(Sloppy) Joe

"(Sloppy) Joe"  (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

Joe could use a hairbrush. He looks a bit like he was rain-drenched and sun-dried. (Oh, yea. All cows do that.)

The highlights gave me a little trouble, but I think I pulled it off. Light black is always a conundrum. More progress shots than usual; see below!

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Salsa

"Salsa"  (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

Salsa is another name with multiple meanings. She's a Cuban dance, and a spicy condiment. I enjoyed the process of this one; she almost painted herself. A lot of the primer shows through. (I'm reserving the progress shots for possible publication!)

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Polka

"Polka"  (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

I've had an epiphany of new name ideas for these cows, etc, and have started gathering lists. I like the names that have a potential for multiple meanings. 'Polka' is on my 'dance names' list, but I gave it to her because of the dots.

See my progress shots (ignore the yellow cast to these pics):

The photo with the primer underpainting, 3 layers of nickel azo gold with terra cotta.

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Cleo

"Cleo"  (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

'Cleo' is short for Cleopatra, because of her long, graceful neck (for a cow) and queenly gaze. I felt she was a fitting contrast to "Big Mac." The longer I paint these animals, the more amazed I am to find such diversity of physiognomy among a single animal species, especially one so commonly lumped into a herd. It shouldn't be so surprising; just look at dogs. Or humans.

Progress shots:
(these shots were taken outdoors and are all too warm, but at least they're consistent with each other...)

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Murphy

"Murphy"  (pastel, 7x5 inches) click here to bid

Murphy's Law has been giving me some head-butts lately. I've imagined this personification of Murphy to have just this expression.

At least I've got progress shots today:

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Family Quick-Sketch Portraits

 Mother and Daughter (sepia conte and white pastel, 15x12 inches)

 Father and Son (sepia conte and white pastel, 15x12 inches)

 This Houston client had contacted me months ago to schedule a place and time to get his family's portraits drawn in the quick-sketch style. I had drawn them all years ago and he wanted an update. After several 'almost' appointments, our schedules finally connected in June.

Below are the happy customers! Thank you Kevin and family!

Stay Tuned! Another "Quick-Sketch Portrait" workshop is in the works at the New Braunfels Art League, back by popular demand!

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