Two Dog Studio's Artful Biscuits

Cole Gallery Anniversary Show

2012-01-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone and Happy 2012!

As promised I have been in the studio making new work for this summer and wanted to post a few things that are happening now.

First off, my newest piece (above) will be showing at Cole Gallery and the show's opening is tomorrow night, January 14th, from 6-9pm. Plenty of wine, food, and music so please do come by enjoy the show. I will be there and I think Denise will make me wear a nametag so I should be easy to find! Here is a link to the gallery: http://www.colegallery.net/exhibition.php?eventID=91

Also, I have begun scheduling my spring classes and they are posted on my website so if you are one of the folks out there looking to improve your colored pencil skills then you might just be in luck! Please visit my website and keep checking back for new listings regularly.
www.twodogstudio.com

Finally, I have joined the wonderful Roby-King Gallery on Bainbridge Island, Wa and so they carry an assortment of my work there now. Andrea and Wes are really wonderful people and I am very thankful that they love my work and are willing to get behind it. They are just a short walk from the ferry terminal on Winslow Way and you can visit their website at http://robykinggallery.com/

That's all for now but more images soon and of course you can email me anytime if you would like to order any cards or prints of the new pieces.

Best to you!
Eileen

Happy Holidays

2011-12-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Scout and I would like to thank all of you for a wonderful and creative 2011. We wish you all a quiet and peaceful holiday season. We are happily ensconced in our warm little studio working on new pieces for the new year so stay tuned.

Best to you all!
Eileen and Scoutley (the cutest reindeer ever)

Award Winning Article

2011-10-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, I can finally post that I am an award winner in this year's Artist's Magazine Annual Contest. I took 3rd in the Animal/Wildlife category and they have run this nice little article about me to go with the image. So, run out and buy the December 2011 issue of The Artist's Magazine will ya?

I am super stoked about this award and this piece in general so thank you to C.B for buying the original and everyone out there that has purchased a print of it.

Best!
Eileen

Danville Arts Festival

2011-10-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here we are! Scout and I are on our way to the Danville Arts Festival in California for the weekend. I hope all of our Southern (South of Washington anyway) friends will be able to make it out to say hello. Just 3 more shows for the year and then it is 100% studio time which means new work, finally!!!!

Best!
Eileen

Howard Mandville Gallery This Weekend

2011-10-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the opening for the Howard Mandville Gallery's Small Works Exhibit. The opening is Saturday, October 15th, 5:30-8pm. I have delivered my newest drawing along with 2 others and am looking forward to seeing the exhibit in its entirety. This is a small portion of the new piece, "Yoga for Beginners". I hope to see some of you there!
http://www.howardmandville.com/Small%20Works/Mini%20%20Pages/mini1.html

Also, this weekend is my last class in the U.S. for the year (hard to believe). I am teaching at Cole Gallery in Edmonds Saturday and Sunday so if you have been wanting to take a class now is the time and we would love to have you.
http://www.colegallery.net/exhibitions.php?loc=class

Finally, some of my cards and prints are on display this weekend in the Carnegie Building in Snohomish. Its a fun, little town so after a morning of antiquing grab a few cards as well!
http://www.snohomish.org/index.php?page_id=14&event_id=8650&site_id=

And yes, I am exhausted. Thanks for asking.

Best!
Eileen

Timeless Renaissance

2011-09-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Giovanni Paolo Melchiorri, 1664-1745
Anonymous Artist, 18 century

Hi again,

I just returned from a quick trip to Salem, Oregon where I visited a rare and amazing exhibit. If you are a fan of Raphael, the Renaissance, or Italian art in general then you should try and get down to Willamette University and see this once in a lifetime showing from the Maggiori Collection before it closes November 6th. These drawings have an interesting provenance and their recent discovery is a story in itself.

I have attached a couple of my favorites for you to enjoy and here is the link to their site for more of the story if you are interested:
http://www.willamette.edu/arts/hfma/exhibitions/library/2011-12/timeless_renaissance.html

Just when you think you have all these skills and you are feeling at the top of your game along comes something like this to ground you! These artists from the 16th century were working on their skills by emulating Raphael (the master of grace) and Alessandro Maggiori collected them to further his own artistic pursuits and now I get to study them to begin to improve my work as well.

Enjoy!

Small Works Exhibition

2011-09-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi again, Two Dogger Bloggers,

I have some exciting news to share with you! I was asked to join Howard Mandville Gallery's Small Works Exhibition this year along with some of the best artists working out there today. Howard Mandville has long been one of my favorite galleries to visit so my mind hasn't quite absorbed the fact that my work will be hanging on those walls very soon next to paintings by Jim Lamb, Joseph Lorusso, and Yingzhao Liu to name a few. Yipes...

This is a small detail of my new piece that will be unveiled at the opening of this show on October 15th. I would love it if you could join me for the opening so here is the link for more details. http://www.howardmandville.com/Small%20Works/Mini%20%20Pages/mini1.html

I am also getting ready for my fall teaching marathon and there are just a few spaces left so if you would like to join me in October just send me an email. We would love to have you there!

More soon!
Eileen

It's Back to School Time!

2011-09-05T12:27:00.001-07:00

"BirdBrain" ink, watercolor, colored pencil

Here is the image for the project we will be drawing in my Fall workshops this year. I had a bunch of folks who wanted to draw a cat and a bunch that wanted to draw birds so I decided to incorporate both this time!

If you were thinking about joining me for a workshop hopefully this will get you off the fence. There are still a few spaces in my October 1-2nd session in Seattle and a few other locations as well so check my website, www.twodogstudio.com, or email me if you are interested in joining me for some fur and feathers!

Eileen

Fresh Paint

2011-08-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Hope you can make it out to this fun show, although I think they should call it "Fresh Pencils". I'm just sayin.....

If you can make it I am in Booth 29, right next to my favorite woodworker, Marguerite Wagner of Imagine If Woodworks, and polymer clay artisan, Pam Sanders.

Best,

Eileen and Scout

Fresh Paint: Festival of Artists at Work
August 20 & 21
10am - 5pm both days
Port of Everett Marina

Purchase art fresh off the easel at Everett's waterfront art festival. Painting, pottery, glass, jewelry, mixed media, fiber arts, photography & much more! Every artist is in action, plus on site glassblowing demonstrations and
Float Find on Jetty Island. Free admission and Free Parking!

Avoid the search for a parking spot, park at Everett Station and ride Everett Transit Route #5 to the waterfront!

