Sweet and Mellow
5" x 7" watercolor
SOLD
When in doubt paint a face. That's what I always say. :) This week, for some reason, painting has not been flowing smoothly. And it's not exactly good timing since I have a workshop on Saturday that I'm teaching.
Recent painting failures + me in front of a large crowd = anxiety that no amount of chocolate or cupcakes can help.
So, last night I was determined to paint something that I felt good about. And of course I decided on a face, this time it just happens to be a sweet puppy face instead of a human one.
I have always loved yellow labs, well all labs really, but especially yellow labs. And this girl's eyes just went straight to my heart. I really loved painting her dark eyes and muzzle against her creamy white fur. I keep waiting to feel her wet nose nudging my palm to give her some love. :))
Wish me luck for Saturday and I'll see you next week!
Huzzah??
Friday update: In case you guys wanted to read a little extra about me (because, you know, I'm soooo quiet and reserved over here ;) head on over to the Daily Paintworks blog. I'm their artist interview for this week and I was really honored that they picked me, click here to read the interview. :))
Beautiful -- you nailed this one! And don't worry about the workshop -- your passion and love for your craft will shine through, and everything else will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally -- I am still laughing over your last comment on my blog about the "disturbing polka dot mustache." That is such a classic line -- I love it! :)
I'm looking again at this painting -- it really is sensational!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Crystal....and stop fretting, your workshop will be super I am sure. :)
ReplyDeleteCrystal! I love this! You are just fantastic :)
ReplyDeleteHow adorable! You really nailed this one, Crystal! What beautiful eyes and sweet face.
ReplyDeleteYour workshop will be fabulous!
Esta precioso dan deseos de tocarlo con esa cara tan dulce...los detalles tan precisos lo hacen parecer real ,te quedo espectacular ...muchas felicidades!!!!
ReplyDeleteOnce again you've breathed life into your painting. The eyes are so alive and expressive. I can well imagine the nerves over your up coming workshop, but I really believe the creative within will come alive during the class. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteMay I say it again: I am such a big, big, big fan! I am so totally in love with this painting...
ReplyDeleteI am angry with myself for not seeing your email earlier and cannot join to your workshop because I've agreed to babysit for my friends that weekend when they are moving to a new apartment. I think I can still get out of the promise since they are such a good couple, but that very thought makes feel so selfish and too guilty... Damn! Why didn't I see your email earlier! (I don't understand but sometimes my gmail spam filter is just plain crazy...)
You are awesome! Relax! The workshop will be great! (Please share lots of photos and I will envy over them...)
Crystal, this is such a wonderful painting. So full of freshness and life, and such strong feeling!
ReplyDeleteOhh. This is amazing.. No words.. And all the very best for your Workshop. Do carry some cupcakes with you. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat painting! I love your use of dark blues in the background. And what an adorable dog.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, you have really done a superb job with her eyes! And I wish you all the best with your workshop this weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh good luck!! But you absolutely don't need it! I just showed this to my hubby - he adores Labs too. He LOVES it! It is SO gorgeous!! I have also been having a confidence crisis this week. Must be something in the air! :0)
ReplyDeleteBeautifully painted lab portrait! And I understand your trepidation over the upcoming workshop you're teaching. Whenever I teach I am so full of tension that I can scarcely eat or sleep! It always turns out to be fine and I know yours will be great.
ReplyDeleteThis is SOOO beautiful, Crystal! She looks like such a sweet little dog ...and when you look into her eyes!! Well...you just melt!! The best of luck with your workshop..you'll be fine.
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL! This brought tears to my eyes, it's so lovely and sweet. You really are an incredible artist!
ReplyDeleteShe is so lovely, Crystal. Love her soft and sweet face. No worries, your workshop will be amazing, only with I could be there.
ReplyDeleteCrystal! Sweet and Mellow, could've called it "Marshmallow" cuz this face is so sweet and I bet this baby can cuddle!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your ups and downs as an artist...it inspires and encourages me. :)
What a gorgeous puppy face.
ReplyDeleteand Crystal I have to say, if chocolate didn't help, you didn't eat enough ! :lol:
This is one of my all time favorites of yours. You can just FEEl the love. Melts my heart. Love following your blog. :) Happy painting.
ReplyDeleteIf this is not smooth painting then what is? This is absolutely perfect. I can almost feel her breathing. I think this is the best canine portrait I have seen in a long long time
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for the workshop
Oh those soulful eyes- I want to reach out and hug her! You have watercolors in its pure perfect form :) All the best for the workshop- what a treat the participants will have!
ReplyDeleteI already told you this, but it is AMAZING!!!!!! Absolutely breathtaking. You're masterful mix of realism and abstraction is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI live with a magnificent mellow yellow lab and you have captured the liquid loving eyes, sweet disposition, and monumental wonderfulness that they are. Anyone taking a workshop with you is a lucky student. Have fun!
ReplyDelete..hope your workshop went well crystal .. beautiful yellow coat and eyes !
ReplyDeleteWow.. I like this.. nice doggy!!!
ReplyDeleteOk . . . so here's my THIRD comment on this post . . . (can you say "STALKER?") . . . but I just love this painting. Also I wanted to say congratulations on your DPW interview -- it was great!
ReplyDeleteFantabulous dog portrait. Lovely. You caught a friendly spirit about him.
ReplyDeletep.s.
thanks for the DPW facebook 'like' on my pic!