Suzy Schaefer

Fox Hunting

2012-02-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

I have painted several fox hunting scenes but, as I line them up to analyze them, I noticed that all were painted in warm values. I wanted to challenge myself to see what it would be like to paint the scene in all cool values. It's pleasing. I like it. Tally Ho !

6x8 oil on canvas board $100

Fox Hunt Dogs at Work

2012-02-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

The Hunting Dogs categorised as Scent Hounds specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It was not necessary for Scent Hounds to be as fast and agile as Sighthounds - they do not need to keep their quarry in sight. Scent hounds as Hunting Dogs are built for endurance. They can follow a scent for long distances and even across running water. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose as Hunting Dogs. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail - a major asset for one of the Hunting Dogs.

6x8 oil on canvas board. $100

Start of the Hunt

2012-02-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is the part of fox hunting that catches my artist eye. The gorgeous horses, the eager and very active dogs and the handsome and traditional outfits of the hunters.

6x8 oil on canvas $100

The Whipper-in

2012-02-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

The Whipper-in are the huntsman's right-hand man. Some hunts have more than one, they may be a professional or an amateur (not paid wages). Their job is to aid the huntsman, while hunting hounds, by keeping the pack together, collecting stray and straggling hounds, helping to sight the fox and keeping followers away from the hounds.

6x8 oil on canvas board $100

The Blessing of the Hounds

2012-02-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

Few sports are as steeped in tradition as Fox Hunting. And few of Fox Hunting's traditions are as revered as the Blessing of the Hounds.
According to lore, the Blessing of the Hounds dates back to the seventh or eighth century, when Saint Hubert [Hubert of Liege (656-727)] apparently a bit of a rascal, and devoted hunter, had a spiritual awakening on the morning of a hunt. As a result of this experience, he dedicated his life to God and the Church and the Blessing of the Hounds became part of the tradition of the Hunt.

8x10 oil on canvas board $175

Hay Stack

2012-01-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

This is a painting I did on a new support for me. It's called: Ampersand Gessobord (3/4 Inch Deep Cradle). It's a 6x6 inch wooden hardwood box that has gesso on the front surface that is the support for the art work. I bought it out of curosity from a near by art store and selected a small image to paint on it. I like it and would buy another one. The unique part, is that the 3/4 inch sides enable the painting to be free standing if you choose to do so.

Fox Hunters

2012-01-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

I love painting horses, dogs and people so here is the ideal subject for me. I tried to capture the action and the excitement of everyone envolved. The Master of the hounds leads the fox hunters with the dogs running back and forth trying to get the scent of a fox. There is something about the bright red jackets that makes for a colorful painting.

8x10 oil on canvas board $175

War Horse

2012-01-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

I recently saw the movie War Horse and wanted to do a portarit of the horse from the movie so here is a portrait of two of stars of the film, young Albert and his beloved Joey

6x8 oil on canvas board $100

Pack Mule

2012-01-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

With its short thick head, long ears, thin limbs, small narrow hooves, and short mane, a mule makes a wonderful subject to paint on a small canvas. This little guy has his pack saddle on but is taking a break before he is loaded up with his pack bags filled with the load he will carry. An aficionado of the mule claims that they are "more patient, sure-footed, hardy and long-lived than horses, and they are considered less obstinate, faster, and more intelligent than donkeys."

6x8 oil on canvas board $100

Wash Day

2011-12-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

Every Monday when I do my wash, I am thankful for the connivance of my washing machine and my dryer. What a job this lovely lady has to go through for clean clothes.

6x8 oil on canvas board
For purchase contact suzyschaefer@att.net

Bulldog

2011-12-29T14:07:00.001-08:00

This was just too adorable a face not to do a portrait in oil. Wouldn't you just like to pinch those cheeks and give that face a kiss!

6x8 oil on board
For sale suzyschaefer@att.net

Snooker Shark

2011-10-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

Snooker is a game similar to pool but with different rules that only the English could have come up with. Balls Used: Set of Snooker balls: fifteen object balls that are not numbered and are solid red (called reds), six object balls of other colors that are not numbered (called colors) and a cue ball (called the white ball). Point values for object balls: red-1, yellow-2, green-3, brown-4, blue-5, pink-6, black-7. I find pool difficult enough to play but I think this game would be impossible. If I had to bet on this particular game, I would bet on this young man.

