This dog is not happy to be dragged into this crazy, swirly, loud movement of waves.  His owner is trying to convince him but it is a no-go as far as he is concerned.  It was a good idea on the drawing board, but alas, it doesn't always work out.

12"x12" oil SOLD

This is a painting of Carol and her cousin Heidi.  Today Carol and Heidi are undergoing surgery to remove one of Carol's kidneys to give to Heidi.  What a brave and generous act of love! This painting was commissioned in part to honor that event.   My main concern was to capture the posture and attitude of the ladies in an environment that suggests their family summer home.  Carol is a dynamic and very talented woman who is capable of enviable yoga poses!  I do not know Heidi, but I am sure she is as beautiful as she looks.  This painting is a compilation of many photo references.  It was probably my most challenging commission so far.
If you would like to commission a painting please email me at chrisholzsch@hotmail.com.

Happy As a Sailor, Just Me and My Dog

6"x6" oilClick to Bid

I know, the title is bigger than the painting!  It is from lyrics from a silly song about a dog. 

Woof!

6"x6" oil

Carol Browne another artist, posted a photo of her dog with the request that others interpret it in their style.  I thought he was so cute, so I  jumped on the band wagon and whipped this out.  The second image is the first layer of paint I put down, just to give you an idea of how I start a painting

Day 4 Slate - X-Country Skiing

11x14"  Acrylic on slate

This is inspired by a photo posted by Penny Kipley from a Cross Country Ski day, I believe in Colorado.  I painted it on slate, as I am doing this entire month for the 30 in 30 challenge sponsored by Leslie Saeta.  I loved the original photo which told a story and had all the lovely elements of value contrast between the snow and trees, and the zooming distance implied by the trail.  I, of course, used it as inspiration and then did what I thought was necessary to make it a fun painting.  Photography and painting are two different art forms and need to be respected as such.  Thank you Penny!

Morning Coffee

6"x6" oil

Lovely place to enjoy morning coffee with their pouch.  It is actually from Brookfield, VT, and they are watching those fishing from the floating bridge, which should be a subject for another day.  If I owned that dock however, I would put some Adirondack chairs on it.

Early Morning Walk

8"x10" oil

20 minute painting....just to get the gist....

Wesley

6"x6" oil SOLD

This is the last of a series of commissions I did.  I learned a lot by doing several in a row, but I am ready to move on to other things.  I have a number of projects pending, it is just a matter of choosing which one to do first.  It is good to be busy and focused...right? I think I need to set up a big board to list my projects....white board?  bulletin board?  or chalk board?  m-m-m-m

There is a glare on this.  I usually photograph my work with my studio doors open but it is too cold right now for that, so I need to create a different set-up for getting good photos. 

Sally

6"x6" oil SOLD

Tristen

6"x6" oil  SOLD

He's a cutie!

Eden

6"x6"  oil

This is Eden. She is a really pretty dog who is an inky black.  I haven't met her except through photos.  She was a real challenge for me to paint because the photos didn't show a lot of variation or detail.  After I thought I was done, I looked at it through a mirror.  I frequently forget to do this and it is such a great tool for seeing what isn't right.  I immediately saw a place I hadn't drawn quite right.  I highly encourage you if you are an artist to use this tool, especially if you are struggling with your work.  This was a commission and is SOLD.
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Rufus 6"x6" oil

I didn't make many changes to this one...a little more color and a few value changes...it looks more like Rufus. NFS

Rufus oil 6"x6"

This was a fun value study because I was able to stay really loose with my brushwork.  I used Transparent red medium, white and indigo on this one.  I am going to go back in and change the colors and values a little, but I wanted to try and stick with 3 values for this, but not have it look like puzzle pieces.
NFS

Come On, Guys! oil 6"x6" animal, figurative $100

The intense shadow caught my eye...and the story represented...I kept this really loose.

Toby 1 oil 6"x6" animal portrait #366

This was fun to paint.  I will probably be doing more of him so I called it Toby 1.
SOLD

Rusty animal portrait oil 4"x4" #342