Is so very easy and the above portrait of a lovely and might I also add….so very lively Corgi named Scarlet shows just how easy painting fur is. This was a commissioned portrait and I actually was the one that photographed her while she and her person were visiting to help Scarlet socialize with other dogs…the original images had several dogs in the image. I copped the image below to show Scarlet alone.

 The entire portrait was created using the pastels in Corel Painter…and of course the blenders…even the background. You can paint as traditional and or  as photo realistic as you or your client prefer, or as colorful.  A special fur brush is not at all needed….although you could adjust the setting to any brush to give it a more tapered look at the end. Be creative and Never be afraid to just paint

Today finds it well below freezing here in the Atlanta area…a bit chilly. Of course my”pack” does not at all mind the chilly temps, they enjoy running and romping, going for walks, etc. Before the cold front came through earlier in the week Bailey and I were out wandering around when I spied buds on the Bradury Trees…and I mean all three were covered. I hope todays painting gives you warm thoughts of spring…its on it’s way

I am at the moment sitting in my very cozy, warm studio working on several paintings. I hope to finish the Beagle portrait from yesterday later today…hopefully I will be posting it tomorrow.

The last few days I have received numerous inquires from several in regards to Corel Painter Seminars and Workshops….for it seems there are soooo many being offered scattered about the country. Sadly, I have not ever attended any. I am not at all sure I could actually sit through one. As I type that I am smiling for there is one…. I would more then love to visit San Fransisco. I would of course have to make the time and schedule it just so that I can attend one of Jeremy Sutton’s workshops. He seems to be fun, creative and very original and it appears he leads the way for others to follow. In my Pawfect Pet Portraits, and Digitally Painting Animals online courses I recommend as a must have one of his books for he offers a wonderful collection of brushes that should be in everyones brush collection. In visiting his site for a few links I notice he has something new coming this month!! The next few weeks I’ll do my best to mention a few others that are offering Workshops and Seminars that if I had the time and thought I could actually sit through…I would attend.

Poor golden pup, waiting for someone to play with him. I love painting puppies…their expressions are priceless….and oh my, they grow and change so very fast.

The “Pawfect Pet Portrait” will be starting the end of the month. This is a small group course held in our forum, $45.00 per student.  It will be in the shopping cart by the end of the week. Also, for those that prefer learning at their own pace you can purchase the Digiatlly Painting Animals and the course is e-mailed to one lesson per week within a 24 hour period of purchasing.

I stand tall searching the sky…

I turn my head and as I do…

The warm rays absorb through me.

I am invigorated…

I follow that warmth throughout the day.

I am a Sun Flower and I am standing Tall.

This past weekend found me surrounded by puppies, nothing more adorable then a Golden Puppy!!! I did my best to leave with one or two in my pocket….sigh, the breeder took a count before I left….darn it A cold front had moved in and it was a bit cold outside so all photographs to be taken inside….fast puppies, low light….outside would have been soooo much better!

These were my favorite puppies….too cute!

After getting to hang out with the 11 puppies I then traveled to Asheville and stayed in a lovely Bed & Breakfast (and for those always on the look out for dog friendly Inn’s, this is B&B is for you…oh and make sure you stick around for breakfast….yummy). During my oh too short stay I called Marilyn Sholin and we met for dinner at Havanna’s (Mikey Too). Good food, Good wine….and wonderful company.

The two images above were taken with my cell phone!

Pumpkins in the cornfields
Gold among the brown
Leaves of rust and scarlet
Trembling slowly down
Birds that travel southward
Lovely time to play
Nothing is as pleasant
As an autumn day!

I have so many images of the wild life found in our yard, especially the raccoons  Several weeks ago our raccoon stopped visiting us…I am not happy about that for I tend to get attached and worry about them.  Going by the past years it seems normal that we would stop seeing them….only the short period early summer are they really out and about during the day….and this one was. Oh well, maybe she will visit again with us next year….or I will happen to catch a glimpse of her for her favorite trees are right behind my home.

Several months ago I painted the above portrait of Miss Caraboo. I often will ask if at all possible, a photograph be taken when the painting arrives. Some folks are wonderful and take the time to respond, some just get too busy. To those like Beth and Miss Caraboo, I so Thank You for taking the time, as I am pleased that both of you are so very happy with Miss Caraboo’s Portrait. She is lovely and it was such a joy to paint her

Yipeeeee….this is a once in lifetime raffle.

While Paw Prints Studios donates to rescue organizations throughout the year, we have never done a raffle, mainly a Painted Portrait would go into a Silent Auction…always bringing in more then the value of the Portrait. Heartland Golden Rescue is a Good cause! I know thhings are tight for everyone so for those readers that are ever faithful…for just a few dollars you could win a Mixed Media Painted Portrait of your beloved furry friend (good for one subject).

You do not have to have a Golden in your pack…it could be a bird, horse, dog or cat. I’ll post again tomorrow so make sure you check back for the link to purchase your ticket<s>

Again…this is really a once in a lifetime opportunity for you will not ever have the chance to win a portrait of your favorite furry friend created by Dee for the price of a Raffle ticket.

Purchase your tickets Here!

Our next online course for Digitally Painting Animals starts July 15th, there is still space available as well as time for you to enroll. The above was completed by Jack Heard one of our students who had so many nice thins to say about our online course. Thanks Jack….great work!!!!

Please know our class is geared towards those wanting to learn a few Corel Painter X techniques painting animals. Each week is broken down….painting the eyes and nose, backgrounds, fur (do you reallllly need a “special” fur brush)? Paper, textures and brushes. Last class is printing and hand embellishing your prints with acyclic paints. Four images are supplied for you to paint and practice with, however for those truly wanting to create their own art, your welcome to use your own images from the start. There are no filters used (unless adding a texture), this is a painting course. You are the Artist deciding on how painterly, colorful your masterpiece will be.

Dee is very free with her time for those students with a desire in improving their painting skills. The class forum is open to students only, a safe environment for you to visit at your convenience….class size is limited. There are also a  few short videos for your viewing pleasure

Those students (such as Jack Heard) that have been the most successful with the course have completed the assignments and shared their work allowing the instructor to view for feedback…maybe a suggestion or two…then up to the student to work on until they are satisfied. This five week course goes by very quickly…and again, the forum is there for you 24 hours a day so you can work at your own pace.

Enroll Now: Paw Prints Store