Evolution of Two Tuxedos

 

Two Tuxedos*    

Session 1-4 ...   12 x 10  Acrylic on canvas. 

Originally there were no flowers planned. I did develop the flowers--reds & roses, but after an overnight got rid of them. 
I also decided to use the following colors only: Napthol Red Light, Yellow Oxide, and Pthalo Blue.  The background was black gesso post-flower debacle, and the tiniest trace of Hansa Yellow Light, Ivory Black & Titanium White was used on their beautiful eyes.  White gesso was used for the whiskers.  It flows so nicely.  (I used acrylic white ink once--that was a disaster.  The stuff wiped right off)

By session 4 everything except my favorite part (eyes) and scariest (whiskers) was finished.
I generally add whiskers only when I feel it enhances the cats, not because of the scary (precision) factor but because they often add nothing for me. And they're scary to do. 

The second photo is (obviously, I hope) the finished piece.   I love this painting.  I love the way they fit together, and I love the way they watch you with their loving eyes.
I think their whiskers are pretty nifty too.

*title subject to change

Sun Bird, Fantasy Original Painting on Canvas

Sunbird is a fantasy girl. She doesn't exist in nature, but she has some fairly close relatives in Mexico, Costa Rica and other exotic paces. Most of all she's hot and will cheer up any place you place her, and warm you on those winter days when you think the sun will never shine again.

Sunbird is 14 x 10 on stretched canvas. Sides are painted, and the piece is varnished for protection and to enhance the brilliance of the colors. As with all of my original pieces, Sunbird is one of a kind.

She is currently available.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/patibannister

Moonrise over Ghost Ranch

A puma and a raven enjoy Moonrise at magical Ghost Ranch in New Mexico.   Everything about the place is magical, so why not?

 

14 x 11 Acrylic on canvas

Presently it is my intention to produce a limited number of prints on canvas.  I am working on a way to share income from all sales (40%) with selected animal rescue groups, so will retain original(s) for the moment. 

 

... and, for those of you interested in such things:  Red Oxide, Acra Red Orange, Yellow Oxide, a pinch of Hansa Yellow Lt, Ultramarine Blue, a bit of Diox Purple & Pthalo Blue.  Last but not least a little Ivory Black & Titanium White.  (I didn't reall have to use the Red Oxide or Hansa but I did. 

I Hate Georgia O'Keeffe (sometimes)

Other than skulls and roses, I frankly did not discover Georgia O'Keeffe until 1987, about a year after her death.  Someone told me my flowers and general point of view reminded them of her and showed me her "100 Flowers" book.  I was floored.  A couple of years later I was in New York and started working on some cityscapes.  At MOMA saw her NY book.  WTH?  More like hers than I could explain.  Talking point of view here.  
Then just a couple of weeks ago I was in her country and fell in love with what I called dancing trees.  Cottonwood stands in winter.  We went to a new exhibit at G O'K Museum in Santa Fe.  YEP.    OK mine won't look like hers, but DAMN!  
So here, from Ghost Ranch where she lived is my newest-to-be. .  I know she never painted an embracing cat/raven at moonrise.   
When I'm feeling woo-woo I think a bit of her spirit  found me after her death ....    
That or she was as absurdly far-sighted and maybe amblyopic as I am.  

Desert Cat

Finished him yesterday.  Now to ready to head West myself!  Shiprock, here I come!  

8x8 Acrylic on canvas

I don't know why it took me so long, but finally I've discovered the joy of acrylic ink for whiskers!

Charlie Blue - Signature Move

Our little Charlie, also known as our Spare Parts Kitty, once a very homely kitten we fostered along with his siblings, and who nobody wanted, has grown into himself over the past several years and is now absolutely adorable and I'm a fool for him.    (His sister Frida Kahlo of the startling monobrow, was adopted by a Frida devotee, and Oliver of the rusty black coat and strange eyebrow & whisker sprouts is still with us and has grown into a silky ebony beauty.)
That said, this is Charlie's signature pose that never fails to grab our attention and additional playtime, treats or smooches, which of course is why he does it.  And yes, much of the time Charlie wears that Worried Man look, though he truly isn't. 

This painting is 6x6, acrylic on canvas. 

Desert Cat -- prepping for Shiprock

The first scribble I did was this ... I am sure the desert-y look relates to our upcoming adventure West.  Those huge ears no doubt relate to the squirrel a Facebook friend has been sharing; the rest of the cat now looks to being on the way to being something of a sand cat, which of course, doesn't live in Four Corners region, but this is my art and I get to decide everything.... 



I'm guessing about 60% complete, possibly a wee bit more.  Acrylic on canvas 8x8.    If you'd like to scribble, you can Google "scribbler too".  Enjoy!

Pati Bannister Original Exotic Bird

My newest ...   Red Crested Purple Breasted Pheasant*   6x6 acrylic on canvas 

* only one in existence, as far as I know

Getting Back Into the Saddle ...

At least I hope so ...   Today I worked on a 6x6 bird piece  ,, 2d session* .. and when it was time to stop for the day, had enough paint on my palette to rough in Chuck.  I knew he was going to be next, but rarely have more than one at a time going.   A former art instructor, way back in time, was fierce about waste, so as much as possible, I try not to.  Not always easy with acrylics, particularly when working small scale. 
I'm hopeful here that these will both make the grade.   

 

*sessions particularly in winter are usually only a couple of hours...fingers & shoulder object too much otherwise most days.

I Got No Lap To Hold Me Blues

The second of the Saturday Scumble pieces. 

 "I Got No Lap to Hold Me Blues"   Those of us blessed with cats have all seen this look.  It's the one we get when they know we aren't going to invite them up,  OR when we've just set them down and they can tell what comes next does not involve food (for them).  

 



Acrylic on canvas, 6 x 4 inches.  Palette:  Cadmium Red Light and Medium, Yellow Oxide, Pthalo, Cerulean and Cobalt blue, Cobalt Violet; Ivory Black and Titanium Dioxide White. 

Did Someone Just Open the Refridgerator?

Charlie and Jake, ever hopeful, just about to start the grooming-to-slapping game, are suddenly alert to a sound which could mean yummies!

 



Acrylic on 5 x 7 stretched canvas.  Palette:  Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Red Medium, Yellow Oxide, Yellow-Orange Azo; Ivory Black; Titanium Dioxide.