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

Texan Theater

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

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

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