The Little Owl, ReDux

So, I did what I said I was going to do - I cut the owl out, and collaged him on a wooden panel.  Funny how deconstructing ones own work takes a huge leap of faith.  I decided to add the daisies as things didn't quite seem full enough in that space.  I'm wishing the bleeding hearts were against the blue sky instead of the brown...but that's something I can do differently next time. You see, as a beginner - I really am optimistic.  I just hope I don't look back in years to come with embarrassment.  For now, for where I stand now, I'm proud and excited about the possibilities. 

I've dedicated this little painting to my son Aidan: my little man who goes at his own pace.  I'm fiercely proud of him too.  My boys are my best work to date.

Again with the Owl and the Pussycat

I guess I get a little obsessed with things.  I've been working on two more paintings of the Owl and the Pussycat.  This time with a purpose:  baby gifts for a friend and a colleague.

First Attempt with Acrylics

This one I started first and finished last:



What I like about this painting: 

The piggy wearing a sailor suit (a happy accident - the way I initially painted it, there was a sloppy bit that looked a little like the tie on the sailor's shirt).

The islands in the background.  Originally I'd painted a lighthouse at the left, but felt it was too much, especially so close to the owl.

The pussycat is drinking tea from a china cup. 

What I did not like:

The owl - I could not decide whether he should be a snowy or a great horned owl.  I've been struggling with him the most.  I debated about a pair of spectacles, but refrained. His head was too big initially so I had to rework it.  I know the owl could  be better, but for now - I give up.

This second painting is different in that it is done on stretched canvas as opposed to canvas board.  I've only painted one miniature on stretched canvas, so this was a fairly new venture.



What I liked about this version:

The boat worked out quite well.

I didn't have to struggle with the owl.

The water has a different shade of blue that I thought worked out well.

The clouds were fun to create.

I also loved the depth of the sides allowing me to extend the scenes to the sides:

That's it for now.  I know the photographs aren't the best, but they serve a purpose anyhow, I suppose.
The boys are waking up now, have to go be a mom now. . .