For more information
visit schack.org or call 425-259-5050

Bellevue Museum Show

2011-07-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

"Making the Grade" - colored pencil/watercolor

It is that time of year again! I would like to invite you all to join me at the Bellevue Arts Museum show this weekend for an overdose of art! I am in booth F-6 in the mall parking garage this year and am looking forward to unveiling some new work, like this little piece with the hummingbirds.

I really appreciate all of you who have followed and encouraged me over the past few years and I look forward to seeing some familiar faces again this weekend.

http://www.bellevuearts.org/fair/index.html

Best!
Eileen

ArtFest in Gig Harbor This Weekend

2011-07-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Scout and I will be at the Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival this weekend with new work for you! I hope that some of you will be able to stop in and say hello as you walk around beautiful Gig Harbor. Should be good weather and, of course, a lot of fabulous art to look at.

Hope to see you there! (Scout says bring snacks, she prefers cheese!)

Eileen

October Workshop

2011-06-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I just finished this little number as a donation piece for the Colored Pencil Society at the International Convention in Dallas. It reminds me that I need to formally invite you to join me on October 8-9th in Shoreline for my next Seattle workshop. Here are the logistics:

This class is for beginners to advanced and will cover the methods I use when creating my colored pencil pieces. We will work on a project together from start to finish so I can demo each stage and then let students try their hand at it.

The class is 2 days, 9:30-4:30 pm, cost is $200.00 and if you would like to take the class then a $100.00 deposit will hold your space. The deposit is refundable up until 4 weeks before the class start date. It is in a private studio in Shoreline just a couple miles off of I-5. After registration I will give you a class supply list so you can start gathering any tools you may not already have.

I have 8 folks who registered during my Edmonds show which leaves 6 spots available so I wanted to make sure to get it out to my bloggies before it was all filled up.

If you have any questions or would like to register just shoot me an email. I promise to serve tea for us so we can join these little finches at the table!

Enjoy!
Eileen

Edmonds Art Festival - This Weekend!

2011-06-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Come down to Edmonds this weekend and see my latest artwork. Booth #113

The Edmonds Art Festival takes place June 17th-19th at the Frances Anderson Cultural Center.

For hours and more info: http://fineartamerica.com/events/edmonds-arts-festival.html

Hope to see you there!

Auxiliary Power

2011-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my first show of the year and I am super excited. Lookout Los Altos, here I come. I am debuting a lot of new work and have more originals available for purchase than I have had in a long time. Can't wait to finally have them in front of an audience.

This is a fun one of some tree swallows towing a little toy helicopter. I wonder who the first person to ask me how I got the birds to do that will be..... They never believe me when I tell them they are not photographs.

Enjoy!
Eileen

Many Thanks

2011-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

I wanted to thank everyone for all the nice emails I received in response to my last post regarding the American Artist article in June. I was truly overwhelmed and touched by how many of you took the time to drop me a line just to tell me congratulations or "way to go". I have always been grateful for art and the joy I get from creating things but I really think that I am most grateful for how art has opened up my world and brought so many wonderful people into it. When I think of how many people I have met in the past few years simply because I can draw pictures, I am truly thankful.

So, thanks again, all my art friends. You guys are awesome! Enjoy this new piece. I just donated this one to the Bellevue Art Museum for their annual fundraiser in July. It is a little trompe l'oeil drawing and was a fun piece to work on.

I will be at my first show of the year next weekend in Los Altos, CA and if the weather is nice I might even get to dust off my sandals....

Best,
Eileen

I am an American Artist

2011-04-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I always feel weird when someone asks me what I do for a living and I say I am an artist. Part of me just never feels like I really own that label yet. Happily, I am one step closer as American Artist Magazine has named me one of their 10 Cover Contest Winners for 2011. The article will be in their June issue and they did a really nice write up on me from my somewhat rambling phone interview with the editor.

What I found the most cool thing is that all of my co-winners were oil painters and here was little old me, sliding in there with my humble colored pencils. Nice!

I am creating new work for my first show of the season next month in Los Altos so I hope to post some of them here soon. Thanks, as always, for your interest and support!

Best,
Eileen

New Show

2011-04-06T18:51:00.001-07:00

I wanted to invite you all to the opening of my current show at Kaewyn Gallery in Bothell this Friday, 5-8pm. I am exhibiting with 2 of my friends and fellow colored pencil artists, Paula Parks and Pam Belcher. There will be wine, snacks, and of course, great art. I have a couple of older pieces there along with 10 new ones that I am eager for everyone to see, including the little one above.

Thanks so much, hope you can stop by to say hello.

Eileen

Share Some Glee

2011-01-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

"Glee Club" 10.5x14"

Here is the other piece making its debut this weekend at the Cole Gallery Anniversary show. I am retiring the alphabet blocks for a while and moving into something different for a while.

I am also finishing my Spring workshop schedule and wanted to post it here for you to look over. I hope some of you can make it to one of them as there are a few different locations to choose from including my first series of workshops in Nampa, Idaho! I loved my time in Boise last year and am looking forward to returning in April. Many thanks to Ginger and the Nampa Art League for inviting me and organizing the event.

2011 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

February 26-27 2011
Artist's Edge
Poulsbo, Washington
www.artistsedge.com

March 26-27 2011
Tiggy's in Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach, B.C.
www.tiggys.ca

April 1-2 2011
Boise, Idaho
www.nampaartguild.org

April 4-5, 2011
Boise, Idaho
www.nampaartguild.org

April 11-12, 2011
Coos Art Museum
Coos Bay, OR
www.coosart.org/art-education/

May 28-29, 2011
Tiggy's in Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach, B.C.
www.tiggy's.ca

June 28-20th, 2011
Sitka Center for Art & Ecology
Otis, OR
www.sitkacenter.com

Keep your eyes peeled for more new work to come.
Best!

Cole Gallery Show

2011-01-11T12:26:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone and Happy 2011!

I am in the studio enjoying my "home time" and trying to be super creative. This is one of the new pieces, "Frog Prince", that will be in the Anniversary show at Cole Gallery from January 15-February 16th.

The opening night for the show will be on Saturday, January 15th from 6-9pm.
Wine, music, and great art!
I will be there and hope that some of you can make it down for the festivities and let me know what you think about the new pieces.
Check out their website for directions or more information - www.colegallery.net

Thanks!

Recent Commissions

2010-12-26T13:32:00.001-08:00

"Keena" 8x12"

I hope everyone had a great holiday and got some time off to reconnect with family and friends. I had a very nice, quiet day with family, good food and a movie.

Scout had surgery on Christmas Eve so I am trying to keep things low key while she recuperates. I am not sure which one of us is having the harder time. Good news is that that she is doing well and getting back to her old self every day.

