"Easter Bunny" Paint-Along! April 10

 

Join us Saturday April 10 at 1pm Central Daylight Time for this cute bunny Paint-Along! 🐰

Register EARLY to have time to prep your drawing! I will send you the Zoom invitation, the reference photo, some surface prep info, and some tips that include alternative underpainting methods in case you don't have what I use. I even supply a line drawing that you can use to transfer to your board or paper in case you don't have time to freehand your drawing. No drawing skills required!

I will be using pastel with an acrylic-based underpainting, but you can use the medium of your choice. I’ve had some attendees enjoy use oil, acrylic, pastel pencil, and even watercolor with my paint-alongs. It’s whatever you want to make of it!

All registrants will also receive the video link a few days later, so if you have to miss any of it, no worries!

Register here!

 

 Here are some of the Frog paintings from last month... Ribbit!

 

Snow Puff (Warm Fuzzy #70)

 Warm Fuzzy #70 - "Snow Puff" (pastel, 8x8 inches) $390

A last minute addition to my Solo Exhibition inventory! I'm so very grateful to Karen of the ARTS for Rural Texas for inviting me to have a show this spring. It was exactly what I needed to pull myself out of the 2020 blues.

(And, I'm still a little bit enthralled with GIFs, since I learned how to make them recently. Watch a neat little GIF of Snow Puff here, along with some still pics of her painting progress!)

I'll be delivering Snow Puff (and a couple others that I had missed on Monday) to the gallery before the reception. 

My Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, will continue through May 29, 2021. Opening Reception is tomorrow (or today, depending on when you're reading this!) Saturday, March 27 from 5-7pm, at the ARTS for Rural Texas, 114 North Live Oak Street, Fayetteville, Texas.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sales of the paintings will support the free programs provided by Arts for Rural Texas, a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization. Shop the exhibit online here.

 

Shearlie (Warm Fuzzy #68)

 

Warm Fuzzy #68 - "Shearlie"  (pastel, 6x6 inches) $285

This lovely little sheep was one of the last few littles I painted for my Solo Show, just two days before delivery last Monday. I really like this one. She almost painted herself. Love it when that happens.

See a fun little GIF of process of Shearlie on this post!

Shearlie will be in my Exhibit, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception this Saturday March 27, 5-7pm. View the show online here.

A percentage of the proceeds from the show will support the free programs provided by Arts for Rural Texas, a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization.

(Note: the ARTS commerce site has been down all day as I type this, so if it's still down when you read this, you can view all the paintings in the show on my Facebook Page www.facebook.com/RitaKirkmanStudio, and any purchase inquiries can be directed to the ARTS at 979-378-2113 or info@artsforruraltexas.org.)

"Clover" (Warm Fuzzy #67)

 

Warm Fuzzy #67 - "Clover" (pastel, 8x6 inches) $340

My style has been evolving. I really like the energy in this one! The time was approaching evening, when deep intense colors become more vibrant.

Clover is one of my new favorite little paintings in my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception this Saturday March 27, 5-7pm. View the show online here!

Watch a cool GIF of Clover, along with some progress pics, here!

 

Little Donnie (Warm Fuzzy #66)

 

Warm Fuzzy #66 - "Little Donnie" (pastel, 5x4 inches) $260

There's a traveling petting zoo near Austin Texas called Fry's Fun Farm that always has the CUTEST little babies! I enjoy visiting some events where they set up. The little chicks and ducklings get their own pen to protect them from big human feet.

Little Donnie's portrait fit perfectly in a 5x4 and will be one of my fave minis at my Solo Exhibition!

Watch a short demo video of the pasteling of Little Donnie here!

Not long now, the show opens this Saturday, March 27, at the ARTS for Rural Texas, 114 North Live Oak Street, Fayetteville, Texas. Opening Reception that day from 5-7pm.

Can't make it?  Preview the show online here!

