Neufchâtel

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

I figured such a handsome dairy cow deserved to be named for my favorite cheese. But something in her expression made me think she'd rather be named something else. Please, anything else but Gouda! So I call her Neufchâtel.

Here are a few progress shots (please excuse the color variance):

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Parmesan

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

I've used up most of my 'white' names, so I'm on to the cheeses...


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(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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