6x8 oil on canvas board $175

2011-10-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Cord was the brand name of a United States automobile manufactured by the Auburn Automobile Company from 1929 through 1932 and again in 1936 and 1937.
The Cord Corporation was founded and run by E.L. Cord as a holding company for his many transportation interests, including Auburn. The Cord was noted for its innovative technology and streamlined design. I loved going with my Father to classic car meets on the weekend and this was a car I loved looking at at every show.

6x8 oil on canvas board $175

Red House

2011-10-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Since we have no snow here in San Diego, this painting was done from a photo reference. I loved the cosy look of this home and it's location in the woods. 6x8 oil on canvas board. $175

Goldfintch

2011-10-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

I love these very colorful little birds. I have a feeder outside my studio and enjoy watching them eating nyjer seed. They hang from the mesh that contains the seed and sometimes seem to be hanging upside down as they peck away. At times, there up to nine or more of them eating at once.

6x8 oil on canvas board. $175

2011-10-21T14:01:00.001-07:00

ALL PAINTINGS ON THESE PAGES ARE FOR SALE
EACH 6X8 INCH PAINTING IS $175 PLUS SHIPPING AND CALIFORNIA SALES TAX FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
FOR MORE PARTICULARS, CONTACT THE ARTIST AT SUZYSCHAEFER@ATT.NET

Ocean Pier

2011-10-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

There is something hypnotic about watching waves roll in and hitting the pylons of the pier. Here I've also added the surfer going out to catch some waves and enjoy the beach.
6x8 oil on canvas board. $175 shipped

Stutz Bearcat

2011-10-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

I love looking at antique cars and this Stutz Bearcat is a beauty. I can just picture Clark Gable and Carol Lombard racing down the Sunset Strip going for a quiet dinner at the Brown Derby.

6x8 oil on canvas board. $175 shipped

Rothenburg

2011-10-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a town on the Romantic Road in Bavaria Germany, about halfway in between Frankfurt and Munich. It is known for its medieval Altstadt, seemingly untouched by the passage of time, encircled by the undamaged 14th-century town wall. In the Middle Ages, Rothenburg ob der Tauber was a free imperial city, reaching its apex of prosperity under Burgermeister Heinrich Toppler in the 15th century with a large population of 6,000 -- much larger than Frankfurt and Munich at that time. Now Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a small town and a big tourist attraction.
6x8 oil on canvas board. $175

Framed Painting

2011-09-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

With your purchase there is included a smart looking box frame. The box is one and a half inches thick which will allow you to set the art work up on a table or bookshelf. Of course, the hook on the back also enables you to hang the painting on a wall too.

6"x8" oil on board $175

French Bulldog

2011-09-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

As soon as I saw this photograph of a French Bulldog puppy, I had to do a dogie portrait of him.
All puppies are cute but this face is adorable.
6x8 inch oil on board.....for sale $175

2011-09-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

ALL PAINTINGS ON THESE PAGES ARE FOR SALE

EACH 6X8 INCH PAINTING IS $175 PLUS SHIPPING AND CALIFORNIA SALES TAX FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

FOR MORE PARTICULARS, CONTACT THE ARTIST AT SUZYSCHAEFER@ATT.NET

2011-09-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

When I saw Roman Holiday in 1953 all I could think about was how much fun it would be to go to Europe and ride around on a Vespa. But,alas, it never happened, but here is the Vespa I would have been riding around on during my adventure.
For sale $175
6x8 inch oil on canvas board

Wood Shed

2011-09-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

This was just a fun little painting to do where I played around with light, shadow and saturated pigments to create a colorful image.

It's for sale: $175

a 6x8 inch oil on canvas board.

Watch Repair

2011-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, one of the things I loved about Woolworth's' was the watchmaker. His stall was in the corner of the store and I would always go over to see what he was doing. It fascinated me to see him at work. I wonder where all the watch repairmen are today? Not at Woolworth's, they closed in 1997.

For Sale $175 oil on canvas board.contact the artist suzyschaefer@att.net

The First Turn

2011-08-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

During a horse race, a jockey wears a colorful jacket and hat. These are called jockey silks or racing colors. Every racehorse owner has a unique pattern for their silks and the owner has to register their colours with a company called 'Weatherbys'. If they're not too bunched up, you can tell where a horse is in a race by looking at the colours and patterns of the silks worn by the jockey. In this painting, I've tried to capture the action of the horses and bright color of the racing silks and helmets.

