Been wanting to paint these two compadres for a while, and just decided to jump in and get it done. The aptly named cattle egret consumes the ticks and flies it finds on its bovine buddy, which makes them perfect for each other!
Just felt like painting a cow, this time a young Holstein (my favorite!). I love the sweetness that comes through their eyes.
With so much of the country sweltering this summer, I thought I'd put a cool drink out there to meditate on.
I've gone as far as I can go for now on this painting of a stalk of black hollyhocks. It may be done; then again, it may not. Whenever I feel this way, it's best to step away.
Angelfish come in many stripes, and even some without, such as this little koi angelfish. I love them all, but this one in particular was fun to paint!
Continuing my love affair with the metal surface, here's a little expression of summer for me. I attempted this painting a few years ago but wiped it when I wasn't happy with the result. I guess it was just waiting for the opportunity to be painted on metal!
Here's a little ditty of an abstracted landscape, which perhaps speaks to my state of mind currently . . .
I am very drawn to the morning glory, with that preternatural glow emanating from its center, and wanted to try to capture it in paint.
Here's a quick study of a cockerel painted on a metal surface. I find it deeply satisfying to paint on metal, and how easily I can get the paint to move around. There are some flashes of silver poking through on this one as well, which can only be seen in certain light.
The demands of life, once again, have pulled me away from my easel for a good spell, and so I thought I'd do a simple painting to get back in the swing of it. I may tweak this one later, but for now I'm calling it done. Updated image 7/4/2022: I've done more work on the background to create a sense of distance and added more textural elements to the grass around the cow. Now it's done!
Here's an abstract piece using the leftover paint from Fifth Street Flowers.
The other day, I passed by a section of sidewalk on Fifth Street in Petaluma with the most amazing collection of wild flowers which inspired this floral study. I may attempt another version, as I found the scene utterly enchanting.
The rose-winged parakeet (commonly known as the Indian Ringneck Parrot) is one that I've wanted to p for a long time, and just now getting around to it with this experimental piece. These parakeets come in a variety of gorgeous colors, from a pale teal like this one, to violet, bright green, and yellow. They are able to adapt to many climates and habitats in the wild, as well as in captivity as pets. I find these birds to be extraordinarily beautiful.
This is another portrait I'm adding to my series of influential Black American artists, musicians, singers and other creative trailblazers. Ray Charles was considered a genius by many in the music industry and was often referred to as "The Genius," but he preferred to be known rather as "Brother Ray." His powerful baritone packed an emotional punch with a singular style all his own. He is a giant among giants in music and will likely always be.