I wanted to show you all the only commission that I did this year of Keena, the Malamute. I was surprised how long it took me (hadn't drawn a dog in a while) but pleased with the result. My client commissioned it as a gift for her husband for Christmas.

I hope you enjoy it and thanks to all of you for being a big part of my 2010 year. I am forever grateful that there are folks like you out there that I can share my art with.

Best,
Eileen

Quick Reminder

2010-12-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder that my demo at Daniel Smith will be at 4:30pm today at their Seattle store. www.danielsmith.com

I meant to send this earlier but I hope that some of you will be able to make it down there. I have some new pieces with me at various stages of completion and I will be giving away a set of notecards and a signed print to a couple of folks in attendance.

Best to you!

Eileen

Demo @ Daniel Smith's Seattle Store

2010-11-24T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I am just touching base before the holiday weekend. I am frantically packing up for my last show of the year this weekend in San Francisco (where I am happy to say there is no snow).

I have posted an in progress piece for a change of pace. This is the second in the series of "birds and books" and it is just at the end of the watercolor step with no colored pencil as yet. My camera skills are awful but you get the idea. Oh, yeah, and the lettering on this - brutal!

Also, I want to encourage all of you to come to my free demo at the Daniel Smith store in Seattle on Tuesday, December 7th from 4:30-6:30pm. I will be discussing my process, the supplies I like, and why. I will also be raffling off a free print and a boxed set of cards to two lucky folks in attendance so I hope you can make it down to all or part of the talk.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and warm Thanksgiving.
Be well!
Eileen

Best of the NW this weekend!

2010-11-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I hope many of you can make it down to Seattle this weekend for the Best of the NW art show at the pier. It will be fabulous with lots of interesting items for gifts or for yourself. I am on the first floor in booth number 14c so stop in and say hello before you are too overwhelmed by all the shiny things.....

Regards,
Eileen

Top Something over 31

2010-11-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Happy November!

I just wanted to pass on the news that I am featured in this month's Southwest Art Magazine as one of their top artists to watch. I wasn't in the top 21 but I was a finalist out of apparently 3,000 entries so I am just tickled to be acknowledged.

Also, I have decided to attend this year's Best of the Northwest art show in Seattle on November 12-14th so if you are around that weekend, do come on down and see the show. Here is a link for more information and directions - http://www.nwartalliance.com/events/Fall_2010_Best_of_the_Northwest/

I am a late addition to this show so I am not on the website but I will be there and will have some new, interesting offerings available.

Be Well!
Eileen

Tea Service

2010-10-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings to all!

I have finally finished my latest piece which took a wee bit longer than I ever expected. It is 14x28" inches which is a lot of real estate to cover using a very sharp pencil. The original is already sold (thank you C.B.) and will be making its home in Boise, Idaho but I do have limited edition and open edition prints available for those of you who are interested so please contact me if you would like to purchase one.

I am currently in San Ramon, CA getting ready for a show this weekend in Danville but will be back in the studio next week. Scout is a real task-master and keeps me on a short leash (pun intended). I have oodles of interesting compositions in my head just squirming to get out and onto paper.

Wish me luck and tell the weather gods to make it a dry weekend in Nor Cal for me!

Best,
Eileen

Fall Workshops Are "Sneaking" Up On You

2010-09-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

Just like this sneaky little guy, the first of my fall workshops are sneaking up on you. There are still a few available spots in this weekend's class in Shoreline so I am hoping to encourage some of you to join our little group. We will be completing the "wren in a teacup" image from a previous post and most folks will have a finished piece to take home at the end of the session. Cost is $185.00 for the two days, email me if you are in need of some colored pencil therapy!

Just a note of thanks to all my new friends in Boise, Idaho! I really enjoyed my time in your city and the Boise Museum Art Show was a blast. I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Best to all,
Eileen

My Fall workshops are almost here!

2010-08-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Here is the class image for my Fall workshops this year. I hope that those of you that are interested will be able to make it to one of them as this will be a fun piece and you will learn a lot of good techniques while working on it.

These are the locations where I will be teaching through the end of the year. Please contact me if you are interested in attending and I will make sure you are signed up.

September 25-26th (3 SPOTS LEFT)
Theodoratos Studios, Shoreline, WA
twodogstudio@msn.com

October 2-3rd
Rockwater Art Center, Poulsbo, WA
www.artistsedge.com

October 9-10th (NEW LOCATION)
Cole Gallery and Art Supplies, Edmonds, WA
www.colegallery.net/exhibitions.php?loc=class

November 6-7th
Tiggy's, Crescent Beach, BC
www.tiggys.ca

Whew! Makes me look kind of busy, eh? Stay tuned, more cool new work is on the way and thanks for all your support folks!

Hope To See You This Weekend

2010-08-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

"The Sentinel"

I hope you are all having a great summer. In between gardening and playing at the beach, Scout and I are gearing up for our last show in Washington this year - Fresh Paint in Everett this weekend.

Looks like the weather is going to cooperate so I hope to see many of you at this fun and unique show. This show is based around the idea that all the exhibitors are demonstrating their craft so you get a chance to see woodworkers, painters, glassblowers, and jewelers, (and draftswomen of course) hard at work. I will be working on a brand new piece that I think you will find very intriguing!

Here is the scoop - see you there!

Purchase art fresh off the easel at Everett's waterfront art festival. Painting, pottery, glass, jewelry, mixed media, fiber arts, photography & much more! Every artist is in action, plus glassblowing demonstrations and Float Find on Jetty Island. Free admission and Free Parking.

Avoid searching for a parking spot, park at Everett Station and ride Everett Transit Route #5 to the waterfront.

For more information...

Visit freshpaintfestival.com or

call 425-257-8380

It's Finally Here!

2010-07-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

"The Trouble With Butterflies"

So, the big weekend is finally here - the Bellevue Arts Museum Show! I hope many of you will be able to attend one of the days and while you are there don't forget to stop by my booth and check out my new work including this piece. My booth number is Q-21 and there is a TON of really wonderful art all around me so prepare to be amazed.

Friday and Saturday - 9:30am -9:30pm

Sunday 9:30am - 6pm

However you choose to spend your weekend, enjoy!

Gearing Up For Edmonds!

2010-06-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

I am ramping up for the Edmonds Arts Festival and churning out the new work in order to entertain the masses. Here is another knitting themed piece for your occular enjoyment (my Canadian friends have already checked this one out and it seemed to pass muster, eh).

So many new images are yet to come, I just wish I could crank them out faster! Thanks for your patience and I hope you are all well.