I want to share with you a quote from Karen, the Director of ARTS. She has such lovely things to say about my work! 😊

"Rita Kirkman’s exhibit, Kindred Spirits, focuses on the similarity, a kinship, in humans and animals, The artist captures emotions in the eyes and stance of the animals, expressions with which we humans identify.  Rita Kirkman’s paintings of animals have an unmistakable presence and a connection with the viewer.  With a background in portraiture, she captures the spirit of each as an individual soul."
~Karen Vernon, Executive Director ARTS for Rural Texas

 

PS:  I'm also absolutely tickled to say that two more paintings have sold today, for a total of 4 already sold!  Here they are:

"Little Bunny" 6x4 inches, sold

 

"Two o'clock has come and gone." 36x36 inches, sold

 

 

"Summer" 10x10 inches, sold

"Little Goat" 4x5 inches, sold

Bored Boers

 "Bored Boers" (pastel, 12x16 inches) $925 

This is from a favorite photo of some Boer goats that I caught lazing in a sunny field one morning. I was able to sneak up on them from a dirt road behind a line of shrubbery. So they didn't see me until I started taking photos through a break in the bushes. These two saw me first before they all started standing up and walking away. I love it when I catch an awesome pose like this one!

This painting will be one of my mid-sized works at my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm. Click here to view the show online! 

A percentage of the sale of the paintings will support the free programs provided by Arts for Rural Texas, a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization.

See a slide show of progress pics on this post!

Say Cheese! (Warm Fuzzy #65)

 

Warm Fuzzy #65 - "Say Cheese!" (pastel, 7x5 inches) $285

I just love the expressions that animals are capable of. A friend has a herd of Pygmy goats; they are a never ending source of amusement and emotional therapy. Always easy to smile when hanging out with them.

See a slide show of progress pics on this post!

This cheesy goat will be another small work in my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm. View the show online here!

A percentage of the proceeds from the show will support the free programs provided by Arts for Rural Texas, a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization.

"Beach Date #5" (Warm... ...Feathery?)

 

"Beach Date #5" (pastel, 10x10 inches) $475

(Not quite a Warm Fuzzy... but almost!)

I realized I had not officially posted February's Valentine Beach Date Paint-Along result - here it is!

I'm rather happy with it. I've only painted these birds about 5 times (and obviously never thought of a better title, lol.) See the earlier versions on this post!

This one will also be part of my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm. To view the show online, check this page frequently as more images are being loaded all this week!

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the paintings will support the free programs provided by Arts for Rural Texas, a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization.

 

Jeffrey (Warm Fuzzy #64)

 

Warm Fuzzy #64 - "Jeffrey" (pastel, 6x6 inches) $285 + shipping

I've finished several new little paintings the last couple days, while my son helped me with framing all of my show pieces. Just seeing how many I can still get done before delivery day Monday. Really getting into the groove after so many consecutive painting days! I need to remember how this feels (amazing!) when I next have a painters block... this is the feeling that drives an artist back to the easel again and again!

Title wise, however, I'm wrung dry, lol, so my son named this one. He was ready to frame it and it still didn't have a title. I asked "what name does this look like?" He looked for a moment and said "Jeffrey." I said "Ok." As a young Geurnsey bull calf, it works.

Jeffrey will be one of several little paintings rounding out my Solo Show at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm. Karen will be loading new images into the site for the next several days as I finish new paintings... check this page frequently to see the show online. 

See some progress pics in a slide show here!

 

Bela et Blanche

 

"Bela et Blanche" (pastel, 10x22 inches) $990

I had this one sketched out quite a while ago, but ended up changing the drawing when I decided to switch the two calves' positions from how they were in the original photo. The larger shadow area on the front calf's shoulder looked ever so much better behind the other calf, and set off her face nicely!

I decided to give this pair French names, since they are Charolais, after all.

Enjoy a little slide show of progress pics Here! 

"Bela et Blanche" will be part of my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm. Karen will be loading new images into the site for the next several days as I finish new paintings... check this page frequently to see the show online!

Hay! It's What's For Lunch.

 

"Hay! It's What's For Lunch." (pastel, 36x36 inches) $6200 

I'd been sold out of large paintings for more than a year. I'm so thankful my friend and Director of the ARTS for Rural Texas invited me to have a solo exhibition this spring. With only three months to prepare, it was the exact kick in the butt I needed after the sluggishness of 2020.

