GD will you have those paintings on your site so that we can admire them?
Would love for you to talk about your artwork. I am sincerely interested. Also saw your big dog site! Wow. My folks showed and bred English Setters when I was a kid, I spent so much time at dog shows I am pretty sure that I speak dog! Showed a few dogs as Jr handler and then for a few of my parents friends in small shows where they were trying to build up points. Anyway thought I'd seen nearly every dog breed but your is new to me! Very nice.
April
Texas Heat - part 2
Sure thing April . . . I'll do that soon as I get them done and the pages formated. I may put a couple of "in progress" pics on here in the mean time if anyone cares to see how they're come'n along? As far as talking about my art . . . not sure what areas you'd like to hear about.
I'm self taught and basically just enjoy painting / creating something. As I mentioned just the other day . . . I've had my hands in some sort of paint since I can remember, but I didn't ever try to do any actual "paintings" until I started experimenting with watercolors . . . back in 1996 also, now that I think about it. I had done all sorts of other art from t-shirts to billboards in the commercial areas, but never any paintings.
They were a get well gift, a set of "professional grade watercolors" and a pad of the paper used to paint with them on and a few brushes. I had to have a hernia operation and was to be confined to bed a week or so and not to do much of anything strenuous for a few weeks. So the gal I was dating at the time knew I liked art and such. So I guess she thought that would keep me busy and give me something to do while I recovered. She was right ;)
I painted a few little silly things just to get the feel of the paints and brushes and how the paper and all worked for a day or two. Then I decided I wanted to try to actually paint something a little more serious. So I thumbed through a Texas Monthly I had lay'n around and found a few photos I thought were pretty neat and decide to try to see if I could make these watercolors look anything like them what so ever.
I did a couple of things like those old trees and that Kachina mask and a couple others in that section http://www.gdrankin.com/watercolors/View_MysticalJourneys.htm that's on my site and felt pretty comfortable . . . a few just from my head - kind of dreamed some stuff up ya know? They felt good in my hand and at the same time, my recent wound started to feel better also . . . lol
Soon I was well enough to get back to raise'n my litter of Dogo pups and the paints kind of got forgotten about for a while. I'd pick them up once in a while, but nothing real serious. All in all I guess I played with them for about 4-5 months.
Then sometime around Thanksgiving of 2001 I met an artist online that was awesome. Amazing work and I was pretty impressed. Well we talked art for a bit and I mentioned I had dabbled a bit with watercolors and finally (and reluctantly) showed her a few photos of my work. Now I'm not sure if she was just be'n kind or what, but she encouraged me as well as inspired me to start painting again.
That's when I started doing the wildlife type work. I painted pretty regularly for about a year then had some changes in my work and things that caused me to put the brushes on hold again. It wasn't until the first part of 2005 that I started painting seriously again. Ironically enough, it was another gift that sparked me again . . . lol
This time it was a set of acrylics and since I hadn't ever tried them, I spent a couple of months experimenting with them. The "Wild Horses" series was the result. Several people that saw them (and some of my other stuff) seemed to think they were pretty good. Good enough to "market" they'd say. So I decided it was time to get serious and start doing something with my God given talent and out came the watercolor brushes again.
Now that I've put everyone to sleep . . . lol . . . umm where were we?
Oh yeah . . . Cool deal . . . glad ya got to see my 'kids' . . . big white lap dogs that they are ;) lol
I've only been to one show, but it was really neat. It was back in '96 in Houston. A rare breed show that had all sorts of dogs I'd never seen or heard of . . . very interesting weekend to say the least ;)
Well now ya know a little more about my art . . . inspired by a couple of things I truly enjoy - painting / creating in general and mother nature. I hope that's what you were ask'n? lol ;)
☺ . o O (Did I just rewrite my bio?)
GD yeah and you didn't put me to sleep AT ALL. I come from a family that values creativity, though must say only 1 of my 2 kids values mine and my DH does not value any; we have always painted or made something. I always thought my mom was an amazing artist and boy my older brother sure got the bulk of those genes! my oldest daughter is very talented. I am only mediocre.
I could never paint w/ water colors, takes too much patience and skill- I love acrylics, love that you can create texture and depth so easily. In my long lost youth I was fond of pen and ink but it's been soo long.
