Click Here For More Info: $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on watercolor paper
Who could resist a great photo reference like this (another from pixabay.com)? I couldn't, it represents everything, good memories of a simple life, grandchildren, pets and sunshine. I'm working to loosen up and let details go, just simplify which isn't as easy as it sounds.
A black gesso ground was applied to the watercolor paper before painting.
Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©
This was a quick sketch I worked on in California when visiting my daughter and family. It's not the best drawing I've ever done but it has a great story. My husband sent me some beautiful roses for Valentines Day with lilies which lasted way longer than they should have and remained rose buds the whole time, seriously the roses lasted over two weeks. I began to think they were magic roses and they wouldn't let go until drawing them. After finishing the drawing and photographing, I was wowed to see the drawing was in the shape of a heart. This wasn't done on purpose and wasn't noticed until the photo made it clear. What a sweet memory. Love is a wonderful blessing and gift.
Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©
Yay summer! Riding my bike again is one of summers pleasures. Thanks pixabay.com for this bright and cheery photo reference. Just on a note, there is more orange in the painting than you see here.
Be aware there can be some differences in color due to digital images and monitors but I try hard to get as close as possible.
Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©
Click Here For More Info: $125, 8x8 inches, acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord
Summer of 2022 I had the best time drawing and photographing four alpacas at a week long drawing camp through Rumriver art Center. We were allowed to go into the enclosure for an up and close encounter with these four great guys. We had to be careful because they would spit at each other competing for treats. There was also a Momma cat looking for attention after delivering a litter of kittens. I threw in an extra cat for fun.
I debated painting this photo for a long time, fear of failure is usually the culprit. The alpacas had just been shaved and looked a little scrawny but this pose was calling to be captured in paint.
Be aware there can be some differences in color due to digital images and monitors but I try hard to get as close as possible.
Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©
Acrylic 12x12 inches, painted on a DaVinci cradled pro panel, a new panel for me.
This is painted using my photo reference from a favorite place to hike on the Wisconsin Minnesota border along the St. Croix river. Tall cliffs, huge rocks and wonderful trails. You can sit on the cliffs and watch the old time paddle boats go by filled with vacationers. Great memories here with children and grandchildren. I gifted this painting to my grandson for his recent wedding.
The panel is super smooth, no texture and the paint slips and slides along the surface letting the paint flow. It almost felt like working with oil again. And I'm trying some new brushes, Catalyst by Princeton Flats, they hold more paint and again more flow. Loving them! Always good to try new things because you never know what you might be missing. Thanks to Acrylic University for valuable tips and information.
Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©
