Thursday, January 19, 2017

Swan Oil Painting, Daily Painting, "Swan Reflections" by Carol Schiff, 16x20x.75 Oil

On most mornings, I take a walk around the neighborhood.  Everyday, I would pass this beautiful creature and his mate, gliding across the water of a small pond.  When I saw the photograph I was able to take, I knew I would want to paint it.
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 I painted with brush and palette knife and was able to obtain a nicely textured surface to indicate the water.
The background, which was difficult to photograph correctly, is a mixture of a rich brown and a greenish dark.

detail



I have done several paintings using the reference images I took that day.  One is a 11x14 pastel and one is a 6x8 oil.  I am glad I had my camera that day because the birds are gone now.  I like to think they just flew away.

Thank you for viewing my daily painting today.   I hope you will pin it!

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com
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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Fish Oil Painting, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, 8x16x.75" Palette Knife Painting

This painting was inspired by a trip to Key Largo's coral reefs.  It was thrilling watching the brightly colored tropical fish in their natural habitat.

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I started with a brush, but soon had a palette knife in my hand.


I also started with a photo, but soon found my own way.  I made the fish plumper, deleted their stripes, just enjoyed the process and the freedom to do what came naturally.

As I worked the paint got thicker and thicker.  It was a fun and relaxing day in the studio.  I came away feeling good!

Enjoy the moment!

Carol Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Dog Painting, Pet Portrait, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, 8x10" Oil Painting, SOLD

Today's post features a commission I was asked to do.  My customer wanted a large print of the family pet to give as a gift to her daughter.  She sent me several images of her dog Bennett.

Of course, I could not do a print, without an original painting, so we decided on a 8x10" oil.

SOLD

She chose what I considered the worse image.  She wanted a horizontal painting and the image was vertical.  She didn't want the background to be too strong and in the image, the right eye of the dog was in such deep shadow, it was practically invisible.  But........she felt this image captured the spirit of her pet.  We made it work!

She was thrilled with the final image and now she owns the original and her daughter has the large print.

Commissions can often be difficult.  It is hard to get in the head of your client, and translate their expectations to canvas and paint.  When it happens...it's a thing of beauty!

Thanks for visiting my blog today.


 Carol Schiff

Friday, January 6, 2017

Pet Portrait, Dog Painting, Small Oil Paint, Daily Painting, 6x8" Oil Painting SOLD

Several months ago, I did a post consisting of dogs I have painted over the years.  The post generated a new commission from a high school friend who follows my blog.

SOLD
She sent me several images, but this was her favorite.  I had admired this image on facebook.  It was a picture of her, with her pup on her lap, both of them staring intensely into the camera.

Sadly, this sweet dog is no longer with us.  My friend was so affected by the painting, she cried when she saw it.  I was affected by her response and got a little teary eyed too.

I know she is missing her  companion, especially over the holidays.  I hope that in some small way, this portrait helped to fill the void.

In my next post, I will show you another dog portrait commission that I completed over the holidays.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

CHRISTMAS KITTY, 8X10, OIL, SOLD


My daughter-in-law is a big time animal advocate, so none of us were surprised a few years ago when she brought this little kitten home from her job at a local vets. office. The kitten was born to a feral cat. She fed it with an eyedropper and soon Frankie was spunky and ruled the roost. She also had a fascination with the Christmas tree and would climb it and bat at the glass balls. Many ornaments bit the dust that year.

Sunday, January 1, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST FOR A SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY 2017


Carol Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com