Aug 23, 2010

John Wayne and Snoring Cats

I'm currently on an ambitious mission to get a TON of small paintings finished for an Art show Labor Day weekend. Many paintings are older works-in-progress, some new ideas I have sketched and set aside, and a few are funny ideas I stumbled upon while surfing. Things on the web that made me giggle (and want to to paint): animal/celebrity mash-ups and snoring cats...

I got this inspiration from a post on Flavorwire. You know how sometimes pets look like their owners? Well, sometimes animals look like famous people - especially when they're dressed the part:

"The Duke" 11x14 acrylic on canvas panel

The other topic that caught my attention came about as a result of listening to my cat sleeping in his bed behind me. He was snorting and wheezing but he was sound asleep so I googled "Do cats snore?" and landed on an article with this picture. It was so cute I had to paint it!


"Sleeping Kitten" 8x8 gallery stretched canvas

Today I must stay off the internet for a while, there are way too many distractions out there and I have a dozen canvases to finish!


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Aug 16, 2010

The Blue Dog of Sandestin

George Rodrigue's "Blue Dog", maybe the most famous blue dog in the history of art was the Facebook generated inspiration for my latest painting.

I wanted to do a pop-art style dog portrait and started with a sketch I thought would work well for that style:


I uploaded the sketch on my Facebook profile and asked for input on what color palette I should use. I was thinking about some bright beachy colors but I was not sure which direction to go. I got a lot of great suggestions from Juanita, Sara, Pat and others but when Juanita came back with another suggestion I knew I had to try it: "Oh, do something like the blue dog. The art of George Rodrigue..."

George Rodrigue's "All American Blue Dog"


"The Blue Dog of Sandestin" 8x8 Acrylic canvas panel

Thanks very much for the suggestion Juanita! I could not bring myself to make his snout white but I think he turned out cute any way!
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Aug 5, 2010

Cats -vs- Dogs

The debate has been going on for thousands of years - "Which makes a better pet - a cat or a dog?"

Dogs are simple and straight forward, you always know where you stand with a dog. Cats are more complicated - they act superior to their dog friends but fail to comprehend the most basic of commands. Perhaps it is their selective hearing that gives them the ability to ignore "sit, stay and fetch" while clearly understanding words like “treat”.


We can best understand the differences between our four legged furry friends by reading their diaries:

The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

Here's more interesting trivia to help us understand them:


In the end, the choice is up to you. Try not to think of it as a clear black and white decision and if you're really struggling, get one of each!

"What yarn?" 8x8 acrylic on canvas panel

"Silly Blue Dog" 8x8 on Acrylic Canvas panel
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Aug 3, 2010

Fishy Keds

I knew it would happen eventually - wear your Keds long enough without socks and they'll get that fishy smell you can never get rid of...

I never realized how bad it would really be - lol


Upcycling some old Keds just for the fun of it with some fabric paint and a little imagination...
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Aug 1, 2010

Poultry in Motion

Just finished another crazy rooster painting and I can't get the song "Proud Mary" out of my head...

"Rooster Tina Turner" 12 x 12 Acrylic on canvas

Yeah, I know a rooster can't be a girl but when I tried to give the painting another name I looked at the rooster's face and could almost see him bobbing his little head to "Nutbush City Limits". Perhaps this is my first rooster female impersonator - Lady Gaga might be next...





I also updated "Cookie Watch" last night. I took the pot off the stove and put a cookie jar on the counter instead. I also worked on the stove to make it look more like a stove and less like a TV. Finally, I added some blue from the wall to shadows on the floor and cleaned up the chair. I think I'm finished with this one except deciding on a frame for it...

"Cookie Watch" 8 x 8 on canvas panel
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