Eileen

2010-05-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

"Someday I Will Teach Myself To Knit"

Just got back from last weekend's show in Los Altos and I would like to thank all the folks that came by my booth and checked out my work. I had a great time, the weather was perfect, and everyone I met there was uber nice! I especially would like to thank my anonymous benefactor for his support - whoever you are you have my gratitude for your generous gift.

Here is a new piece that I hope you will all enjoy. I am working on a companion piece to this one right now and will have them both at the Edmonds Arts Festival next month. This is a great show so mark your calendars - June 18-20th.

My June 5-6th workshop at Rockwater in Poulsbo still has openings so please consider joining me for one of my last teaching sessions until the Fall.

More fun stuff to come. Be well!!

2010-04-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

"Singing For Your Supper"

Here is a new one following the bird theme. I have been wanting to incorporate my husband's 50's microphone into a drawing for some time now and thus this piece was born. I hope it makes you smile!

My Shoreline workshop is this weekend, May 1-2nd, and there are still a couple spots open for any last minute takers. If you are interested in drawing a bird with me then send me an email and I will get you all the info.

I also will be posting my show schedule very soon in the hopes that many of you will be able to stop in to say hello and check out the new work.

Best!

Happy Easter

2010-04-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to wish you all a Happy Easter. I hope you get to spend some quality time with family and friends this weekend and have an Easter bunny sighting like this one!

Be well!

Scout and Eileen

2010-04-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

"Track 1"

Here is the next one in the bird installment. I travelled back in my mind to my teens and the dreaded cassette tape. All those times the tape got stuck in my boom box and then had to be carefully wound back up into the cassette again. Ah, those were the days when such things were the biggest problem in my life!

My workshops are filling fast (Tiggy's in Canada is completely full) so if you are walking the fence about joining either the Rockwater (Poulsbo) or Shoreline class please don't delay too much longer. The bird subjects are just a blast and I expect everyone will have a finished piece of art at the end of each session.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Let's Talk Workshops!

2010-03-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

"Domesticity"

I am feverishly creating new work for the 2010 show season but I wanted to show you all the class project for my spring workshops. I have traditionally used dogs and cats as subjects for my classes because that is what I am most known for BUT 2010 is a new year and I am busting loose!

This little Ruby Crowned Kinglet (its a female so no actual ruby crown for her) was so fun to draw that I decided to base my spring workshops around her. In this class you will learn my technique for rendering the unique textures of the feathers and thread as well as the tricks to making your living subjects so lively they virtually leap off the page.

These sessions are structured for both new and returning students and I am planning something new for my Shoreline, Washington workshop in May. For this class I would like to invite my returning students to bring their own individual projects to work on if they choose. This is a great way to really cement what you learned in a previous class or get my help on any areas that are giving you trouble.

So, here are the dates and locations of my Spring workshops. Please email me if you have any questions. All classes run from 9:30-4:30pm. I hope one of these dates will work for you!

April 10-11th

Rockwater Art Center, Poulsbo, WA

http://www.artistsedge.com/workshops.html

May 1-2nd

Theodoratos Studio's, Shoreline, WA

$185.00

(Returning students may work on individual projects.)

May 29-30th

Tiggy's @ Crescent Beach, White Rock, B.C.

www.tiggys.ca/classes/

I'm excited to get back to teaching, reinvigorated with a plethora of new subjects this year!

New Beginnings

2010-03-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody,

It has been a minute since my last post and there have been a few changes. The most amazing change has been moving into my new studio this week. It is 25x25' with 2 walls of windows (North and East) that throw more light than I have ever worked in before. It will be interesting to see if it changes my work in any way, preferably for the better!

Sitka Center for Art & Ecology in Oregon http://www.sitkacenter.com/classes/recordlist.lasso

just began taking registrations for my workshop there in June and it is more than half full already so if you were were thinking about signing up, now is the time. The topic this year will be a bird so all you returning students will have a new challenge! This is a favorite venue of mine as the facility is beautiful and perfect for creating art so if you are planning a vacation this year, check this one out.

Speaking of beautiful settings, I will also be teaching at Poulsbo's newest treasure, Rockwater Art Center, April 10-11th. This is the brainchild of my good friend Derek Gundy, http://gundyart.blogspot.com and the talented Carrie Goller http://www.carriegoller.com. It is an exciting new facility that promises to bring some really great instructors to the West Sound and I am very grateful to have been asked to teach there. For more info go to http://poulsborockwater.blogspot.com/ and stay tuned for a full list of their upcoming workshops.

That's all for now. I am off to go create new work for you in my inspirational new studio!

Stay tuned and my best to you all!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, everyone! Whew, it has been quite a year and I am happily dreaming of all things new for 2010. I am also very grateful to so many people.

Those of you who took one of my workshops for the first time, thank you!

Those of you who took one of my workshops, and not for the first time, thank you!

Those of you who stopped in my booth and told me to keep doing what I am doing, thank you!

Those of you who picked up a copy of my book, thank you!

Those of you in the Seattle CPSA Chapter, thank you!

Those of you who commissioned a portrait, thank you!

Those of you who shared photos and stories of your four-legger with me, thank you!

Those of you who bought an original drawing, thank you!

Those of you who wanted to buy an original but only had the budget to buy a card, thank you!

Those of you who hung out in my booth just to watch me draw, thank you!

Thanks to you all and I hope that you now know how much your comments and support are appreciated.

Happy Holidays from Scout and I. See you very soon in the new year with new work, new workshops, and a new show schedule!

"Genealogy"

2009-11-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

"Genealogy" 9x11"

Well, I finally have a new piece to post to the blog. This is sort of my homage to self discovery as I am kind of feeling the need to look inward and assess my life and my work and where I am heading. I think it's the change of season or just some misguided artistic angst. Either way I hope you enjoy this piece and like the concept as there are more like it heading down the pike.

Be well and have a great Thanksgiving. I am gearing up for my last show for 2009 in San Francisco on November 28-29th so I will check in when I get back home.

Eileen

Art in the Woods

2009-11-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

So sorry for the delay in posting. I have been doing a lot of teaching and commission work so new work has been few and far between lately. Not anymore!

I would like to invite you to come visit me at the Art in the Woods studio tour this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10-5pm. I will be at Wide Mouth Frog Design (#3) studio in Poulsbo with five other talented artists. Here is a link to the brochure - http://www.cafnw.org/AITWflyer09copy.pdf

It's a fun tour that highlights the work of many very eclectic, local artists while also letting you get a look at 21 working studios throughout North Kitsap.

This is my last show in Washington for 2009 and I would love to see you there.

Stay tuned for some long overdue new work and thanks so much for all your support and patience.

