Paintings by Liz van der Werff

Mermaid Mural

2011-11-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to share a mural I completed yesterday -

The Mermaid is on one wall and over the door is this coral scene - it spells out a name, can you see it?

Live Creatively!

Liz

Sophie the Adorable Corgi

2011-08-12T13:24:00.001-07:00

This is Sophie, an adorable Welsh Pembroke Corgi.

I've been busy, but staying away from the computer. I have a lot to show you, hopefully I'll get some more photos up! I just finished this commission and Sophie was just so cute, I had to post her :)

Here are the comments from her people when the portrait arrived:

"Sophie is beautiful Liz. I knew I would love her, but the photo hadn't done her justice. I'm sure you probably hear this all the time from others who have their pets captured on canvas as you have our two, but I don't know how you could have made her any more lifelike. Thank you, thank you! Just one more thing that could have made her painting more complete was a top hat with little slits for her ears. I think spats might have been a bit much, but, maybe for the next painting I'll give it some thought! :)"

I love to paint dogs & cats in human settings, remember the "Library Cat" and "Mastiff Masterpiece"

Thanks for visiting - Live Creatively!

Liz

Pop In! Hico Popcorn Shop

2010-12-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

Pop In!

Hico Popcorn Shop
4" x 5"
Acrylic
$100
This is one of Hico's fun places to shop! I swear I think they have a hundred different types of popcorn . . .ok maybe only 20-30. Steve and Donna are always coming up with new types of popcorn - this weekend they had "Holiday Spice" which is kind of cinnamony. Yumm!

This is another painting done with Chroma's Interactive Acrylics. These are wonderful paints. You can use them like traditional acrylics, but more importantly to me is that you can use them like oils. They will dry quickly or you can stretch the drying time out. You can even 'rewet' them with a special unlocking medium.

Live Creatively!

Liz

4" x 6" Cityscape - Hico - Koffee Kup No. 1

2010-12-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Koffee Kup No. 1

4" x 6"
Acrylic on Panel
$100

A Hico landmark for many, many years and a regular in "Texas Monthly" highlights, the Koffee Kup is famous for its wonderful homemade food, but mostly for the PIES. Located at the intersection of 281 and Hwy 6, no series of Hico establishments would be complete without the Koffee Kup restaurant.

This painting was created using Chroma's Interactive Acrylic Paints. Unlike traditional acrylics, all 75 of these “interactive” colors do not suddenly form a skin. Interactive changes the painting process, giving you plenty of time to blend and rework and giving you more creative freedom. The patent-pending formulation allows even touch-dry paint to be reworked or ragged-off to blend or reveal layers. Archival quality and lightfast, the intense colors dry to a satin-like finish without a plastic look or feel and minimal color shift. I'm loving them!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Hey There! Texas Cougar in a Tree

2010-06-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hey There!

Texas Mountain Lion (Cougar)
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
24" x 30"
$1800

This painting is based on a photo that Jeff Heinatz took out in west Texas. Thanks Jeff!

The art show is over, and I really enjoyed it. I think I'm going to do that a bit more often! Be sure to check out my paintings for sale, I have more than usual since I was so productive for the show - you can see the available paintings here

(If you can call a mountain lion adorable LOL)
This painting is available as a canvas print as well! It's difficult to navigate the print page, but look for the "Photo Prints" for the most economical version.

I've been working on an interesting Scottie portrait for my number one collector. I can't wait to show you!

Live Creatively!
Liz

Study in Chickadees

2010-05-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

A Study in Chickadees
11" x 14"
Oil on Panel
$495 Framed

I wish you could see this in person - the photo does not do it justice. There are so many colors in the painting, I am SO happy with this. I've wanted to show you this painting for a couple weeks, but there were some problems. I worked them all out this afternoon, and I LOVE IT.

The chickadee on the bottom is my favorite. They are so cute! I'm planning to do more still lives with animals.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Buddy - Search & Rescue Donation # 29

2010-04-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Buddy
German Shepherd
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel
Search & Rescue Donation #29

Buddy is certified for Human Remains finds, mostly he works to provide closure for the missing for the families. He is also is qualified to track for missing people, which most of the time it has been for children that tend to wander off. He and his human partner, Ron, the Canine Field Officer, work with Tazewell Emergency Management Agency. Buddy is now 8 years old, and Ron says he is an outstanding dog in what he does.

Thank you Buddy & Ron for your work!

On a technical note, I was not sure how this painting was going to turn out. It seemed like it would be too small to successfully showcase a full-body pose of Buddy. However, I'm really happy with the resulting portrait. It was challenging, but I think the final portrait turned out well.

I have finished all the paintings for my art show - whew! Now all I have to do is frame them all!

I think it's going to be a long weekend :)

Live Creatively!

Liz

Princess Zora & Chico Dog Donation #28

2010-04-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Long day today - finished up the portrait of the German Shepherd and completed a K9 donation painting.

First up, here's Zora, the princess - delicately gnawing on her bone -

Zora
16" x 20"
Oil on Canvas
Private Commission
NFS

You can see how her portrait coordinates with the painting of Indigo

Indigo
16" x 20"
Oil on Canvas
Private Commission NFS

I wasn't able to take very good photos for some reason. I really need to work out a trade with someone that's good at photos!

Now, allow me to introduce a hard-working dog - Chico

K9 ChicoDog
Donation #28
Oil on Panel
4" x 6"

Underwater Detection – International Police Work Dog Association, August 2009
DHS/FEMA Canine Search Specialist October 2006, re-cert June 2009

He and his human partner, Susan, are affiliated with:

FEMA USAR - Missouri Task Force One, Boone County Missouri: 2006 to present
Illinois Search Dogs, Bloomington, IL: 2003 – present

Thank you ChicoDog and Susan! You are appreciated - and please explain how he does underwater detection? does he have scuba gear?

Now I'm going to go eat a slice of homemade custard pie with fresh strawberries and get to bed - another long day tomorrow!

Live Creatively!
Liz

Zora part 2

2010-04-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

More work done on the commission of the delicate German Shepherd. Actually, today I spent all day on the background, but this photo was taken yesterday.

Zora
16" x 20" Oil on Canvas
(Closeup of painting)
Commissioned Portrait NFS

This is the second update to her portrait. Today I spent all day working on the background - it's really going to be striking. It is a retro-type fabric background. It is a companion piece to Indigo the Cat's portrait, which I did just about a year ago.

Indigo
16"x20"
Oil on Canvas
Private Commission NFS

I hope some of you can make it out to Stephenville to see my show. The reception is Thursday, May 6, but if you let me know you're coming, I can meet you out there any day. The show runs through the end of May.

Back to the studio!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Spring

2010-04-25T19:13:00.001-07:00

Just Chillin'

8" x 10"
Oil on Panel
Tarleton State University Gate
$275

Or click here to email me about this painting.

These girls were enjoying the spring evening with deep conversation. The painting is not quite as bright as it appears here.

Working on my last large painting for the show. Whew!

Live Creatively!
Liz

American Dreams

2010-04-24T14:57:00.001-07:00

American Dreams
Texas Bison
20" x 20"
Oil on Canvas
$1080

Or click here to email me about this painting.

There are bison within a few miles of here. I love seeing them in the fields, although they have just a tiny fence between them and us so I'm a bit hesitant to get too close.

In Virginia, they have 4x4 posts with huge logs on them to fence them in. Around here, they use little metal stakes and goat fencing LOL . . .

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Limon II

2010-04-23T17:44:00.001-07:00

Lymon II
Citrus Tea

8"x10"
$275 - Framed

Or click here to email me about this painting.

This is the companion piece to the first painting of lemons & a lime. I had fun with the reflections on the pot. It was a challenge differentiating between the bluish green of the pot and the green of the lime.

Limon I
Sprite
8"x10"
$275 - Framed

Or click here to email me about this painting.

The paintings are framed in matching frames. If you'd like to see a photo of the framed paintings, just let me know. If you're interested in the pair, the cost if $500 with free shipping.

The very large cougar painting is just about ready to share! I haven't gotten his whiskers painted yet, but I will have it to show in a couple days. I want to make sure the rest of the painting is pretty dry so that I have a little leeway in fixing the whiskers if they don't land in the right places.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Hot Summer Day at the Pond

2010-04-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

Summer Sunning
Turtles at Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
8" x 10"
Oil on Panel - Framed
$275

Or click here to email me about this painting.

Fort Worth has beautiful Botanical Gardens. In one of the many ponds these turtles caught my eye as they were sunning on some rocks last summer.

I have submitted the list of paintings for the artshow. Whew! Now all I have to do is finish painting 3 of them, and frame them all LOL Maybe I'll decide I actually like this and enter more shows, instead of waiting for people to find me and convince me to do a show.

I really probably won't do more shows, but I am planning to hang in a couple galleries that have approached me. I used to be in galleries in 4 states, but it was a hassle, and I really like dealing directly with my collectors. I'm debating the ebay route or the gallery route. . .. I also like to keep my prices reasonable and galleries cost between 30% and 60% of the sales price. (yes! some galleries take 60%)

In any case, after the show, I will be offering most of the paintings on ebay, so keep an eye out.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Get Along Girls

2010-04-17T17:06:00.001-07:00

Get Along Girls

8" x 20"
Oil on Panel
$495

Or click here to email me about this painting.

As I was driving through the hill country one evening, I happened upon a beautiful herd of Longhorns. I stopped to take some photos, but I made them uncomfortable, so mostly I got shots of them going away :)

This is a painting that looks MUCH better in person, I wasn't able to get a good photo. Partly because it's a lovely drizzly day here. Sometimes I think I should live in Oregon, I love rain!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Limon I

2010-04-16T16:38:00.001-07:00

Limon I
Sprite
8"x10"
$275 - Framed

Or click here to email me about this painting.

This is one of two coordinating paintings that are framed in matching frames. If you'd like to see a photo of the framed paintings, just let me know. If you buy both, the total is $500 with free shipping.
If you're interested in the pair you can see the second painting here

I have a larger painting that I've been fussing with for two days - but decided to take a break. My husband went out and got me fruit to paint :)

Hope you're enjoying your day!

Live Creatively!
Liz

Relic I

2010-04-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Relic I
Six-Shooter Cylinder
8"x 10"
Oil on Panel
$250

Or click here to email me about Six Gun Relic I

The other day when my husband was tilling the garden, he turned up an old revolver cylinder. We live in a tiny town south and a bit west of Fort Worth, Texas. When he brought it in to me, I imagined who the original owner of the gun was. I thought denim jeans would make the perfect background for this painting. What do you think?

$223,000,000 in Milk

2010-04-13T18:01:00.001-07:00

$223,000,000 in Milk I
8"x 10"
Oil on Panel
$275 framed

Or click here to email me about 223,000,000 in Milk Cow Shadow 1.

In the town square in Stevenville, the nearest town to me, is a giant cow on a stick . . . I love this cow. In the evening, she also casts a really neat cow-type shadow which is the subject of today's painting.

Busy busy busy . . . piling up paintings for the show. Let me know what you think of my cow shadow - might be a series??

Live Creatively!

Liz

Bird Watching

2010-04-11T19:10:00.001-07:00

Here is another painting from my backyard. It's not painted from life, though the scene did happen. Three pairs of cardinals have been stuffing themselves on our birdseed all winter. I think there's only one pair now, because it's probably breeding season, and they drew the lucky straw that let them have the territory with the bird feeders. So, this guy is probably the biggest fattest cardinal in the group. We have a silly Sylvester-looking wooden cat that holds a hose. I put him next to the bird feeding area and one fat little cardinal found him rather intriguing.

Bird Watching
Oil on Panel
8" x 10"
$275

It's a very bright painting and doesn't translate well to the internet.

I've been looking around at the paintings for my show, and I think I need to find a color other than green :) Even the fabric that I was going to use for a still life is green. I don't even LIKE green.

Let me know what you think!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Angel & Shadows

2010-04-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is another plein air painting I did - the weather is too beautiful to be inside. I've been working on paintings for my upcoming solo show in Stephenville, Texas. Hope you can make it here if you're in the neighborhood. I have some interesting paintings to show you!

Sorry I've not been posting, but I've been so exhausted at the end of the day that I keep putting it off. I do have quite a bit to show you.

Angel & Shadows
6" x 6"
$150 Framed

Or click here to email me about this painting.