6x8 oil PRICE $175 contact artist suzyschaefer@att.net

Dry Dock

2011-08-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

I wanted to paint something completely different from anything I have painted before so I decided this photo reference of a ship in dry dock would be fun to tackle.6x8 oil on panel

PRICE $175contact artist suzyschaefer@att.net

Going to Work

2011-08-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

My fascination with farm equipment intrigued me to do this painting. And I admire the farmer too who works hard in his fields to to enable us to put food on our table. The flags represent his pride in our country.
6x8 oil on panel

PRICE $175 contact artist suzyschaefer@att.net

The Starting Gate

2011-08-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this subject matter that I had to do another "starting gate" painting. This racehorse has two pushers and one puller to urge him in the gate.

6x8 oil on panel

PRICE $175

contact artist suzyschaefer@att.net

Starting Gate

2011-08-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

I was at the morning workout at the Del Mar racetrack last week to photograph the horses. When my cameras battery pooped out I had time to really notice all the other activities that go on at a track. I've painted the front of the starting gate with the horses bolting out but what goes on at the backside of that gate. Loading the horses is a big and dangerous activity that requires many men to accomplish.

Here is my 6x8 oil of the starting gate.

PRICE $175 contact artist suzyschaefer@att.net

Bear and Friends

2011-06-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Since my last painting had beautiful Fall colors I decided to use the same pallet with a different subject. This bear and his friends just fit right in with the color scheme I was looking for.
6x8 oil on panel PRICE $175
contact artist suzyschaefer@att.net

Farmhouse in Winter

2011-06-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

Here in San Diego we don't see landscapes like this, so when I found this photo I wanted to see what I could do with the lighting and the Fall colors.

Forest Walk

2011-03-06T15:24:00.000-08:00

This is another painting that has a "pathway" as its subject. It reminds me of a walk my Daughter and Grandson and I took to a fishing spot in Wyoming. Happy memories!

6x8 oil on canvas board

Sheltered Harbor

2011-03-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't tackled a boat painting for awhile so when I saw this photo of a sailboat anchored in a beautiful quite harbor, it became my next challenge. I was drawn to the light that silhouettes the boat because of the warm peaceful feeling it gave me. Capturing that light being reflected into the water, from the forest in the background, and the reflected light on the water, from the boat itself, were important elements in this painting for me. I have no idea what class of sailboat this is, but it appears to have been on many exciting voyages.
6x8 oil on canvas board

Mule Team

2011-02-17T10:52:00.000-08:00

This is one of those nostalgic images that illustrates the way it used to be. Plowing the field using "mule power". It is fun for me to once in awhile reflect on a slower paced life. This is a very small 5x7 inch oil on canvas board.

Wooden Crossing

2011-02-17T10:45:00.001-08:00

The lighting was what I wanted to capture here. Warm light in the background illuminating the wooden bridge and lots of cool reflections in the stream below.

6x8 oil on canvas board

Country Road

2011-02-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

This image appealed to me because of the big puffy clouds and the simple little farm scene. I can imagine that the little cottage is warm and cosy with the fireplace burning.

6x8 oil on canvas board

Stepping Stones

2011-02-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

I am working on a series paintings with a common theme. I call the series Pathways. When I found this photo of these kids walking on a pathway of stepping stones I couldn't wait to put paint to canvas. Now it's back to the drawing board and see what I can come up with next.

Boardwalk

2011-02-07T14:37:00.001-08:00

I want to do a series of paintings that have pathways as a theme of the image. My last posting was of a pathway into a forest and this pathway is along a seascape. Now, lets see what I can come up with that interests me.
6x8 oil on canvas board.

The Trail

2011-02-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

I love looking at paintings where I can imagine myself transported into them and enjoying the surroundings. I think this path would be fun to wander down and explore awhile in the woods and beyond.
6x8 oil on board

Cooling Off

2011-01-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

The other day, trying to find some reference photos of horses, I came across this one that I had taken years ago at the Del Mar racetrack. Looking at it for awhile got me inspired to do a painting of the image. So here it is, an 8x10 oil on canvas board

Wolly One

2011-01-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here in my studio and thinking "what a nice warm sweater could be knitted from this wool" and that's why I enjoyed painting it. Probably not the subject matter I'd think about in August.

