP: Black Capped Chickadee

2010-08-19T16:37:00.000-06:00

Finished, matted and framed........

WIP: Black Capped Chickadee

2010-08-17T16:22:00.001-06:00

I am now almost afraid that I have overworked the bird in my attempt to bring detail to some areas. I am also not sure if I actually want to put in a background.....decisions, decisions.....gah!

Work in Progress

WIP: Black Capped Chickadee

2010-08-15T19:18:00.001-06:00

Added more color to the wings, and removed resist. Also started working on the rocky perch, which is proving to be a challenge.

Work in Progress

WIP: Black Capped Chickadee

2010-08-15T19:15:00.000-06:00

Added a little more color. Adjusted the tail feathers.

Work in progress

WIP: Black Capped Chickadee....

2010-08-15T19:11:00.001-06:00

It has been a good long time since I have put paint to paper, the following is my first attempt at a mixed media pen and ink/watercolor in more than ten years.

Work in Progress