I don't generally frame my work, I like unframed paintings. This was a problem with this show, they require all paintings framed, but didn't tell me until just now. They are going to let me hang my unframed paintings, though :)

Here is a good start on a painting of a cougar in a tree. I really went too far with his face, but he is so cute! He is a young mountain lion that Jeff Heinatz photographed. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Hey There!
Texas Mountain Lion
24" x 36"
Oil on Canvas

Now I've got to get out of here - it's another long day tomorrow!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Spring Day I

2010-03-30T19:40:00.001-07:00

Spring Day I
Oil on Panel
4" x 5"
$100

It was a beautiful day today. My oldest son came out and painted plein air in the yard with me. He painted abstracts, and I painted the view :) In case you're wondering, that is a bronze fish in the bird bath. I've been busy with paintings for the show, I'll have some finished paintings to show you soon.

Live Creatively!
Liz

How Do I Get Down?

2010-03-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

How Do I Get Down?
Bear Cub
4" x 5"
Oil on Panel
$100

I look at all the beautiful photos that people take, and I think I can do that. Until I try to do it! I never get the 'right' shot to paint from. Fortunately, tonight I met an amazing photographer. His name is Jeff Heinatz and lives in west Texas. Jeff has taken the most amazing photographs of animals in the wild. He has a few of his photos online here: Don't bother clicking on his website, though, it's down. If you are interested in any of his photos, let me know and I'll get in touch with him. He has offered to let me use some of his photos for my Texas wildlife series.

This is the first painting from one of his photos - a study for a possible larger painting. I also worked on a still life and blocking in a few larger paintings. It's getting to be crunch time :)

Live Creatively!
Liz

Texas Mountain Lion

2010-03-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

This small painting is a study for a larger painting I am planning. It is under 4" square, but you can feel the power of this beautiful Texas mountain lion.

Texas Mountain Lion Study I
3.75" x 3.75"
$100

Or click here to email me about this painting.

I have decided to start focusing on some of the wonderful Texas wildlife. There is such an abundance of creatures in this state. I am interested in becoming the resident artist at some of the state and national parks, so I am working toward building up a portfolio of wildlife art.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Berry Picking

2010-03-22T22:57:00.001-07:00

This is a painting of my oldest son when he was about 18 months old. We were berry picking and he ate the whole container LOL (It wasn't very full) This is when he was walking up looking for more :)

Berry Picking

8" x 10"
Oil on Panel
Collection of the Artist NFS

Again, just a quick note, been very busy today - I will have lots to show you soon!!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Long Shadows

2010-03-19T20:47:00.001-07:00

Long Shadows I
Hay at Sunset
20" x 8"
$475 Framed

Or click here to email me about Long Shadows

I enjoyed painting this - I think I'm going to like landscapes after all. Only a quick note, I'm exhausted. More soon!

Live Creatively
Liz

My first Longhorn Steer Painting

2010-03-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

I hate to admit it but I've lived in Texas for 12 years and never painted a Longhorn. I look at them, and think, gee I ought to paint one! but I've never done it until tonight. Hope you like it. I need a name for this painting. "Look Homeward Angel" is all I can think of LOL . . . coming from Virginia where Thomas Wolfe's novel is based, it comes to mind, but I don't think it's the best title for this Texas Longhorn.
I've had to edit this post as it was pointed out to me that this is not a "cow" - so it is correctly designated as a Longhorn steer. Thanks Pete!

Look Homeward
8" x 10"
Oil on Panel

Or click here to email me about Look Homeward Longhorn Steer.

We saw this Longhorn when we were camping in San Angelo State Park. It's a beautiful park - here's a link to some info about it - San Angelo State Park The painting is a bit larger than usual, because it will be hanging in my solo show in Stephenville in May.

I'm not sure that I'm completely finished with the painting, but I'm done for tonight. Since it's been awhile since I posted any paintings, and I'm going to be out of the studio for the next two days, I thought I'd post it. If I make any changes, I'll post the revised painting. The more I look, the more I think I'm not quite finished. It is much more colorful than it appears on the internet, so in any case, I'll be taking a better photo later this week.

Hope you're all staying well, I'm not quite back to normal, but feeling much better :) Take care, stay warm and dry and

Live Creatively!
Liz

Base, in Uniform

2010-02-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

Practically by the time I finished typing, I was sick! I didn't get out of bed for almost a week. Today was the first 'normal' day in the studio since my last post. I sure hope you don't get this, it's awful. I still have laryngitis, so my hubby is enjoying the peace LOL

On to today's painting

Allow me to introduce "Base" a beautiful English Bulldog. His owner admires Robert E. Lee and for a gift, his wife had Base painted in Lee's uniform. I do extensive research to make sure that I get the details accurate in these uniformed paintings.

Base
English Bulldog
Oil on Panel
5" x 7"
Private Commission

This is a very small one, only 5" x 7" - I never thought it would work out to do one this small, but it really turned out great! I'm enjoying doing the smaller paintings, and they are more affordable while the economy is so awful.

WIN A FREE 4" x 6" PORTRAIT!

Send me a photo of your choice - the photo that gets the most votes will win a free portrait! This will be a monthly contest. So find a great photo and send it in! Remember, the backgrounds can be changed.

Can't wait to see the photos!

Live Creatively!

Liz

German Shepherd Commission

2010-02-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

Zora
16" x 20"
Oil on Canvas
NFS

This is going to be a great painting - this dog has the best expression! She is a huge German Shepherd, who thinks she is a tiny princess.

Below is the photo that I am working from:

I see that I have her leg too long . . . I had it right, but it looked short LOL . . . guess I'll be fixing that when I paint again. I will be putting a 'mod' look background to this painting. This is a second commission for this patron. I painted her cat with a 'mod' background, so this will coordinate. She has another dog, so hopefully, there will be a third in this series :)

My husband has had the crud for the past week, and now my throat feels funny . . . wish me luck that I don't get sick for 2 weeks! I don't have time!!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Texan Theater

2010-02-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

Texan Theater I

Hamilton, Texas
8" x 10"
Oil on Panel
Or click here to email me about Texan Theater I.

This is a small painting of the Texan theater sign from Hamilton Texas. I took a few photos last summer, planning to do a painting or two. Little did I know that I wouldn't have any more chances to take reference photos. The Texan Theater, which had been a landmark in Hamilton since the 1920's and had been recently renovated, burned to the ground in November. Apparently this is the second time it burned, the first was in the 40's. This time there isn't anything left. If it gets 'reopened' it will have to be a brand new building.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Forest, Australian Shepherd Search & Rescue Dog

2010-02-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Forest
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel

Tonight's painting is an Australian Shepherd search & rescue dog, Forest. Unfortunately, it's a memorial painting, as Forest has passed away. I finally got together with his partner and she was able to watch me paint online through Ustream.tv (click here to see it) and see Forest's portrait come to life. I recorded the sessions so if you can watch it at any time.

I forgot to get his information, so I don't have his story, but I will post it on his page at Portrait of a Hero - http://www.PortraitOfAHero.com

If you have a search & rescue or K9 dog, or if you know someone who does, please allow me to paint a portrait of them free of charge in gratitude for their service. Contact me for details.

Here is a portion of the session during which I painted Forest's portrait

Live Creatively!

Liz

Dancing Shadows I

2010-02-08T19:29:00.001-08:00

Dancing Shadows I
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel
$100

During a visit to San Antonio, Texas a few years ago, this beautiful purple and teal cactus caught my eye. Yes, it really was purple and turquoise. It was in a small walled garden in an old mission. I am fascinated by shadows. I love the interplay between the light and the surface it falls on. This is fairly straightforward, the shadows are landing on flat sand. But the shapes formed by the cactus lobes almost look like a dancing couple. The wall created an impressionist-painting sky and where the blue paint was gone, the adobe walls were almost exactly the same color as the sand.

This painting is available for purchase, please send me an email if you're interested. It will also be available on my website Daily Painting By Liz (http://www.DailyPaintingByLiz.com)

I set up the camera early on UStream today - I actually painted "Dancing Shadows I" live and enjoyed some good conversation with those who found me there. When I went back to paint my scheduled show at 8 p.m. the camera wouldn't talk to the computer, or vice versa. I think I am jinxed!! I will try again tomorrow. I will start working on the connection in the morning, hopefully by afternoon it will be working. Firefox locks up completely when I choose my camera from the drop down options on Ustream.tv. This time it was because I said "broadcast" while the camera was turned off. It never recognized it again, although I rebooted my computer about 20 times. I'm not sure what I did to fix it last time, if you know anything about this kind of stuff, I'd sure appreciate your help!

I swear I will get this figured out eventually! Thanks for your patience.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Waiting for Deer

2010-02-07T18:59:00.001-08:00

Waiting for the Deer
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel
$100

I started this on location while my husband and I were camping at a South Llano River State Park. It is a beautiful park with water as turquoise as St. Thomas. We had a great time and I started quite a few paintings. I will be sharing them with you as I finish them.

This 'postcard' painting brings back memories of the beautiful weekend. There was a wild meadow behind our camper where every evening, as the sun lowered in the sky, the light would hit a patch of grass and it would just glow. My husband and I would sit behind this bunch of cactus and wait for the deer to come out of the bushes and walk through our campsite.

We would keep Mack in the camper, because after the deer, the javalinas were close behind. They are semi-cute but very dangerous, especially to dogs. I have a painting of them to show you some other day.

Most of the painting I did today was on a commission that I can't wait to show you! It's a small uniformed dog portrait - and it's turning out GREAT! Unfortunately, it's to be given as a gift, so I can't show you yet, but you're going to love it.

Thanks for reading and visiting! and keep writing! I really enjoy hearing from you!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Golden Love

2010-02-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

Donation

Golden Love
7" x 7"
Oil on Panel

This is a painting that will become the logo for the Emerald Coast Golden Retriever Rescue. The original will be auctioned off on ebay and they will get 100% of the funds.

It's late, and I'm tired so that's it for tonight! I hope to be painting live on Ustream.tv again soon.

Live Creatively!
Liz

Whoo Hooo Painting Live finally!!

2010-01-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

I started troubleshooting the video camera - Ustream problem at 10 a.m. today. Working at it on and off until 3:30 I finally got it fixed! We had a successful session tonight! Yay! It's nice to have visitors back in my studio while I paint. I'll be painting again tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Central / 8 p.m. Eastern time. I might be on during the day as well. Hope to see you there!

Tonight's painting was Tumbleweed, the flyball Corgi. He was only a baby in this painting, 5 months old. He is so cute!

Tumbleweed
4" x 6"
Commissioned Portrait
Oil on Panel

Hope to see you tomorrow.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Ustream flop

2010-01-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

Well, if you tried to find me on ustream tonight, you were disappointed - as was I! I wasn't able to get the camera and computer and website to work in tandem until after 8:30 p.m. By then I was exhausted from running around and rebooting and moving cables, etc etc. I did work on a couple old paintings while I waited for the computer to reboot (over and over) And it's an old laptop so it takes awhile every time it reboots. I started at 5 p.m. so I thought that I'd have plenty of time to get it going, but it took a lot longer than that!

The good news is that I have the bugs worked out and on Saturday I should be online painting live with no problems.

The two paintings that I fiddled around with were:

Teapot #3 - which I LOVE now

"Flower Pot"

Kitchen Series
Original Oil on Reclaimed Panel
$225

Or click here to email me about Flower Pot.

This is one of a set of 6 kitchen paintings - contact me to see all 6
They are available as a group for $950 with free shipping.

That's it for tonight - hope to be much more productive on Saturday!

Thanks for your interest, and please let me know what you think of the paintings.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Mekky & Two More Paintings

2010-01-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

It has been far too long since I posted. I have some Christmas commissions that I hope to get around to putting up, so maybe I'll post more often :) The first painting tonight is a donated K9 portrait that I couldn't post until after Christmas. Tonight I also blocked in two paintings, and I'll take you along on the process.

First here's Mekky - - -

Donation #26 - Mekky
Granbury TX Police Dept
4" x 6"
Donated Oil Portrait
Oil on Panel

This was given by the Officer's wife as a Christmas gift. Her description follows:

My husband's name is Jeremy Ballew and his "partner's" name is Mekky.

Mekky is 4 years old and they have been together 2 years this last September. Im sorry but I cant remember where Mekky is from (Finland?? something crazy like that but dont quote me). He was trained as a puppy in another country and sent to San Antonio, Texas as one of two dogs to be trained further to meet the requests of the Granbury Police Department. Mekky is trained for drug searches of all types and for tracking humans. He does not use what is called a scent item when tracking (like the persons shirt or something like that), he has to have a starting place or last known location of the person he is looking for so that he can pick up the scent. He is one of few dogs that can keep a scent across different types of ground (grass, gravel, dirt, concrete, etc). Which is very impressive!!

