1-5-11 a departure from dogs

When it's warmer outside, I like to fire up my jigsaw and cut up birch plywood to make layered, painted wood constructions. I've had a lot of fun with it - thinking it's my 'serious' art. I make organic shapes, soothing blues, greens, browns. Well, my daughter complains that I never use red, I never use bright colors, what about purple? So on a lark, I made a construction of a crazy mask with super bright colors that I never use. I haven't had that much fun creating a piece of work in years! Maybe she's on to something. Leave it to a kid to keep the fun in art :-)

Here it is:

 

So last night for my painting a day - I was pressed for time and decided to just have fun again. It's winter in NY, so cutting wood is out of the question outside. Also, like I said - I was seriously pressed for time. So I created a new mask 'portrait' this time as a mini mask construction out of bristol board and watercolor. Yup, it was lots of fun! So here is installment #5 of my painting a day:

 

This is a 'portrait' of my friend Ron. Looks like a fun guy, huh? LOL

Buddy and Lovey

I just completed my first two pet portraits that were commissioned by someone who does not know me — pretty cool. The pet business is fairly new to me, and has been really well received so far. I'm starting to believe in that field of dreams theory, if you build it they will come... Word of mouth has been great, and I appreciate all of my friends talking it up. I'm happy to say, with this commission 10% has gone to a great rescue group here on long island, mixed breeds in need. They work with the local shelters to help train, socialize and facilitate adoptions for animals in need. These two dogs were rescued through their program and are now loved so much that they have their very own portraits. They are two of the lucky ones.