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Lines, curves and color….sooo much fun to paint!

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Sometimes the reference photos I have to go by are not the best….washed out, and just not enough detail. So….you do the best you can…I find everyone looks a bit younger due to the lack of detail. I happen to like the character lines on a face…it adds depth and is more interesting to sketch out or paint.The above is actually my sister. …she liked the fact that this style made her look a little younger.

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A nude, but not really….a sketch for todays blog post.

Rainy days in the forecast for the next few days here in the Atlanta area….while we need it, I hate when we get too much of it all at once. Lots to do inside and yes….still the big Give Away….working at getting video up on the blog….stay tuned.

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A girl and her dog of course Still very much as works in progress, but it is taking shape very nicely. Also trying to finish up on the Chickadee Painting all the while taking breaks throughout the day trying to get to several projects started and play with the dogs. Very spoiled they are….sun is shining, warmer spring temps here in the Atlanta area…three dogs at back door…..wanting to run, chase butterflies and play, play , play.

Print give away sometime this week….so for those interested stay tuned!!!

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Yesterday, after dinner was started Niki and I decided to do a little bird watching.  As you can see by viewing the photograph of Nik-Nak…it is very relaxing. I, of course had my camera with me and managed a few shots. While we have many types of birds that visit our feeders, we have a large amount of cardinal’s.  While sitting I noticed with the arrival of Spring, many of the birds are just a bit more territorial then usual. They were so busy chasing each other away…did not mind us watching though….they too did a little dog and people watching!

All photographs were taken with a Nikon d300, Sigma 70-200 zoom lens.

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Michael worked very hard putting this together…and it is very much appreciated. It just opened up my very small office space…easy to move around, and easy to keep clean. Also, there is a much clearer view out the windows, verrry important for I love watching the birds feed throughout the day.  Still sooo much work to do, but we are making some head way.

**Just a reminder:

The Easter lily is so very popular this time of year…please remember that this plant is very toxic to cats.

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Still very much a works in progress….but getting closer.

This is just the start of this painting…had a few minutes, however probably will not complete until next week. Still doing “Spring” cleaning around the house, as am I trying to get my office somewhat sorted through so the new desk can be built and installed and the Mac will have a home. A couple of things well worth mentioning….Learning to Paint Animals starts up mid April so do enroll to reserve your spot, class size is small. Also….the “Give Away” Print will be posted sometime next week. So for those wanting to win a print…stay tuned for further instructions.

The Carolina Chickadee’s are so tiny and wonderful, they visit the feeders throughout the year, however you can really notice the flock<s> throughout winter. The pair bond between a male and female Carolina Chickadee can remain intact for several years. The probability that a pair will remain together seems to vary among populations, with nearly all pairs remaining together in subsequent years in a study in Texas, but only half staying together in a study in Tennessee. If a nest attempt fails, a female may seek out a new male on a different territory.

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I get soooo many questions about smudge painting….so easy. Classes are not needed all you have to do is PRACTICE. The above was a demo that took about 10-15 minutes to complete….you of course would take your time and do a much better job of it then I….this is just a very quick demonstration. In Photo-shop make your adjustments, after making a duplicate of course….I wanted the above to be soft….so I sharpened (usm)….just not a lot…..adjusted contrast, saturation, levels. Then clicked on the smudge tool and chose my brush. Very important once started to to vary brush size, strength…lighten, darken in those areas that need it (you can even add color).

I know so many that do the eyes this way as well….I just blacken them and paint in what I want.You can smudge the background….or just paint on layers with several different colors…adjusting the opacity along the way. It is soooo important to make sure you cover the entire image….push those pixels around. I use smudge painting when I am short on time and need to show a proof, or for retouching an image…or just want an overall softness to an image. There are so many wonderful examples on the net….really the best way to learn is to practice, practice and more practice.The above image was taken with a Nikon 5200 a couple of years ago. The dog…my beloved Phoenix who died last July. While I think of him so very often…the arrival of spring he has so been on my mind. Our walks looking for wonderful things to photograph…fun times playing and doing agility. Yes…I do so miss my Phoenie…

On a brighter note… first day of spring. Rocky the Golden is getting over an injury, yet again. While his Pano has improved, he hurts himself so very easily.Yesterday I happened to spy my first Monarch butterfly for the season….what a lovely dance it put on flitting here and there. Rocky, with Frisbee in mouth spied it and soon both he and the butterfly were what seemed to be chasing one another…Rocky, running, spinning…until the butterfly flew over the fence. Poor Rocky, still with Frisbee in mouth just looking over the fence. My camera was inside, of course, and I knew well enough best to watch the dance then dash off for the camera. Maybe another day. Nice to know my big goofy Golden is still very much a puppy a heart.

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May the lord take a liking to ya…but not too soon!

May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride.
May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.
~Irish Blessing

St. Patrick is believed to have driven the snakes from Ireland. Once a pagan himself, St. Patrick is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures.The modern secular holiday is based on the original Christian saint’s feast day also thought to be the date of the saint’s death. In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City in 1766.

Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades. St. Patrick’s Day is bursting with folklore; from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green…which by the way is not really recommended

The above is just a quick doodle to wish all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day…if stopping at the Pub for a few green beers…remember, drive safely…Don’t Drink and Drive!