Lemur Love

I was lucky enough to recently take a trip to Bermuda, island of balmy winds and beautiful beaches. I visited an access all areas zoo where these two lemurs were chillaxing on their information signs. However near I came they glanced dismissively at me through with vivid orange eyes and didn't budge.

It was amazing to get so close to them. As you can see this little guy gave me the cold shoulder. He was probably thinking 'What are you doing in my living room?' But the experience of being so up close and personal was intense and when  I got back I painted this watercolor painting of a Lemur Mommy and Baby.

Lemur Mommy and Baby, watercolor, 30 x 18'

Happy New Year!

Linking up with Paint Party Friday and Brilliant Blog Posts

Pup Pop Art

Here's my latest portrait commission. I call it pup pop art. I used the Sumi-E Japanese watercolors again and was so impressed by the brightness of the hues.

I am running around like a headless chicken trying to get ready for Christmas. I tend to be sick of turkey after Thanksgiving so I am very pleased that an Italian friend is inviting me for Christmas Eve for the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It should be fun and fishy!

Do you celebrate on Christmas Eve like the Europeans or on Christmas Day? What do you like to eat? 

Linking up to Paint Party Friday!

dog paintings for sale

Black Cats and Japanese Watercolors

I was a bit stumped when I thought of creating this portrait of my friend Claire's adorable cats Pumpkin and Pieface. It is difficult to make black fur look as lustrous and lovely as it is in real life.

But then inspiration hit! The time was right to take a virgin flight with my Sumi-E Japanese watercolors. I am always looking for bright, vivid watercolors and I was so excited to find these! What is Sumi-E? I found out that "Sumi" means "black ink" and "e" means both "path" and "painting."

I also used a Japanese watercolor paper that is specifically for Sumi–e painting. This very absorbent paper is ideal for "freestyle" brush painting, a simple yet highly aesthetic drawing made of powerful, mostly chasing and rapidly executed lines.


One day I may well try Japanese painting although you need special brushes. In the meantime I just used a regular brush and put a bright background where the highlights of the cats' fur was and then when it was dry overlaid it with opaque black. My friend was delighted with it!


Have you ever tried Japanese watercolors and how did you like them? I was very pleased with their intense colors.

Linking up with Pet Parade and Paint Party Friday

Stay warm and do check out my new Fine Art America store!!