Glass Globe Gas Pump

2010-12-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a little history on the gas pump.
The first gasoline pump was invented and sold by Sylvanus F. Bowser in Fort Wayne Indiana on September 5, 1885. This pump was not used for automobiles, as they had not been invented yet. It was instead used for some kerosene lamps and stoves. He later improved upon the pump by adding safety measures, and also by adding a hose to directly dispense fuel into the automobiles. Many early pumps had a calibrated glass cylinder on top. The desired quantity of fuel was pumped into the cylinder as indicated by the calibration. Then the pumping was stopped and the gasoline was let out into the customers tank by gravity. When meter pumps came into use, a small glass globe with a turbine inside replaced the measuring cylinder but assured the customer that gasoline really was flowing into the tank.
6x8 oil on panel

Draft Horse

2010-12-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

I love Draft horses! They are spectacular beasts and crowd pleasers wherever they go. Drafts and draft crosses can make the perfect trail horse, carriage horse, or show horse. Their willingness to work and quiet pleasant disposition come out in every cross breeding. No one can deny the grace and gentleness of these noble steeds, that were the original warhorse of knights. I tried to capture this in my painting.
6x8 oil on canvas board. sold

Visiable Gas Pumps

2010-11-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

I remember going to Colorado as a child in the late 1940's and driving into a gas station with these visible gas pumps. I loved watching the gas being filled into the cylinder by manually pumping the side handle. The glass tanks held 10 gallons and cost 0.21 cents a gallon. Once the glass cylinder was filled, gravity fed the fuel from the pump to your car. We've come a long way from the "good old days".
6x8 oil on canvas board

Yellow Cab

2010-11-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

I've always thought that Yellow Cabs were adorable and when I found this photo reference I just had to paint its portrait. This one is especially cute because of the grill, the chrome bumper and the running boards.

6x8 oil on board

Camping Tents

2010-11-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be fun to paint the same subject several times so I chose camping tents. I came up with the tent idea when I watched Oprah and her friend Gayle go camping in Yosemite on TV the other day. Of course, their pop up tent was much more glamorous than these, but I like the color that a canvas tent has to offer when the sunlight hits it

Here are three 6x8 oil paintings of camping tents

Old Gas Pumps

2010-11-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

I love the look of these two gas pumps, still standing tall at the curb, where they had once been a convenience to drivers years ago. The pumps of today are faster and sleeker but these pumps had a certain friendly sound, as they did their job, that can never, in my mind be replaced.
6x8 oil on board

Babe and Farmer Hoggett

2010-11-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

I love painting portraits of people and animals. When I ran across a publicity photo from the movie Babe, with the farmer and his prize pig, I went right to work capturing their images. I think Farmer Hoggett ( is there a pun there?) who was played by James Cromwell is a very handsome man and Babe, well what more do I have to say, but adorable!
6x8 oil on canvas board sold

Poultry Alarm

2010-10-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

With another rainy day here at home. I wanted to paint something colorful. This crowing rooster has all the colors of the rainbow which was fun to paint. The feathers were the real challenge and fun to tackle with this old bird. sold

Teamwork

2010-10-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

I recently saw the movie Secretariat and was moved by relationship that exists between a racehorse and the people who work with them. I cropped this reference photo so I could show the common cause that a jockey and horse have to win a race. They both have their eyes on the finish line and the heart to get there first.

Melon and Peaches

2010-10-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Something bright and colorful is what I wanted to paint. So, I chose a silver coffee pot, a slice of cantaloupe and a couple of peaches. I think I'll paint a colorful crowing rooster for my next victim.

Low Tide

2010-10-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

These gloomy rainy days make me paint in low key soft colors. When we finally have some brighter sunnier days, I should go back to this area and repaint it in the sunshine. Maybe I should set up a still life with lots of bright light and paint something colorful!

Thristy

2010-10-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot of rain on and off here and little puddles have still not completely dried up. Here is a painting of a thristy cat using one of the puddles as her natural water dish . 6x8 oil on canvas board.

Cowboy and Draft Horse

2010-10-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

I had another reference photo of the same cowboy.
This time he was curry combing his draft horses which
turned into an interesting painting. 6x8 oil on canvas board.

