Newt Cute

"I believe in kindness.

Also in mischief."

Mary Oliver

Newt | oil on linen | 6" x 11" | commission

What's not to love here?

Miss Newt is the companion piece to Miss Ida.

cute cute.

They're my dear friend Judy's family and they were a delight to paint.

Ida | oil on linen | 11" x 6" | commission

Lila & Friends

You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Lila Harvey | oil on linen panel | 10" x 8" | Flanegan | auction commission

Here's Miss Lila. She's the companion piece to brother Liam whom I posted earlier - two commissions inspired by a Divine Canines' silent auction.

Liam Harvey | oil on linen panel | 10" x 8" | Flanegan | auction commission 

toughgirl | charcoal on paper |17" x 14" | Flanegan

wait. I know that face...that I've-heard-enough-politics-for-today face.

vote

There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.
Mark Twain

whiskey tango foxtrot | oil on panel | 24" x 39" | Flanegan | commission

This painting, which began as a commission for a friend, grew in size and meaning to be a commission/gift combo for her and her husband. Somewhere along the way, it became a bit of a political commentary - you tell me what Thumper and company are thinking.

How could one not be affected by the presidential campaign? The pasture was painted during the September debate...I had no words for the performance, only brushstrokes. 

 May God give us the strength to unite as a nation no matter who is elected President.

ballgirl

Sadie's Garden | 11"x 14" oil on Belgian linen | Flanegan | commission

Sadie reshot in better light...

: )

jubilation

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. I'm having a very Merry Christmas with dear friends and delicious food. Have you ever experienced Cherries Jubilee?! It was a first for me. The dish was brought to the dinner table and lit on fire - blue flames fleetingly dancing over the cherries and served over ice cream - absolutely divine.

How wonderful it is to enjoy your friend's family's Christmas traditions? Among the lovely holiday decorations was the Santa hat on Rowdy Girl, a painting I had given to my friends after she passed on a few years ago. Our little angel with her Christmas spirit. precious. 

After the flurry of exchanging presents and blessings of the feast, out came the musical instruments - another family tradition. It was a joy to behold. So much so that I've been inspired to dust off my guitar...maybe a resolution in the coming year is in order.

(did I just say the R word?!)

Wishing All a Lovely Christmas and Happy Holiday

Spirit

Spirit, detail | 8" x 8" oil on linen | Flanegan | commission

Unfortunately, the photo of the entire painting had a glare, but here's a detail.

For this commission, I only had a photo reference. When I'm not able to meet the subject, hearing the family's stories makes all the difference. What a joy.

Spirit was a stray who was initially looked after by a kind-hearted rancher. When Spirit became pregnant she chose to leave the ranch, crossing a four-lane highway to nest. The safe haven she chose was under the porch of our church's original gathering place. My friends adopted mama Spirit and one of her pups.

What an amazing dog, I would have loved to have met her. And what wonderful friends - thank you Barbara and Jim!

Dutch

Dutch | 10" x 8" oil on linen panel | Flanegan | commission

Dutch, a work in progress

This painting was a gift for Barbara, a dear friend and mentor to many. Her companion, Dutch, is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. He's a precious soul and was a joy to paint.

As artists, once the composition and values of the painting are determined, we're taught to block in the dominant hues before addressing further details. But for me, I can't seem to complete the eyes soon enough. When I'm able to look into the eyes of the subject, it allows for a dialogue and the painting becomes a more collaborative effort. i love painting animals. They're delightfully authentic spirits who greatly enrich our lives.

It was truly an honor to have been commissioned by my generous buds and fellow classmates. Many thanks.

: )

Golden

Beaux | 12" x 9" oil on linen | Flanegan | commission

handsome Beaux

study of handsome Beaux | 6" x 6" oil on panel | Flanegan | commission 

Have you ever awoken to someone staring at you? 

This study of Beaux was a warm-up of an in-progress 12x9 commission.

He's a delightful soul who stays with Kerbey and me when his

humans are traveling - pure joy.

Rolex

Rolex (detail) | 9" x 12" oil on Belgian linen | Flanegan | commission

A while back, Rolex lost his front left leg to cancer.  How fitting that he would give me a pose with such confidence and resolve.
Here he is at a dashing 15 years {105 for you and me} thanks to his loving humans.
: )
This is a detail as all subtleties were lost in the larger shot. I hope to post a shot of Rolex with a tighter res.

Dante

Dante | 16" x 20" oil on linen-faced panel | Flanegan | commission

Dante is a charming Springer Spaniel who loves to hunt...and model too it seems.
: )
We had two photo sessions - never before has a dog given me one sequential pose after another. It was a sight to behold. Spaniels are eager to please and Dante did not disappoint. He was so handsome in the afternoon light. Thank you Elizabeth.

Chase

Chase | 8" x 8" oil on cradled wood panel | Flanegan | commission

We have the pleasure of Chase's company while his humans {my friend Angie and her son, Jack} are on vacation. This painting referenced a photo I took of Chase while he was on the front porch during one of his visits. I couldn't resist the pairing of his handsomely mottled coat with the dappled morning light. It was glorious. The light was dancing around him as if he was beaming from within. How lucky am I?
: )
Thank you Silvia.

Happy and Well-Red

The fabulous {artist, teacher and blogger} Barbara Muir recently wrote a post entitled, "10 More Reasons to be Happy" and I wanted to spread the joy.

: )

Did someone say joy?
The above photo is my Red who was lapping up the culture in Sunday's New York Times...much to the dismay of Edgar Degas' Head of a Man. Below is a painting of
sweet Maya who jumps straight up (all fours) when she's happy, she really does!

Maya | 8" x 10" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | commission

hi guy!

Rolex | 6" x 4" oil on linen panel | Flanegan | commission

This is a study for a commission I'm working on - one of many expressions that I could not resist to paint. Rolex is a tough little guy - lost his front left leg to cancer a while back. Here he is livin' large.

Koda

Koda | 10" x 8" oil on linen panel | Flanegan | commission

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Koda.
This painting was a combination of two photos, and apparent in both was her curious expression...the look pups have moments before given a treat!
Capturing her delightfully charming eyes was key - and quite intimidating. I'm happy with how she turned out. 

Dixie

Dixie | 8"x 8" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | commission

Dixie doesn't live in the Austin area so I was sent a photograph as reference. This sweet Aggie was a joy to paint!

Tucker

tucker man! | 5.5" x 7.5"| oil on reclaimed cradled wd panel | nfs

This is the amazing and delightfully peculiar Tucker, a loyal companion and a joy to so many of us.
Yesterday was my birthday - a glorious day with friends and family sending notes of love and well wishes. Thanks so much.

: )

orange

6" x 6" oil on reclaimed wood panel | Flanegan | commission

chartreuse

6" x 6" oil on reclaimed wood panel | Flanegan | commission

I am joyfully convinced that a New Years Eve Pajama Party is the best way to celebrate a closing 2012 and an opening 2013. I couldn't help but smile throughout the evening...have you ever been so blissfully aware of the gifts of friendship before you?

One of my favorite Christmas cards I received this season had this message inside, "The very best gifts are the ones we already have." 

So true. Here's to counting our blessings and living in the moment.

: )

pink

6" x 6" oil on reclaimed wood panel | Flanegan | commission

One in a commissioned series of five - wee!

What a whirlwind of a year - 2012 was sprinkled with many exciting firsts for me. I feel like these blooming echinachea!! Thank you for visiting with me this year and sending your encouraging words.

A new year filled with love and joy to all.