When I saw the reference picture of this little duck I had to draw it – he\’s irresistible don\’t you think?
Pastels worked well for this study with all the blues and greens in the water creating depth and motion. He definitely looks like he is paddling as fast as he can.
This spring I found these Killdeer eggs near the edge of my driveway so cleverly camouflaged that if I looked away for a minute and looked back I had trouble finding them again.
I took several pictures of them as I waited for the day they would hatch which inspired this drawing - Camouflaged.'
var highnotes ='
When I saw this reference picture it really made me smile. It also reminded me that even in the wild not everyone appreciates the talents of others. That being said, knowing that shouldn’t keep us from doing what we love!
' var thefledglings ='I like this composition because the little Sparrow fledglings aren\'t facing you.
It makes it a little different view than normal. I have imagined they have probably flown for the first time from their nest and landed on this branch. It\'s as if they are looking out on this big, old, world, a little apprehensively, knowing this isn\'t like the comfort of their nest, but taking it all in, getting the courage to test their wings and fly again.
I thought these Blackfaced Spoonbills looked perfect in this pink setting. I hope you agree.
' var breakingpoint = 'This pastel was definitely fun and a challenge for me. My goal was to describe the power of the pull of the tide as the wave is formed and then capture it again as it falls apart before crashing on to the rocks. I definitely wanted to capture the beauty of the wet and watery blues and greens of the ocean itself giving you a feeling of life.
I hope you can let your imagination go when you are viewing this pastel and hear the sound of crashing waves as they hit the rocks, smell the salt in the air and feel the spray on your face.
Anyone who knows me knows I love cowboys. This was a perfect pastel for me to work on - I can almost hear the jingle of the spurs!
' var struttin = 'Most all roosters strut with an attitude - this one is no exception!
I\'d like to thank Katy Rewston for the photo reference of her rooster Strider used for inspiration in creating this pastel.
I love doing water in pastels. It was the pooling of the water on the lily pads and the challenge to make the water transparent and resemble water that attracted me to this drawing.
The beads of water remind me of a necklace of pearls that broke and have scattered all over the place, hence the name Water Pearls.
When I saw this donkey he begged to be drawn in pastels! I love the eyes, those big ears, soft velvey muzzle and scraggly look of his hair.
At the time I found the reference picture I was looking for a reference to use for my personal Christmas card for 2007. This donkey was perfect.
I can just imagine him seeing Christ born in the manger and then peeking out the window and saying - \"Did you hear? A child was born!\"
This was a study in reflections for me working with the silver piece in the pastel and the second in a series of "Apples".
' var atexassunset = 'I\'m sure many of you have seen sunsets like this no matter where you live but I must say we do have some beautiful sunsets here in Texas.
Driving the rural roads you can see old barns and windmills ready to fall down in the next thunderstorm so I thought this would be a great pastel for my Texas series.
Yellowstone\'s Lower Falls is one of the most spectacular sights I saw while in Yellowstone. This is my interpretation from one of the many photos I took.
Good news! You many use my coupon towards the purchase of either the original or limited edition print. The coupon may be obtained by subscribing to my newsletter \"Art, News & Whatnot\" and filling out the form.
If you have already received my newsletter – simply let me know when you place your order and I will apply the discount to your total purchase price.
I have this unique glass hummingbird feeder in my flowerbed. I love the shape of it and the metal stand that holds it. The only thing is - it didn\'t hold the sugar water very well and the little flower feeder tube broke after one season. I retired it from its original use but kept it planted in my flowerbed just because I love it.
The other day it was late afternoon, the sun was getting low and shining through the green-blue glass. Little drops of condensation were forming on the inside of the feeder. It was just beautiful and it made me glad I kept it.
Even if the hummingbirds don\'t feed from it any longer and it has become a little piece of yard art it still brings me joy.
Nothing is as sweet as a child exploring the world around her.
This was inspired by a photo I have of my own daughter at the age of two - it\'s hard to believe looking at this she is a wife and mother herself now! As one fellow artist friend said after seeing this drawing it is like \"tiny petals of a past we treasure.\" What a truly wonderful thought that reflects exactly how I feel about this pastel, as it captures such a treasured moment in time for me.