Cowboy

2010-10-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a working

cowboy moving some supplies the old fashioned way... with his draft horse and wagon. I loved the light casting wonderful shadows that defined the figure. 6x8 oil on board

Dump Truck

2010-10-14T16:28:00.001-07:00

I love interesting vehicles so this old dump truck was a subject I wanted to paint. The late afternoon sun made for warm yellow light so I chose to use a cool green for the trucks paint job. I like the way it turned out and will try to find another truck to paint and handle differently.

Repeating the Same Subject

2010-09-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

I love cactus so this was a fun theme to paint over and over. Even though the subject is the same, each one is so different from the another that it made it interesting.

Country Farm

2010-09-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a quaint farm scene that appealed to me because of the composition. Lots of repeating triangles that take your eye all around the subject. You go from house to house, to hay bales, back to the family graveyard. When I looked at the painting again, after I had posted it, I thought it looked like it was missing something. Since I love to put people in my paintings I added the farm boy and his dog to give it more life. I like it much better now.

6x8 oil on board.

Red Barn

2010-09-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

I had a photo of a red barn at sunset with fresh bales of hay in the foreground. The time of day is late afternoon when the barn in the background was in very low cool light and the hay bales were still in warm sunlight. I think it made for a interesting little 6x8 inch oil painting.

Boy Fishing

2010-09-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

This started out to be a landscape painting but then I decided it needed some human interest so I added the dock and the boy fishing. I think, now that I look at it again, his rod is big enough to bring in a swordfish. Oh well, I'll fix it later or maybe I like it that way. There is a fisherman's saying that goes"big bait, big fish" so maybe that holds true for big rods as well.

Canadian Red Bus

2010-09-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

When we toured the Canadian Rockies a few years back I was fascinated by these red buses. I had first seen one when I, as a little girl, went through my Grandmothers vacation photos. She and my Grandfather had taken the "Red Bus Tour" while vacationing in the Glacier National park many years ago.
I have since learned that the White Motor Company, between 1936 and 1938, built glacier’s red-with-black trim vehicles. This fleet of Red Buses is considered the oldest intact fleet of passenger carrying vehicles anywhere. These 17 passenger convertible touring sedans are cherished, elegant icons of Glacier National Park. With their multiple doors and rollback canvas tops, the Reds are a sight to see. Here is my 6x8 oil portrait of the "Red Bus".

San Juan Capistrano Mission

2010-08-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

The Mission of San Juan Capistrano is beautiful and this day, the garden was spectacular. All the roses were in full bloom and the humming birds and butterflies were delighting in the nectar that the flowers were providing for them. There were three artists who were painting this view so I took a photo and painted from this reference shot back in my studio. Someday I will travel up again and bring my easel to paint right in the garden as well.

San Juan Capistrano Relic

2010-08-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

My daughter and grandson and I went on the train to San Juan Capistrano last week to see the historic Mission. After we had done a tour of the Mission, we had a delicious lunch at a little Mexican restaurant right across the street. When lunch was over we walked around and found a petting zoo just west of the station. Alpacas,llamas, pigs, goats, sheep...are real zoo right there in Capistrano. As we were walking back to the station, to wait for our train, I found this wonderful old home and took a snapshot because I thought it would make a fun painting. Imagine if those walls could talk I bet they would have a lot of history to tell us about the area. 6x8 oil on panel

San Diego Botanic Garden

2010-08-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Botanic Garden is having a two day fundraiser this weekend and I am going to participate this year. I and am hoping the weather will cooperate for all of us and not be too hot or too cold. This summer has been crazy so there is no telling. At one point in the planned activities there will be an auction and the artists were asked to donate a piece. I decided to paint the Victorian Gazebo that is on the grounds and add some people to give it a little human interest.

I hope it sells well!

Hotel Del

2010-08-09T12:45:00.001-07:00

This was the other painting I did that would remind one of San Diego. It's the famous Hotel Del and located on Coronado Island. It's a very unique looking building with its bright roofs and a beach that stretches forever. It was a little challenging to paint because I kept it on a 6x8 inch canvas board.

