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

The Father of All Calves Day 1

Day 1 of my challenge to make friends with this guy started yesterday with a visit to the farm. He wouldn't budge from his spot, which forced me to crop the image way down. Even with this poor resolution, you can see that he's got the world by the "you know what". 

Looks like this will be one of my big challenges for the year!

Any ideas from readers will be much appreciated!

Susan Williamson
The Father of All Calves
Day 1

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

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

Cyrus

He's back...this time in a small format oil painting.

Cyrus
6 x 6
Oil on board

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

Let's Play!

This calf was born in late April of last year. The day that I visited, he was nudging other calves to butt heads or just run around the field and play.

Let's Play
8 x 8
Oil on Arches Huile

Ollie the Bad Boy

A mischievous boy that I met at the agricultural college in Doylestown. He would charge me, then back off and run the other way. I managed to catch one pose when he was being a good boy.

6 x 6
Pastel on Uart paper

Calendula

Perhaps it's the time of the year with flowers everywhere blooming, but the calf faces are making me think of the unblemished heads of the flowers as they open. This little girl brought marigolds to mind. 

Calendula
8 x 8
Pastel on paper
Susan Williamson

Reuben

I named this bull after my favorite uncle and then realized it's also the name of the popular deli sandwich. Make no mistake...this is in no way intended to be a play on words. If you know me, you also know that I'm a vegetarian. Enough said. 

8 x 6
Pastel on paper

Gus

Watching Liz Haywood Sullivan's DVD where Liz paints skies on both black and white surfaces, I thought about trying this with a little calf painting after seeing how she approaches this dark surface. 
 If you haven't seen any of Liz's DVD's or read her amazing book about skies, you should check them out. I would love to take one of her workshops some day in the not too distant future!

6 x 6
Pastel on paper