I would have to say my proudest moment of them both is about 6 mos to a year ago. They were tracking a man with a gun. The man had run from officers on scene and they called Jeremy out to assist. One of those call outs I didnt get the story on unitl after it was over. (it scares me to think about those - I was in law enforcement for 5 years and know how easy things can go way wrong!) Anyway, they tracked the scent from a local hotel through an area of storage sheds (a business and concrete groud with privacy fence along one side) and up to a chainlink fence fence to find out the suspect had jumped the fence at a "T". So they had to go back out and around buildings to get to the other side of the chian link fence. Now they are on the same side as before of a privacy fence but around the chian link fence to continue the sniff. Jeremy has one "rookie" officer with him as back up and while doing a track is unable to have his gun out of his holster, just has Mekky on a leash. Well, Mekky comes to a spot on the privacy fence and starts to paw at the groud as though he wants to get through and then sits (which is his sign to Jeremy that he has located what he is after). Very quickly after this as they are attempting to get behind a truck parked close by and transmit this information to other officers, while doing so on the other side of the fence they hear a gunshot!!! Im sure their hearts jumped out of their chest and Jeremy said all Mekky was doing was pulling to go toward the fence and barking while he was trying to get him behind the truck. Ends up they located the subject and he had shot himself but all officers went home safe. It was a very tense night and their first "successful" track in the line of duty. Everything worked in their/our favor and they carried out what they do time after time in training. I was proud mostly because they came home, but because Mekky and Jeremy were able to locate the subject and end the harm being done to others.

We love our family and it just wouldnt be the same without Mekky!

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Thank you to Officer Ballew and Mekky and all the others out there who work so hard to keep us all safe. If you are, or know a K9 officer, or Mounted Patrol or Search & Rescue, please contact me to receive a free oil portrait at absolutely no cost or obligation to you.

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After quite a few technical glitches and a lot of frustration, I was finally back on http://UStream.tv tonight. I started a commission of Tumbleweed - an adorable Corgi. The photo that I am working from is great - he's sitting on a chair, I think it's going to be a wonderful portrait. This is a 4"x6" portrait, the same size that I donate to K9 and Search & Rescue dogs.

Dragon Lady
16" x 20"
Oil on Canvas

Finally, I blocked in the beginnings of a painting that I think will be rather interesting. It is an oil painting of a woman with dragon tatoos. I am not sure exactly what my plans are, but it is the first of the paintings that I am starting for my upcoming solo show in Stephenville, Texas in May. I'll post the progress on the painting in the blog as it continues. I'll also be painting live on UStream.tv/PaintyLiz so join me and we'll visit awhile while I paint! If you're interested in how I go about it, I share all my tips, techniques & colors while I'm painting.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Library Cat FINISHED

2009-11-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

Library Cat
memorial portrait of Max
Oil on Canvas
14" x 18"

Max's portrait is finished - and looking great! This is, unfortunately, a memorial portrait, which is why there is a painting of a rainbow on the back wall. Please make sure you click on the photos to see the enlargements. I'll try to remember the various adjustments I made.

Close-up of Max's face

I added light to the underside of the lamp, and straightened the base a bit. I made adjustments to the position of his paws and added a fancy quill pen to go with the jar of ink on the desk in front of him. Maybe he's writing his memoirs.
Close-up of the adorable little mouse peeking out from under the book. I changed the left side of the book because it was too square for a bunch of pages.

Hope you had fun following along on the creation of this portrait!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Library Cat . .. almost finished!

2009-10-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

Very long and productive day today! The portrait is looking great! I am so happy with it! I hope that I can get a good photo of it tomorrow. You really can't get a very good idea of what it looks like from these photos.

I put a smoking jacket and ascot on Max and got just about all the books painted. I left an open space for the little mouse that will be peeking out from under the book on the left. Max's face is just about finished now, just need to add some whiskers. I brightened up the light, and fixed the perspective on the green book in the front. I may add some titles to a few of them, but I'm not sure yet.

Let me know if you have any good ideas for books, "Mice and Men" or "Cat's Guide to Life" LOL . . .

More soon!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Library Cat part 6

2009-10-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ah, now the fun starts! I've gotten a good start on the cat's face. Below is the photo that I am using for reference.

The biggest challenge will be to change the lighting from a frontal light to a light coming from the right. You can see that there are shadows on the right side of the photo. They won't be there if the lamp is on that side, so I'm going to have to make a lot of adjustment to the portrait to create the feeling that the lamp is lighting him. . . . more soon!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Library Cat part 5

2009-10-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Library Cat - next step

The lamp and the frame have been completed. In the photo below you can see a better view of the lamp and the books behind the desk. The photo is brighter than the actual painting, but it allows you to see some of the detailing in the books.

It's really coming along nicely!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Library Cat part 4

2009-10-28T20:48:00.001-07:00

The Library Cat is back on the easel - got the books in the background painted for the most part. Probably a few more touches as the painting progresses, but they're looking good. The painting did not photograph well, there is more detail than you can see in the photo, but I'm trying to keep it dark.

At this point, the cat reminds me of Felix the cat - I have cut the background into his head so his eyes appear too large, and his head too small. I'll fix that when I paint his head in the next few days.

The glowing rectangle to the left behind the cat became a picture frame. It will hold a 'painting' of a rainbow. I added it after I took the first photo, so it's not in the large photo.

The large dark area to the right of the cat will become the lamp. It was pointed out to me that the lamp was far too small, (or the cat far too large) - and they were right! So the lamp will be much larger than the original sketch. I get involved in planning, and sometimes overlook the obvious (like proportion).

More soon! Live Creatively!!

Liz

Library Cat part 3

2009-10-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

Now I've got the cat just about where I want him. I have spent FAR too long playing with this. I don't usually put this much detail into the preliminary underpainting. We've decided to put him into a smoking jacket, so I took some time googling for images. There are some very natty jackets :) I'm not sure how patterned I will make it, the painting is very busy already. The next step is actual PAINT and that's when the fun starts!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Cat in the Library on the Easel

2009-10-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Now there's a convoluted description. I've been working on the cat in the library painting. I really like the design, I just have to be careful not to make it too bright. My paintings are generally bright and colorful, so it's going to be difficult to keep it dark and moody. I spent far too long futzing with the books and design, but it was fun. Kind of like making a puzzle. I thought I might have made the right hand side of the painting too cluttered, but I think I can change the emphasis with lighting and coloration.

Next I'll put the cat's face in. I don't usually go through this much preliminary work, but I don't really have any reference for this painting, it's just coming out of my imagination, so I want to make sure that I get all the potential problem areas resolved before I start putting too much paint down.

Live Creatively!

Liz

New Anthropomorphic Painting

2009-10-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd bring you along on the journey from idea to finished painting. I had a patron contact me to create a memorial portrait of her cat, Max. She wanted a dark, period piece with him at a library table/desk since he loved to sit on books :)

I don't usually go through this much preparation for a painting, but this is a very elaborate portrait - and I want to make sure that I work out any possible conflicts before I get started.

The first step is to get a 'feel' for the commission. I did this with a color study of the basic idea. This is not set in stone, and I will make a lot of changes to it as I refine the ideas.

Color Study
Goauche on Paper
7" x 9"

After discussing the color study with her, I drew up a sketch incorporating some of the changes. A different lamp and chair, removing the wine bottle (he was not a drinker) . I thought it would be cute to ad a mouse among the books (at this point, he's just a vague reference on the lower left above the "A" in APortraitForYou.)

Pencil Sketch 7" x 9"

Probably the biggest change from the color study is removing the window. I thought that it would bring too much light into the room. I've replaced it with a painting of a rainbow hanging on the wall. For you artists out there, notice that I changed the arc of the rainbow. Can you tell why?

In the actual painting, the center of interest will be illuminated with light thrown from the lamp, and the background will be more subtle. Hard to portray in a quick pencil sketch. The other layout considerations are making sure that I leave a path to Max. I don't want to visually block the viewer from coming into the painting. The books are not a closed arrangement, but have an open area that leads you into the painting. I'm not sure, compositionally, about the books above Max's head. In the actual portrait, they will be blended into the background more, so I think it will be alright and not lead you out of the painting.

By Monday, I expect to be starting the actual portrait - come along, it's going to be fun!

Live Creatively,
Liz

Ringo and his Wife Bella . . . . Mastiff Masterpiece Finished!

2009-10-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Mastiff Masterpiece Finished!

18" x 24"
Oil on Canvas
Private Commission

Close-up of their faces.

I really wish you could see it in person. I am very happy with the way this turned out. Below you can see the inspiration piece for this portrait. There were about 15 different variations in color, but I bought a book on art and scanned in the photo. It is much more colorful than the painting that I have here, but I'm not going to bother to replace it.

Alfred Sisley and his Wife by Renoir

I made a few changes - the color of the gloves was changed from fawn to white because the male mastiff (Ringo) is fawn colored and you couldn't tell that he had a glove on one paw. I thinned down the tree in the background, just because I wanted to :)

Tomorrow I start another interesting portrait - another anthropomorphic painting - this time a cat in a library! I'll show you the initial sketches, color study and then take you along as I go. Also I have a couple daily paintings planned in my mind :) hopefully I'll get to them.

This painting ships out tomorrow - I'm sure going to miss it!!

Live Creatively!
Liz

Warming & Cooling . . . Chalky & Muddy . . . .

2009-10-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post, I will be out of the studio today - I've been getting emails like this one:

Beautiful Liz. Regarding the temperature, can you give me an example....say if a color was a chalky dark green, what color would you use or if the color was a chalky light yellow, what would you use?

So, I thought I'd attempt to describe my method more fully. I'm not sure that it will help, hopefully it won't confuse everyone further, but here goes.

Whether you warm or cool your problem yellow area depends on whether it is a warm yellow (reddish - like cadmium) or a cool yellow (more toward green, usually looks lighter - like chrome yellow)

Same with green - does it go toward blue (pthalo) or more toward yellow (emerald, chromium oxide) By the way, always mix a little red into your greens that will make a more believable green. One of my favorite artists, Morgan Samuel Price always mixes up orange then adds blue/yellow to make it green. I have her VHS video series on painting landscapes & mixing color, I will be selling them, are you interested? It's a set of 5-7 videos, I want $75. One video has static, but you can still hear her. She has a whole tape dedicated to mixing greens.

In my non-portrait paintings, the lights are usually warm - the dark areas cool - so I would warm up the bright areas and cool down the darks

What is the main color of your object? That is the color you'll put most intensely along the edge of shadows in your painting. The rest of the object will be either lighter or darker. If you darken the shadows with blues/purples like I do (my favorite is dioxazine purple), then the color will turn warmer as it goes into the lighted area. If you darken the shadows with warm colors - cad reds/browns, the the color will become cooler as it turns to the light. I think this is unusual - the natural order of things is that objects become warmer as they become lighter. because light, being energy is warmer than shadow. Moonlight is probably an exception, but I haven't painted any moonlight paintings. Even Red can be cool - Alizarin is a cool red. I usually mix a bit into my red mixtures to cool down cad red which is ultra-hot.

I think the best way to figure out, especially in oils, if you're not sure is to take a little of the chalky color and divide it into 2 sections. These can be tiny amounts! Then add a bit of warm (cad yellow or cad red) to one, and a bit of cool (pthalo blue, chrome yellow, yellow ochre) I just looked on Gamblin and they consider yellow ochre to be 'warm' but I use it as cool, since it's a bit greenish to me (in my world.) Color temperature is very much dependent on what is around it. Try it on your painting and see if you like the result. You can always wipe it off :)

There's a chart by Gamblin that gives the temperature of all their paint colors. I hesitate to give it to you because as I said, temperature is RELATIVE to everything else on the painting. But it might give you some ideas of what to mix into your questionable color.

http://www.gamblincolors.com/navigating.color.space/color.temperature.color.html

Don't give up - I still take down my old paintings and 'tweak' them a bit. I just changed a few things on one of my bluebirds - I'll probably post it again sometime.

Oh, and so far, the verdict is that the new version is much better :)

Hope this helps.

Liz

Still Life on a Cardboard Box

2009-10-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Still Life on a Cardboard Box

Original Oil on Canvas
10" x 16"
$495

Or click here to email me about Dont Fall - Still Life.

