Butterflies, Elephants, and Lions Oh My!

Lately I have been working on paintings of animals or other living things. Some have gone as gifts to friends who are having babies, but they are some of my favorites!

These are done with help from reference photos by Karen Broemmelsick. Her work is great!

I'm working on using photos for inspiration purposes; not with the intent to copy in exact detail.
I like a painting to look like a painting. I also recognize the time and talent of those who paint ultra- realism. 

In any case, I hope you enjoy these!

Jessica's Monet #22

"Jessica's Monet #22"
8 x 10

Jessica's Monet #21

"Jessica's Monet #21"
11 x 14

The most recent Monet.... here is the link to Monet's version- The Seine at Ventheuil 3. I hope you like it!

"Momma and Baby"

"Momma and Baby"
20 X 20
Commissioned

Cows seem to be the animal of the year so far! I had a friend ask me to paint a picture for her dad and she wanted to have it be a momma cow and a baby together with the Texas landscape. She had many pictures for me to use, so I was excited to have the challenge of putting it together myself rather than just copying a photo.

I used three different photos; one for the momma cow, one for the baby cow, and one for the landscape.

All in all it was a fantastic challenge and I look forward to the next one!

Cow

"Cow"
16 X 20

Having a new baby has definitely changed a few things around here... I was frustrated at first, but now I have realized that even though I only get one day a week to paint, I have time to really consider what I'm going to work on and what colors I'm going to use.

My snuggle buddy is sleeping better every night and takes some great long naps during the day, so now I am able to plan intentional painting time again.

I am primarily finger painting these days and I'm finding that it is a great way to unwind and feel like I have accomplished something.

This is again unremarkably named, but I'd rather spend my brain power on the artwork itself rather than worrying about what to name it! I find that names that aren't simple can be distracting, so here's to my newest, "Cow".

Also, like my page on Facebook!

"Jessica's Caillebotte"

Always peaceful seeing sailboats and ocean on my canvas. My reference is from an artist named Caillebotte.

I painted this last month, but couldn't remember how to spell the artist's name, 🙄 so it had to wait a bit before I could post!

Hope you enjoy! Like my page on Facebook for more!

"Elephant"

So how do you like my original title???

Hey, if Monet can make it happen with calling it like it is, I feel I am among good company!!

In any case, this is a finger painting that was way too much fun.

Lately, I have one day a week to paint, so finger painting is my go-to while having an infant in the house. My 6-year-old has asked that I do a finger painted cow next... I think I just might!

"Just Golden"

This is a finger painting done from a preference photo by Karen Broemmelsick. It reminds me of my dog, Bucky.
My three year old has decided it is her 'puppy' and is insisting it spend some time on her wall in her room. 😊

"The Garden Shed"

This is from a photo of the garden shed in my parent's backyard. It has been used for storage of the winter sleds, garden supplies, tools, and for a long time my horse equipment and hay. Lots of great memories with that shed always in the background. 🙂

The Lake

"The Lake"
8 x 10

So another goal of 2018 is to paint more original work and to use what I have learned from recreating Monets. I found this to be particularly difficult last year and am hoping I can find a way for it to transfer over. I want to be known for my own work at some stage, and the only way to do that is to actually paint things that are not derivatives of another's work.

So here we go. The first true original of the year. I used a photo reference I took myself, and pushed myself to implement my 'Monet style'. I'm pretty happy with it! This is of a beautiful little lake up in northern Vermont called Harvey's Lake. Great place for kiddos to learn to swim!

Jessica's Monet #19

"Jessica's Monet #19"
8 x 10

An 8 x 10 Monet recreation. One of my goals for 2018 is to do more Monets. I love how they turn out and I love how they look on the wall (and I love how they sell!). They also make great notecards! I have big plans for the note cards this year. No one will ever get a normal card from me again.. I'm thinking I might even try my hand at Christmas cards this year. Hopefully I will have a good painting for that purpose later down the road!

Just as an aside, don't you think that view is something else??? Someday I hope to stand on that cliff. I know it's nothing like it used to be, but I bet it's still awesome!

Jessica's Monet #18

"Jessica's Monet #18"
8 X 10

This almost feels like a watercolor painting to me! Monet really does have so much to inspire me with. I can honestly say he is my favorite artist. I love recreating his work. Sometimes my versions turn out totally different from his, but I do like that I can recognize this one right away.

Here is a link to Monet's version called "Autumn on the Seine at Argenteuil".

Jessica's Monet #17

"Jessica's Monet #17"
16 X 20

This painting has an amusing story to connect with it... It is a derivative of a Monet painting, and is one I have done before, however, that one was much larger.

I began this as an attempt to cover up a painting I had done months ago that I hated and never even took pictures of to share.. I just didn't even want it up on the wall, so I was hoping to salvage the canvas.

I had to redo this maybe three times before I was content with it. What a pain, and it is so different from the one I did before!!

Ultimately I succeeded, as I am happy to share it with you now!

Sunflowers

"Sunflowers"
16 X 20

Another wonderful reference from Vineyard Colors. My intent was to paint sunflowers for my soon-to-be-born daughter, but it didn't turn out very 'kid-like'. so I am going to try again another day for something more what I imagined. Even so, I really like this painting and how different it is from some of my other pieces. I shall enjoy seeing it on the wall while it waits to be claimed by someone!

"Jessica's Monet #16"

"Jessica's Monet #16"
8 x 10

Another Monet derivative. Can't seem to stop myself! It sold before the paint was dry. This was such a neat piece to do. How many more paintings can I finish before Baby Hooser #5 arrives??? guess we shall see!

"Black Horse"

"Black Horse"
16 X 20

This one looks like it belongs in a child's room. My daughter would probably agree due to her avid interest in horses. She would just want a horn added to it!

My reference is from Vineyard Colors. Enjoy!

Jessica's Monet #15

"Jessica's Monet #15"
16 X 20

I enjoy occasionally redoing a painting I have done before to see how my skills have improved. I don't look at my copy, only the reference so I don't affect my new work, but it is always so interesting to compare them when I am done!

Often it is my favorite pieces that sell right away and I don't get the chance to enjoy them on my wall for long; so it makes since to just paint them again!

Again, my reference is from one of Monet's pieces.

"Jessica's Monet #2"
16 X 20

Jessica's Monet #14

"Jessica's Monet #14"
16 X 20

I had this need to get some sailboats up on my walls since most of them have been sold. My favorites are Monet's works, so I did some derivative work.

Here is one I also did a miniature of. It turned out cute, so I did a bigger one because I liked it so much.

Vintage Cycle

"Vintage Cycle"
16 X 20

Happy New Year! 

I'm starting off the year with something a little different. Photo reference is from Vineyard Colors; one of my favorite places to get pictures to work from.

Hope you all had a great 2017 and are ready for an even greater 2018!