I love your work, sincerely. Thank you for sharing.
So do you still have some lap dogs for your own lap?
Love your work too!
I love native american art. I have some limited edition prints of Ben Shoemaker, Connie Ragan, Dupre, Seabourn and Bev Doolittle. There's a print of Doolittle's that I want so bad, it's called '101 degrees in the shade'.
I like the way many artists do the camouflage, I think that is what it is called, where the picture tells a story with different images. Some of your work is like that, very cool.
Do you just sell originals?
Fly he does but I am not sure he can answer that w/o looking like he's using the forums to adverstise. Click on his name in the "author" colomn and go to his favorite web sites.
Ok . . . glad I didn't bore ya to tears over there . . . lol
Yeah . . . I hear ya there . . . watercolors are NOT the most forgiving medium out there for sure. I guess I just got comfortable with them before I heard that fact. Kind of like the honey bee that is mathematically not supposed to be able to fly - but no one told him that so he buzzes all over and don't think nothing of it . . . lol
I do like the options Acrylics offer and use them for certain types of projects now that I've gotten familiar with what they will do. Pen and Ink is pretty cool, I'd like to see some of your work sometime if you care to share (hint - hint) :D I'm sure I'm not the only one either ;)
Someday I intend to try my hand at oil paints, but I understand they take forever to dry and they're rather expensive as well. Who knows, maybe I'll open a present one of these days and find some oils . . . I'll get around to them someday ;)
It's funny how that gene pool thing works huh? My uncle was a really good artist, but my mom and her sister never could draw a thing. Same with my brother and sister. However, I personally think that everyone has their special talents and they have something they can do better than the average person. It's just not always in the "art field" if ya know what I mean? So it's not always as noticeable to outsiders.
For me, being creative is not an option - it's a MUST! lol . . . As long as I can be creative in some form, I'm a happy camper. And too, I enjoy experimenting with all sorts of things - from painting to photography to playing the guitar or my Native flute & drum . . . and even some computer graphic stuff. No matter what the medium, I just have to let those creative juices flow ;)
Indeed I still have a couple of those big white lap dogs and I'm sure I always will. The two I have now aren't used for hunting though. Unless you count the Cicadas and other critters they can find in the yard . . . lol
Here's Thunder, my 120 lb. 19 month old lap dog sitting in my mom's lap - or attempting to anyway . . . lol
Not sure if you caught the threads I posted photos of them in or not? But here's a couple of links that show my kid'os :)
Thanks again for the kind words :)
My Favorite Bluebonnet Photo
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/617766/
Nightly Ritual - Dogo roll in the yard session
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/620204/
lol . . . I got one of those - "while you were be'n so pokey type'n - someone added to the thread" messages . . . so I missed that question Fly - but yeah . . . like April said . . . there's a link to my web site on my personal page there and yeah I've got a few pieces in a couple of galleries and hope to start doing some shows soon. :)
Thanks for the kind words :)
gd...you are much too modest...you do excellant work....and you didn't bore at all; very interesting your beginnings of your work.....
GD love the photos of your babies! Too cute.
Forgot that my mom is one of 2 kids and while I thought she was terribly talented, her older brother was also very talented and I think she'd say he was more talented. Agree most every body must have some ability and talent just many of us have not found where that talent is- I am certain that my true talent has not been discovered but can tell you it's NOT singing, lol- my kids all told me from very early ages, "Mom, please don't sing." Oh well. I also think that some of those folks who "can't" draw are just people who haven't tried or don't see it as valuable. My dad admired the ability that my mom had but I don't think he saw any real value to it; same I supose as my DH- yeah that's nice but what's worth, what's if for? and for my mom, my oldest and me, I think it's a must to do something creative- we try lots of different things and set aside those that we don't feel we do well at. My mom is really multi talented, she painted w/ oils years ago and I think she really enjoyed oils- they do take time to dry and they smell (my opinion) but I think she really liked working w/ them; she has done lots of work w/ fiber arts- she has made so many gorgeous quilts and exhibited some in local shows, w/ excellent reviews. Some of the family see them as "blankets" but I see them as works of art.
I'd have to look hard to find some of my work and then photo it or hook up a scanner. We'll see, but as they say, "You da man!" Thanks for sharing so much.