Here's your chance to pick up a neat still life. The photos don't do it justice. You might remember this as one of the paintings I did in the workshop that I took earlier this year. I was NOT . .. . NOT NOT NOT happy with it originally. I decdided to take some time to work with it today and this is the result.

The vase and the plate are basically untouched, except for a few color points added (can't stand not having enough color!!) The shadow on the box was what attracted me to this layout in the first place. If I have to paint a still life, at least I want some drama in it :)

The pears and lime and everything else, in fact were COMPLETELY redone. I love it! I wish I was capable of getting a good photo so you could see all the detail and little notes of color throughout.

You can't really see it on the internet, but even the cardboard has a lot of colors in it. I added a fold of fabric to make sense of the shadow.

I was watching/listening to a Richard Schmid video while I painted, and he said something that is profound if you're an artist. He said that if you have a color that is either muddy (dark) or chalky (light) the problem is that it is the wrong temperature! If you're not an artist, it won't matter to you, but if you paint, let me tell you - this works wonders! Look at the temperature of the color that you think is muddy/chalky and change it to the opposite - you'll be amazed! You just add either warm or cool to it to change it, you don't have to remove it from the canvas.

This is one time that I wish I was painting live, you would really have enjoyed seeing the transformation of this painting.

The original version had kind of a silly putty color going on - I couldn't stand it! The first thing I did was change that drape to a beautiful carmine red. Then I set to work on making those pears and lime completely believable.

I had it completely repainted and still something just didn't sit right wtih me - I changed the background so that the red cloth draped over the box, instead of up the wall, and voila! I love it!

Hope you do too!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Relic #2 - Summers Past

2009-09-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

Summers Past
Relic #2
6"x8"
Oil on Canvas
Framed to Match Relic #1
$275

Or click here to email me about Summers Past Relic #2 Doorknob.

As I was painting this, I thought of the many summers this doorknob saw, long before internet, dvds and video games. Kids running in for lemonade, adults sitting out on the porch to talk while teens eavesdropped by the side of the house. June bugs like this one flew and batted themselves against the screen door. The doorknob has survived for many, many years and the June bug only for a week or two.

This doorknob is a relic from a house that was destroyed by fire almost 100 years ago. The house is vaguely visible in the background of the painting.

On a more technical note, these two doorknob paintings were done from a still-life I set up on the final day of Qiang's workshop. I have had a few comments that the recent paintings are not my usual style. I'm not sure if I'll keep doing the 'dramatic' still lifes, I might try some with a more colorful background. - what's your opinion?

The previous Relic painting was from a photograph that I took of the doorknob before I left the studio. The set-up was a bit different which was evident in the differences in the shadows. I like this one where you can see the keyhole in the shadow.

We had only a few hours left before we would pack our paints and head to our homes. The assignment was to paint anything we wanted. Theresa had a bowl of old metal and pottery remnants from the home that preceeded the B&B. So, I left the studio and while everyone else was setting up pretty bowls, fruit & flowers (OH GOD NO MORE FLOWERS) I looked for something in her collection that was of more interest to me. On my way back to the group with my treasure, I found the June bug outside on the wooden steps by the kitchen door.

This painting is actually the one I painted from life at the workshop - but greatly improved. I had the light set up too close to my canvas, artificially increasing the visibility of the painting. After I finished original painting and removed the light, the painting lost all definition and became way too dark. It was also hampered by my attempting to paint using Qiang's technique of almost all grays and neutrals, and it turned out too colorless for me. If I could find a good photo of the 'before' I'd share it with you, but I don't seem to have one.

So, tonight, I lightened up the background and added a lot more color and definition and I really like the resulting painting. What do you think? (be sure to look at the larger version)

Live Creatively!

Liz

Relic #3 - August

2009-09-25T19:05:00.001-07:00

Relic #3 August
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas
$250

Or click here to email me about Relic #3 August.

The Iron Horse Inn, a bed & breakfast in Granbury, is built on the ruins of an older home that burned down. Theresa, the proprieter, often finds evidence of the old house and keeps them in a bowl. This is a doorknob that she found. Next to it is a (dead) June bug, which are ubiquitous in August, thus the name of the painting - August.

I've been working on the Mastiff Masterpiece, and am dying to show you, but every time I take a photo, I come back in and spend a half hour getting the photos ready and then realize I want to fix something, either on the setup for taking the photo (shadows, etc) or on the painting itself. After 3 long attempts, I have given up and will share Relic #1 with you instead.

Please become a fan of my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Liz-van-der-Werff/136309593758 and forward this to anyone you think would like my art!

Live Creatively!!

Mastiff Masterpiece continues!

2009-09-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

It's really coming along - the photo does not do it justice, I have to stop taking photos at midnight! It's not finished yet - but I am EXTREMELY happy with it. I have to finish their pawas, work on the lace overlay on the dress, and add some notes of color throughout. Wish you could see it in person!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Mastiff Masterpiece on the Easel Again

2009-09-23T22:54:00.001-07:00

A quick update on the progress of the Mastiff Masterpiece - it's really coming along. This is just preliminary work on the faces, I will of course, add more color and dimension as I go. I expect to have this commission finished this week, It's supposed to be shipped out next week. The dress is not completed yet, either. And obviously the background has a way to go. More soon!

Live creatively!
Liz

Donated Search & Rescue Portraits

2009-09-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Only time for a very quick note - a MASSIVE thunderstorm is moving in and I'm shutting down the computer -

I made a movie of some of the Search & Rescue paintings - please forward to anyone you think would like to see them. I need some new dogs to paint!

Please help me out by rating and sharing the video with as many people as you can. I need some new search & rescue dogs to paint!

Live Creatively!
Liz

Little China Doll

2009-09-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Little China Doll

4" x 5.5"
Gouache on Illus Board
NFS

This is a doll of my mother's that I played with when I was a child. She used to have a little paper umbrella that fit into her hand. This is probably my favorite painting from the trip - although I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the sentimental value to me :) It is now in my mother's collection. It has a white border around it, as the others, but I thought the photo looked best this way.

Thanks for looking! - add me as a friend on FaceBook and please share this page with anyone you think might like my work!

Live Creatively!
Liz

Old Brass

2009-09-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

I should have taken a photo of the actual still life, so you could see that the brass is not shiny - it looks very much like this painting. Today's painting could be a small brass chocolate pot, or maybe it's just an old plant watering pot :) In any case, it's old.

Old Brass Whatchamacallit
6" x 4"
Gouache on Illus Board

If you know what this would be called - a pitcher? I'm not sure . . . let me know. I've only gotten one suggestion for the decoy painting :( Don't you have a name for it? The suggestion was "Congress" since they're a bunch of ducks that wake up in a new world every day . . . LOL . . . If you have another suggestion, let me know.

Thanks to everyone that writes me to comment about my paintings. I really appreciate it, and I always write back. Please forward this to anyone that you think would enjoy it. Ok, don't forward this one, forward one of the paintings I like LOL

Live Creatively!
Liz

Orange Spice Tea

2009-09-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite paintings from my trip. My sister collects teapots - they're EVERYWHERE in her house. I thought I'd paint a quick study of one of them for her - It turned out nicely, if I do say so myself.

Orange Spice Tea
6" x 4" Gouache on Paper
NFS

My sister thought to take a photo of the setup that I painted. I cooled the color of the towel a bit, but tried to capture the warm orange of the teapot. I think I got it!

I like painting teapots - I'll be doing more soon!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Whew . . . . long trip :)

2009-09-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Long trip - finally home. Got in late, and I'm bushed, but thought I'd post one of the paintings
that I did while I was in North Carolina. No landscapes yet. This is a duck decoy from life - I posed it outside on a deck railing to get good light.

Decoy
about 4"x 6"
Gouache on Paper

I'm too tired to think of a good name for this - if you have any ideas send them to me!

This is my very first attempt to paint with gouache paints. I've had the set for years and never used it. I try to add to my collection of different paints, but don't always get around to trying them out. I'm really happy with gouache, it is a type of opaque watercolors. It covers well and dries fast! You can layer one color over another and it covers it up. Unlike acrylics, you can re-wet and blend it. It also 'bleeds' together like watercolors so you get some nice effects that way as well. I did a few more paintings with it on my trip. I'll be posting them over the next couple of days. In retrospect, I think I should have blended the shadow a bit more, but it was quite sharp in the morning sun. I painted this on the back deck of my husband's cousin's beautiful house in the crisp North Carolina morning . . . . . nothin' could be finer . . . :)

Live Creatively!
Liz

Mastiff Masterpiece Update

2009-08-29T19:43:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to show you the next step in the Mastiff Masterpiece.

Starting on the male's suit. Remember, this is just the beginning, there will be much more nuanced shadow, light & color work to come on all of it!

Live Creatively!
Liz

Mastiff Masterpiece on the Easel

2009-08-27T10:09:00.001-07:00

This has been a hectic week - I'm leaving tomorrow for an Einstein vacation (it's all relative) my favorite kind - I had a rush commission for a repeat client and just finished it last night. I have a number of other commissions jostling for a place on the easel. I've been working on the Mastiff Masterpiece and have quite a bit done, but no photos ready to go except the very first one - so here is a look at the first step I took on the painting -

I refined the position of the female and got started on the skirt. It looks great, but even the skirt is a long way from finished :)

Be sure that you enlarge it -

Gotta get back to work -

Live Creatively!
Liz

Mastiff Commission Underway

2009-08-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a peek at what's on the easel this week:

This will be a portrait of two mastiffs in watercolor. It's not finished yet, I haven't even touched the background. But since I haven't been posting, didn't want you to think I wasn't painting.

Live Creatively!
Liz

Gumby's NIghtmare Surreal Art

2009-08-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Tonight was interesting. Despite my solemn vow to myself that I was going to paint every day, 9:00 pm approached and I hadn't touched a brush all day. I was still exhausted from being so 'social' all weekend plus painting LOL. My son came by to pick up his dog whom we had been keeping for the weekend

My eldest son Jeremy painting

He and I decided to paint together. He paints abstracts and challenged me to paint a wall of eyes (he knows I love eyes, and resist painting abstracts)

Gumby's Nightmare
Acryilc on Panel
It really looks 3-d

Jeremy suggested the name. The wall looks like it's made of clay. We used the Chroma brand Acrylics, they are marvelous. I will be doing more with them as it goes along.

Here is the painting that Jeremy did. It's quite a bit different from his usual style, his style is evolving I suppose.

Shimmering Stones
Acrylic & Metallics
7 3/4" x 22"

I also tried to take a photo of the final painting that I did for the workshop on Sunday, but it did not photograph well enough to post. I will take a photo tomorrow and show you. I was too tired to post it yesterday.

Live Creatively!
Liz

Buster Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog with CARDA

2009-08-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

Buster

Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

CARDA - California Rescue Dog Association

4" x 6"
Oil on Canvas

This is a really bad photo. I'll get a better one soon and post it on the Portrait of a Hero website - http://www.PortraitOfAHero.com so check there in a week or so!

From his partner Lori:

"Buster is an 11 1/2 year old Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dog. Currently Certified as a volunteer Search and Rescue K9 with CARDA and the LA County Sheriff's Department. Buster has been involved in K9 SAR since 2000. He works as a scent specific Trailing dog. He has had "walk up finds" as well as providing clues and direction of travel to assist Law Enforcement in finding the missing

"He loves his "job" and you can't get into the truck fast enough when the pager goes off! Truly an inherent love to work. A very happy go luck boy. I am truly blessed to have such a great partner!."

______________________

Thank you Lori, Buster and your other dogs for all your work and dedication!

Tomorrow I'm off to my workshop - hopefully I'll have some new paintings for you when I get back. In my indubitable fashion, I haven't done a thing to prepare for this. I'll have to pull everything together in the morning :)

Live Creatively!
Liz

Waylon, Bloodhound Extraordinaire :)

2009-08-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Waylon
Bloodhound
South Carolina Police K9

Oil on Panel 4" x 6"

Unfortunately, this is a memorial painting :( I love bloodhounds, they have such fantastic faces. I didn't know Waylon, but he looks like a stoic dog.

From his partner: Sgt. Grant Huckabee:

Waylon was 13 years old and he served his entire life to public service.
I had to have him put to sleep in February.

------------------------------

My husband points out that the "POLICE" on the car is crooked, but I point out that it's a 4"x6" study that should focus on the dog. Who knows, I may end up going back and painting the "POLICE" part over :P . . . Personally, I like it and think it looks okay, what's your opinion?

