Cocker Spaniel Duo Starts to Come Together

Cocker Spaniels, Oil Painting WIP

Slowly but surely I am getting closer to completion on this pet portrait.  The plan is to use the finished painting as a template for personalized Christmas cards for the pet owners.  I want to wrap this up this week.  Actually I wanted to wrap it up last week but am glad since I had such a good painting session today I didn't fret over time and try to rush thru it.

The coloring on these dogs is really fun to work with.  Today was a good painting session because I could meld the two dogs by harmonizing their colors.  I enjoyed seeing that come together.  The dog on the right at this point looks like her eyes are way off but one of her unique facial characteristics is wide spaced eyes.  I am trying to think of complimentary words to describe them besides 'googly' and I can't right now but trust me-- she is a beautiful dog and her unique expression only adds to her charm.  Granted I am still working on that part of the painting so you'll just have to check back to see how it looks in the end.  :)

  

I am posting some photos from my week end trip.  I visited my sister in law and we were blessed with a beautiful day.  She lives in a beautiful wooded setting so I took a walk and took these photos.  I am certain her animals will appear in future paintings of mine. 

Take care!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet and horse portraits in oil

Gift Certificates For Animal Art or a Pet Portrait!

Gift Certificates available in any amount. 

You can e-mail me at artbysue@hotmail.com or stop by my studio at Second April Art galerie anytime between 10:00 AM -6:00 PM to purchase a gift certificate.  I have original artwork in my studio ranging in price from 2.50 notecards, 25.00-35.00 mini oil paintings on up to large scale, life sized art and wall murals.  I do original, custom pet portraits from your photos so long distance commissions are welcomed too.  I am booked for Christmas commissions this year but would be glad to add you to my schedule with a deposit and complete it to your specifications and have it ready for you at a later date.  A Gift Certificate gives the recipient the chance to be a part of the process!  

Sue Steiner 

pet portrait and equine artist

Open Studios at Second April

Sue Steiner working on a pet portrait

Belgians Working in the Fields

Cat Painting by Sue Steiner

We had Open Studio today at Second April Art Galerie in downtown Canton.  Several artists who have art studios on the second floor participated.  I brought my current dog potrait to work on.  Dana painted a floral pattern on the jewelry display case in the gallery.  Dana has some beautiful painted furniture for sale in the gallery.  Cindy did henna tatoos and Margie brought in some new jewelry designs.  BZTAT (Vicki Boatright) stopped in for a bit and then went to her studio to work on a new large piece that will be up for the next art show at Second April.  So all in all it was a fun, productive day.  Tomorrow the gallery and studios are open for a special Halloween trick or treat.  Pictures to follow.  :)

Take care!

Sue Steiner

horse, dog and cat paintings

wildlife and Amish themed art

pet portraits

Animals of all sizes and shapes....

The 'Animal Instincts' Art Exhibit in Canton, Ohio featuring some of my art was written up here  by a local art critic.  4 talented, local artists participated and gave a nice range of work from colorful, whimsical more graphic art by Bztat to detailed pencil drawings by Kelli Swan to breathtaking photography by Stephan McNulty.   My art was described as having gestural, expressive brushstrokes.   I am always interested in how others see my art.  I entered several pieces that were painted in an alla prima style in which the paint is applied in quick brushstrokes, 'wet onto wet'.  What is fun about this style is the mixing of the colors on the canvas with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes and how the image evolves almost spontaneously.   

Southwest Style Art, Bull in Oils

On a personal note I have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather by spending some time riding my horses.  The last couple years, as my art has picked up and I've been busy building my pet portrait and art studio business I have not had the time to ride.   I have always known that one passion (art) feeds the other passion  (horses) and visa versa so I decided I was not going to let my riding time slip by.  I believe ultimately that my time spent outside, with my horses and dogs help me to be a better animal artist.  And I also know that the weather we've been enjoying will not last.  Anyways I have had lots of fun doing some bareback riding on my arab mare and getting my arab gelding accustomed to being ridden out of the ring.  He was a former show horse at his previous home and was getting pretty ring sour.  Its been fun showing him a new world and new experiences.  He is responding well and so it is fun to see the changes in him.  

thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Cocker Spaniels painting continues, Lucy and Rosie

Work in progress Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting

I am at the stage of painting the dog on the left where I am adding small details and thin glazes so the changes are as apparent as in the earlier stages but are really the icing on the cake.  A graphic artist, also at Second April Art Galerie will be assisting the owner of these two beautiful dogs in turning prints of this painting when completed into Christmas cards. 

I will be delivering a completed memorial dog portrait (pictured below) this week which will also be a Christmas present.  Again I feel honored when I can play a part in these special gifts which I hope will create wonderful memories. 

 

Memorial Dog Portrait in Oils

Thanks for stopping by.

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

Cocker Spaniels painting, Lucy and Rosie

Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting, a work in progress

There is quite a contrast now between the roughed in dog on the right and the nearly completed buff cocker on the left.  I seem to be going from warm layers to cool layers and back again as I layer this painting.  Right now the buff cocker is definitely more in the cool tones.  After this layer dries I will be bringing more warm tones in again.  I am  beginning to like the spark that is developing in the eyes.  I also am wanting to convey the feeling of softness in their coats. 

The owner of these two dogs wanted them to be painted with their 'happy' expressions.  Cockers have those expressive puppy dog eyes but hopefully the smile and bubbliness is shining thru too.

We are experiencing Indian summer here in NE Ohio.  Oh it was lovely today!  I am getting my barn ready for winter. After spending most of the summer out on the pasture my horses are getting back into the rountine of coming into the barn every day to be fed, groomed and ridden.  Since I have lots of pasture we use the run in shed for the warmer months.  The horses like this too but once the mud and cold come and the grass leaves they need to be fed inside.  So along with the change in the season so is there a change in our schedules.  I had to deal with some rambuctiousness today from my yearling I think in part because of the change in rountine and the cool invigoriating weather.  I am reminded that just like this painting is developing layer by layer so does a horses training-- small baby steps, consistent handling and 'shaping' the environment and expreinces to keep them gently progressing. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet portraits in oil    

Buff and Chocolate Colored Cocker Spaniels in Oil

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress dog painting in oils

I am not quite half way done with this pretty pair of cocker spaniels.  I am working in thin layers of paint to bring richness and depth to the coat and expression. 

The dogs are named Lucy and Rosie.  The painting is 16 x 20 on a cradle board.  I am still developing the colors in the coats so be sure to stay tuned so you can see it completed.  Finished animal art and pet portraits can be seen at my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com/  If you are in the Canton art district be sure to stop by my studio above Second April Art Galerie at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, Ohio

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

colorful dog, cat and horse paintings in oil