Elephant, Duckling, and House Finch

No need to go out today, so I got to spend extra time in the studio. I love seeing these little critters come to life on my canvas. I was thinking about the "dots" again, and it occurred to me that whenever I start adding the dots, it seems as though my subject begins to breathe. Maybe the dots remind me of air molecules floating around?

Baby Elephant Learns About Fun, 6 x 6  acrylic on wrapped canvas

Water Baby, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

Double Take, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

I Can See My House From Here

As soon as I started painting this little mouse today, I found myself wondering what he might have been looking at in the distance from his lofty perch on the wheat stalk. As soon as the words, "I can see my house from here" popped into my head, there was no use trying to think of another title for this painting. So I spent the rest of the time trying to imagine what his "house" might look like! Ha ha! I really enjoyed painting this one.

 

I Can See My House From Here, 6 x 6 acrylic on canvas

The reference photo for this painting was taken by a gentleman named Dave Webb, who shares his work on the "Paint My Photo" website. If you're curious to see what the original looked like, just click this link and find out! The original photo had two mice, but one was all I needed. :)

More Feathers

Two more birds today, a little one and a big one...birds, that is. Another fancy little robin stepping out in spring, and a bold looking owl. Look at those big eyes!

 "Don't Blink"
acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted, varnished for protection. - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/dont-blink/208220

Those big, bold eyes almost challenge me to keep my own open longer to make sure I don't miss anything!

"Fancy Cousin"
acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted, varnished for protection - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/fancy-cousin/208218

First there was the Fancy Robin, and now we find out she has a Fancy Cousin. Not nearly as puffed up as her relative, yet just as happy about stepping out for a beautiful spring day.

Fur and Feathers

The last couple days I have worked a some birds, as well as a pet commission. My client asked for her dog painted with a bright red background and "dots" as well, so how much fun is that? See below for the results! Also, my favorite bird in this bunch is the gull. Maybe because I'm dreaming of being on a sunny beach?

Lulu, 6 x 6 acrylic, painted on commission (SOLD!)

"Anticipation"
acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted green, varnished for protection - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/anticipation/207709

Today's robin seems to be watching and waiting for something? What could it be? Anticipation!

 "May I Have This Dance?"
acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted to match the front, varnished for protection - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/may-i-have-this-dance/207951

Is it just me or does it look like this sea bird is ready to enjoy a little dance in the sand? Who wouldn't want to kick up their heels a little at the beach?

"Sharing the News"
acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted blue, varnished for protection - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/sharing-the-news/207710

Sweetly singing, calling out for attention. Sharing the News, maybe?

What is Wrapped Canvas?

While talking to a sweet friend on the phone today (wink!), I realized that she did not understand what my artwork is painted on, and there are probably others who might be confused, too. Since I am recovering from a nasty head cold that has kept me on the couch for several days, and there isn't anything new coming out of the studio just yet, I did take a couple photos to share with you that will help you visualize what I mean when I say that a painting is on a "wrapped canvas".

The most common size I am using lately is 6 x 6". Yes, that's inches! Sometimes I paint a little bigger, but that will always be described underneath the photo of the painting when I post it. I use light fast acrylic paint, which dries hard to the touch very quickly, then before varnishing, I take the photo that will be published on the web. Varnishing adds another layer of protection, but it can be tricky to photograph because of the "sheen".

The finished canvas can be hung directly on the wall without any matting or framing, or it can be displayed with a tiny easel anyplace a spot of color is desirable. 

Here's the rooster, with a measuring tape showing it's size. This painting has already been varnished, and you will notice the little bit of shine in the upper left corner.

 

Here's the back side. The canvas wraps around the wooden support and is secured with staples. The sides are 3/4" deep, and I paint and varnish them to match the front.

This is a sample of how they look on the wall. The 6 x 6 canvases are so light weight that I just stick sewing pins into the wall and hang the painting by resting the wooden framework on top of the pins. The canvas sits flush to the wall for a very contemporary look. No mats, no frames, and they look so cute! The framed artwork in this photo is one of my pastels, which is framed behind glass for protection. Any questions? :)

The Look, and Peeking

All the while I was painting this cow, I kept wondering what it is she was reacting to. The roll of the eye and the tense appearance had me guessing all kinds of possible stories! I decided to leave the title as simply, "The Look", so the viewer could decide for themselves what is going on.

The Look, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

Then there's this cute little robin. I find a lot of my reference photos on the Paint My Photo website. One of the members is called "Villager Jim", and he lives across the pond in Europe. He wanders about taking stunning pictures of seemingly ordinary things, including birds and critters. Today's robin was one of his shots. Looks as though Jim set his camera down and let the robin hop on over to see what it's all about!

 

 Peeking, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

 

New Paintworks

Keeping busy with my little animal portraits. My "May I Help You" cow has already sold! Also, I've accepted a commission to paint someone's dog in this same whimsical style. If anyone is interested, I will do pet portraits, 6" x 6" acrylic on canvas, for just $50. Now, here are the latest:

"Once Again"
acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted green, varnished for protection - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/once-again/206381

As he strolled the farm that morning, he finally knew without a doubt that, once again, spring had returned.

 "Watchful"
acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted, varnished for protection - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/watchful/206383

It was part of the job description, which she understood completely. To survive, she needed to be ever watchful. (SOLD!)

"In That Moment"
Acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas, sides painted red, varnished for protection - 6x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/dorothy-jenson/in-that-moment/206090

In that moment, nothing else mattered. He was not concerned t...hat his name was being called, or that small rodents scurried in the grass nearby. The warmth of the sunshine, the wind in his fur, and the smells of the meadow; those were the things to experience completely. Without ever being taught how, he practiced with great skill the perfect mindfulness of the moment.

May I Help You?

Cows seem so peaceful and gentle. This one is looking down curiously, and I can almost imagine her thoughtfulness and the kind question to the one below her: "May I Help You?" Lots of color here today: the painting practically required it. At least it felt that way to me. :)

 May I Help You?, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

Who Knows?

Today's owl had a rough start. He was first "completed" yesterday, but I wasn't happy with it. So much so, that I woke up in the wee hours of the morning pondering the attempt. Looking at the painting this morning, it was obvious I would need to start again. So I did, and "Who Knows?" is the result. I feel much better now. :)

Who Knows?, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

Squirrel's Riddle

My reference photo shows the squirrel with one paw curled against his chest. At first I thought about drawing it out with fingers like the other one, but that cute furry face seemed to have a slight smile, and I knew he was up to something. Squirrel seems to be asking, "What have I got in my paw?", which really isn't a riddle, but was the best he could come up with on short notice. :)

Squirrel's Riddle, 6 x 6 acrylic on 3/4" wrapped canvas

Pig and Kingfisher and Zebra

Three new pieces to share today. Having a lot of fun painting these little gems. There's a new zebra in town, a very happy pig, and a Kingfisher waiting for his next meal to swim by.

 With a Smile Like That, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

 Primarily Zebra, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas

Kingfisher Waiting, 6 x 6 acrylic on wrapped canvas