Jan
 

My brother (I did their wedding portrait a year or so ago) has a wonderful Mother-in-law who has been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. She is a real jewel. A woman, still working in the yard with a tube in her side for the fluids to drain... living her life to its fullest.

Just from me, I immediately began this portrait and sort of let it lay dormant for a number of months. WHICH was so wonderful, as it has not become a memorial... yet. Now, I am in a watercolor frenzy and remembered the sketch, so today I think I completed it.

12x16" Arches CP 160# block.

Debra,
It is a vibrant painting, full of life. My prayers go out to this dynamic woman.

Very lovely and vibrant, Debra!

Debra, I love your use of color and her pose and expression. It's nice that she's alive to enjoy it.

Thank you all.

I have done 15 watercolors and one pastel in the last two weeks. One might think I need my meds adjusted, but it is a much healthier way of dealing with my cabin fever of the last days of summer.

I just finished another of a young face I saw at the Highland Games a few years ago.

I have been trying like mad to make generic art. No faces, because I believe the world is not all that thrilled looking at strangers on the wall, so I did this young man and a little dancer from our Parada del Sol, among others

VERY beautiful paintings Debra! Absolutely lovely! I am so inspired!

I love the way you handle this medium, Debra--so fluid, so natural and seems effortless. Very nicely done!

Debra, these are beautiful! Keep going!

Well..... since you asked.
This was one other that would qualify as portrait. We have a pony express ride every year and I run out to catch them all at the post office and local watering hole (literally: they have horse tying facilities!)

The children were 9x12, but this and most of the others are 12x16"

Thank you for your encouragement, but I warn you I did three yesterday to burn me out. I think I am over it because I seem to have a sort throat, but I thought I would stop about a week ago!!

Debra, these are all great!!

Debra these sing they are so alive!

Wonderful, Debra! Have you done any more? No pressure--just curious.

What a lovely morning wake up!

Thank you all.
I had a really inspiring couple of months getting ready for a holiday onslaught, but nothing materialized, so I had to go back to the pets.

I have a string of animal charities I am involved with. Last night was the Arizona zoo keepers assn. at the zoo, last weekend was a rescue group and Halloween pet parade, next week is the "Animal Heros" awards and then a three day art festival. All I do is give out cards and info and auction one gift certificate for the equivalent of an 8x10 pastel or watercolor.

This year I tried a miniature painting on a time limit. Doing a 5x7" watercolor with mat that I will not offer after Halloween. BUT hopefully the rest of the information will get people aware of the holidays to come before there is no time to do anything!

Last night was a great . ONE potential baby but five horses and two dog discussions.

I think I posted my two other portraits in this blast of work in pastel elsewhere but I will dig them up again if you missed them!!!