This long overdue new Longhorn painting was years in the making! Started as a partial underpainting demo at a Large Project Workshop in Kansas three summers ago, I was finally motivated to finish it.

Watch a quick little still progression video HERE!

This painting will be my centerpiece for my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm.

 

My Brown-Eyed Prince (and Paint-Along pics!)

 

"My Brown-Eyed Prince" (pastel, 6x6 inches) $285 + shipping

This was the cute little tree frog star of my last Paint-Along! What fun!

Watch a 2 minute speed video of this Frog Prince HERE!

(Psst! My next Paint-Along for April has already been posted on my site! SEE IT HERE)

"My Brown-Eyed Prince" will be a part of my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm.

 

Pie (Warm Fuzzy #63)

 

Warm Fuzzy #63 - "Pie" (pastel, 6x4 inches) $265 + shipping

Short for Piebald, which I learned today is what the completely black and white horses are called. In fact Google found a photo of one that looked almost just like this one! I can't remember where exactly I caught photos of this horse, but I was sure struck by her unusual beauty!

Pie will be a part of my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm.

See some progress pics of Pie on this post!

Nutty (Warm Fuzzy #62)

 

Warm Fuzzy #62 - "Nutty" (pastel, 7x5 inches) 

See some progress pics of Nutty on this public Patreon post!

I managed to get three little fuzzies done this week during my Wednesday at the Carriage House Gallery. (Shhhh... just between you and me, I like working Wednesdays because they're relatively slow, and I can get a lot done!)

My travel setup - from the left: Rembrandts, Blue Earth, and my Heilman Sketchbox with a variety of Jack Richeson, Terry Ludwig, Art Spectrum Extra Soft Square, and a few pieces of Diane Townsend Terrages. Behind the sketchbox is a Ravenna table easel (also called a sketchbox, lol)

Nutty will be included in my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm.

Sunset Silhouette

 

"Sunset Silhouette" (pastel, 18x18 inches) $1290 + shipping

I'd had this juvenile Longhorn calf planned for a while, and my upcoming solo show gave me a reason to get it done! I was struck by the dramatic contrast of black and gold in the reference photo; it was that magical hour just before sunset, and the late summer Texas grasses were glittering with gold. A perfect backdrop for his shiny black coat.

 

I had fun with the background textures. I experimented with a paintbrush handle to swipe some grassy lines in the gold primer. 

See a quick little video of this tip, along with several progress pics of the painting, here!

This painting will be a part of my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm.

The ARTS director, Karen, has started loading my paintings into the website; you can view them here: https://arts.mybigcommerce.com/the-ross-gallery/rita-kirkman/ Check back often the rest of the month!

 

 

Caramely (Warm Fuzzy #61)

 

Warm Fuzzy #61 - "Caramely" (pastel, 12x9 inches) $490 + shipping

Here's my latest little warm fuzzy (Well, mid-sized really, at 12x9 inches) painted at my Virtual Open Studio day last week.

I thought I was done with her at the end of the VOS day, but no... the nose and one eye was bugging me so my perfectionist tendencies made me go back at her a few days ago for some edits. I made a neat slide show of progress pics which you can view here.

Caramely will be part of my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville TX, March 27 - May 29, 2021. 

"Two o'clock has come and gone."

 

"Two o'clock has come and gone" (pastel, 36x36 inches) sold

This painting will be one of two showcased large works for my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm.

Here it is condensed into a 3 minute slide show for your enjoyment! With a lullaby to ease you into a restful night.

Become a Patron and watch the video of how I edited the underpainting, and my thoughts on the composition!

Little Goat (Warm Fuzzy #60)

 

Warm Fuzzy #60 - "Little Goat" (pastel, 4x5 inches)

Here is Little Goat, from the second half of a Virtual Open Studio day (right after Little Bunny.)

Little Goat will also be a part of my Solo Exhibition, Kindred Spirits, at the ARTS for Rural Texas in Fayetteville, March 27 - May 29, 2021. Opening Reception March 27, 5-7pm.

You can watch the full length video of the painting of Little Goat for a pledge on my Patreon Page.

Or see progress stills from the video on this free post!

 

"Little Goat" $260 framed