Portrait Workshop

2009-09-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked me about teaching a portrait workshop and I have listened (finally!). If you are interested in learning to capture the human face using my mixed media technique then this is your chance. Please join me at:

Artist's Edge

October 10-11th

9:30-4:30pm

$180.00

Space is limited so if you are interested please call Derek @ 360-779-2337 to secure your spot.

www.artistsedge.com

If you can't make this session I have another portrait workshop scheduled for November in Crescent Beach, B.C. Check out www.tiggys.ca for more information.

In the meantime - I hope you can make it out to Poulsbo's Art Walk this Friday!

Best!

Come Say Hello

2009-09-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Sorry for the lack of blog postings recently. I am working on a new series of work and still doing a few shows so time has been a scarce commodity lately! I will be posting some of the new work here very soon so stay tuned. I am dying to hear what you think about it.

Until then, I would like to invite you to my book signing on September 25th during Poulsbo's Art Walk. I will be signing books and demonstrating a bit on one of my new works at The Verksted Gallery. There will be wine, art, and snacks so I hope to see you there.

Thanks so much to all of you Two Dog blog subscribers out there. I really appreciate your comments and just knowing you are there and interested in my art.

Be well!

October Workshop Dates

2009-08-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

"Game Boy" 8x5"

I am thrilled to announce some workshop dates for October in Washington state.

Date - October 10-11th, Saturday and Sunday

Place - Artist's Edge - Poulsbo, WA

Time - 9:30 - 4:30pm

Subject - Portrait (Human Form)

Class Size - 8

Cost - $180.00

Contact Derek @ 360-779-2337 to reserve your spot.

Date - October 24-25th, Saturday and Sunday

Place - Theo Studios, Shoreline, WA

Time - 9:30 - 4:30pm

Subject - To be announced

Class Size - 11

Cost - $180.00

Contact - Email me at twodogstudio@msn.com to reserve your spot in this class.

These classes are open to new and returning students who want to advance their skills using my mixed media technique. Those who have taken a class from me before can choose to work on their own project or the class project.

Please contact me if you have any questions and I hope you enjoy this new piece. I have been working on it at various shows this summer so some of you may recognize it!

New Series

2009-07-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

"Extreme Sports - Avian Edition"

SOLD

How's this for a new series? I am not sure where this came from but it was a lot of fun collecting the rocks and stalking birds with my camera so I think I will be doing a few more just for fun.

Thanks to everyone who made it out to Bellevue and stopped by my booth. It is always great to see a familiar face. I had a great show and many originals found new homes so I am busily in the studio creating more for the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour on August 7-9th.

This month's prize winners are Rae T. of Silverdale and Kristen D. of Gig Harbor. Each of you will receive a free print of your choice so expect to hear from me shortly.

Back to work.... Thanks to all of you for tuning in.

Eileen

See You @ Bellevue

2009-07-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

"Self Portrait in White" - Pastel 11x17"

First off, hello to everyone just joining my blog. I have met a lot of people at recent shows and I hope you all enjoy my ~ weekly banter. I have added this little pastel to remind everyone to experiment with their art. I haven't had a lot of time for experimentation lately and I really miss it as I feel that is the best way to grow as an artist.

I often get afraid to try new things, techniques, subjects, whatever, and so I need to repeat the mantra - "Its only paper, its only paper, its only paper..." I am making a promise to you all that I will experiment the rest of this year with new ideas and tools, like Silverpoint, pastels, oils, and expand my subjects with more figurative work and landscapes.

I really appreciate all of your comments to me and feel free to post them here on the blog as well. It is very encouraging to hear your feedback and I hope you try some new things soon, too.

Be well,

Eileen

2009-07-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

"Tuckered" 2x3"

This little piece was inspired by my mood lately! I am getting ready for both the Gig Harbor(July 18-19th) and the Bellevue (July 24-26th) shows so sleep is a distant memory. I will have several of these new little pieces for sale at these events so stop by and see them in person if you can.

Happy drawing!

Eileen

OMG the book is here!

2009-07-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

So guess what came in the mail yesterday? If you guessed the first copies of my new book then you are a winner!

Kind of weird to see them in print. It is a basic colored pencil book that doesn't cover my current technique but fun nonetheless. I will be selling signed copies at my shows and classes and they will be available in July at most art stores, Amazon, ect.

I also want to thank everyone who took my recent workshops in Crescent Beach, Poulsbo and in Lincoln City. I had a great time working with all of you and I hope you learned a few new tricks!

I have a bunch of new work coming out in the next few weeks so stay tuned!

Eileen

Workshop Opening

2009-06-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note that there is now 1 space available in my Poulsbo, Wa workshop this Friday and Saturday (12-13th). If you had tried to get in but couldn't this may be just your opportunity! We will be creating a canine masterpiece using my mixed media technique.

Contact Derek at Artist's Edge if you are interested @ www.artistsedge.com or call

360-779-2337.

Thanks and I hope to see you there!

Decisions, decisions.

2009-06-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

"Invincible" 12x15"

I got tired of all that fur so it was time for something a little different. The camera misses all the color that I put in the skin; there is a lot of blue, green, and purple there that really livens it up. Sort of a take on the choices we make in our youth.

I am having so much fun with this subject matter that I have put a call out for alternative models in my area. Look for a new series to evolve that will involve classic poses with modern day (tattooed and pierced) models. If you know of anyone that might fit that bill have them contact me. Models get paid and receive a print of the drawing.

Be well.

2009-05-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

"Off Duty" 5x7"

This is akin to how I feel lately! I hope you all enjoy this new piece and remember, they are always better in person so I hope you can come see my work in person June 19-21st at the Edmonds Art Festival!

This piece is a great example of how soft or "lost" edges really attach a subject to its environment. The bottom of this dog just flows into the horizontal floor he is laying on. I harp on this a lot in my workshops so I thought I would toss it out in my blog as well.

Enjoy this piece and the awesome weather we have been given!

Eileen

2009-05-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

"The Seeker" 2x3"

I wanted to give you all an updated workshop list in case you might be hankering for some summer art education! I am only listing the classes that are not currently full but many of these are nearly full so if you are interested don't delay. Prices vary by location so click on the links for more specific information.

June 6-7th Crescent Beach, BC Canada www.tiggys.ca

June 12-13th Pousbo, WA www.artistsedge.com

July 31st - August 1st Poulsbo, Wa www.artistsedge.com

August 25 - 27th Lincoln City, Or www.sitkacenter.org

(This is a newly added second session that does not appear yet on their website but is structured the same as the full class there in June.)

ALSO, I am putting together a list of people interested in a summer/fall class in Seattle so if this sounds like something you might enjoy then send me an email and I will add you to the list.

