DSDF #9 Alabama Cow

"Sunny Alabama Cow" 8x5 watercolor

I really wanted to paint Karin Jurick's Alabama Cow for her DSDF week 8 challenge but I never found the momentum so watercolor was the quickest. Anyway I'm pleased to have painted this beautiful cow! You know we pass many cows when we drive around some lingering farm areas in Northwest Arkansas but I guess my California eyes have never really had the pleasure of observing how CUTE they look! She actually looks like the cows they portray in Disney cartoons LOL!

The H Quilt Erika Made

The H Quilt Erika Made, Watercolor, 16 x 16

This piece was made in time to participate in Watercolor Wet n Wild's October Challenge, which was to paint a quilt. This quilt was made for me by our very own Erika Nelson, who, unbeknownst to me, worked secretly on it for years and years. She surprised me with it when I came to visit her in Arkansas exactly two years ago. It has graced my bed ever since, a wonderful reminder of our friendship and also that Erika is always full of surprises! Thank you Erika!

The H Quilt Erika Made, Detail

Helios ACEO

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

In Greek mythology Helios was the god of the sun, brother of Selene and Eos, Goddesses of the Moon and Dawn. He drove his chariot of the sun across the sky each day and though the sea at night to rise into the sky again the next day.

www.marksatchwill.com

Pomegranates in Blue Bowl

16 x 16. Enough painting, time to eat them!

Nativity Scene with St. Francis of Assisi

29 x 21 cm, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

This was a commission piece for Franciscan Friars from Malta. They asked for a nativity scene featuring Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order. Saint Francis is credited with creating the first 3D recreation of the Nativity using live animals and a manger. I also had to include three knots on the rope/belt he wears, which symbolise the three vows taken by the Franciscan friars, and the marks of the stigmata on his hands.

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The Devil In Mr. Jones ACEO

ACEO, Watercolour and gouache, 2008.

There is a little devil in all of us...

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Sleigh Bell - ACEO

ACEO on Canson 140lbs paper, Winsor & Newton artist's paints.

Did this today, and as I wanted to make a little present... it's already gone.

It's a Wallace Sleigh Bell, an ornament for Christmas trees. I Love this kind of ornaments an own some old and news.

Pink Rose

Pear Hug

Sleigh dogs

Watercolor on FAVINI Torchon 350gms/180lbs watrecolor paper.

Painted with Winsor & Newton Artist's paints.

H quilt in Fall Scene

"Big H in Fall Morning" 10x13.5 watercolor on paper

I did this for our challenge for months of Sept-Oct. The challenge is "quilt". I wanted to not fall into a tight one despite the subject and hopefully still be able to convey the lovely variety of colors and patterns on a quilt.

This is based on my best friend Hillary. She speent a week with us 2 fall seasons ago, all the way from California. Well she has always been so loving to visit me just about anywhere I move because she probably misses her sushi and art buddy lol Ok it doesn't have to be sushi, it can be ANY food but most likely exotic. Ok it didn't have to be exotic, it could just be a burger in some greasy spoon -- AS LONG AS IT'S FOOD! lol

I made this H-quilt for her, a timely gift for her visit :)

Do visit her blog http://hillarymillerart.blogspot.com as she is posting an excellent silk painting demo!

Poseidon

4.5 x 7 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

Poseidon was the God of the sea, earthquakes and horses. He was a virile God, fathering many children. He was also moody and could be difficult, causing storms and earthquakes, wrecking ships and drowning men.

www.marksatchwill.com

St. Francis of Assisi ACEO

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals, the enviroment and Italy. He founded the Order of the Friars Minor, or Franciscans. One of the legends of his life is that one day, while travelling, he happened on a road where the birds filled the trees. He stopped to preach to them and the birds surrounded him and seemed to listen to him, rather than fly away.

Nomeus

4 x 6 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

Nomeus, a merman, enjoying an excursion away from the underwater city, attracting the attention of some marine life.

www.marksatchwill.com

American Butterflies

Today I decided to take a break from landscapes and paint one of my favorite subjects.
These are all common American butterflies that you might see in your yard or garden. The size of this piece is 7.5 x 10 inches.
Elaine (Lanie)

Faun in the Forest ACEO

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

A resident of the Enchanted Forest, this faun is collecting the morning dew to quench his thirst after a night of drunken revelry.


http://www.marksatchwill.com/

Kitty Feather

ACEO in watercolor, ink, and gouache. From my Hat Ladies series.

Bid on this Watercolor!

The Witch ACEO

2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

Not all witches are ugly old crones....

Fun piece with Halloween in mind.

www.marksatchwill.com

Perseus

4 x 6 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

Perseus was the slayer of the Gorgon, Medusa. He was given a shield by Athena, a sword by Hermes and a helmet of invisibility by Hades. He looked at Medusa's reflection in his shield in order to slay her, as her gaze could turn you into stone.

www.marksatchwill.com

Coral

4 x 6 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

Coral daydreams of falling in love, floating in her underwater garden, the coral castle where she and her sisters live in the distance.

www.marksatchwill.com

Back from Charles Reid workshop

"Charles Reid en Plein Aire" 9x12 watercolor

Last week I attended a workshop with Charles Reid. The first couple days I worked as model for him and his workshop. I painted this on the 3rd day when I was finally able to participate as a student. It was a great experience and I extensively discussed my take on the week in my blog. Please read more if you're interested http://artbyerika.blogspot.com/

Hades ACEO

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2008.

Hades was the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, and ruler of the underworld. He ruled over the dead, was feared by men, was seen as unpitying and stern but, at the same time, just.

www.marksatchwill.com

Little Masterpiece

Another one to add to my series of young painters. This was painted on a 9 x 12 piece of Aquaboard (fka Clayboard Textured). It was my first time trying it and I really like it. It's different because the paint doesn't really soak in and if you have to correct, which I did, the paint lifts off really easily.

Pomegranates in a Row

'Tis the season...for pomegranates! This is 11 x 15 on 300 # Arches. You can see two detail pictures on my blog.