Coronado Bridge

2010-08-09T12:39:00.001-07:00

This painting is going to end up in Texas as a wedding gift for a couple who came to San Diego for a visit recently. The gift giver was looking for an image that would remind them of their trip here and I thought....Coronado Bridge or the Hotel Del. This is the painting that was chosen.

Border Collie

2010-08-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

The workaholic of the dog world, the Border Collie is the world’s premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct and working ability. Medium-sized and athletic, the breed controls stock with stalking movement and an intense gaze known as "eye. This dog has just finished corralling a herd of sheep into a pen following it's handlers signals in record time. So now, a cooling off dip in a water bucket is his deserving reward.

Rowboat

2010-08-02T16:55:00.001-07:00

There was something that so appealed to me about this little rowboat that I felt like capturing it on a 6x8 inch canvas. It had definitely seen years of service for its owner and still looked like it could be of service for many more. Ahoy there you darling little dingy.

Dakota's Horse

2010-07-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Our whole family went to Wyoming for a week and stayed at dude ranch called Spotted Horse. The Ranch had lots of horses and wonderful guided trial rides that took you into the scenic mountains. Dakota was one of the wranglers at the Ranch and she rode a gorgeous little paint that posed for me by the barn one day. I promised I would paint a picture for her and here is the finished work. 6x8 oil on canvas board.

Spotted Horse Ranch

2010-07-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

We took a family vacation in July to Jackson Hole Wyoming and stayed at the Spotted Horse Ranch for a week. It was a wonderful spot and full of interesting things to do so finding time to complete some plein air painting was tricky. My son and I are both artists, and we decided to give up a couple of horseback rides and go out with our painting gear to have some fun. There is no end to the scenic vistas to commit to canvas in Jackson, so the sky is the limit as far as subject matter. This was a tent that was permanently set up at the ranch over in an wooded area where we ate two of our evening meals. I painted this 6x8 canvas board image when the afternoon sun was making some interesting light patterns on the tarp roof.

Spotted Horse Ranch

2010-07-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here was a painting I did of a waterfall called Granite Falls. This location was an adventure to get to in itself. A few miles up the road from Spotted Horse Ranch we made a left hand turn but then slowed down to about ten miles an hour and traveled nine miles on a winding all dirt and road. When we finally got to the the Falls, it was visible from our parking location and was gorgeous. We could see right off it was going to be fun to paint. However, to get to the ideal painting location we had to walk a ways and descend a very steep hillside.

8x10 "Duo aqua oil" on board

Spotted Horse Ranch

2010-07-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

One morning we headed out from Spotted Horse Ranch to a cute little area called Moose. We started out early from the Ranch because it was about a forty five minute drive to our destination. We arrived at nine thirty but were told that we had to wait until ten when they allowed us to set up our easels on the roof top eating area of the local restaurant. The morning was a little overcast and the mountain peaks were hidden beneath the clouds but as the time passed the clouds disappeared and were able to see the entire range.

I think if we had had more time, we could have pulled out another canvas and painted several different views from the same roof top.

The Gentleman

2010-06-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

There is a local fair going on at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and it is sponsoring a miniature painting contest. The rules say that the painting cannot exceed 7 inches in any direction so since I had a 5x7 inch canvas I used it to paint a rather eccentric looking gentleman. It may not win but it gets me a free ticket into the fair so I figure it's now got a value of $10.

And They're Off

2010-06-25T11:36:00.001-07:00

There is something that fascinates me about a race track. The brilliantly colored jockey silks, the gorgeous horses and the diversified crowd of people. I usually don't tackle this many horses on one canvas but this time I wanted to capture the action at the start of a race. Who knows who will win but my money is on gate number two.

Self Portrait

2010-06-20T14:32:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I see if I can tackle a self portrait. This time I decided to use a posterized pallet of colors and you know what, I like it. If I squint way down it looks pretty good. Try it and see what you think.

2010-05-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

I love painting a portrait of a sweet face. Here is a painting I did from a photograph of a complete stranger. I do wish, as I look into her face, that I could sit down with her and have a chat over a cup of tea. Oh, the stories I'm sure she could tell.

2010-05-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

I love painting horses so when I found a reference photo of a French Percheron I couldn't resist puting oil to canvas and capturing the look of this breed. This horse is one of the most docile and good-natured of any breed, yet in no way showing any sign of sluggishness or dullness. In stables, or out in the dense town traffic, nothing appears to upset them. Immediately drawn to the powerful lines, shaping muscular bodies that showed great prowess and strength, I found this painting fun to do.

