From my bedroom window ...

From my bedroom window this morning ... 

Hallelujah!

A new Redbone Coonhound painting, plus a new art print idea: 4-in-1 work-in-progress pop art prints

Two of a Kind • work-in-progress

This week I’ve been hard at work trying to finish my newly re-designed website; it’s getting near to being done, and I’m excited to unveil it soon! And today I started two new paintings: a large landscape and a painting of Sophie and Buster sunning on the back steps. I just noticed that in this initial sketch the shadows on Sophie’s neck and shoulder make it look like Buster is wearing Mickey Mouse ears. Hopefully that will change as I add more color :)

Recently I’ve had suggestions from several different readers and collectors that it might be interesting to make prints out of some of my step-by-step photos. Thank you all for this idea; I tried one for Squirrel Watchers, and I liked it so much that I did another for A Backward Glance.

These will be signed and numbered Limited Editions, limited to 25 in each of three sizes:
8 x 8, 12 x 12, and 16 x 16 inches. I’ve just added them to my eBay store.

Squirrel Watchers 4-in-1 Work-in-Progress Limited Edition Print

© 2013 by Karen Mathison Schmidt

12 x 12 inches • signed & numbered by the artist

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

A Backward Glance 4-in-1 Work-in-Progress Limited Edition Print

© 2013 by Karen Mathison Schmidt

12 x 12 inches • signed & numbered by the artist

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Henry, finished!

Henry  © 2013 by Karen Mathison Schmidt

10 x 8 inches • oil on cradled GessobordTM

COMMISSION

I finished this little guy yesterday. Just have to sign him and then he’ll go up on a shelf out of the way of feline antics (see Cirque d’Easel, two posts ago), for some drying time!

New inspiration

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in You;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to You I lift up my soul.

PSALM 143:8

Just wanted to share this photo I took one morning last week: sunrise on the overflowing pond out in the pasture. Inspiration for my next big landscape. After I’m through with Henry, who is oh-so-close to being finished!

Cirque d’ Easel, starring Jo, acrobat extraordinaire

Henry Commission • WORK-IN-PROGRESS

Here’s more progress on Henry. 

I had almost forgotten how much I just love using oil paints. 

For the past few months, ever since Jo came to be part of our family, I’ve been sticking to acrylics. Just until she learns the ropes of being a studio cat. You know, basic rules like No Walking On The Palette. 

I’m proud to announce that after only two or three foot-washing episodes, she’s mastered that one. 

We’re still working on No Drinking the Pretty Paint Water, and No Climbing on the Easel When Mom Is Painting.

This last one may take a little longer, since at least three or four times a day, she likes to go through her acrobatic routine:

And now, a few maneuvers on the empty easel:

Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!

More progress on Henry ...

“My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet.”

– EDITH WHARTON

Henry • WORK-IN-PROGRESS

I got a late start on this one today, but starting with his eyes, got quite a bit done on his face. What a joy to work on this little guy ... hopefully I can get an earlier start tomorrow!

Painting with oils over acrylics

Is it okay to paint with oils over acrylics?

Yes! I’ve done it many times.

That’s my answer and I’m sticking to it.

But I wanted to find out a more complete explanation to share, so I googled the question yesterday, and here’s the best, clearest, most concise and complete answer I found, at ACRYLIC PAINT REVIEW.

By the way, my favorite quote from this article is this one concerning doing it the other way around, and trying to paint with acrylics over oils:

“Never, ever, ever, in a million, zillion years should you paint acrylic paint on top of oil paint.”

So there.