Young Whitetail SOLD

Young Whitetail 10x8 oil on canvas SOLD

This painting was my donation to the Aspen Wildlife Sanctuary's first online auction. This wonderful facility is world-renowned as a place where injured or orphaned wild animals are rescued and rehabilitated.  With the exception of a few "permanent residents" -- those who unfortunately can never again survive in the wild -- human interaction is kept to a minimum. Over the years, most of the Sanctuary's animals have been successfully returned to their natural habitat. The Aspen Wildlife Sanctuary relies solely on donations, and its volunteer staff often includes young people from around the world.  It's a worthwhile cause, run by people with a true compassion.  You can check out their website at:  http://www.aspenvalley.ca/

Fruit and Bowl

Fruit and Bowl 8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas

This is water-miscible oils on stretched canvas. I've not used my oils in a while, but lately had a hankering for that soft, juicy texture. The subject is a familiar favorite, but what I painted was beside the point. It was the medium not the message that concerned me. I wanted to 'play' with oils for a change.

I paint a lot in acrylics, and there's so much about them that I like. Clean up is quick and easy, no solvents needed, and layers can be added in minutes. Even painting white over black is no problem. I use heavy body acrylics, and keeping them from drying on the palette can be a battle. I get focused on the painting and forget to "spritz" with my spray bottle. The stay-wet palettes don't work for me. In spite of my efforts to get just the right degree of moisture, my paints soon become too fluid.

So, every so often I long for the buttery richness, and slower-drying blendability of oil paints. But since I'm spoiled by the easy clean up of acrylics, I reach for my water-miscible oils.