Thursday, May 21, 2009

Speckles

This was one of those impossible angles, but the puppy looked so cute, I couldn't miss the opportunity to paint him as he slept. Basset Hounds have a wonderfully distinct personality, and this innocent, velvety cuddlebug grew up to steal a roast - a whole roast!
I like the way the colours in this one bounce off each other, a hint of the bright little personality snoozing so comfortably in his bed. "Speckles" is a 4 x 6 inch watercolour sketch and is available.

Heather Anderson

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Biff & Jo-Jo Spring Clean-Up

For many folks, a long weekend in Spring means cleaning up the garden and getting the outside of the house looking great. Biff and Jo-Jo have been busy putting a sparkle on their tree house. Biff weeded the front walk, polished the front door light and bell, tidied the grasses and wildflowers around the trunk, and filled a nice little planter with pretty blue and white flowers. Jo-Jo painted the front door a lovely green that won't attract undue attention from passers-by.
Now they can stand back and admire their hard work. I wonder though, will Biff be as happy when he sees the extent of Jo-Jo's paint job!
These little cartoons are amusing to do and only take a couple of hours each, and sometimes I'm tempted to join the current fun trend of doing a painting a day. With these little vignettes, I know I could do it. But I have discovered that for me, a feeling of satisfaction with a painting only comes after I have spent days or even weeks on it, taking time to enjoy the process of putting paint or pencil on paper and having fun with the details. It is a good feeling to know that, in the parlance of "Horse", I can Sprint if I have to, but I am much happier when I have a longer track.
Heather Anderson

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Pomeranian


Pomeranians are delightful little dogs - beautiful puffs of fluffy fur with a big doggy smile. A huge personality is packed into this small package, and I imagine life with a Pomeranian is never boring.

It was the mass of fur that intrigued and challenged me . . . how to depict all that hair so that it appeared to stand out and have depth. I decided to try this in watercolour to make it even more of a challenge, and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. Soon, I think I will do another Pomeranian in Coloured Pencil to see what challenges lie in store for me with that medium and a long haired dog. This 8 x 10 watercolour is available for $195.


Heather Anderson