Bluebonnet Shadows

Bluebonnet Shadows

4" x 5"
Acrylic on Panel

This year has been a fantastic year for bluebonnets, even in the woods. This is a painting of the bluebonnets in the evening in Meridian State Park.

This painting is framed in a vintage gold frame. If you would like it unframed, it is available for $99, just let me know..

Your satisfaction is guaranteed! My paintings hang in homes all over the world.

If you have any special requests or questions, please contact me.

Thank you for your interest in my artwork. 

Live Creatively!

Liz

Dublin Dr. Pepper

Dublin Dr. Pepper I

4" x 6"
Acrylic on Panel
$99

The small town of Dublin, Texas has been making Dr. Pepper using cane sugar instead of corn syrup for many years. Recently, the big bad Dr. Pepper company put a stop to it. There is no more Dublin Dr. Pepper. This is a memorial painting :( in honor of small towns, and real cane sugar :)

This painting is unframed. If you would like it framed in a nice gold frame, let me know and I will add it to your order for $25.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed! My paintings hang in homes all over the world.

If you have any special requests or questions, please contact me.

Thank you for your interest in my artwork.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Princess Zora & Chico Dog Donation #28

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

Texas Mountain Lion

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
SOLD

Contact me to see what other wildlife painting are availbale.

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

Base, in Uniform

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

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

Indigo

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

K9 Portrait - Pico - Donation #19

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Donation #16 - Garren - Police K9 Service Dog

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

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

Moonlight Odyssey - Equine Mural Panel

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

Hot Couple - Beach Painting

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!

Sunny Morning Study

Sunnny Morning
Acrylic on Panel
4" x 5"

or click here to contact Liz about Sunny Morning

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

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!

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.

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)

Mother's Love & Justus

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!

Theo - Golden Retriever Search & Rescue

Today's Painting



Theodore - Golden Retriever
Search & Rescue Dog

4" x 6" Oil on Panel

This is Theo, a Search & Rescue dog - I don't have his information yet, but I wanted to show you this beautiful boy! I painted this start to finish on UStream - Live! Join me tomorrow when I paint another one. I'll be doing quite a bit of work tomorrow, I'm going to be online starting at 9 a.m. Central Time Tuesday.

I am very glad that I decided to do live painting broadcasts. It is definitely motivating me to get into the studio. I had a hard time getting things to work correctly today, but finally got going about 4:30. Tomorrow morning I should be more punctual . . . If I can get the wire I rigged up to hold the camera! And remember to focus it LOL . . . this is a learning curve for me. But it is so nice to have people to talk to while I paint, and I love showing how a painting goes from start to finish.

I'll be in the studio at 9 a.m. tomorrow, and probably painting on and off all day long, so please join me! It was great to see some of you there! I will be broadcasting LIVE on UStream while I paint. 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 again for your interest in my artwork -

Live CREATIVELY!!

Liz

Angelic Rottweiler

I will be working on this painting and others LIVE Monday. I am scheduled to broadcast at 4 p.m Central time Monday, but would like to start earlier. I might be painting tomorrow, as well. If you'd like me to send an email out whenever I know when I am going to be online - please sign up for my PAINTING LIVE list. It is separate from this list, so make sure you're on both :) Click here to sign up

My tentative painting schedule is -
Monday - 4 p.m., Tuesday - 9 a.m., Wednesday - 10 a.m. & 4 p.m., Thursday - 9 a.m., Friday - NA out of studio, Saturday - TBA, Sunday - TBA (Central Time)

I really enjoy visitors in my studio, and I will answer any questions and give you as much information as I can, so please drop by, if only for a few minutes.

Vesuvius
Angelic Rottweiler

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

This is a work in progress - one of the few commissions I get that are not surprise gifts. It's nice to be able to share with you. I will be 'toning down' the halo - it looks too much like a metal ring suspended over his head right now. More work soon!

Monday I will be working on this painting, and the equine mural. I also have a bulldog charity painting scheduled to work on this week, so please stop in, it's going to be fun!

Thank you for your interest in my artwork, and

always LIVE CREATIVELY!

Liz

Zia - Border Collie Search & Rescue Dog in the Snow

Zia - Border Collie Search & Rescue Dog

I never got the information about this dog, so all I can tell you is that her name is Zia and she is a beautiful Border Collie who has worked in Search & Rescue with Grand County Search and
Rescue Dogs (Colorado) for two years, and is very enthusiastic about avalanche work.


The Search & Rescue with Grand County Search and Rescue team has evolved over the years from an informal jeep posse under the wing of an authentic western sheriff to a well-trained crew of volunteers known for their professionalism. Within the ranks of the core Grand County SAR team, specialized units have been formed to tackle the diverse rescue challenges presented by the awesome canyon country surrounding Moab. The regular schedule of general SAR training, along with additional training for the specialized units, ensures that the volunteers of GCSAR are ready to do the best job during your worst times.

I am definitely doing the HAPPY DANCE today - I've been working on the angelic Rottweiler and it's looking great - I'll show you tomorrow! I've shipped out a few commissions this week, and things are getting back under control. I am so happy with this painting of Zia - it was so much fun to paint.

BIG NEWS - I've discovered UStream - I will be broadcasting LIVE while I paint in the next few days. I haven't gotten it completely set up, but if you're interested drop me a note with the time of day that would be best for you. If you're at all interested in my techniques and style, make sure you're signed up on my notification list so you can actually watch me paint when I get it set up. I will be narrating every move I make, along with the colors and any tips I think of during the sessions. Please join me - you will be able to chat with each other and with me. I can answer your questions as I paint. I will be painting some small daily paintings, and working on the equine mural painting. I have some commissions, but they are gifts so I can't show them as I paint. I might show the angelic Rottie, though. I still have a little bit more work to do on him. So, sign up on UStream and get ready to come into my studio!!


If you are a member of Search & Rescue, K-9 or Mounted Patrol, please allow me to paint a small portrait for you at no charge, in gratitude for your service.

~~~~~~~ UPDATE ON EQUINE MURAL ~~~~~~~~~~

My husband came up with a great idea for the equine painting, so I'm going to get it started tomorrow. I saw a white horse, but on what background? snow? water? - He said since we're in Texas, I should paint one of the horses from "Lonesome Dove". Turns out that Woodrow F. Call rode a white horse, as far as I can tell. So, now I have a plan . . . let's see how it turns out :)\

Thank you for your interest. I can't wait to be able to interact with you directly on UStream!

As always - live life creatively!!