Beach Grass II (2012), 8 x 10"

Commission: Cattle Egret (2011), 11 x 14"

I painted this graceful bird as a commission. I decided to paint it in a more realistic style than many of my paintings, because I wanted to be sure to capture the character of the bird, not just its general shape. I am really happy with how this painting turned out--from a certain distance it looks like a photograph. Below is the original photo along with the different stages of progress.One other interesting bit about this painting is that I didn't know in the beginning what kind of bird this was. We originally thought it was a Great White Heron (a genetic variant of the Great Blue Heron), but they are pure white over their entire bodies. This bird has brownish/orangish plumage on its head, back, and chest. After doing some internet research I was able to find out that it is actually a Cattle Egret. Here are some other photos I found:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cattle_Egret_%28Bubulcus_ibis%29_-Florida_Keys2.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cattle_Egret_%28Bubulcus_ibis%29_-Florida_Keys.jpg

Paintings for Sale!

Many of the paintings that are pictured on this blog are for sale. I have updated all the links in each post to go to current listings on Etsy and Ugallery. I also have several giclee prints for sale on Etsy as well, so check those out.

Pet Portrait Commission: Maddie the Beagle (2011), 12 x 12"

I've been working the past few weeks on my latest commission. I didn't post about it earlier because the commission is actually a surprise birthday gift for the recipient! The person who commissioned the painting wanted to surprise his wife for her birthday! This painting was a special challenge, because the photo I had to paint was in black and white. I did have several other color photos for reference, which was extremely helpful. Here's the original photo:
And here is a color photo I used as reference:I did a detailed sketch as usual, and completed painting the head and body in one sitting (so cute!):
I was instructed to leave the background as nondescript as possible, and to use a palette of muted greens or browns. I decided on greens since that contrasted better with the color of the dog's fur. I used really thick paint and chunky textures, especially in the top section of the painting. I mixed five subtly different shades of green/blue-green and placed them randomly next to each other without any blending. I really love how the whole painting turned out! Here is the finished painting along with some close-ups:Check out my other pet portraits here:
Olive, the Boston Terrier
Bear, the Yellow Lab
Bun, the Mini Lop

Want to commission a pet portrait of your own? Contact me here: audraziegel@gmail.com

Salt Fork River Art Festival

Come visit my booth next weekend at the Salt Fork River Art Festival at Sleepy Creek Vineyards!

Bluebell Forest V (2011), 8 x 10"

This painting is based on a photo by Herry Lawford, found on flickr.com. Original photo can be found here. Used under a Creative Commons License.

Mark Your Calendars--Salt Fork River Art Festival

Be sure to mark you calendars for this year's Salt Fork River Art Festival! I'll be showing my paintings there again this year. Here are some details:

Where: Sleepy Creek Vineyards
8254 E 1425 North Road
Fairmount, IL 61841

When: September 24-25, 2011

Not only will there be great art, but Sleepy Creek Vineyards makes some delicious wines that you can sip while viewing the art!

Hay Bales II (2011), 6 x 12"

This painting is based on a photo by David DeHetre, found on flickr.com. Original photo can be found here. Used under a Creative Commons License.

Sold.

Recap: Downtown Festival of the Arts

I had a great day at the Downtown Festival of the Arts. Not only did it not rain, but I sold seven paintings! I loved when someone told me they recognized my style and knew they had seen me at another festival. There was also someone who saw my art at the Taste of Champaign and had regretted not buying something then...she bought a painting this time! I got to hear some amazing stories of how my art touched people, and that really was the best part. :-)

Rock Island State Park, TN (2011) 8 x 8"

For sale at my etsy page.