Ready For My Close-Up...

I'm Ready For My Close-Up, Mr. DeMille, 6x6, Oil on Gessoed Hardboard, SOLD

This little black crow is no stranger to the spotlight. She is ready for primetime. Lights, camera, action! "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille."

Two friends and I were privileged to attend Carol Marine's last workshop of 2014 in San Antonio. She is so good at what she does and is able to teach it, too. Here is my version of her numbered stroke exercise:

And here is my version of the "each stroke is a different color" exercise:

When she starts teaching again, run, don't walk, to sign up!

I Feel The Need

The Need For Speed, 8x8, Oil on Hardboard, Sold

Talk to me, Goose! Oops, I mean Crow! This little guy is ready to be your wingman. He was created for a wonderful friend and mentor whose son also feels the need for speed. But seriously, doesn't he just take your breath away?

Just Call Me Nana & Some New Cards

New Greeting Cards

It has been an eventful summer for me, last month my youngest daughter blessed us with a new grandson. My new moniker is "Nana" and I love it!!!!!!!!! There were some complications but all is well now. However, I have not been very productive on the art front; I have been a little preoccupied. But summer vacation is over and now it's back to work.

I am trying something new. I am offering my little crow paintings on blank greeting cards. The cards are approximately 5.5" square. We will see if there is any interest. Fingers crossed! I am hard at work on some new crows to add to the collection...they are such slave drivers, these little guys, "Paint me, paint me, paint me!"

What?!?!?

Say What?, 8x8, Oil on Hardboard, Sold

Just look at this little black crow. I don't think he's buying what you're selling! He's got that "What you talkin' bout, Willis" look. Well, Little Black Crow, Different Strokes for different folks. I'd like to hear what you've got to say!

You Put Your Left Foot In...

Doing The Hokey Pokey, 8x8, Oil on Gessoed Hardboard, SOLD

"... you take your left foot out, you put your left foot in and you shake it all about." This little black crow does a mean Hokey Pokey! Although I'm not sure he likes me watching. Maybe he's one of those crows who has social anxiety about performing for an audience...Hope he makes you smile!

Identity Crisis

I Might Be Knock-Kneed But I Am Not PIGEON-Toed, 8x8, Oil on Hardboard, SOLD

I think this little black crow might have a chip on his shoulder. Just look at his "in your face" expression! Cheer up, little guy, no one is going to mistake any part of you as being PIGEON. You're all crow!

I Gha-Rawn-Tee! (Justin Wilson)

Yes, I Do Suck The Heads, 8x8, Oil on Hardboard

This little black crow had to be from the South, a Cajun born transplant to the Midwest. He's got a mudbug in his mouth that he caught all by himself. All he needs is a side of grits and he's got it made! I painted this in tribute to my husband and a dear friend who spent time in Louisiana (pronounced Loo-siana). And yes, he does suck the heads, I gha-rawn-tee!

Dessert Anyone?

Melts In Your Mouth, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard Panel, SOLD

I spotted this little black crow in Manhattan, KS. (That was a good photo journey!) He had his mouth crammed full of M & Ms. I guess crows like a little sweet in their lives, too! And, of course, M & Ms melt in your mouth, not in your claw...

Seriously?

Seriously?, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

Look at that expression! Can you say skeptical? Are you going to try "that's my story and I'm sticking to it"? I think she's got you figured out, better go to Plan B!

What's Your Point?

And Your Point Is?, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

Look at that face! This little black crow is so cute and fluffy looking...until you look at his expression. If that is not an "in your face" statement, I don't know what is! Maybe he just doesn't like his picture taken. Danged paparazzi...

Watch Your Step!

Be Careful, Myrtle, That First Step's A Doozey, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

Isn't that nice? One crow helping another? I'm sure that step IS quite a doozey when you're a bird!

Found these two in Manhattan, Kansas. There were actually four birds in the group but I found it interesting how one of them turned around to help the other. Who says chivalry is dead?

It has been awhile since my last post, the holidays took all my spare time. And I found out I'm going to be a grandmother! Can't wait...but I will try to get some painting done while I'm waiting...

Big Trouble

You're In Big Trouble Now, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

The expression on this little guy's face is just priceless! With his wings folded behind his back, he looks like he's giving you "that" look. Like you've broken curfew......or been sent to the principal's office......not that I would recognize that from personal experience but I have heard stories........ *big grin*

I'm Still Burnin'

Doing The Neutron Dance, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard

These two were running away from me at a stoplight. I know, who can imagine that any bird would run away from a crazy woman holding a big, black, boxy thing in front of her face! I caught them mid-stride and all I could see was two crows dancing. Being from the disco era myself, I could hear the Pointer Sisters singing "Neutron Dance" as I was painting. So here they are, just burnin' Doing The Neutron Dance!

Hey, Posh, Look At Me!

Bend It Like Beckham, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

Found these guys in a parking lot eating an apple. The one on the right was rolling it around. I thought it looked like they were playing soccer! So here they are, bending it like Beckham.

This painting is now in the possession of a friend who is moving from Wichita. I will miss her. We have been painting together, off and on, for several years now. Pat, I hope you are enjoying your new home. Please come back to visit!

Work It!

Strut, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

I found this little guy in a parking lot in Wichita, Kansas. Such a confidant crow! He could be working the runway. I have named this painting "Strut" because he is seriously strutting his stuff!

It's getting to be crow time again here in the midwest. I have had to rely on photos taken a few months ago for my painting references. That's not a problem as I have thousands of them! But it's so exciting to find new crow situations. Looking forward to future photo safaris!

Taxi Driver?

Are You Looking At Me?, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

I found this little guy behind a Taco Tico. He had a few friends with him but he was looking at me, eyeball to eyeball. (Or camera lens!) I could just hear him thinking, (in a De Niro voice) "Are You Looking At Me?" I know the quote is actually, "You talkin' to me?" but this is fantasy, right? :-)

Flight Of The Crow

I Believe I Can Fly, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard

I thought this guy looked like he was an ever vigilant guardian over this field, eyes scanning the horizon. I caught him mid-flap with my camera. I love how his head is all encased within his body from this angle. He is a very confidant crow so I named this painting "I Believe I Can Fly".

Jump In!

Black Birds Can't Jump, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

I found this crow in the parking lot of the mall in Manhattan, Kansas. It had snowed a few days earlier and there were little spots of snow cover left. This little guy was walking along and just hopped over the pile of snow. He looked so cute with his wings back, just barely aloft! So here he is - "Black Birds Can't Jump."

I have to say, "Thank You!" to Leslie Saeta and her 30 in 30 challenge. There are so many talented artists participating! And the comments have been really wonderful!

It's A Bird, It's A Plane!

Who Needs A Cape?, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

The look in this guy's eyes was so perfect. With the wind under his wings, his pose looked like a superhero to me! This painting's name is, "Who Needs A Cape?" Holy black bird, Batman!

You Know How To Whistle, Don't You?

Put Your Lips Together And Blow-Bogey & Bacall, 8x8, Oil Painting on Hardboard, SOLD

This couple looked so protective of each other, like a pair of lovers from an old black and white movie so I named them "Put Your Lips Together And Blow-Bogey & Bacall." She looks like a strong female even though her mate is there to back her up. I am woman, hear me roar!