Levi

Another lesson learned from this pandemic period is gratitude for what I had taken for granted. Like the weekly visit to a locally preserved farm. No more cow baths for me and back scratches for the herd.

Levi is a sassy bull calf who is learning how to be a grownup. I met him a few weeks prior to the shutdown.

6 x 6 Oil on panel 125. 

The Hunter

She sure looks as though she's hunting for something! Probably a bit of sweet grass or her friends. If anyone can come up with a better title, let me know...stumped on this one.

5.5 x 7.5 Pastel on Pastel-Mat paper

Ivy

Ivy 8 x 8 Oil on Arches Huile

Thanks to Bren McClain, author of "One Good Mama Bone",   I found  Indraloka Farm Sanctuary near Allentown, PA. Check them out! I hope to be visiting them soon.

Nell Not The Movie

Nell is NOT named after the character in the Jodie Foster movie. The name actually derives from Greek and Latin for "horn" or "sun ray". I prefer sun ray since she is!

5 x 7.5 Pastel on paper

Otto

If you love cows as I do (or am obsessed as some would say), you will love "One Good Mama Bone". Gene Bauer writes, "....never has the bond between a woman and a mother cow been placed front and center. It's about time...." I'm about halfway through and couldn't wait to share it!
Check it out on Amazon
 
And a small piece of a boy named Otto.

6 x 6 Oil on Board

Althea

6 x 6 Oil on Board

This girl was named for a plant with beautiful white flowers aka the Marsh Mallow because it grows in wet soil along marshes.

The Dove

Another painting on the Multi Media Art Board. I'm liking this board more for oils than pastels since it's so light but takes a beating. 

By the way, I met Denise Vitollo on Sunday at the Yellow Springs art show reception. We've been friends on Facebook for awhile.  It was confusing at first because I recognized her, but couldn't remember where we met. I'll post our photo together after it's Photoshopped. In the meantime, check out her work on the link above!

The Dove
Susan Williamson
Oil on Multi Media Art Board
8 x 8

Rupert

Rupert is a new acquaintance. We met during the holiday weekend and I hope to see him again today. It was my first visit of 2015 with cow-licks from the more curious members of the group, including Rupert. 

Rupert
Susan Williamson
6 x 6
Oil on board

How To Attract a Bull

This Hereford calf was probably about 2 months old when I met him at the local agricultural college in Bucks County. Calving begins in March and continues through April.
All of the cows are AI and the babies are descended from one bull. The Father of All Calves is very aloof, but perhaps he will succumb to my charms if I adhere to The Rules.

My tips on making yourself bovine bait : 

1. Wear neutral colored clothing. Yes, it's true that bulls and cows don't like bright colors
2  Don't take a shower the day of the visit
3  Skip the perfume or deodorant
4  Speak sweetly and softly while telling him that he's handsome 

I will reveal more how to's in a future post and write about my experience with  The Father of All Calves. 

Hugo
Susan Williamson
6 x 6
Oil on board

Calf on Rose

Another effort with a limited palette of Gamblin Torrit Grey , Ivory Black, and Titanium White against a saturated background. 

Calf on Rose
6 x 6
Oil on board

Allegra

I love the way oil paint goes down on Ampersand Pastelbord. There are more of these panels in my inventory so guess what they'll be used for! 

Allegra
12 x 12
Oil on Pastelbord

Jerome

I found a treasure trove of Pastelbord during my most recent studio de-cluttering and remembered how much fun it was to work on this surface. Even if the painting is a disaster, I can wash it off and gesso over it for an oil painting. And it doesn't get wavy no matter how much water I use!

Jerome
12 x 12
Pastelbord

Sebastian (Pastel)

Another version in pastel this time. 

Sebastian
10 x 10
Pastel on paper

Gustav Pastel Study

It's been interesting(?) to switching back and forth between oil and pastel, painting the same bovine faces. 

Gustav Pastel Study
6 x 6
Pastel on paper

Sebastian Study

Initial take on this calf's gazing toward the horizon. 

Sebastian Study
8 x 8
Oil on Arches Huile 

Gustav Study

My first attempt with this sweet little angel...

Gustav Study
6 x 6
Oil on Masonite

Hazel's Calf

The background is a treatment of the electrified fence in front of the calf in the original photo. 

Pivot
14 x 18
Pastel on Uart paper

Bart Study

This little painting was done with Pastel Premier Italian Clay. Much better...we'll see what happens with a larger format. Thanks to Lyn Asselta for for her advice on working with this paper.  Check out Lyn's  amazing work here .

Bart Study
7 x 5
Pastel on paper

Rufus on PP Fine

This is my initial effort with this new pastel paper. Do you remember that famous quote, "Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy"? Well, Pastel Premier is no Wallis paper. 
I'm going to try another grade in the series ...will post the painting when finished. 

Rufus
8 x 10
Pastel Premier Paper (Fine Grade)

Rufus Study

In preparation for a larger piece or two, this is Rufus, born in April of last year. 

Rufus Study
5 x 7
Pastel on Uart 400