GD, Followed the links. Beautiful work! I paint as well. I get what you're saying about being creative... It's not an option. I Think most gardeners are artists, it's just another medium. Over the years I've known so many painters that love to gardener. There just has to be more painters on this board ?!?!
Speak up! Maybe we could get a painting forum.
cocoa not a bad idea! agree gardening is art, painting w/ different medium.
I have done pen/ink, charcol (sp), pencil, oils and acrylics. (guess I will have to take some pics of my paintings). I have two of them up in my house. I have a pencil still life in my kitchen and one of my oils is in my bedroom. Then of course I do my clay stuff. I NEED the outlet at times... It is something I have done since a child and because my professional life is very unartistic and logical, my private life gets to be artsy.
Thanks . . . glad ya like my spoilt brats ;) lol
I couldn't agree more - with all the points ya'll are making. I somehow left "gardening" off my list of creative things I enjoy and totally agree that it's another 'art form' and should be recognized as such. And too I'm sure there's lots of artist hide'n around here - many of which my not be comfortable showing off their work, but likely should. It's nice to share and hear what others think of your art - be it drawing, painting, quilting, gardening, etc. And it can be very inspirational too. I doubt that I would have taken my painting to this level had I not shared it with others and realized that they enjoyed what I was creating. Personally, I was happy just to paint a few things to give as gifts or hang on my own wall. But the inspiration and appreciation others offer has motivated me to "get it out there" - if nothing else to see where it goes.
My 87 year old granny still quilts . . . I truly admire that type of work. A lovely craft and sadly it's something that is becoming a lost art - like many other things these days.
I like the idea of an Art/Painting Forum . . . so yeah . . . speak up and let's see if we can get that going?
Cool deal Nada . . . I visited your home page and enjoyed what you have there and can't wait to see your other art :)
thanks... I NEED to get a bunch more (about 100) pics up at the website. I just don't have the time.
I agree that gardening is like painting, only the canvas is different. I've painted for as far back as I can remember and started gardening when I was just a toddler following my dear grandmother around during her daily gardening time. I bet there are a lot of other gardeners on this site that paint and I too think a "gardener's painting forum" would be fun. My favorite medium is watercolor, but it's very true that it not forgiving and takes practice and control. It will break you of the habit of "just one more touch and I'll be done" because when it's overworked it tends to look like a garden plant that's been relocated one time too many (which I am also prone to do)!
Dayyyummm it's hot out there today!!!!! Even with a breeze it's still pretty warm out! Whew! Tea break time :D
Indeed Crowellli . . . I agree . . . an artist friend of mine refers to that as "Painting it to death!!!" And yeah I think that's more so with watercolor than acrylic and probably oils too, since both of those can be painted over. Where as with watercolor, as you know, you only get one shot at it.
I tend to work with a lot of details and it's sometimes hard to 'quit' working an area or decide when enough is enough. I take lots of breaks and set a painting off to the side for a while and let it sit on the other side of the room. It helps me if I get away from it for a day or two when I reach the final stages.
Then I come back with a fresh eye and try to only hit on the areas that really need it. I'm sure everyone has their own methods that work for them, but that seems to help me.
I painted a moma and 2 baby koalas on a limb once. Because of the kind of paint I was using I had to put 3 coast of black to make the claws opaque. 3 bears, 4 paws each, 5 claws each paw. 3 coats each claw..!!!!!! I put that thing up on a shelf for 2 years after I finished the claws. By the time I finished all the claws I was ready to throw the thing against the wall!
lmbo Nada . . . that's funny . . . I can imagine that would be lots of work :D
here is a pic of one of the things I have done. I tried to find the koalas but haven't found the pic yet.
Oh wow, that is beautiful!!!!!!!!
Very pretty....Nada.... :) Interesting piece ya got there....
That was done with oils on clay. Some of my favorite work is done this way. But it takes a LOT of time.
I can well imagine! Is it a hand thrown pot?
No it is a molded vase. The mold had some of the depth designs in it. Some of the design I put in it. It is really hard to tell which is which without actually touching it.
ohhh....its really pretty.. :)
Thanks so much... For some reason even though I didn't really very much want to do it to begin with, I had more fun doing that piece than a lot of other stuff I have done. Sometimes it is like that.
