My Art Diary: August - December 2015, Part 1

As 2016 begins, I look back with a thankful heart at all that has happened since I last posted in this blog. It has been an amazing "season" of creating commissioned art, sprinkled with teaching art. My days have been full with a variety of mediums in my hand...from pencil to pastels, acrylics and watercolors, to oils... and the common thread has been sheer enjoyment. Although the consequence to all this creativity has been the lack of time to write about my experiences until now, I am determined to start the new year with a fresh update of my latest art.

With this first post, I have to say, pet portraits are so much fun. Each one is a privilege to create. When I am invited into someone's story, I get to see beauty not only in the animal but in the special relationship between the furry friend and his or her owner. And without fail, portraits make great gifts that touch the heart. As you can see from the photos, during these past several months I was able to get to know some beautiful animals.

Bartholomeow
7 x 5", Oil on panel
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Brenna
10 x 8", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Moet
10 x 8", Oil on panel
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Dusty
10 x 8", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Stubby, II
8 x 10", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Taylor
10 x 8", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Dixie
10 x 8", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Cat Portraits

"A cat has absolute emotional honesty; human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not." Ernest Hemingway

I enjoyed meeting these pretty kitties just a few weeks ago. Their owner, Colleen, and I were not sure how it would go. We were both thinking it might take more than one visit (just to get to know me a bit) before they would be willing to "pose" in front of my camera. Just the opposite happened. Instead of running underneath the nearest chair or couch, they both remained relaxed and relatively still. It seemed as if they understood all along the purpose of this visit. With some nice back lighting from the living room window, Klowee and Kalli Kitti looked and me and waited just long enough for me get some nice reference photos for their portraits before they moved on to more important matters.

Klowee
8 x 10", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Stage 1: Drawing Klowee with a thin wash of paint.

Stage 2: Blocking in the first layer(underpainting). After choosing my colors I used a large brush to lay down the paint in the basic shapes.

Stage 3: Final layer. While the underpainting was still wet I came in with the top layer of thicker paint to add texture and detail. I started with the background so that blending the edges would be easier. After the background I painted the eyes and then moved on from there until she was completed.  Painting Klowee's whiskers was so much fun. 

Cat Portrait No. 2: Kalli Kitti

Stage 1: Drawing in Kalli Kitti with a thin wash of paint.Since I do this freehand I have a cloth that I use as an eraser to wipe away any unwanted lines, making adjustments as I go.

Stage 2: Blocking in Kalli Kitti with bold colors and contrast.

Kalli Kitti
8 x 10', Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Painting Of A Cat

Buster's Friend
10x8", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Painting this little cat portrait was a treat for me.

Stage 2: I blocked in the major shapes and colors.

I have known this kitty for years and have always wanted to paint him.

Stage 1: Drawing the cat with a thin wash of Burnt Sienna and mineral spirits.
 

 The circumstances had to be just right. At last I seized the opportunity.

 His long silky hair and unique markings along with a lazy, relaxed pose and nonchalant attitude set the stage for a fun little painting.