Thanks in advance to everyone and I hope to see you in one of these fun and informative workshops.

Eileen

2009-05-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

"Namaste" 2x3"

Here is my show schedule for 2009. I have only listed confirmed shows here and will add to the list if I end up going to any more. I hope that you have a chance to attend one of these this summer and if you do, stop by and give Scout a scratch!

June 19-21st Edmonds Arts Festival www.edmondsartsfestival.com

June 27 - 28th Best of the NW Summer Show www.nwartalliance.com

July 12th Arts Unlimited http://www.artsunlimited.org/home.html

July 18-19th Gig Harbor Summer Arts Festival www.peninsulaartleague.com/artFest.html

August 7-9th Bainbridge Island Summer Studio Tour http://www.bistudiotour.com/bi.html

August 22nd Arts Unlimited http://www.artsunlimited.org/home.html

September 5-7th Tapestry Arts http://www.tapestryarts.org

November 13-15th Best of the NW Fall Show www.nwartalliance.com

Hope to see you on the road very soon! Until then, be well. Eileen

Onward & Upward

2009-05-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

"Thwarted" 8x8"

Things are really ramping up here at the studio. This week I will be giving a free demo at the Artist's Edge www.artistsedge.com in Silverdale, Wa at 3pm May 8th and then I am heading over to Paddywack www.paddywack.net in Mill Creek, Wa for another demo on Saturday, May 9th at noon. If you are in either area this weekend stop in and say hi!

This new piece is a tribute to birds everywhere! Cats are clever but they are often "Thwarted"!

If you have outdoor cats that like to hunt think about putting a breakaway collar on them with a big bell to warn the birds of your little hunters approach. The songbirds of the world will thank you!

This original and small prints are available for purchase so look for them this summer at the many art festivals I will be attending. (I will post my show schedule here in a few days.)

Best to all of you!

2009-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

"Reconnaissance Team"

Well hello stranger! Sorry for the super long break but I had a little trip to Chicago, a blizzard in South Dakota, and a flu to deal with. I am back, however, and happy to show you the newest piece. Many of you who came by my booth at the Best of the NW show in Seattle Center earlier this month will recognize these two little scamps! The original is heading to one of my galleries and prints will be available May 1st.

I am drawing names from my mailing list every month this year and giving away free prints so I will be posting the winners here. April's winner is:

Lee K. of Bellevue

There are still way more chances to win so keep your fingers crossed. I have a bunch of mini-originals in the works and will be posting those very soon and am anxious to hear what you think of them.

That's all for now so be well and don't travel through South Dakota if you can help it!

Eileen

2009-03-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

untitled - 5x5" SOLD

Thanks to everyone who attended the two Shoreline workshops! I had a great time sharing my techniques with you all and seeing what you were able to do with them. Many of you traveled long distances to be there and for that I am humbled.

This is the completed cat from the January class for those of you that took that session. I went a little crazy with some of my colors (Aquamarine!) but it doesn't show too much in this image. I hope this will help you as you continue to learn more about colored pencil.

I will be posting the dog from February's class after I return from Chicago so be on the lookout for that as well.

Also, I will be posting my show schedule for this year very soon and I hope to see some of you out there on the road!

Be well.

2009-01-31T17:04:00.000-08:00

"Sun Catcher" 3x2"

Thank you to all the folks who attended the recent Seattle workshop. You all worked very hard and brought great energy to the studio! If you have a chance to post a comment about your experience it would me much appreciated. I have one opening left in the February class so if you know of anyone who would like to come please let them know.

This little piece is just a reminder to myself that though winter is here summer days will come soon! Man, its cold and grey here in Kingston. The only color in my life comes from my paint!

Keep drawing!

Eileen:)

Holiday Card

2008-12-19T21:21:00.000-08:00

Instead of a holiday card here is our "kid's" Christmas photo! Scout says Happy Holidays, everyone. Be safe and don't take pictures of your dog with hats on.

:))

Ole Classic

2008-12-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

"JC" Watercolor & Colored Pencil

Let's hear it for the art machine that I am. Another commission is in the done bin and now I am on to the next. Cards and small prints are available for the retriever lovers in your world.

Is Christmas almost over, yet?

;)

Seattle Classes

2008-12-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

"Domestic Green Eyed Monster"

Here is a small piece I just finished and sold before I got it to the gallery. Thank you, Christine H! I wanted to announce that I have 2 classes scheduled in the Seattle area for those of you looking to delve into colored pencil. We will likely create a piece like this one so if you are interested please let me know so I can save you a space. Currently there are only 2 spaces left in each session.

January 24 - 25th 2009 or

February 21 - 22nd 2009

9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Cost is $180.00 U.S.

Shoreline, Wa

I hope to see some of you there!

E:)

Land of Commissions

2008-12-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

"Labrador Amour" 10x12"

Hi all!

I have been living in the land of commissions of late so I apologize for the lack of blogging. This is a recent one I just finished of a very sweet but hapless English lab named, Maizy. She has a propensity for swallowing things she ought not (like small plastic balls) and then needing surgery to remove them. Not the best hobby but her family loves her anyway!

Stay tuned...

Eileen

That's Life

2008-10-17T15:15:00.001-07:00

Many apologies for the long time between posts. I have been doing a lot of artistic soul searching and have began a course of study under an artist that I admire, Tenaya Sims. Due to this, I am spending many hours a week working on figure drawing from live models. It is really forcing me to make quick and accurate decisions with my lines. I have added a few images from a recent session with a really fabulous model in Bellevue. There is a 10, 20, and 25 minute sketch shown. It is a big departure from my normal work but I think that in the long run I will be a better artist for it. Oh, my aching back!

Enjoy!

Last Workshop in Washington

2008-09-02T12:04:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that September 4, 5 , & 6th will be the last workshops I will teach at my studio in Washington. There is still one place available so email me and I will get you the info you need to get you started.

Should be fun! Thanks to all of you who made it to my classes this year. You all did amazing work and showed a real passion for learning. It was a great pleasure to share insights and ideas with you.

E:)

Marymoor Park Show

2008-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, I will be exhibiting at the Marymoor Park Best of the Northwest Summer show this weekend, August 15, 16, & 17th. Check it out at:

http://www.art-seattle.com/event.php?eid=3&return=/events.php?

Hope you can make it!

My Favorite Watercolors!

2008-08-12T15:47:00.000-07:00

So I am finally going to commit to some watercolors and call them "favorites". No small feat if you have seen my massive collection of colors. Because there is such a difference in color between brands even when the color names are the same I have included the brand names as well. Remember, you can always mix your own colors from just the primaries but if you are an art supply junkie this list is for you!

