Thirty New Paintings of Animals I Love

"An animal's eyes have the power 

to speak a great language."

~ Martin Buber

Here are the paintings I completed during the month of January 2014.

Spirit Guides and Animals I Love

8.5" x 6.5" Watercolors On Yupo Paper 

I am very excited to present this collage of artwork which represents my third 30 Paintings In 30 Days Challenge series! Each number and title links to a larger view with painting prices, details and the symbolism associated with each animal. Because I'm envisioning these pieces will make some very interesting groupings, you will receive a discount on original paintings from this series in sets of three or more!  Just place your order through the PayPal shopping cart and I'll happily refund 10% of the total price of the artwork.

I'm also planning on offering prints in various sizes on a few of these images, based on popularity. If you'd be interested in a print of one or more of these paintings, please leave me a comment with the name or number in the comments section here or on the painting's individual blog entry. Some of these images have been tweaked since my first post, so please follow the links to see the current version. I'd really appreciate your input too. It will be very helpful in deciding which ones I may offer as prints.

1. Bison ~ Gratitude    2. Deer ~ Gentleness    3. Cardinal ~ Reincarnation

4.  Rooster ~ Confidence      5. Wolf ~ Family and Protection

6. Eagle ~ Inspiration      7. Frog ~ Abundance     8. Dog ~ Loyalty

9. Cat ~ Independence        10. Elephant ~ Ancient Power

11. Rabbit ~ Instinct      12. Hummingbird ~ Love      13. Turtle ~ Patience

14. Hawk ~ Courage      15. Crow ~ Protection      16. Fox ~ Observation

17. Owl ~ Wisdom      18. Horse ~ Power      19. Moose ~ Strength

20. Butterfly ~ Transformation      21. Bear ~ Knowledge

22. Dolphin ~ Playfulness   23. Unicorn ~ Passion   24. Pig ~ Intelligence

25. Heron ~ Focus    26. Squirrel ~ Foresight      27. Goat ~ Balance

28. Dragonfly ~ Magic    29. Groundhog ~ Dreams      30. Chickadee ~ Joy

"If all the beasts were gone, men would

die from a great loneliness of spirit, 

for whatever happens to the beasts 

also happens to the man.  All things are connected. 

 Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. "

 ~ Chief Seattle

See my first 30 Paintings in 30 Days Series,
"Paintings Inspired By Quotes About Trees" 
January 2013.

My second 30 Paintings in 30 Days Series,
"Myths, Folk Tales and Legends" 
September 2013.

Remember, based on popularity, I plan on offering prints 

in various sizes on a few of these new animal paintings. 

Please pick your favorites and voice your opinions!

I appreciate your interest and support very much.

With Heartfelt Thanks,

X ♥  O

Turtle ~ Symbol of Patience and Persistence

"Turtle tells us that you can't go

through life quitting everything. 

If you're going to achieve anything,

you've got to stick with something."

Turtle Spirit ~ Enjoy the Journey Day 13 ~Longevity  ~  Immortality  ~  Steadfastness~ 8.5 x 6.5" Hand Painted Watercolor on Yupo  Matted and Framed to 10" x 8"

Turtle Spirit ~ Enjoy the Journey

Day 13

~Longevity  ~  Immortality  ~  Steadfastness~

8.5 x 6.5" Hand Painted Watercolor on Yupo 

Matted and Framed to 10" x 8"

Painting Options

painting only $99.00 USD art matted w/ backing $105.00 USD art matted + Framed - Med. Wood $135.00 USD

Friday night I was just about to scrap my Spirit Guide theme, compositional idea and style for the 30/30 challenge, because it is not turning out as I had envisioned. Of course, most of my paintings never do. I've got a very strong willed muse who always seems to take over when I'm engrossed in that right-brain creative mode. It's as if I'm in a dream state where I'm just watching as the story unfolds.

After I posted on facebook Saturday morning about the meltdown, my super supportive online friends got me back on track! Today I commented on the blog of a new artist friend who's struggling with the challenge and I was reminded of this advice from one of my college professors; " Accept the fact that you will never be completely happy with your work because your knowledge will always be greater than your skill".

One of the most rewarding parts of this 30 in 30 challenge is meeting new friends online and giving support and feedback to each other. I will be happy if I can give back a small percentage of the good advice and camaraderie that I have received so far.

I have been on this art business journey for over 30 years. Yes, it's a little mind blowing, but I have painted thousands of pictures. This blog will feature some of the things I've learned along the way over the next few days.

I thought I was really well prepared for this challenge; it being my third one in a 13 month period. I did 36 thumbnail sketches and have numbered the ones I've used (in one variation or another) so far. A rocky start produced six or seven paintings the first two days, none of which I liked.