I am getting ready for my workshop Friday - Sunday with Qiang Huang. It's going to be held at the Iron Horse Inn, a bed & breakfast in Granbury, Texas about an hour's drive from me. I won't be staying over, but the grounds are beautiful. Qiang does beautiful still lives, so I will be painting still lives this weekend. You'll have at least 3 to see before I get back to dogs :) I promise to show them, no matter how they turn out. LOL

Live Creatively!

Liz

Ali - A Fire & Rescue Dog

2009-08-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

Ali
Fire Search & Rescue Dog
Lee County Fire and Rescue
South Carolina
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel

Ali is a youngster in this painting, not matured and filled-out.

From her partner Rev. Ryan Riley, Firefighter Lt. / Chaplain:

Ali was a a rescued dog and I had searched for a good German Shepherd for a while when I found a picture of her on line and I fell totally in love with her. When we met, I think the feeling was mutual and we had a tight bond. She trained every day and was hard to shut down. She always wanted to work and play. She has only 5 rescues to her list simply because of an early retirement due to health issues. She has searched tornado areas and even looked for a runaway Alzheimers patient. Her last assignment was with the Lee County Fire and Rescue in South Carolina. She is now with a family that needed a companion and very happy to be just that for them. I miss her a lot but know that God has a purpose for all of us…..even our dogs.

Thank you Rev. Riley and Ali. We appreciate all those who work so hard to keep us safe.

I got the bloodhound done today too, and if I can find his/her story & name, I'll post it tomorrow ;)

Live Creatively!

Liz

Bloodhound K9 & Canine Masterpiece

2009-08-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Bloodhound
whose name I can't find :)
Oil on Panel
4" x 6"

You may remember when I blocked in this painting MONTHS ago - it's finally gotten back on the easel and I've just about finished the dog portion of the painting. The background will be the police car, and that should be painted Monday. I really wish I had the video camera set up for this piece, there were quite a few 'learning opportunities' as I worked on getting the perspective right. These dogs have such amazing heads.

I should be doing some still lifes - I am scheduled to take a workshop from an artist whose still lives I admire greatly - Qiang Huang. I'm fortunate that he is located within a few hours of me. I'm really looking forward to his class and hopefully getting enthused about painting still lifes!

I've got some very interesting commissions going right now - another 'canine masterpiece' - this time interpreting a Renoir painting with Mastiffs. To whet your appetite, here is the painting that I will be adapting - Alfred Sisley and his Wife by Renoir.

I'll bring you along step by step as it progresses. It looks like it will be a lot of fun.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Sienna - Search & Rescue Dog Donation #21

2009-05-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

Sienna
Golden Retriever
DAWGS

From her partner: My Golden Retriever Sienna was a search and rescue dog with Disaster and Wilderness Ground Searchers in CT. One of her best buddies in search was Jet, the black lab you painted.

During her career, she worked with a passion and joy even when cutting her foot open and tearing two ACLs. She started her career as an 8 week old puppy. On September 13 2008, I awoke to find her sleeping peacefully on her bed. She had died in her sleep. Sienna was 10 years old. My vet determined she died of hemiosarcoma which often has no symptoms until the dog dies.

Thank you Sienna for all you did :)

I've been busy working on some commissions, and I swear I'm going to get back into painting things other than dogs eventually :)

Live Creatively!

Liz

Uintah & Wahsatch & the Bluebird of Fair to Middlin'

2009-05-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

Uintah & Wahsatch
Oil on Canvas
20" x 20"

Finally getting around to posting the final photo of the two golden retrievers - They have great names - they are named after the mountains in the area of Utah where they live. They are both search & rescue dogs. As usual it's not a very good photo, but I haven't posted in so long, I figured I'd put it up anyway.

My son and I participated in the Funky Finds Spring Fling art & craft show. My son's artwork can be seen here The show was a lot of fun. It was a 'dog-friendly' venue, so along with my husband, came Mackenzie the Wacky Pup.

Here is Mackenzie sitting under her portrait

My son brought Holley, his 100 lb German Shepherd / Rottie mix

and my sister came with Zora, her 130 lb German Shepherd / Yeti mix.

All the dogs were wearing their "Wacky Pup" bandana - Directions for making a bandanna for your dog, cat or even yourself are on .com All those people and dogs in one 10' x 10' display area LOL . . . most people were not too intimidated to come in and look at the art. The majority of the shoppers had their own dogs, too. All in all, a lot of fun.

I took a couple photos of some dogs that I think will make good paintings, but I got very interested in babies in strollers. For one thing, the strollers are amazing looking now - some look like you could take them off-road - and if you put an engine on them, the whole family could ride LOL. But mostly I was interested because the babies are always either trying to get out, or sitting in funny positions.

Bluebird No. 5

The Bluebird of Fair to Middlin'
9" x 9"
Oil on Reclaimed Panel with painted sides
$225

Or click here to email me about Bluebird of Fair to Middlin.

This is one of a set of 6 kitchen paintings - contact me to see all 6

They are available as a group for $950 with free shipping.

I have been busy working on commissions, including a house portrait and another golden retriever portrait. Hopefully I will have some paintings to show after they have been presented to their surprise recipients.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Holley in Her Natural Habitat

2009-04-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is Holley - she is a couch potato - so I painted her portrait in her normal position :)

HOLLEY
Rottweiler Mix
8" x 16"
Sold

I'm not very talkative tonight, so I'll make this brief. I am getting ready for my first show on Saturday, hope some of you can make it out there. I think I am listed in the program as either A Portrait For You or Wacky Pup - so look for me! I'll have some of my paintings with me and you will be able to see how much better they look in real life.

As a self-taught artist, I appreciate the following quote, even though I have no idea who the guy is that said it :)

“It is better to create than to be learned, creating is the true essence of life” Barthold Georg Niebuhr

Live Creatively!
Liz

You know, I'm eventually going to need glasses!

2009-04-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

You know, I'm eventually going to need glasses!

Flat Coated Retriever / Cocker Spaniel Cross
11" x 14"
Oil on Panel

This is a very cartoonish depiction of my old dog Ruby doing her least favorite trick :) I went to the Fort Worth Arts Festival this past weekend, and there was a couple artists doing cartoony portraits, and I thought "neat! I should try this" I have to say, it's much easier than trying to get it to look like the real dog LOL. I'm not sure how many of these I'll be doing, but they are fun. I'll get looser with them after I've done a few.

I didn't have an actual photo of her doing this trick, so I just made it up, with a photo of her for reference. Here's a close-up of her poor crossed eyes.

Live creatively!

Liz

Indigo

2009-04-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

Indigo
16"x20"
Oil on Canvas
sold

This is Indigo, a Siamese mix. His name was inspired by his beautiful blue eyes. This commissioned portrait was influenced by the painting of the hairless cat I did last year. You may remember that one, it had a retro turquoise and brown background. This has a similar color scheme with a different pattern.

This is the other cat portrait with a retro background:

well, another long day tomorrow, so I'm off!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Home Portrait

2009-04-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

Home Portrait
12" x 16"
Oil on Panel
Private Collection, NFS

Aha! Something other than a dog!

This is a privately commissioned home portrait. Interestingly, the client asked for me to paint it on a panel, as she wanted to mat and frame it like a watercolor. She got more bang for her buck this way, because a 12"x 16" painting will mat to 16" x 20 or even larger. She liked it so much that she has commissioned a second painting of a different house.

Just thought you'd like to see something besides dogs for a change. I've been busy making a 3' wide WackyPup face out of styrofoam for my art show at the end of the month. Soon, back to the easel!

Live Creatively!
Liz

A New Painting . . . . and a SCAM

2009-04-09T21:25:00.001-07:00

"HEY! YOU WITH THE OPPOSABLE THUMB!!"
Mackenzie

Labradoodle
24" x 20"
Acrylic on Canvas

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted. I do have some paintings, but no photos! I am so far behind. Allow me to introduce Mackenzie. She is my dog. I've wanted to paint her for quite a while, but I can't ever get the photo that I really want. I still didn't, but I like this one. When she's trying to get you to throw the ball for her, she looks up at you with the whites showing in her eyes - I love the look, but when I take the camera out she stops doing it! I have a lot more sympathy with those of you who tell me they can't get a good photo of their dog. Now I understand why I work from so many bad photos LOL

I waited until today to send this out so that I could get a good daylight photo. The painting is so bright that it's hard to get an accurate photo, but it's pretty close. I think the close-up below is more accurate.

You'll notice that the copyright is a bit different on this one - I have started a new website - what? 5 websites is not enough? plus 2 blogs? Ok have I mentioned that I have ADD . . . oh look a chicken . . . anyway, if I were a firearm, I'd be a shotgun. Anyway, this new website - WackyPup.com has more crafty type things, and will also have my wackier paintings. Mack will be the first to be showcased. It will also include things from others, like my sister who builds things from wood. If you have something that you think could be marketed through WackyPup.com give me a hollar and we'll see if we can work something out.

I'm using a different type of paint - Chroma Interactives. I'm excited to announce that I was approached to become a working artist for Chroma. This is the first painting I've done with the new paints. They are an acrylic paint that has a much longer open time than traditional acrylics. I don't usually paint in acrylics for exactly that reason - they dry so fast that I don't have time to do any blending or manipulation of the paint. Even oils dry too fast for me most of the time (but then I use a lot of liquin LOL) I LOVE these Chroma Interactive paints! The colors are fantastic and they handle well. I'm going to have to use them more to get accustomed to the properties, but so far it looks like they will be a wonderful addition to my studio. I'll be writing more about them as I find out more techniques to use them.

Now, the scam I mentioned. A while back, I painted a portrait of a golden retriver named Theodore, owned by Scott Shields. I just found out tonight that Scott is a fraud. He also owned another dog, Bear, who was purported to be the most successful rescue dog ever, won medals, and gathered a lot of publicity and money for Scott and his sister. The stories that Scott told were LIES and the dogs weren't even trained as rescue dogs.

I was one of the many who were taken in by Scott's stories. However, I am leaving Theo's painting up, albeit as a FAUX Search & Rescue dog, because it is not his fault that his owner is a fraud. He is still a beautiful golden retreiver, and I'm sure that if he had the opportunity to become a REAL search & rescue dog, he would be very eager to do it! If he understood what had been going on, he would be ashamed of his owner, but since dogs give unconditional love, he doesn't have a clue. So, this is a tribute to all the dogs we own that love us no matter if we deserve it or not.

Thank you as usual for your patience, I should be painting a bit more often over the next two weeks, because I'm supposed to be in an art show at the end of the month and I have nothing to bring LOL!!

If' you're going to be in the Fort Worth area on April 25 come by the Will Rogers Memorial Center and visit me at the Funky Finds Spring Fling - It's FREE and pet-friendly and looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. I'll be painting and doing dog caricatures . . .

Live Creatively!!

Liz

Portrait of a Hero - Donation #20 - Dakota

2009-03-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Dakota
Belgian Malinois Search & Rescue Dog
FLTF2

From Julie, his handler:

Dakota, 3, was imported from Germany to be a patrol dog, but fortunately for me biting was not is forte. For a Mal he has a sweat personality and likes to please. He negotiates rubble like a gazelle and searches extremely fast, sometimes blowing right by scent and has to work his way back. He likes to take direction and isn't as serious about his work as Lilly-Belle, but he also has a strong work ethic. Dakota, is my "Flash dog" and Lilly is my "steady girl" they make a great pair.

FLTF2 is a Federal Search team sponsored by Miami Fire Rescue. I am a 23 year fire fighter with Miami. Both Lilly-Belle and Dakota are Type 1 FEMA certified disaster search dogs.

Thank you Julie, Dakota and Lilly! We appreciate your hard work. I will be painting Lilly's portrait soon.

I am so happy with the way this portrait turned out. In this instance, I deleted the background from the photo and put in a generic background. I love the look on Dakota's face. However, I just realized that I never finished his collar LOL . . . so I guess the painting isn't exactly finished. I will post an updated photo when I add his bright orange collar.

“Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion . . . . I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.” Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (American Writer, b.1922)

Live Creatively!

Liz

Roxey's Story & Pico Finished

2009-03-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

(click to see larger)

ROXEY
Belgian Malinois
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel

First let me introduce you to Roxey. Her partner, Officer Douglas R. Beckman of the University of Illinois Police Dept. tells about her:

Roxey was our departments first Police Dog. She was a Belgian Malinois from Holland. I was blessed in her picking me out at the kennel by placing her paw upon my shoulder as we walked through the kennels looking at 100's of dogs before we made our selection. Then for over 9 years we worked together as friends and partners. Roxey had over 1600 calls for service and recovered over 400 lbs of illegal drugs. She was responsible for seizing thousands of dollars of drug money and vehicles. Roxey was also responsible for recovering 17 handguns and assisting in the arrest of 100's of felony and misdemeanor suspects. Roxey retired on Aug 4, 2008.

