Aida

Day one of the 30 in 30 Challenge and I'm off with a bovine giving me a rather doubtful look! 

Aida
Oil on Arches Huile
6 x 6

Flora in Profile

One of the fair maidens who I spent time with out in the field not far from home. I painted this over a pastel that I washed off and with an extra coat of gesso. Can't rip up the pastels on Pastelbord ! 

FLORA
12 x 12
Oil on Pastelbord

Josephine

A small first attempt in oil. Painting this made me remember my happiness as the herd  began to feel safe with me in their field.  I haven't named her yet. Any suggestions?

Josephine
5 x 7
Oil on board

Thaddeus

I met Thaddeus this past summer at a local farm. He had grit!

Thaddeus
12 x 12
Pastel on Pastelbord

The Pursuit of Passion and Painting

Painting is hard! And so are those inner critics. They go for your soft spot and tell you things like "You suck, why bother!"

In the midst of these voices, I received an email from Materese Roche who is a gifted artist from Bucks County who happened to fall in love with Truman . She purchased him and wrote me later. I am sharing a portion below. 

 "Truman is proudly hanging in my kitchen (away from the stove, etc.) he is stunning and I smile every time I look at him.  

I hate pastel - both as a medium to work with and 99% of what I see - meh . . .  I also really don’t like animal art.  But YOUR work is in a league of it’s own.  I don’t say that lightly nor am I giving false praise in any manner.  You have a beautiful talent, and I will call you an artist - you are more than a painter - you have the gift.  "

I think it is a good time to stop listening to the gremlins! I wonder how many of us doubt ourselves.

By the way, high quality giclees of Truman are available from North Penn Art  

Truman
18 x18
Pastel on paper

Portentia

I've painted a few smaller versions of this heifer in oil and pastel. Her expression intrigues me and am most likely not finished exploring her face. 

Portentia
16 x 12
Oil on board

Scarlett

I met this Holstein heifer while traveling in Vermont this summer. She struck with me with her dignity and beauty.

12 x  9
Oil on Arches Huile