Double Trouble

Birthday Girl | oil on Belgian linen panel | 6" x 12" |  Flanegan |  commission

Last week a friend and I were talking about projects we've worked on together and about plotting ventures in the future. Then I thought about this painting she commissioned last year and realized I hadn't posted it.

My tendency is to amp up the saturation so this was a welcomed exercise in muting the scene, tightening the values on this cloudy day. The reference photo depicts a race at the Heart of Texas Regatta. The red buoys mark the last 250 meters of the course where many a race is decided, merciless in revealing the fitness of the athletes.

Austin's Lady Bird Lake is a rower's paradise. I was a competitive rower in what seems like a lifetime ago and I miss my crewmates. :)

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.

: )

peculiar

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

Three Buds

three buds | 4.5" x 6" oil on panel | Flanegan | nfs

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.

Clara and Dusty's Pool

Clara and Dusty's Pool | 6" x 8" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | sold

Every now and then a painting tells you where it belongs.

Blooming and Boundless

Blooming and Boundless | 8" x 8" mixed media on blended wood panel | Flanegan | $200

Dossland

Three Buds in Dossland | 6" x 6" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | sold

This study was painted from a photo taken while hiking with friends.
We received a much needed six to nine inches of glorious rain this week in Dripping Springs. Seemingly resilient to the drought, our quenched landscape responds with a bounty of lush greens. pure joy.

: )

Wilson

Wilson | 6" x 6" oil on wood panel | Flanegan | 2013   nfs

Wilson is my dear friend's little Valentine...what's not to love here?

: )

Dog Tired

Dog Tired | Flanegan | 12" x 12" oil on reclaimed wood panel | sold

'Tis the season for wrapping up Christmas commissions - fa la la fun!! This painting was based on a client's photograph of the pups after a day of swimming and running...adorable. I usually can't post presents until after the holidays, but I was cleared for this one and just in time - a 12" x 12" for 12/12/12!

: )

We've had freezing temps the last couple of evenings - winter has arrived in the Texas Hill Country. 

30 : Miss Samantha

Samantha | Flanegan | 7" x 7" oil on reclaimed wood panel | sold

A lovely and peaceful Thanksgiving to all.

26 : blast off!

blast off! | Flanegan | 6"x 6" oil on reclaimed wood panel | $90 + t|s

25 : the bloomers

the bloomers | Flanegan | 6"x 6" oil on wood panel | DPW Hurricane Sandy Auction

Glorious rain is to flowers as kindness is to the soul. I feel like I'm in bloom, blessed by some of the most precious friends on the planet.

This second take of the cone flowers was painted after studying with talented and accomplished artist, Laurel Daniel at the The Art School at Laguna Gloria. She is wonderfully confident and generous with her knowledge and experience. The class (a birthday gift from a friend) was very fun and quite helpful in keeping my values in check. It's so easy to be distracted by color.

The garden was sprinkled with contrast and saturated color as the sun came out after a much-needed steady rainfall. If flowers could smile, this is how I imagine them...

: )

24 : buds

buds |  Flanegan  |  6"x 6" oil on wood panel 

what a joy to look after a friend's garden.

: )

Celebrating the Life of RowdyGirl Barksdale

Flanegan | 7" x 7" | acrylic on reclaimed wood panel | nfs

grace during the storm

   6" x 6"  |  oil on panel  | nfs


We were blessed with a half inch of rain today - it was absolutely glorious.
The Grace didn't think so. She may be going deaf, but she heard|felt the thunder loud and clear this morning. She took cover under the sheets and wagged her tail as if to ask if everything was going to be alright.
Here's to feeling safe and comforting those we love during the storm.