On Sept 27th 2008 I lost my partner and friend. Roxey had been injured 3 years prior looking for a home invasion suspect and had been on some very strong medication so she would be comfortable after her back injury. Roxey never slowed down. The day of the 27th I was able to have my daughter tell Roxey to catch the bad guys one last time and my wife to be with me as she passed. It was truly the hardest thing I have every done. Roxey is always with me and has made me a better person as well as an Officer. When I got my new partner I new I had to get someone with a different look and personality so I wouldn't be able to compare just by looking at them. Now more than ever, I'm gratefull I was able to do that with my new Partner Quinty. Thank you very much for everything you do it does mean alot to the Officers and family we spend so much of our lives with them it is hard to put in words. Roxey was truly my family's Hero.

---------------------------------------------

Thank you Officer Beckman and your new partner Quinty.

Portrait Notes: After I finished the initial sketch, it was obvious to me that I had her a bit fatter than she was, so I modified that as I painted. Although I often change the backgrounds of portraits, I really liked the bold graphic of the Police car behind Roxey, and thought it made a great background, so I left it that way. This is one of the portraits that doesn't photograph very well. I might be able to get a better photo in the daylight.

(click to see larger)

Pico
German Shepherd
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel

Here is the final version of Pico's portrait. I tweaked his ears a bit, added more color to his coat and filled in the background. I'm very happy with both these portraits, and very grateful to the Officers that work so hard for us.

It seems like all I've been doing for Daily Paintings (ok I know they're not daily) are dogs. I really plan on some other paintings, so hang in there and I'll get some still lives or landscapes on the easel soon. I dropped my favorite glass bluebird and broke her tail off, so I'm planning to paint a tragedy painting soon.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus (Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)

Live Creatively!! (and gratefully)

Liz

Pico - Dallas Police K9 Service Dog

2009-03-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

Pico
4"x6"
Oil on Panel

From his partner: Pico (Pee-ko) is about 2 1/2 yrs old. He came from Czechoslovakia. We are the most rookie team on the Dallas Police Dept. K9 Team. We started in October of 2007. We got off training in May 2008 and are free to roam the entire city of Dallas while our citizens sleep. Pico is trained in Building Search, Apprehension, Tracking Suspects, and area searches for suspects. He loves his red ball! He loves his Chihuahua sister Pinky who lives at home and likes to chase her anytime he gets a chance.

Pico caught another bad guy one early morning a week or so ago hiding some bushes. He's up to 5 bad guy catches now during his short 10 month career off of training.... "

Thank you!

This portrait is ALMOST finished. I got interrupted and wasn't able to get back to it tonight, but thought I'd share what I did get done. I'm probably going to work on the grass a bit, and maybe tweak Pico's ears a bit, but it's looking pretty good.

* UPDATE * I was just informed by Pico's partner that Pico captured two more burglars last night!! Way to go!!

Since I won't be posting tomorrow, here's a sneak peek at another portrait I'm working on -

Roxey

Belgium Malinois from Holland
Oil Sketch
4"x6"

I'm painting her a bit closer than she is in the photo. Unfortunately, this is a memorial painting, as Roxey is keeping bad guys out of heaven now. More on her story when I show you the finished painting. Her police officer partner that sent the photos wrote a very moving story about her.

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." - Mother Teresa

Live Creatively!

Liz

Oskar Black German Shepherd K-9 Portrait

2009-03-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

OSKAR
Black German Shepherd
South Carolina
Oil on Panel
4" x 6"

From his partner - "Oskar is a 2 year old black German Shepherd that was imported from Slovokia. His is trained in narcotics detection, tracking, article recovery and patrol work. We have been partners since May 2008. Today we have accounted for 9 arrests, 4 vehicle seizures, about $6000.00 cash and various amounts of drugs, to include several pounds of marijuana. We look forward to putting more bad guys in jail and make our world a safer place."

Thank you so much! We appreciate your efforts!

A few weeks ago, I showed you the beginning of Oskar's portrait. Actually, it wasn't the very beginning because I painted the entire portrait then wiped it out, because I just didn't like it. I started over, and you saw the sketch that I did - but it wasn't right either, you can see that he is too short and his head is proportionately too large - but at least his feet were in the right place :)

So, I wiped it out AGAIN and started for the (hopefully) final time. I'm pleased with how it turned out. In response to those who have asked to see the reference photos, it is below. I don't like posting reference photos because I feel that the painting should stand on its own merits and also that sometimes I am so close to the original that some think I actually trace. Those of you who have watched me paint live know that is definitely not the case. It is just trial and error, replacing those bits that don't look 'right' and refining as you go along until you are happy with it.

.I'm going to see if I can get some more work done tonight, so maybe I'll have something to show you tomorrow.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. - Maria Robinson

As always - live creatively!!

Liz

K9 Portrait - Pico - Donation #19

2009-02-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

Portrait of Pico - K9 with Dallas Police Department

I juts got a note from the officer that handles Pico. He says Pico caught another bad guy hiding in some bushes early Wednesday morning. He's up to 5 bad guy catches now during his short 10 month career after finishing his training!

I've gotten the basic shape blocked in and will let it dry a few days before painting the actual portrait.

People have asked to see some of the photos that I am working from. The sketch is just that, a sketch - for basic placement. The details and accuracy will be worked in as I paint. I don't see much 'off' about Pico's painting so far, but give me time LOL . . .

In other news, I just got some software so that I can digitize artwork into designs to be sewn by an embroidery machine. I'm planning on drawing up a series of dog sketches that can be made into embroidery for kids and adults. I don't want to do the actual embroidery, just create the patterns and let others embroider it on their own items. What do you think? If you have any comments, suggestions, requests or ideas, let me know. Also, if you have an embroidery machine and would like to receive some free designs in exchange for test sewing them for me, I'd appreciate it, although it might be a while before I figure out how to do it. I have a Janome 350E and the software I got is the Pfaff Creative Digitizing v6 - I haven't gotten started with it at all yet, but I've read the instructions LOL . . .

Our car with 250,000 miles on it finally died and we're biting the bullet and getting a NEW Acadia - I'm all excited! We just have to find the perfect one - and the perfect price HAHAHAH my house cost less than this vehicle LOL

"Not what we have but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance." - John Petit-Senn

Live Creatively!

Liz

Free Search & Rescue Portrait - Dakota part 1 - Donation #18

2009-02-27T05:45:00.000-08:00

I probably shouldn't push my luck, but here's another post - two posts in two days!! Whoo hooo I'm on a roll.

I have blocked in another of the free portraits - this time, it's of a Search & Rescue dog named Dakota who lives in South Florida.

I can see right off that I have some problems, his face is too wide, but I got such a kick out of his grin and I wanted to share him with you. He looks like the Joker.

Now I'm off to the big city of Fort Worth for the day!

“Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes. - Oscar Wilde

Live Creatively!

Liz

Oskar Black German Shepherd K-9 Painting started - Donation #17

2009-02-26T16:50:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Gee, should I just pick up where I left off and pretend it hasn't been 3 MONTHS since I posted?? Should I whine and "explain" that I was busy with Christmas commissions and then about the time I finished up - my computer crashed (ok, it got a nasty virus) and I couldn't write and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, which I feel bad about! And top it all off with a mumbled apology about getting ennui and not wanting to do ANYTHING???

Ok, well, I won't! I'll just introduce Oskar, a police dog a dual-purpose black german shepherd imported from Slovokia who works with the police department in South Carolina. I'll have to get more clarification about what is 'dual purpose' . . .

This is one of my free K-9 paintings to handlers of Police Dogs, and Search & Rescue Dogs. Please email me if you have a K-9 or S&R dog, or know of one who would like to receive a 4"x6" oil portrait free of charge. This is my way of saying thank you to all those who put their lives on the line for us.

I actually painted Oskar's entire portrait, but just was NOT happy with it. I started completely over, and this is the result so far. Oskar is in a difficult pose. This is one of the situations where you really have to pay attention to the 'negative' shapes, such as the shape of the space between his front and back legs. I am going to let this painting dry for a few days so that when I come back in with the next layer, this basic sketch won't be disturbed.

I also have some Christmas commissions that I want to share with you soon.

So, keep your eyes open, your spirits up and live creatively!!

Liz

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy day - but for once, I am not the one cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I do have some homemade yeast rolls baking, cranberry sauce on the stove, and am trying to find an interesting recipe for a casserole from our garden's summer squash. As always, at this time of year, I reflect on all the reasons I have to be very thankful. First of all, I am glad that I was born in the greatest country on earth. Good health and talent wouldn't be worth much in some countries, where it is all you can do to survive. Right now, in 2008 - Albino people are being slaughtered in Tanzania and Barundi because it is believed their body parts are useful in "traditional medicine" Not all "traditions" are good ones.

I am thankful that God gave me talent to turn paint and cloth into portraits that keep loved ones close. I am thankful that after 50 years of looking, I found my soulmate. I am thankful that my kids are healthy, intelligent and self-supporting :) I am thankful that I do not have to wonder where my next meal is coming from or where I will sleep tonight. I am also thankful that I have a large and supportive group of people that write and encourage me and comment on my paintings! (That's you guys!) Thank you so much for being part of my world - and please feel free to write and comment on anything.

On a lesser note, I'm thankful that I have gotten a few Christmas commissions done, and am beginning to feel like there may be an end in sight :) and I got a good photo of the bulldog painting I posted yesterday. It still doesn't do justice to the actual painting.

NEW PHOTO - FINAL VERSION OF FINISHED PAINTING
(click on photo to see larger version)

CLICK HERE TO BID ON EBAY

Bulldog Charity Painting
11" x 14"
Oil on Canvas

Check back for link to auction - it should be starting this Sat/Sun

Close-ups of painting - click to see even larger!

NEW PHOTOS - FINAL VERSION OF FINISHED PAINTING
CLICK HERE TO BID ON EBAY

CLICK HERE TO BID ON EBAY

Congratulations to new collector Anne L. of Maine who is the happy owner of the Husky painting.
She wrote "The husky painting arrived today and it's even more beautiful than I anticipated! Thanks so much. It hasn't been out of my sight since it arrived!"
I'm glad you like it, Anne! And thanks so much for your emails.

Better go check those rolls . . .. .

Live Creatively!!! (and thankfully!)

Liz

Bulldog Charity Painting

2008-11-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but most of the painting I've been doing are gifts, so I can't share them with you. Today I finished a painting for Bulldog Rescue - I need to get a better photo, but thought I'd post what I have for now. Please check back to get the link for the auction - remember this goes to help the dogs!

BULLDOG CHARITY PAINTING
(click to see larger)

12"x 16"
Oil on Canvas

(better photo to come soon)

This painting will be auctioned to raise money for The BCA Rescue Network, Inc - non-profit organization. There are many volunteers nationwide who love the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to its continued well-being. These volunteers find new homes for more than 1000 Bulldogs per year. Many thousands of dollars are spent to provide medical care, food, shelter, and training while the rescued Bulldogs are awaiting adoption.

Please check back to get the link to bid on this painting - remember 50% of the proceeds go to help support bulldog rescue!

If you have a charity to which you would like me to donate a painting, please let me know!

Scroll down to see the steps to this beautiful portrait!

Step #1 - Beginning the portrait - a very blurry photo. This actually isn't the VERY first step, but it's the first time that I took a break to take a photograph. I started by painting in the basic shape of the dog with burnt sienna paint.

Then I blocked in the darks and lights on his body. I like to use very colorful underpainting on animals, I think it gives more of a sense of the life and vibrancy of their being.

Close-up of Step 1 You can see his face starting to emerge from the shadows.

Step 2 - Now I'm adding the details and the actual coloring of the dog - this appears to bring him out of the shadows.

Step 3 - I now have just about all his body in basically the correct coloration. I will now refine areas and model the muscles and bones of his structure to make sure he is anatomically accurate.

Step 4 - Just about done! I will probably make a few adjustments - but basically he is finished. I have modeled his muscles, and adjusted the balance between light and dark. This is not a very good photo as it was 11:00 p.m when I stopped painting. I will try to get a better photo in the daylight.

Thank you again for your interest in my artwork, and for your patience :)

Live Creatively!!!