So, here they are in no particular order.

Daniel Smith (DS) Buff Titanium - a must if you are painting animals.

Winsor Newton (WN) Charcoal Grey - a perfect neutral grey but it is no longer being manufactured so if you see it anywhere buy it!

(And then tell me where you found it:)

DS Graphite - this is my substitute for Charcoal Grey.

DS Yavapai Genuine - a nice, warm brown that is not too red or too dusty.

WN Davy's Grey - a grey-green that is perfect for depicting Northwest water.

Maimeri Indigo - a dark blue-green that is good for darker waters.

DS Transparent Brown Oxide - a medium value, consistent warm brown; great for animals

M. Graham Burnt Sienna - I use this color a lot, in mixes and straight from the tube for animal fur, wood, even mixed with Ultramarine Blue for concrete.

DS or WN Quinacridone Gold - the perfect base layer for anything that needs to glow, great for cat eyes.

WN Naples Yellow - a mellow yellow if there ever was one; if you want to draw a yellow lab then this is your color.

Old Holland Mars Orange-Red - this is like a lighter value version of Burnt Sienna; lays down very smooth and consistent.

WN Gold Ochre - on par with Quinacridone Gold but darker and mellower.

M. Graham Maroon Perylene - a rich, dark red; a million times better than Alizarin Crimson.

HWC (Holbien) Brilliant Pink - great for animal noses, ears, and tongues when muted with a brown or green.

HWC Lavender - walks the line between blue and purple; great for pale shadows on light objects.

M. Graham Cobalt Teal - if you know me then you know I love my Aquamarine pencil - this is the paint version that makes my heart sing!

M. Graham Phthalocyanine Blue Red Shade - a real true blue, paints evenly, rehydrates beautifully.

Old Holland Indigo Extra - this is the color of dark storm clouds, brooding and moody.

WN Green Gold - a great cat eye color and nice for foliage highlights.

HWC Shadow Green - as the name implies, a perfect shady green color that is very natural looking.

HWC Green Grey - much like their Shadow Green only lighter in value and with less blue.

DS Olive Green - another natural, mossy green that isn't even close to astro-turf green (a requirement of mine).

I could go on but this will give you something to work with. Happy Coloring!

"A Horse of a Different Color"

2008-07-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

"A Horse of a Different Color" 8x30"

Well, I am back and hitting the drafting table hard this week. I was in need of something shiny (ie. not furry) and this image fit the bill. I have inked and watercolor'ed this piece and am about to add all the colored pencil so it is only about half done but I needed to prove that I have been working! I saw this car in a parking lot while I was out running errands and the color just knocked me out. When I stopped to take a few pictures the mustang emblem was the obvious point of interest. I managed to get a few other shots before the car's alarm sensed my presence and began to beep at me. Needless to say, I scurried off rather quickly after that!

I am putting together a list of my favorite watercolor colors for my next post so I will chat at you again soon.

Eileen:)

Return from Lincoln City

2008-06-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

"Untitled" 6x4"

Just got back late last night from teaching a workshop in Oregon. I had a great group of people in the class and it made for a really pleasant learning environment. So, welcome to my blog new Oregon (and one Californian) friends! I encourage you to go back through previous posts and check them out. Here is a new little piece that my students will recognize! A little different subject matter for me but not to worry - I am back to the animals today! I am gearing up for Kent Days on July 11th-13th and hope to have a new "auto" themed piece to share with you before then. Fingers crossed...

As always, thanks to all of you for your awesome support.

Eileen

What a weekend!

2008-06-18T15:58:00.001-07:00

Untitled work in progress

First off, I would like to welcome the new members to my blog! I hope you find the posts interesting and inspiring.

So, I survived the Edmonds Arts Festival! I had a really great time and met A LOT of wonderful people who were new to me and my work. Many could not believe my pieces were drawings and not photographs. To offset this concept I spent most of my days demo'ing this little pug piece. I was able to ink, watercolor, and begin penciling the face of this guy. Check it out and see if you can tell what is penciled and what is not.

I will be giving an official "demo" this Saturday, June 20th, at The Artist's Edge in Silverdale from 3pm until 5pm. I am told there are 2 spots left so if you are interested in attending call the store and reserve your spot. This event is to promote my summer workshops and Artist's Edge has been kind enough to give my registered students a hefty discount on the purchase of their supplies. Thank you, Derek!

That's all for now.

Golden Years

2008-06-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

"Golden Years" 5x12"

Sorry for the lapse in activity! I have been gearing up for my first summer show in Edmonds and it has taken all of my brain cells to stay on top of things. Lots of framing, organizing, and general chaos. This is a new drawing that I am hoping to have framed up in time to exhibit this weekend. I have added this piece to my workshop curriculum so if you are signed up for a class you may be creating it yourself someday!

Enjoy and I hope to see some of you at the Edmonds Arts Festival this weekend!

Val

2008-05-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

"Val" 9x9"

I wanted to post the finished image of "Val", the commission piece I blogged about earlier this month. I am finally happy with it but must admit that I spent more than 8 hours working and reworking the nose. This is a great example of how a photo reference can lie and one should always trust their artistic instincts.

On to the next one!

Show Schedule

2008-05-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

"Hopeful" 3x5"

I thought I would post this image because of the title. I am "hopeful" that many of you will be able to come out and see me at some of the following summer art festivals. All of these are juried shows and have a great selection of fabulous local artwork.

June 13-15th Edmonds Arts Festival www.edmondsartfestival.com

July 10-13th Kent Cornucopia Days www.kcdays.com

July 18-20th Kirkland Uncorked www.kirklanduncorked.com

July 25-27th Bellevue Festival of the Arts www.bellevuefest.org

August 1-3rd Anacortes Arts Festival www.anacortesartsfestival.com

August 15-17th Best of the Northwest www.art-seattle.com/events.php

November 7-9th Bainbridge Island Art in the Woods www. cafnw.org

November 14-16th Best of the Northwest www.art-seattle.com/events.php

So, there you have it. Stop in and say hello to Scout and I if you get a chance.

Summer/Fall Class Schedule

2008-05-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

I have finally scheduled some workshops at my studio in Kingston for the summer and fall. I will be teaching the same method as previous classes at Sitka Art Center (Oregon) and Tiggy's in Canada. Here is the general course description:

"This workshop will teach you how to use pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencil together to create richly detailed pieces of art. This mixed media approach allows for a quick build up of color and value while still leaving room for the beautiful detail and control of colored pencil. You will learn watercolor and colored pencil application tips, and how to extract the best qualities of each medium in this fun and informative workshop."