True, it is indeed.....I remember being an art student in college and sort of being forced to draw things which were rarely interesting. Even made an outline of my body and drew my complete skeletal system on the paper...lol...Got an A+ for that one, lol... But it was getting the technique down...and getting yourself familiar with your individual style, since we were beginning students. It wasn't until we reached our junior and senior years that we could explore all of the methods that we had learned...and then some.. :)
Cool Nada . . . yes indeed that is very nice - thanks for share'n :)
Well I figured I'd best be get'n started on Jamar the Cheetah cub . . . wanna watch this attempt to turn paper and water and a little bit of color into a fuzz ball? lol
I don't normally show my paintings until they are ready to frame, but since ya'll seemed interested . . . I figured I'd share the progress of this one just for fun. This is day one. (maybe I should start a new thread for this?)
Oh that reminds me . . . since there seemed to be a good deal of interest . . . I sent a D-Mail to the powers that be and asked what it would take to get a "Painting Forum" started here on DG.
what about putting it in the crafts forum?
That is just lovely!
i do think that you need a separate thread and let us know where....i wanna see!!!!
so you have already done that much in day one??
Thanks ya'll and yeah it's come'n along pretty fast but the details is what will take a while . . . The basic shapes/general outline and background usually goes the fastest for me.
I looked at Crafts and didn't really see anything that seemed to fit the occasion. Except maybe Crafts and Decorating? So I was thinking either that or maybe in the Wildlife forum . . . since it is of a wild animal and is being painted for a wildlife rescue ranch.
I'm leaning towards the Wildlife sections . . . what'cha think?
GD, I hope they'll let us start another forum for painting seperate from the Crafts one and the Wildlife one. I have some I'd like to post that are wildlife, but also some watercolors of the garden that wouldn't fit the wildlife site. Just my two cents. Is your Cheetah painting watercolor, oil or acrylic? I really love watercolor paintings, but I am still struggling with control. I'm more adept at oil or pen and ink, but don't like the finished result as well, so I'm still working and throwing away as many as I keep. Please keep posting progress shots with the cheetah.
Ok Crow . . . yeah I'm with ya there . . . I think a general Art - Painting forum would be nice and I'm sure it would generate plenty of traffic. I have some images I'm planning to paint of some really nice flowers one of the DG members sent me that also would not fit in the Wildlife forum.
Yes the one I'm working on now is watercolor. That's my 'first love' so to speak. I'm still learning with every painting I do, but I've got more miles on my watercolor brushes than I do with the acrylics . . . so I'm more comfortable with the watercolors for now.
I'll go ahead and start a new thread soon for little Jamar and post a link here - since it is pretty far off topic of this one . . . lol
Well, speaking of Texas Heat, my air conditioner just gave up the ghost. I heard funny noises from the attic and couldn't figure out what it was. Went outside to see if I could see anything before crawling into the attic. The outside air unit was smoking and smelling like electrical burn. Ran in and turned it off and called the a/c guy. We already had all the inside portion including ducts, coil, furnace and blower replaced two years ago for $6000.00. We knew the outside unit was just a matter of time and it's time is up. Just the outside unit is $5200.00! Have you ever noticed that everything you start to do now is in increments of $5000.00. Every time I turn around, something needs done and it's $5000.00. In ground sprinkler system, 5000.00, new windows 5000.00, new gutters 5000.00, replaster swimming pool 5000.00. What's up with that? Is this the new magic number for home repairs? But who's going to do without a/c in Houston's heat and humidity? My only question was "how soon can ya' get it here"!
Ouch @ $5k . . . that sounds pretty high to me . . . but then it's been several years since I was in the A/C biz . . . inflation I reckon. Sorry to hear that Crow . . . always sump'n huh?
lol @ movie theater . . . . that's not a bad idea now that you mention it ;) It issssss hot out there. I just came in from move'n a couple loads of dirt . . . didn't take long to need a serious tea break!!!
Thanks Lulu . . . sure I bet ya that ya could . . . have you ever tried? :D
That sounds really high to me too--I just had one put in January--I can give you some good references.
I would highly suggest you get some quotes from 3 companies listed in Better Business for sure. We got a $8,000 quote from one and $4200 from another for the same Trane unit. They will pad the bill at this time of year since they know you are in a hurry. It would be worth a hotel bill for a day or two to allow time to get estimates.