Karen, The portrait was a HUGE hit!!! We had a houseful of company when I gave it to my wife. Everyone was stunned.
I had it framed with an off-white large matt border and a ½ inch denim colored matt, with an antique gold frame. The frame is only about 2½ inches. I didn\'t want to detract from the picture.
The 4 children were there so we could check out your accuracy! Everyone thought it was perfect. Thanks again so much for the great work. We\'re going to cherish it! Feel free to post it on your website and use it as a tutorial. Thanks again and Merry Christmas. You certainly made my wife\'s day!
Bill
Karen, First of all, thank you again! You did an absolutely amazing job on that drawing. When I picked it up from you I got in the car and just continued to stare at it because it was so amazing.
I gave it to Wade this morning, for his birthday, and he loved it! He teared up and just kept talking about how amazing it was and I have you to thank for that.
I hope you had as much fun completing it as I did seeing the look on his face. Have a wonderful rest of the week! Try not to work too hard and if I ever need another peice of art or hear anyone say they do I will of course send them your way! :)
Take care Megan
Horses are maginificent creatures and there is nothing more beautiful than the sight of a young foal and it\'s mother walking side-by-side in the late afternoon.
' var billybob2 = 'This is my horse, Billy Bob. He has been with me since he was four and will be 21 this April. My trainer had told me when I bought Billy Bob as he gets older instead of a bay Appaloosa I would have a white Appaloosa. He was right - each spring Billy Bob has more and more white hair - but I think he is still handsome.
' //---------PETS---------- var charmed = 'This Maine Coon cat is just precious and has such charming look about her I couldn\'t help but name it "Charmed - I\'m sure."
Check out the progression of this pastel on my blog by clicking on the tab "my art journal."
Calle Belle is a wonderful Catahoula that I was fortunate to own for a time. In this drawing she is about 4 months old but looking very regal and confident. She no longer lives with me but is still doing well.
Catahoula\'s are smart beautiful dogs - check out the weblink I have on my webpage for more information on Catahoulas.
Dear Karen: Hello, my name is Mary and I am the proud owner of the Two Kitties. I am so overwhelmed by your work. I absolutely love them as you really captured their expressions and personality.
I received the portraits from John and Lisa as a gift for my 50th birthday and I cannot find the words to tell them exactly how much the portraits mean to me, a simple thank you is not enough.
Several of my guests wanted to know how to contact you and now that John has given me your information, I will pass it along. Again, thank you for the wonderful portraits. They will forever be cherished in my heart and on my wall.
Mary
Dear Karen: Hello, my name is Mary and I am the proud owner of the Two Kitties. I am so overwhelmed by your work. I absolutely love them as you really captured their expressions and personality.
I received the portraits from John and Lisa as a gift for my 50th birthday and I cannot find the words to tell them exactly how much the portraits mean to me, a simple thank you is not enough.
Several of my guests wanted to know how to contact you and now that John has given me your information, I will pass it along. Again, thank you for the wonderful portraits. They will forever be cherished in my heart and on my wall.
Mary
These 1950s vintage marbles were the perfect subject for a study in capturing the qualities of glass, light and reflections. There is a lot going on in this little pastel - bigger wouldn\'t have made it better.
To read my tutuorial on All My Marbles click here.
Art Card Editions and Originals (ACEO card). Collectors Item.
' var cloudgate = 'At Chicago\'s Millennium Park you can see the scuplture \"Cloud Gate\" created by British artist Anish Kapoor. It is also know as \"The Bean\".
' var cycleoflife= 'This pastel was inspired by a photo I took when I went to Yellowstone. This little Lodgepole Pine was growing right out of a boulder while all the other trees around it had fallen or were about to fall.
' //---------TEXAS---------- var glorioussunset = 'This beautiful sunset was right out my back door. I do believe Texas has some of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises around - but then I\'m partial - I\'m a Texan..
'