There is a 6 person max so I can spend the time necessary with each person. Cost is $90.00 per day. Here are the dates I have available fro 2008:

July 15-16th

August 8-10th

September 5-7th

The image above was created using this method (as are most of my pieces) and gives an idea of what the course will cover though subject matter is open to suggestion. It is nice having classes at my studio as students can also see how I organize and use my space, and get to see works in progress.

Hope to see you there!

Self Proclaimed

2008-05-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

"Self Proclaimed" 9x10"

I am happy to say that this piece was juried into the Colored Pencil Society’s International Show at the Seattle Convention Center this year. This one qualifies me for my Five Year Merit award within the society so I am very happy that juror Jeffery Moose (Jeffery Moose Gallery of Seattle) felt it should be included. It is 100% colored pencil, as per the show's requirements, and I was reminded while creating it why I now work in mixed media. Major time consumer!

The subject might be familiar to some of you. It is a neon sign for a diner in the SODO District of Seattle down on 4^th Avenue. I have never eaten there so I can’t attest to the fish claim but it made a nice drawing!

Hope you like it and that you can make it to see the show if you are in the Seattle area this summer. Please visit www.cpsa.org and click on “Events” for more information on this year’s International Exhibition.

Best!

My Favorite Colors

2008-05-15T11:02:00.001-07:00

This posting is to answer one of the most asked questions I get as an instructor– what colors do you use the most or in other words, what are your favorite colors? I am going to list my favorite Prismacolor colored pencil colors as this is the brand I use the most. They are not in any particular order but the bolded ones I consider “uber” favorites. You will probably be surprised by some of these choices since I am known mainly for my animal art but without these superstars my work would be flat and lifeless.

Limepeel – Great for cat eyes, fur, and bright blades of grass.

AQUAMARINE – Most favorite color! Adds life to fur, eyes, everything. A little goes a long way so be careful.

GINGER ROOT – Perfect for light colored animal fur like on Golden Labs.

Deco Blue – discontinued color so if you see it anywhere get it. Nice for shadows on white or light colored areas.

PARMA VIOLET – Just a pretty color, perfect for adding to objects that are predominately red/brown or sienna like a Golden Retriever’s coat. (Complimenatry,eh!)

Pale Vermillion – Another bright, lively color that works well when added near green (grass or cat eyes), think Wayne Thiebeau style.

Poppy Red – Use much like Pale Vermillion.

Mineral Orange – A nice, subtle orange that brightens brown eyes, and the coats of light brown to red animals.

Henna – The base color for many animal noses, mouths, tongues, and other mucosa.

Eggshell – A little darker version of Cream in the Lightfast line of colors. Nice when paired with Ginger Root.

Dark Umber – A good, dark brown with some red in it so it isn’t flat.

Indigo – Perfect substitute for Black as long as you don’t add any light color over it. White over Indigo creates a pale blue color that isn’t always desirable.

IMPERIAL VIOLET – This color and Violet are always added to the shadows in my drawings to add life to the image and create depth.

Violet – See above.

Peacock Blue – This is an interesting greenish-blue that works well in the shadows of greenery and makes a nice addition to the cool shadows of animals and other subjects.

Pumpkin Orange – A stronger version of Mineral Orange and used in much the same way only more sparingly.

French Grays – All the percentages of these grays are very useful for establishing values. I like them best because they are cast toward the brown tones and therefore warm.

Peach Beige – This is a good neutral when working on light subjects, especially white animals.

Green Ochre – Finally, a good, natural green to use for grass, trees, ect.

SPANISH ORANGE – This color can brighten up just about anything with just a light layer or make a big statement with just a little line.

There you have it. These are by no means the only pencils I use (I pretty much use them all) but these are certainly standouts that I seek out more often than not.

Happy Coloring!

Domino

2008-05-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

"Domino" 8x12"

This is a commission piece I made delivery on today. The owner has to be the nicest man I have ever met and he told me a lot of wonderful stories about this dog. This will go down as one of my favorite commissions ever because it made a man smile when he remembered his best friend.

Val

2008-05-11T13:16:00.001-07:00

I would like you all to meet "Val", my current commission. She is a LARGE and in charge Rott mix that a client of mine just adores. Those of you who just took my Animal Features workshop will recognize the technique I am using. The top image shows the whole piece and you can see that I have inked the entire piece black except for the brown areas that are blocked in with watercolor.

I am now beginning to apply the colored pencil starting with the eye on the right and the gray in the fur which is shown in detail in the second photo. Essentially, I use grays and black to create the form and anatomy of her head while trying to avoid seeing all the fabulous color she is reflecting. No easy task for me. The purple pencils are just screaming for me to pick them up. Oh, the self restraint!

More later. Enjoy

Chez Two Dog

2008-05-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

So I am back home and getting caught up on the mundane tasks around chez Two Dog. I had a great time in Canada at Jackie's studio (www.tiggy's.ca) as always and have posted an image from the class. Scout and I are going to miss being up there but look forward to returning in September to teach more workshops.

The first image is of Scout after our day of cleaning out the vegetable garden Sunday. She was quite a little helper as she frantically "aerated" the soil in anticipation of this year's crops.

This week the name of the game is commissions - so I will be posting images from my current commission drawings for your review. Hope you like!

Destination Canada, eh?

2008-05-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I am off to beautiful B.C. to teach a couple of classes at my great friend Jackie's shop near White Rock. The first one is on animal features so I will post some samples from this in a few days. It is very strange to be teaching this particular class as the very first colored pencil class I ever took (9 long years ago) was of the same subject. Feels very full circle.

When I get back I have oodles of work to do. Gearing up for my first year of summer festivals, too many commissions to get my head around, finishing up my first book, and a gallery show of urban landscapes just to name a few. Hopefully, I can get a few figurative pieces thrown in there just for fun. The good news is that I will be taking you all with me on this wild ride and you can keep me on task!

Tally ho!

And So It Begins.....

2008-04-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

"The Contortionist" 10x20"

Welcome to my new blog! I hope that you find the contents to be entertaining and informative as I drag you along on my artistic trip. My goal for this blog is to open up my studio and share some of what I am up to on a regular basis. As many of my clients and students are spread out around the country (and you too, my Canadian friends!) I thought this would be a great way to stay connected with you all.

First off, I am not a "Daily Painter"! My pieces can take anywhere from 40 to 100 hours to complete so my posts will include detailed images of drawings that I am working on at any one time followed by the completed piece when it's done. I use ink, watercolor, and colored pencil on watercolor paper to complete these little babies and I will try to post each stage so you can view the whole sordid journey with me along the way.

So, welcome aboard, sit back, relax, and feel free to comment if you have any questions.