Three more bunnies

 Bunny #2 (top), Bunny #3 (middle), Bunny #4 (bottom) - 6x6"

I finished my bunny paintings this week.  They were surprisingly tricky, partly because their fur is made up of so many different colors, but I think I managed it in the end.  Whether they're sold separately or all together, I just hope the bunnies appeal.  I think they'd be great for a kids bedroom.  The main objective is to raise money for the Potter League.

As for my next project, it's back to the polo ponies.  I plan to do one more, probably 16x20", then I'm thinking about switching to interiors, something I haven't done in a while.  I've been inspired by a song by Landon Pigg called "Coffee Shop", which I absolutely love, and is obviously about a coffee shop, so now I'm trying to find a great little coffee shop or cafe to paint.  I'm thinking I might visit a little place in Bristol that I found a few weeks ago which, if I recall rightly, has the sort of ambiance and charm I'm after, just as long as they don't mind me taking photos.  Guess I'll just have to ask.  Some people are downright antsy about their properties being photographed, though I can't fathom why.

Bunnies

So, as I mentioned in my blog yesterday, I'm doing some paintings for the Potter League for Animals Have a Heart Cocktail Party & Auction, which is basically what it says it is, a cocktail party with a silent auction, all the proceeds of which benefit the animals at the Potter League in Middletown, RI.  There are usually lots of great items to bid on - weekend getaways, tickets to the theater, gift baskets, and of course art.  I've only been once, but I've donated a few pieces over the years, although this is the first time I've ever done paintings specifically for this event.

I decided to do four small 6x6" pieces, and sticking with the animal theme, I've chosen to paint bunnies.  I've never painted rabbits before, and they're actually much more of a challenge than I anticipated, but that's good.  I need to challenge myself.  The tricky part is in trying to simplify the form while depicting the softness of the rabbit's fur without getting too cutesy.  They're adorable little animals, but I don't want it looking "pretty" or too detailed.  This is my first piece.  I think the small scale doesn't help, but it's fun to do small pieces that I can finish in a few hours.  That means if all goes well I can get all four paintings finished this week, then start on my last polo pony painting.  My only problem now is coming up with a name for the little guy.  Thumper, perhaps?

Cayce

I wanted to blog about this separately, as this painting was a little more special to me than my other pieces.  Cayce belonged to some good friends of mine, and sadly died just before Thanksgiving 2012.  Sadder still, he was a young dog in his prime, and he was such a sweetie.  He had a big personality to match his big heart, and of course, being a Weimaraner, he was a very big dog.  It broke my heart to hear he was gone, especially as I knew my friends loved him so much, so I decided to give them a surprise and do a painting of their beloved puppy.  I've done a few paintings like this now, and it's incredibly rewarding, and even a little therapeutic.  I'm not a particularly religious or spiritual person, but it often feels like I can sense them when I'm painting their portrait, but then maybe that's because I knew them in life, and it's my way of grieving.  I also did a painting of my husband's cat Corrina after she passed away, and he told me it helps him to see her picture every day, so hopefully my friends feel the same way.  RIP Cayce.

Cayce - 18x24"

Polo Ponies

I need to do a bit of catching up.  I've been painting continuously, but I haven't been blogging as much.  I finished my third polo pony, and my fourth, which are below.  I'm feeling a lot better about how they're turning out.  I really like the red background, which I think makes the horses pop.  Plus, I'm getting closer to the looser brushstrokes I like.  It's hard not to be so controlling, but the more I loosen up, the easier it gets, especially with the larger paintings.

I'm now contemplating my next project.  I have one more polo pony to paint, but before I do, I want to do some smaller pieces for the upcoming Potter League Have a Heart Cocktail Party and Auction on Friday, February 8.  I'm thinking some small bunny paintings.  I've never painted bunnies before!  And it's for a great cause.  This awesome shelter does so much for the animals, and this event is always a bit of fun.  Check it out.

 

Polo Pony III - 18x24"

 

Polo Pony IV - 16x20"