Liz

Olive the Sphynx Cat

2008-11-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted, but I HAVE been painting. Here is one of the paintings I've done recently that is not a Christmas gift. Allow me to introduce Olive, the Sphynx cat. (I am pretty sure that is her breed, if not, I'll post a correction when I find out.) She is hairless and very striking. Unfortunately, this is a memorial painting, as she recently passed away.

in memory of
OLIVE
16" x 20"
Oil on Canvas

Here is a close-up of her face - be sure to click both the photos to see much larger views. Her owner in into 'retro' so I had fun with the background - and the reflections on the cat.

On a technical note, there were really no good photos of Olive, but I found a variety of reference pictures and pulled together all the elements that defined Olive, adding the coloring, changing the pose, etc. So if you don't have the 'perfect' photo, don't worry, I can still make a great portrait. Of course, if you have a great photo, that's nice too :)

I am working on quite a few commissions, but they are all for Christmas, so you won't see them until January. I have quite a few K-9 and Search & Rescue portrait donations lined up and should be posting some of them next week.

Thanks for looking, and please feel free to comment or email me - I would love to hear from you.

As always,

Live Creatively!!

Liz

J.B. the Scotty has eyes :)

2008-09-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

J.B.
Scottish Terrier
Memorial Portrait
18" x 24"

In the close-up you can see more of the colors that are on the painting. I have used blues, greens and purples to highlight his fur and give him depth.

I'm tired tonight, so not much to say :)

Thanks for looking and LIVE CREATIVELY!

Liz

JB the Scotty Gets his Turn . . .. finally

2008-09-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I hope everyone has survived the storms and managed to get to a safe place. I hope if you had any losses, it was just material possessions which don't matter that much in the real scheme of things. I live in the middle of Texas, we didn't even get any rain, so don't worry about me :)

J.B. the Scotty
18" x 24" Oil on Canvas

I've been working on J.B., but haven't had any good photos. Finally got a couple, although he's so dark that the camera doesn't pick up the variations very well. You may remember this is a memorial painting for a Scotch Terrier that has crossed the rainbow bridge. This is much larger than life, since Scotties aren't that large, and this is 18" x 24". It's looking good, hopefully when I get the background in, the photo will turn out better. I think all that white space is throwing it off. Also, he looks a bit bizarre without any eyes yet. Don't worry, he'll have his beautiful, loving eyes soon.

Here is a little close up of his nose, which shows more of the variation and colors of the painting better than the larger photo above. You can click on the photos to see a larger version.

In a total change of subject, I have one of those little plastic ponds outside my back door. I've stocked it with 10/$1 goldfish which have grown and reproduced - it's wonderful. Last summer a couple frogs found it and I've been serenaded nightly ever since. They filled the pond up with tadpoles, and now we have a little frog nursery - they are growing out of their tails and climbing up onto the lily pads - thought you'd enjoy a few pics of my baby frogs :)

You can't really tell it from these photos, but they're tiny!

Hope you and yours are safe, warm & dry tonight -

Live Creatively!

Liz

Mimi - a beloved Yellow Lab

2008-09-12T21:56:00.001-07:00

Mimi
8" x 10"
Oil on Panel

This is a Christmas present to someone who doesn't get on the internet, so I can share it with you ahead of time. You may have seen the beginning of this painting on UStream.tv - All the segments are recorded there, although I did a tiny bit of 'adjusting' after I signed off on the final video.

Jennifer, who commissioned the painting wrote me a sweet email saying:

"Liz, You've outdone yourself again! I can't stop myself from checking out Mimi's portrait online again and again and cannot wait to see the original. You've done a fantastic job capturing who she is: her spirit, her gentle and kind way and her focus, likely on her own shadow! :) The only downside is having to wait until Christmas to share it with my mom! She will be speechless! I cannot wait for you to paint my two black labs together."

Congratulations to new collector Jennifer B. on her commission of Mimi - and I can't wait to paint her black labs either - although I already painted one of them, since they are Search & Rescue dogs - Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication!

If you are considering a portrait for Christmas, now is the time to get in touch with me so I can make sure that I incorporate you into my schedule.

Thank you for listening & looking - and
Live Creatively!

Liz

Beginning Forest's Portrait

2008-09-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is the first step of a small commissioned painting. This is Forest, a beautiful search & rescue dog. His owner is a great photographer and has commissioned paintings of all of her dogs. I love working from her beautiful photos. Below is the photo that I am working from for Forest's portrait. I can see that I have his nose a little bit off. If you're interested in how I get started with a painting, you can see me sketch this one on UStream.tv

Most of the paintings I've been working on are gifts, so I can't show them, but I'll be posting the progress on Forest's portrait soon. It probably won't take more than one session to paint.

Congratulations to new collector Jennifer, in Texas who commissioned the painting of Camo, the beautiful Boykin Spaniel!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Donation #16 - Garren - Police K9 Service Dog

2008-07-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Garren - Police K9 Service Dog

German Shepherd
4" x 6" Oil on Panel

From his partner:

I work for the Beaverton Police Department and recently retired my first K9 partner, Garren. We retired Garren, not due to age or inability to do the job, but because in many ways he was just too nice. Garren licked the first "Bad Guy" he found and continued this trend throughout his career. Garren was gentle and I trusted him completely, even when my infant daughter would climb on his back, pull his tail, or try to grab his tongue.

Thank you Garren, Steve, and all the others who work hard to keep us safe.

I had a very productive day. I've been trying to keep to my schedule - and I was painting live on UStream at 10 & 4 today, Central Time (11 & 5 Eastern) I finished Garren's portrait, repainted that pesky still life that I've never been happy with (I'll show you tomorrow) and painted the Bluebird again :)

Yesterday, I painted Tulip's portrait. She is a corgi Therapy dog and her partner commissioned her painting. I have started a new section on Portrait of a Hero dedicated to dogs like Tulip that are Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs and similar. These portraits are not donated, but I do give a 25% discount off of the normal commission fee.

I am now offering prints of the Search & Rescue & K9 dog paintings. I will shortly be offering prints of many of my daily paintings.

Thank you to Steve Anderson for your donation to the Free K9 & Search & Rescue paintings. Thank you to my son, Chris, for his generous donation of a video camera for my UStream broadcasts.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Police Officer Memorial Portrait Dedication

2008-07-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Police Officer portrait that I painted a couple months ago was formally dedicated on Friday. I attended, but due to mis-communication and some glitches (plus the fact that I'm basically a hermit and am not always in my "assertive artist" mode) I ended up not being in the room at the time it was being dedicated. It was standing room only. I met the Dallas Chief of Police and a lot of great Police Officers, Lieutenants and others. I truly appreciate those who put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis for us!! (Especially those among us who are totally ditzy . . . . )

The ceremony was featured on the nightly news and here are some shots from the broadcast.

the screen says "Police Officer Remembered"

Unveiling the portrait

They thanked me for the donation, but it didn't say that on the news and I am really trying to get the word out that I will donate an oil on canvas portrait to the family of any Police Officer or Firefighter that is killed in the line of duty. I contacted the television station, and we'll see if they are interested. I'll keep you posted.

PAINTING LIVE - I will be painting live on USTREAM today starting about 7:30 p.m. Central Time (8:30 p.m. Eastern) I will be working on some commissioned portraits. One is a large 18"x 22" oil on canvas of a Scottish Terrier and one is a 4"x6" oil on panel of a Corgi.

This is the photo I will be painting the Corgi, Tulip from. I will probably paint Tulip in one session - start to finish tonight live on USTREAM, so join me. I will be taping the broadcast so you can watch at your convenience if you don't manage to get here tonight. I hope you do, though - I enjoy the company! Click here to see my USTREAM videos and to join me live tonight at 8:30 Eastern / 7:30 Central Time. Make sure you sign up and get a username so I can chat with you while I paint.

Hope to see you - and always - Live Creatively!!

Liz

eBay Videos & Camo - Boykin Spaniel in Oil

2008-07-24T22:02:00.001-07:00

I keep forgetting to mention that I am starting to list some videos on eBay - I have some really good videos from some great artists. I have started with some Ron Ranson, Skip Lawrence and Charles Reid (I love all of them!!) in watercolor and a couple oil painting ones, including Helen van Wyk - on painting children's portraits. If you'd like to see the videos I have for sale they're here: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZaportraitforyou I started all the auctions at 99 cents and I combine shipping. I've really enjoyed viewing the videos, but I haven't watched them in a while, and I think it's time for me to pass them along so that someone else can learn from them. I think that is one of the greatest thing about eBay - sharing things that you're not going to make a bunch of money on, but you don't want to throw away!! I really like the idea that someone else will be viewing them and enjoying them as I did. Most of them I bought second-hand on eBay. I will try to list some more videos on Sunday, if not, I'll be listing them in the next week. That's the only thing I don't like about eBay is that it takes so much time, although this time, I didn't do as much explanation and description as I usually do. Just trust me that they are good videos and you'll learn some great things from them. Even if you're just inspired by them, that's enough!!

Now, I'll show you what I did tonight -

Camo - Boykin Spaniel

8"x10" Oil on Panel
congratulations to Jennifer, another new collector
Thank you for your patronage :)

Wow 2 posts in one day - well, not actually, since it's after midnight here.

I'm actually not sure if I'm completely finished with Camo's portrait, but since I needed to send out an email, I thought I'd stick a painting in it :)

He is a beautiful dog - and the painting turned out really well, I think. I am in awe when the paint just comes off the brush right. I know that my talent is God-given and I am just as amazed as you are when it happens LOL . . . I know I haven't done anything to deserve this! I do study and read, but still, it just amazes me when a painting goes as well as this one did right off the bat. God gives amazing gifts. I just hope I don't waste it!

Now, I've got to head for bed, because I am attending the dedication of the portrait that I donated to the Dallas Police Department of one of their officers who was killed. I debated going, because I don't like to be pointed out LOL. Oddly enough, I love teaching and have no problem with public speaking, but that's because I'm not the subject. But, I'm going to tough it out and go. Actually, I'm not the subject here, either, the Officer is. So anyway, wish me luck :)

Thanks as always for your support and encouragement -

Live Creatively!!

Liz

Moonlight Odyssey - Equine Mural Panel

2008-07-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Moonlight Odyssey

My Panel for the
Le Cadeau Du Cheval - The Horse Gift
Mural Mosaic

Finished - and shipped. Hope it gets there soon :) This a paitning for a large mural that is composed of individual paintings by various artists - you can see it here: Le Cadeau Du Cheval - The Horse Gift Mural Mosaic

I was provided with a panel that has a basic color and tonal scheme and I had to create a painting to fit the pattern.

The individual small paintings will be assembled into a giant mural with an equine theme. I don't know what the final mural looks like yet.

I chose an overhead view of a horse because I knew that everyone would be painting horse heads, and horses running, and cowboys, etc, so I wanted something different. I thought an overhead view would be unique and I did it in a more fantastical fashion than I normally paint.

Thanks for your interest, and as always -

LIVE CREATIVELY

- Liz

Donation #15 - Summit - Australian Shepherd DAWGS

2008-07-08T17:59:00.001-07:00

(click to enlarge)

Summit
Australian Shepherd Search & Rescue Dog

From Karen, his handler:

I met Summit on a mountain top in New Hampshire a day after I lost his beloved big brother, Forest, in an accident. Before meeting Forest I had always assumed my soulmate would have two legs, but he showed me that sometimes, for some people, their soulmates have four. I had no idea how I'd carry on without my dear friend, but he came to me the night he died in a dream and said his goodbyes in the sweetest of ways that still brings me to tears and he left me with a vision of an ice blue eye. I didn't know what it meant and didn't give it much thought until I made my way up the winding mountain road to meet a lil Aussie pup whom the day before I didn't even know existed. I knew as soon as I saw the lil blue merle pup with the ice blue eye and so much white fur that he looked like he came straight from the clouds in heaven that Forest had lead me to him. The journey that I thought had come to an end became a new beginning and has sustained me ever since. Summit is truly a blessing. He is a kind dog, full of love and endless kisses, always by my side and always ready for an adventure. He is a fine search dog who is successfully following in his big brother's pawprints. Forest must be so proud of us.

Disaster and Wilderness Ground Searchers (DAWGS) is a volunteer search unit dedicated to the training of search and rescue dogs, handlers and support personnel in order to provide professional and highly-skilled search and rescue teams in the event of emergency response events. Formed in 1997 and operational in the spring of 1998, their primary search area is the state of Connecticut, although they are willing to assist disaster relief efforts and lost person searches wherever they are needed.

