Man's Best Friend

"Man's Best Friend"

24" x 18"

Oil on Museum Quality Panel

Private Collection

This commissioned painting is going to be a gift from the client to her husband for Father's Day. He is a civil war buff and she wanted to include the cannon, her husband, and their dog in the painting. The challenge; however, was to compose this piece from separate photographs! She was trusting my judgment, so with no direction, I was nervously hoping I could convey what she had in mind. Since I was basically at liberty to do whatever I pleased, I decided to throw in the "pup" tent and flag for added effect. Then I held my breath and crossed my fingers waiting for her response. 

Thankfully, (huge sigh of relief), she loved it! : )

I decided to title the painting "Man's Best Friend" because as I sat thinking about war and all the reasons humans fight...power, freedom, justice, money etc. the truth is, no one really "wins" when you realize what was "lost" to gain that victory. Where humans can be fueled by emotions such as hatred, revenge and betrayal, a dog on the other hand is all about unconditional love and loyalty. Regardless of our flaws, a dog will stick by it's owner's side with heartfelt devotion until the day they die.  

Below are some interesting quotes from famous people on the topic of war:

“Lest I keep my complacent way I must remember somewhere out there a person died for me today. As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer was I worth dying for?” 

― Eleanor Roosevelt

“All wars are civil wars because all men are brothers... Each one owes infinitely more to the human race than to the particular country in which he was born.” 
― François Fénelon

“It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.” 
― Aristotle

“I am afeard there are few die well that die in battle, for how can they charitably dispose of anything when blood is their argument?” 
― William Shakespeare, Henry V

“We are going to have peace even if we have to fight for it.” 
― Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The parties with the most gain never show up on the battlefield.” 
― Naomi Klein, The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” 
― Winston Churchill

“It is the oldest ironies that are still the most satisfying: man, when preparing for bloody war, will orate loudly and most eloquently in the name of peace.” 
― Alan Moore, Watchmen

“In Peace, Sons bury their Fathers. In War, Fathers bury their Sons.” 
― Herodotus

“I love the name of honor, more than I fear death” 
― Julius Caesar

“Once you hear the details of victory, it is hard to distinguish it from a defeat.” 
― Jean-Paul Sartre

“I don't remember Moses writing, 'Thou shalt not kill.. unless you think you have a good reason.” 
― Willie Nelson, The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart

“If we don't end war, war will end us.” 
― H.G. Wells

“War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate” 
― Marvin Gaye

Have a beautiful day friends...and don't forget to show your dog some love! : )

I Think I Can

"I Think I Can"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

18"x 14"
Private Collection

Click here to purchase a print of this image.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I started this painting almost a year ago but it never felt quite right, so I tucked it away. Yesterday I decided to dig it back out and give it another go. This is a painting of one of my sweethearts Evelyn. It was her very first day riding her bike without training wheels. As you can see she was quiet nervous, but dad did a great job of giving directions. They had already been practicing when I arrived at the park and she was so excited to show me what daddy had taught her. As I pulled out the camera she said "Watch this mom!" and hopped on the bike. She got off to a wobbly start, then got it under control. She circled around and I was cheering away while snapping photos. As I looked over at dad he was choked up with pride, it was one of those unforgettable moments. Until the next moment when I looked back at Evie and...BAM...she had smacked right into a tree! It was like a record coming to a screeching halt. I ran over to ask if she was okay and she said "Yep, I'm fine.", "Dad told me to stop like that if I needed to." Apparently my husbands first bike didn't have brakes, so this was the alternate method of stopping! Of course he did tell her that using her brakes was the best method and should always be the first choice in stopping the bike. : )

Wishing all of you a wonderful day filled with LOVE for your family and friends!

"I'm Doing It!"

"The Tree"

"Happy Ending"

Summer Paddle

"Summer Paddle"

in Oil on Museum Quality Panel

14" x 11"

SOLD

The 30 day challenge ended last week and this is my first post challenge painting. After being away from home for two weeks I needed a bit of time to unpack and re-group. 

This painting is for my father-in-law's upcoming 70th birthday, (sssshhhh...it's a surprise!) This is one of his custom built canoes and they were christening it with a paddle around the lake. He is quite a talented fellow, as he has built several beautiful homes, canoes, and also takes special requests for custom knives on a regular basis. Not to mention the various projects like furniture, gazebos, and pretty much whatever you can think of. 

He tried to steal the painting I made for my husband's birthday, so I thought I should give him one of his own. : )

Happy Birthday Papa Brewer!!!

The Art of Life

 "So Precious"

 "Bright Eyes"

 "Peaceful Moment"

 "Sweet Feet"

 "Feeling Blessed"

 "Grandma's First Kiss"

"3 Generations"

Loraina Marie O'Neill

2-1-13

7lbs. 4oz

For those of you who have been following my blog you know we have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of our granddaughter. We were camped out at my daughter's house for two weeks as she had sporadic contractions throughout. It was a hectic time between trying to complete a painting every day for the 30 day challenge, homeschooling away from home, chasing after my 2 year old grandson and sleep deprivation due to sleeping on an air mattress! 

Little Lolo decided that she didn't want grandma to miss a day of painting so she waited patiently until the very end. Of course all of the hubbub was worth it and on Friday morning we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl.

I realize this is not a blog about a painting, but it is definitely about life's greatest work of art..and I did play a part in this creation. ; )

Have a wonderful evening!

30 Paintings in 30 Days- Ta Da!

30 Paintings in 30 Days- A look back...

So here we are at the end. Or is it just the beginning? 

: )