30 Paintings in 30 Days ~ Animal Sightings ~ Day 11

"Man is rated the highest animal, 

at least among all animals who 

returned the questionnaire." 

~ Robert Brault

"Animal Planet" 5.5 x 7.5" Alcohol Ink on Yupo paper, matted to 8 x 10" email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info.

"Animal Planet"
5.5 x 7.5" Alcohol Ink on Yupo paper, matted to 8 x 10"
email: sandy@sandysandy.com for purchase info.

"It is an important and popular fact that things are not always what they seem.  For instance, on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much; the wheel, New York, wars and so on; whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man; for precisely the same reasons."~ Douglas Adams

We are one third of the way through the 30in30 challenge and I"m starting to hit a wall. Things were going so smoothly, it was bound to happen. I wanted to introduce some line elements and geometric shapes into my organic looking abstract work, but things haven't worked out as planned. Representational elements are starting to sneak back in and I'm not sure if that's good or a bad thing. I'm starting to think, that if it happens, it happens, but I'm not consciously starting out a painting with any particular subject in mind. Does that sound reasonable to you, or am I just copping-out?

There are 3 "FOR THE LOVE OF TREES" Wall Calendars

and one Desk Calendar left and they are on sale!

Once they're gone, they're gone forever.

Thanks for all the feedback on my paintings. I am loving it.

I hope you are having a creative, happy day!

X ♥  O

Blue Jay ~ Symbol of Communication and Action

"Effective communication is 20% what you know

and 80% is how you feel about what you know."

~ Jim Rohn

Blue Jay Spirit ~ Finding Your Voice

matted view

Resourcefulness ~ Adaptability ~ Attainment

See painting specifications and price here.

Blue Jay Spirit -  Full frame/ Uncropped

Since posting the PayPal buy links yesterday, four paintings have sold. Yay! I thought you might be interested in the steps involved in getting these guys ready to move to their new homes.

After signing, a couple of light coats of Clear Acrylic (to seal the watercolor to the Yupo paper) are done on cardboard out on the studio porch. 

Each painting is signed and ID'd on the back in permanent ink also.  It's important to write "original watercolor" because somewhere down the line someone just may not know. I also make a color xerox copy of each piece with their ID # and or date on it and file it in the appropriate folder before it leaves the studio.

Next time, I'll share the following steps in finishing these for shipment.

I am missing all my online buddies from the 30/30! 

Hope you are all having a colorful day!

X ♥  O

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

Bison ~ Symbol of Gratitude and Abundance ~SOLD

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for 

every good thing that comes to you 

and give thanks continuously. 

And because all things have

contributed to your advancement, 

you should include all things in your gratitude.” 

 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Buffalo Spirit ~ Great Soul Day 1 Action ~ Appreciation ~ Amplitude ~ Plenty ~  8.5 x 6.5" Transparent Watercolor on Yupo Paper  ~ Signed, Matted and Framed to 10" x 8" • SOLD

Buffalo Spirit ~ Great Soul

Day 1

Action ~ Appreciation ~ Amplitude ~ Plenty

~  8.5 x 6.5" Transparent Watercolor on Yupo Paper  ~

Signed, Matted and Framed to 10" x 8"

• SOLD

Here is the last painting of this month's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. The definition of "challenge" in the dictionary is "a call to take part in a contest or competition that tests one's abilities." And boy have we been tested! This is the third time I've participated in this online event and much to my surprise, it has not gotten any easier. I was faced with many obstacles to overcome almost everyday. I had a rough start this time, so I am using this as Day One's submission.

It seems so fitting to wrap up this month long series with the buffalo. This animal is one of my favorite symbols of thankfulness. I can't express enough just how grateful I am for the opportunity to be able to participate in this event, pursue my passion, grow as an artist and to connect with so many great people in the process.

Here are some in-progress shots of today's painting.

First Step - Paint the eyes.

 In some cases, I'm finding a need to put in some of

the area surrounding the eye in order to get the values correct.

This one evolved a little differently, 

so I just went with the flow.

Instead of working all over the area at once, 

I seemed to work in sections on this one.

Buffalo Spirit -  Full frame/ Uncropped

In the final step, the background was added 

and details were refined.

Here are all thirty paintings. 

This weekend I will post numbers and links with BUY buttons

to all thirty paintings, just like I did for my last

 30/30 series in September 2013. 

The participating artists are all posting their collages today.

Check them out on Leslie Saeta's blog here.

I can't thank you enough for all your wonderful comments.

I am truly grateful for your friendship. It really means so much!

X ♥  O

Chickadee ~ Symbol of Understanding and Higher Truth

“Any fool can know. 

The point is to understand.” 

~ Albert Einstein

Chickadee Spirit ~ Cheerful Attitudes Day 30 Joy ~ Expression ~ Fearless ~ Individuality See painting specifications and price here. ~~~~~~~

Chickadee Spirit ~ Cheerful Attitudes

Day 30

Joy ~ Expression ~ Fearless ~ Individuality

See painting specifications and price here.

~~~~~~~

Today is day 30 and this is the second painting I did today. I was unhappy with my first attempt, so I started this one late and have no progress shots to share. Tomorrow I plan on finishing up my substitute for day one and posting a collage of all 30 paintings I completed during the challenge.  I hope you'll join me back here then.

Chickadee Spirit -  Full frame/ Uncropped

Thanks so much for stopping by. 

Your comments are always appreciated.

X ♥  O