What I'm doing is definitely not new, having self-published a book on Animal Spirits in 2005. I am looking to revisit the subject in a new way though. I'd like to offer cards (notecards and a deck or sets - which could be collected or matted / framed). Each card would feature one guide and a few words of significance. I would like to expand it beyond animals too. I could encompass other nature spirits (wind, moon, flowers, etc.) and possibly some mythological ones (angels, unicorns, dragons). My idea is to unify the set through format (vertical), color (which isn't happening), style (loose - which isn't happening), motif (swirls), angle (side view), distance (close-up) with focus on the eye and of course, to improve my technique (Transparent Watercolor - using a few opaque colors on Yupo paper).  Obviously, it's an ongoing project, even after the challenge is done. After hours of work on Friday, I felt that the cat painting was overworked, but it turned out to be everyone's favorite, so maybe I just need to be more flexible in what I'm looking for. 

I don't know, what do you think? I'd love to get more feedback. Here's  a collage of my paintings so far, minus day 1 which I need to re-do. (So I am still behind.) If I do stick with this theme, what Spirit Guides would you like me to include?

 Thanks so much for being here and for your comments.

I really and truly can't thank you enough

for your support and friendship.

Have a good night! 

X ♥  O

Hummingbird ~ Symbol of Joy and Focus

"The magic of the hummingbird

lies in the ability to open hearts

and to accomplish that

which seems impossible."

Hummingbird Spirit ~ Joyful Magic Day 12 Happiness  ~  Love  ~  Dedication ~  Wonder See painting specifications and price here.

Hummingbird Spirit ~ Joyful Magic

Day 12

Happiness  ~  Love  ~  Dedication ~  Wonder

See painting specifications and price here.

Here's a better photo of "Hummingbird Spirit" taken in natural light. I decided to change the background last night after I shot it because I thought it was too bright and busy. (One of my favorite things about working on Yupo paper is that you always have the option to go back in and make changes.) You can see the original photo taken under fluorescent lights with the old background here. Discussion of my process and goals, along with thumbnail sketches for this project are going to be included in Day 13's post. I hope you'll meet me back here then!

I hope this little hummingbird video brings you some joy!

Thanks so much for being here and for your comments.

I really can't thank you enough.

Have a good night! 

X ♥  O

Rabbit ~ Symbol of Fear and Emotional Control

"Rabbit represents the concept

that what you expect to happen

in life usually does. Think positive

and good things will happen."

Rabbit Spirit ~ Feminine Energies

Day 11

Fertility  ~  Camouflage  ~  Control  ~  Instinct

See painting price and specifications here.

I had a bit of a meltdown over my current paintings last night, but today my super supportive friends on facebook got me back on track. Thank you so much, all you amazingly generous, kind, great people! (More about my creative meltdown here tomorrow!)

Thanks so much for being there and for your comments and feedback, ladies and gents.

I can't say it enough. I love you guys!

HUGS, 

X ♥  O

Deer ~ Symbol of Gentleness and Love

Because of its wandering nature,

deer have been associated with new adventure

and path finding, so I thought it was a fitting subject to start out the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.

Deer Spirit ~ Divine Connection
Day 2
See painting specifications and price here.

Gentleness  ~  Heightened Perception  ~  Path finding

The hardest part about this painting challenge for me is not painting 30 paintings, but painting 30 paintings that I want to post online for all the world to see! My idea for this series was so well planned out, I thought it was going to be a piece of cake. WRONG! I've done six paintings since yesterday and still am not satisfied with the path I'm on! Oh well, I know all too well, it's all part of the process. I'm not getting stressed out about it or anything, yet. No pain, no gain.

I'm trying to come up with a similar color scheme and approach for the set. I am experimenting with technique and tried workable fixative but got the same bubbled up effect (above) like with regular fixative. I guess there is just so much layering you can do with watercolor on Yupo paper unless you go pretty opaque. I have tried using thin acrylic washes but so far have been unhappy with my results.

Deer Spirit ~ Day 1
NFS

It's already started coming down, and according to the National Weather Service, we are expecting "blowing snow" ( never saw that term before) and very cold temps with wind chills in the  minuses here tonight and tomorrow. Supplies for the animals are stockpiled and the horses are double blanketed. The hatches are battened down and Jerry just got back with gas for the tractor so we can dig out if need be. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Your emails, pep talks and comments are appreciated.

Stay safe and warm and have a good evening.

X ♥  O

Eloping Elephants~ A True Love Story ~ #17 of 30

"True love stories
never have endings."

Richard Bach

#17 of 30 -

  Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends 

Today's painting was inspired by a

True Urban Legend.

"A wild pachyderm wreaks havoc

on an Indian village after

falling in love with a

domesticated elephant."

Read the whole story here.

Eloping Elephants 7.5" x 5.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 8" x 10" Signed and certified by the artist. Purchase information here.

Eloping Elephants

7.5" x 5.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper

Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 8" x 10"

Signed and certified by the artist.
Purchase information here.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!

Thanks for your friendship,

and comments!

X ♥  O