Galentine

This is a reposted entry that we thought appropriate for this glorious day.

As they say, love is a four-legged word. We wish you joy today and always.

x|o

"They are constant reminders that life reveals the best of itself when we live fully in the moment and extend our unconditional love. And it is very true that the most tender, uncomplicated, most-generous part of our being blossoms without any effort when it comes to the love of a dog."
- from Maira Kalman's 'Beloved Dog'

elf | oil on panel | 6" x 6" | Flanegan

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

hugs

I know for sure that love saves me and that it is here to save us all.

Maya Angelou

toughgirl, work in progress | charcoal on paper |17" x 14" | Flanegan 

When the work day is done, I enjoy catching up with friends or drawing my girl. Charcoal value studies refresh me between commissions and sharpen my painting skills. Smearing that black powder with my fingers onto fresh white paper is cathartic.

Liam

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

I discovered Divine Canines while visiting a friend in the hospital. They provide free dog therapy to those in need in the Central Texas area. I was so impressed with this wonderful organization that I donated my services to one of their fundraisers.

This charming southern gentleman, Liam, was featured in one of the two paintings inspired by the silent auction. Many thanks to the Harveys, Liam was a joy to paint.

joy to the world!

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours wherever you roam.

Irish Blessing

elf | oil on panel | 6" x 6" | Flanegan

Merry Christmas and Joy-filled Holidays to all! We wish you peace and safe travels.

Sage

The Sage | oil on panel | 11" x 14" | Flanegan 

Yesterday we hung the Plein Air Austin Exhibit at the Corridor of Art in Austin. 

This is one of my favorites of the three paintings I submitted to the show. We've had more rain than usual this summer and the landscape is lush with gratitude. Interesting how, for me anyway, the painting experience lingers more with outdoor work than studio work. It was about 5:30p and I had finished up in the studio. Kerbey and I went for a walk and coming back, the early evening light was so striking that I knew I needed to take my easel outside.

My muse, my sage. Kerbs continues to inspire.

National Dog Day

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

As they say, love is a four-legged word.

How will you honor National Dog Day? Miss Ida may be digging another hole!
Kerbey and I will be cooling off in Barton Creek.

daydreamer | charcoal on Strathmore | 11" x 14" | Flanegan

My friends and I also honor this day by celebrating the lives of Chase and Suko.

ballgirl

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

Sadie reshot in better light...

: )

pookyboo

Pooky | 6"x 6" oil on panel | Flanegan | nfs

Dappled Dreams

Mystic | 13" x 13" oil on panel with angle iron floating frame | Flanegan |  $550

Lady Kerbey taking an another afternoon nap.

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!

sleeping beauty

slumber girl | 6" x 6" oil on panel | Flanegan

My dainty little napper.

: )

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.

oobie

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