I just received notice that two of my miniatures that were sent to an exhibition in Britain found new homes (one of them is pictured on the left). 

They were showing at the Hilliard Society of Miniaturists annual members exhibition in Wells, England.  Both of the pieces were also selected as favorites in the exhibition by the public and were given the "Most Popular Exhibit" award, which is also very flattering.   The Latham Studios What’s New & News page has a post about it as well.

Some members of the society’s administration were originally considering a purchase of my work, but then decided to offer the pieces for sale to the public.  I have been trying to send work to this exhibition in England for quite a while, but for one reason or another always seemed to run out of time when the deadline finally arrived.  I am very pleased that I was able to do so this year.   

I have been painting on this piece (of a drake goldeneye duck) today.  I like how all of the soft tones in the painting are coming along.  :)  

I am busily painting on my golden eye drake (duck) painting.  I plan to have some photos of all of these duck paintings online in the blog (and parhaps elsewhere)soon.  I’m just a little behind in that area at the moment . 

I don’t really get traditional "vacation holidays" from work - but we did have a wonderful meal for Thanksgiving.  I feel so fortunate and blessed for having such a wonderfully supportive family and a job I love.  I couldn’t ask for more!! 

We visited the Cincinnati zoo today for some new references.  Our studies and photo-shoots of Indochinese tigers and white tigers were held in conjunction with an NFL’s film crew shoot.  They were there to video some clips for the Cincinnati Bangles and Indianapolis Colts game tomorrow. 

Our shoot and studies turned out very well, I thought.  The animals were very active with their trainers present and the lighting was just gorgeous. 

The rough pencil sketch pictured left is of the younger female white tiger.  All of them had such personality in their faces.  I look forward to painting them!!

We attended the Miller Gallery "Objects of Desire" miniature and small works exhibition tonight.  The gallery was very nice (and nicely crowded with visitors for the opening), and all of the gallery’s personnel were just wonderful.  :)  I particularly enjoyed seeing the artwork (from both the miniature/small works exhibition and the gallery’s usual stock) in person.  I just loved seeing some of Daniel Greene’s new paintings on display in the gallery.  He had two oils and two pastels — they were both fantastic! :)  I really like his use of color and the movement in his paintings.  My mom, Karen, had the chance to study with him a number of years ago when he came to the Twin Cities for a workshop and learned quite a bit. 

Our web site’s "Whats New" page has a new posting (and photo) about the show and can be visited here.  (Thanks to everyone from the Miller Gallery for everything!! )

I’ve painted a bit on my mountain bluebird commission recently.  Here’s a snapshot of the detail - it’s coming along fairly well.  I will have to set this piece aside for a few days next week as I need to have my waterfowl/duck artwork finished fairly soon.

We have been getting some great feedback about our collection of new miniature paintings that have recently arrived in Cincinnati at the Miller Gallery for the ‘Objects of Desire’ exhibition.  I am so happy they are being received so well!!  It is very satisfying when a gallery describes your work as ‘exquisite’.

I just found out about a new art exhibition in the cities and thought I should post something about it in my blog (though I am not a part of the show).  The exhibit is primarily abstract and surrealistic artwork, but what is truly unique about it is that all of the artwork is created by homeless artists and all proceeds from the sales of the work will go to the artist.  I think it’s just fantastic that they are doing this and what a wonderful idea! :)  Anyway, just thought it might be of interest to some of you. :)  Visit the link posted in the comment for a little more information.

I am painting on my mountain bluebird and indian paintbrush commissioned miniature today.  I don’t think it’s quite far along enough to post in the blog or commissions pages at the moment, but I plan to get a more recent picture of it online soon.  The bluebird itself has progressed well, but the flower blossoms take a little longer as they have such an  intricate structure.

These are the last three miniatures for the Miller Gallery’s show in Cincinnati, Ohio.  I think all of them look nice in their frames. :)  I am eager to see how they are received at the show.

Here are photos of two of my new miniatures for the Miller Galleries exhibition - both are pictured framed. 

I’m adding the finishing touches on a few of my miniature paintings for Miller Galleries Christmas miniature show "Objects of Desire".  I just received some of the miniature frames for the paintings — they look great!  I’ll post photos of all of the new miniature paintings when they’re in their frames.

I’ve already posted that I will be attending the show opening in Cincinnati, which is going to be exciting in itself, but I’m (I should say "we’re" since I won’t be the only artist going - Karen &  Bonnie are coming along too ) going to do some wildlife photo-shooting and study while we’re in town.  I can’t wait!!  I hope the weather stays nice for our outing. :)  Actually, I could really use a few days away from my studio.  I am so busy with all of the deadlines that are piling up (and extend as far as the eye can see ), but I’d rather have it like this than the other option of not being busy.  Right now I’m only limited by how quickly I can produce work.  We even have a number of galleries on a waiting list - to be added when we can handle the workload.

As far as upcoming projects go…..  As soon as I complete all of these miniatures, I will be working on a number of commissioned paintings requested by several clients (some of these are partially in progress at the moment).

I have been painting on my little watercolor farm scene today — I think the miniature is just about finished.  It’s 1-1/2 x 2-3/4 inches and will show at Miller Galleries "Objects of Desire" opening in on the 18th of November.  I am really looking forward to seeing the gallery. 

As you may already know, I don’t paint buildings such as this too often anymore (especially if the painting doesn’t feature any wildlife), but it has been interesting painting all of the different textures in this piece. :)  A number of years ago, I painted all types of subjects - large impressionistic (and realistic) garden florals, portraits, interior scenes, buildings, landscapes, abstracts, etc. - pretty much everything  (most of them were awarded in competitions as well).  As interesting as it was to paint so many different subjects, I like being a little more focused.

I have been busily painting all of these new miniature paintings for the upcoming miniature show at Miller Galleries in Cincinnati (Ohio). :)  Here’s a photo of my little Sulphur Crested Cockatoo piece -  nearly finished

The painting is 2-3/8 x 3-1/4 inches and is painted 1/6th scale.  (the background of the painting doesn’t show well in this photo - it’s a deep burgundy/red color.)

My cockatoo miniature painting is coming along well, I think. :)  I will post a "nearly completed" photo of it soon for everyone to see.

The rough graphite sketch on the left is of a scarlet macaw.  I studied the bird during one of our excursions to Florida for some much needed painting references a number of years ago.  I always love painting parrots - the brightly colored feathers are just fantastic!

I hope to get more fresh reference of parrots as well as other birds to paint in the near future.

Here is the progress of my miniature watercolor painting of a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. 

These parrots are native to Australia.  I particularly like the yellow and bright white feathers — how they meld together so well.

I have been fussing with my canadian goose painting a little today.  It’s one of those pieces that I could tweak forever — I’ll be finished with it soon.