This is #15 in my series of Search & Rescue and K9 paintings. If you or someone you know is a member of Search & Rescue, K-9 or Mouted Patrol, please allow me to paint a small portrait at no charge to you, in gratitude for your service.

On a personal note, I spent the last week in Florida on an Einstein vacation. You know what that is . . . "it's all relative" I dutifully packed all my art supplies and had grand hopes of getting some really great paintings done . . . . and all I did was lay on the beach and read trashy novels LOL . . . . guess I'll have to go back without any paperbacks and actually get some painting done!

I'll be painting LIVE tomorrow, not sure what time.

As always - THANK YOU SO MUCH for your interest in my artwork, and . . .

LIVE CREATIVELY!

- Liz

Hot Couple - Beach Painting

2008-06-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hot Couple

24" x 36"
Acrylic on Canvas

Well, I finally painted for my husband :) He's been asking me for a beach-themed painting for a long time - so here it is. A few days ago, I painted a small version to see if I liked the layout. This is the final version - 2 feet by 3 feet.

I painted this in acrylic, something a bit different for me. I tried very hard to keep my brushstrokes loose and fluid. I managed to avoid small brushes for the most part. I started out with the canvas painted a very hot cadmium red - you can see it between the brushstrokes.

When I had it almost done, it was looking good, but too impersonal. So I "carved" my husband's & my names on the back of the chair.

I'm really happy with the way this turned out. Ok, well, I might fix the angle of the shadow on the back of the chair. I do like the arrow shape, but it would be more accurate to be more of an equilateral triangle instead of long and thin. What do you think?

This was painted live on UStream, but I didn't record it, so if you weren't there, you can't see it now :P

I also added a new counter-thingy on the far right - it shows on a map where the visitors to this site originate. I'm curious to see it in action!

Donation #14 - Wahsatch - Golden Retriever Search & Rescue

2008-06-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Wahsatch - Golden Retriever
Search & Rescue Dog with
Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs

Number 14 in my series of Search & Rescue dog portraits donated to their partners.

From Darrick, Wahsatch’s partner:

"Wahsatch and I are with Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs. We are an all volunteer rescue team who provide our services to any police agency requesting them. We do wilderness/area searches, avalanche rescues, water recovery, disaster recovery, human tracking/trailing, and cadaver. Our group is able to dispatch anywhere in the country if called upon.

"Wahsatch is a 1 year old Golden Retriever. And has a remarkable knack for trailing/tracking in a wilderness setting. His drive and focus once on the trail is amazing, and if it weren’t for the 20 foot tracking leash between him and myself, he would be at the victims side in a matter of seconds. Like most Golden’s, he thrives on attention, so a victim to him is just another person who will pet him and show him affection. He loves to please and is eager to learn, and shows it by barking happily as he performs each command, such as sit or down.

For Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs, he and all the other dogs in the organization are the most vital tools used in our search scenarios. But more than that, they are our partners, our best friends, and all are a part of the SAR family.

Fide Canem…Trust the Dog."

I will not be broadcasting on UStream while I paint tomorrow. I will be out of the studio all day - I should be back and working at my easel Wednesday at 10 a.m. Central Time and again at 4-6 p.m. Hope to see you there

I worked on my 24"x36" canvas that I'm painting a beach scene. I am blocking out the general layout in acrylics. I may finish it in oils, but I'm having some fun with the acrylics. I haven't used them in years, and never have painted much with them. I did some interesting techniques with them today, that, had I used the 'final' colors, instead of the undercoating color, it would have looked really neat. Hope I can replicate it when I want to!

Thanks for your interest -

Live Creatively!

Liz

Sunny Morning Study

2008-06-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

Sunnny Morning
Acrylic on Panel
4" x 5"

This is a color study for a larger painting that I will be working on. The big painting will be quite a bit different, but I wanted to get the basic idea outlined in my mind before I started. The painting is much more colorful in real life than shown here. When you buy a daily painting, your satisfaction is guaranteed!

It was painted live on UStream and it is taped so if you'd like to view it, just go to my recorded video section. I am trying to figure out how to make time-lapse versions that don't take 3 hours to watch - but until I figure it out, you can just fast foward through the painting if you want.

Stella Reclining

2008-06-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Stella Reclining
Shar Pei mix

Pitt Bull Pittbull pitbull
5" x 7"
Oil on Panel

Well, it looks like I've gone back to the dogs ;) I think I'm going to do some painting tonight and perhaps work on a larger non-dog painting . .. we'll see . .. maybe I'll have something to show you tomorrow. This is a commissioned portrait of Stella reclining on her couch :) The paint was VERY wet when I took the photo so there are some reflections on it that are not in the actual painting, particularly in the dark sections. Also there is more detail in the dark areas than appears here. The paintings really look much better in person!

I am also considering adding one evening painting broadcast so that more of you can watch. I will be painting another commissioned portrait at 4:30 p.m. Central tomorrow (5:30 Eastern), so join me if you can!

Click here to get an email notice when I will be online painting LIVE at an unscheduled time.

The real estate agent came by last night and my house is officially listed for sale - whew only took me about 18 months to get to this point LOL . . . hopefully it will sell quick (or at least more quickly than I got it ready)

Mom & Dad Make a Painting

2008-06-17T16:02:00.001-07:00

Mom & Dad Make a Painting
(Mom's Bluebird & Dad's Handkerchief)

5" x 7" Oil on Panel
SOLD

click here to contact Liz about this painting

I had to take 3 different sets of photos for this - it kept coming out really blue. Sometimes it seems that it takes longer to get a good photo and get it resized and cropped etc etc and uploaded than it does to paint the danged painting LOL - and of course, it always looks better in person.

I really didn't want to replace Paisley's portrait as the painting of the day - I love that painting! Although this one is nice too.

Wish me luck, a realtor is coming out tonight - we're finally FINALLY listing our house for sale. Don't you want to come buy my house and live in the best little town in Texas? It's a great town, but I need to move closer to the city and the museums :)

Damp Paisley

2008-06-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Paisley - Border Collie
Search & Rescue Dog

4" x 6" Oil on Panel

Well, today I had a bit of a quandary . . . . I have one painting that I have all the info for, but I wasn't truly happy with . .. . and I had this painting that I just completed (videos on Ustream.tv/paintyliz ) but no information about the dog . .. which should I post. Of course, the better painting won out - I really had fun painting this, and it's the first time I've painted water, so I'm really happy with it! Karen, Paisley's partner, is a fantastic photographer and sent me this marvelous photo. I changed it a bit, made a little less 'action' going on in the water so the dog would stand out, but the greens & yellows are from the actual photo. Paisley will have his very own page at Portrait of a Hero - so when I get his info, I'll put it on his page.

I also futzed around with the equine mural painting again, I am going to photograph it and send it in and get it away from me! And painted the edges of the angellic Rottweiler so that the client can hang it without a frame. Not bad for not getting started until 4 p.m.

Tomorrow, I'm in the studio, LIVE from 9 a.m. onward. Hope to see you there!

As always, thanks so much for your interest - LIVE CREATIVELY!

Liz

Mother's Love & Justus

2008-06-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

A Mother's Love
8" x 10" Oil on Panel
$250

click here to contact Liz about this painting

This was painted LIVE on UStream - start to finish.
Come by and watch! The first 1/2 of the painting process is shown below this post.

My daughter-in-law's horse Magic and her baby boy "Stitch" were the models for this painting. The photo was taken when he was only a few hours old. He is now 3 and sort of learning how to be a big boy . . . at least he had a saddle on for a little while, there's hope for him.

If you've been by my Daily Painting by Liz site today, you'll have noticed that I've been working hard all day. I wanted to make the remaining paintings available for purchase easier to find. I did manage to make a section with the few pieces I have - but mostly - I spent the day junking it up!!! Auuuughhhh! I do know a good website when I see one, I'm just incapable of recreating it. I just have so much stuff I want to show you and then, of course, I love color, so a little color here . . . a little color there . . . and the next thing I know, it's all cluttered up and icky looking. But it's been a very long day and I"m going to call it quits no matter how bad the site looks now LOL. My son is going to fix it up for me, he is a web-guru and has been asking me for years to let him fix it for me . . . so I am finally saying 'uncle' and letting him have a go at it. I'm sure it will be an improvement!

The second painting today is Justus - an absolutely gorgeous German Shepherd with the Portland Oregon Police Department. His partner wrote a really funny story about Justus's third capture and I hope you take a minute to go read it at Portrait Of A Hero - and appreciate those who put themselves in harm's way to keep the rest of us safe. Thank you very much Ryan & Justus!

Justus
German Shepherd
4" x 6" Oil on Panel

Come by and watch! The first 1/2 of the painting process for "A Mother's Love" is shown below. Justus's portrait is also viewable on UStream.tv I broadcast LIVE on UStream while I paint Monday through Thursday, and weekends on occasion. If you're at all interested in my techniques and style, or just my fantastic wit - make sure you're signed up on my notification list so you can actually watch me paint. I will be narrating every move I make, along with the colors and any tips I think of during the sessions. Please join me :)
Click here to get an email notice when I will be online painting LIVE

Thank you so much for your interest in my artwork - check back again soon, I post new artwork almost every day!

Paintings by Liz van der Werff

Mermaid Mural

Sophie the Adorable Corgi

Pop In! Hico Popcorn Shop

4" x 6" Cityscape - Hico - Koffee Kup No. 1

Hey There! Texas Cougar in a Tree

Study in Chickadees

Buddy - Search & Rescue Donation # 29

Princess Zora & Chico Dog Donation #28

Zora part 2

Spring

American Dreams

Limon II

Hot Summer Day at the Pond

Get Along Girls

Limon I

Relic I

$223,000,000 in Milk

Bird Watching

Angel & Shadows

Spring Day I

How Do I Get Down?

Texas Mountain Lion

Berry Picking

Long Shadows

My first Longhorn Steer Painting

Base, in Uniform

German Shepherd Commission

Texan Theater

Forest, Australian Shepherd Search & Rescue Dog

Dancing Shadows I

Waiting for Deer

Golden Love

Whoo Hooo Painting Live finally!!

Ustream flop

Mekky & Two More Paintings

Library Cat FINISHED

Library Cat . .. almost finished!

Library Cat part 6

Library Cat part 5

Library Cat part 4

Library Cat part 3

Cat in the Library on the Easel

New Anthropomorphic Painting

Ringo and his Wife Bella . . . . Mastiff Masterpiece Finished!

Warming & Cooling . . . Chalky & Muddy . . . .

Still Life on a Cardboard Box

Still Life on a Cardboard Box

Original Oil on Canvas10" x 16"$495

Relic #2 - Summers Past

Relic #3 - August

Mastiff Masterpiece continues!

Mastiff Masterpiece on the Easel Again

Donated Search & Rescue Portraits

Little China Doll

Old Brass

Orange Spice Tea

Whew . . . . long trip :)

Mastiff Masterpiece Update

Mastiff Masterpiece on the Easel

Mastiff Commission Underway

Gumby's NIghtmare Surreal Art

Buster Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog with CARDA

Waylon, Bloodhound Extraordinaire :)

Ali - A Fire & Rescue Dog

Bloodhound K9 & Canine Masterpiece

Sienna - Search & Rescue Dog Donation #21

Uintah & Wahsatch & the Bluebird of Fair to Middlin'

Holley in Her Natural Habitat

You know, I'm eventually going to need glasses!

Indigo

Home Portrait

A New Painting . . . . and a SCAM

Portrait of a Hero - Donation #20 - Dakota

Dakota Belgian Malinois Search & Rescue Dog FLTF2

Roxey's Story & Pico Finished

Pico - Dallas Police K9 Service Dog

Oskar Black German Shepherd K-9 Portrait

K9 Portrait - Pico - Donation #19

Free Search & Rescue Portrait - Dakota part 1 - Donation #18

Original Oil on Canvas
10" x 16"
$495

Dakota
Belgian Malinois Search & Rescue Dog
FLTF2

My Panel for the
Le Cadeau Du Cheval - The Horse Gift
Mural Mosaic

Summit
Australian Shepherd Search & Rescue Dog

Wahsatch - Golden Retriever
Search & Rescue Dog with
Rocky Mountain Rescue Dogs

Sunnny Morning
Acrylic on Panel
4" x 5"

Mom & Dad Make a Painting
(Mom's Bluebird & Dad's Handkerchief)

5" x 7" Oil on Panel
SOLD

Paisley - Border Collie
Search & Rescue Dog

A Mother's Love
8" x 10" Oil on Panel
$250