6x8 oil on canvas board

2010-04-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

I went up to Oceanside Harbor and painted looking back at the shops and a peek at the boat slips that are there. I couldn't get it entirely painted on location so some of this painting is done from a photograph I took and worked from at my studio the next day. I liked the lighting on the buildings when I started and from the photograph was able to capture that again to finish the painting.

8x10 oil on canvas board

2010-04-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

I recently saw a photograph of a Plymouth "woodie" and it brought back memories of my Grandmother's car. I was 10 or 11 at the time and I thought that she had the greatest car I had ever seen on the road. The early Plymouth wagons were called "woodies" because of their construction--some were called depot hacks. Mostly they were just called station wagons. It's a name that stuck--nothing exciting, just a good, plain descriptive title for a multi-passenger, cargo carrying motor vehicle which is a classic today.

My Neighbor's House

2010-03-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

For Christmas my husband got me a series of plein air painting lessons. Our group met on Sunday for eleven weeks and painted all over San Diego. I loved the experience because I had done very little painting outside my studio. I will definitely take the class again but I feel I must go out and work on my own for awhile to see what I have learned so far. For my first subject, I chose to paint the house across the street from us. I'm still a little shy to stray too far away from home but there are plenty of opportunities very near me to paint which will give me some experience.

Industrial Buildings

2010-03-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

There was something about this industrial city scape that appealed to me. I wanted to capture the look of two proud old buildings that had seen years of service. I enjoyed the painting process on this 8x10 canvas.

2010-02-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

I've been taking a class in Plein Air painting and our group has gone to several sea scape locations these past few weeks. I've been trying very hard to study wave patterns, ocean colors, and rock formations and I must say it's intriguing but not every easy. I took the easy way out and painted this canvas from a photo.

Horse Power

2010-02-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

There is nothing more nostalgic for me to see than a farmer doing a job the old fashioned way. That's why this painting is of a farmer plowing his field with real "horse power".

Tugboat

2010-01-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

There is something about tugboats that fascinates me. Historically tugboats were the first seagoing vessels to receive steam propulsion, freedom from the restraint of the wind, and the capability of going in any direction. They are a small, but powerful boat used to push or pull barges or to help maneuver larger vessels. When I was on a cruise I loved watching them maneuver our big ship around. These little boats are truly little workhorses. I'll probably paint another one very soon because they are such fun subject matter.

Horse Trailer

2010-01-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

I thought these two horses that have been trailered in for an event made for an interesting little 6x8 inch painting. I certainly enjoyed working on it.

Art for Sale

2010-01-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

I would like the viewers of my Blog to know that each of the framed paintings I post are for sale. They are $200 with an additional $10 for shipping and handling anywhere in the USA. Additional postage will be added for outside the USA.
For inquires please contact me by email at suzys@att.net

Rugby Match

2009-11-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

I was attempting to paint action and when I saw a photograph of a rugby match I was challenged to use it as my subject matter. Lots of action and color to paint here for sure.

Rugby is a form of football played with an oval ball but very unlike our American football.

I tried to set up a triangular composition to create tension which in turn would create a feeling of action. I guess I'll have to show my painting to a Rugby player to see if he thinks that I have accomplished my goal.

White Tail Deer

2009-10-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have friends who have a beautiful ranch in Wyoming where wildlife abounds. I took tons of reference photos when we there and did a 6x8 inch painting of these two white tail teenage bucks.

I plan to give this little painting to her for her birthday this month. It will be a Happy Birthday and thank you for having us to your ranch all in one.

Regular and Super Size

2009-10-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I paint a canvas just because the subject is so outrageous and fun. These two sunbathers were such a contrast in body types that I enjoyed applying every brushstroke.

So, here is "Regular and Super Size"

Dancing Lesson

2009-09-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

This is a a painting I enjoy working on. These two little boys are getting ready for the St. Patrick's Day festivities coming up at their school. There will be a Irish Gig contest and they want to win first prize. Looks like they're getting some very good instruction that should pay off.

Polar Bear

2009-09-27T14:31:00.001-07:00

It's been so hot these last few weeks that I decided it would be fun to paint something that made me feel cool. So, here is a polar bear in his icy habitat. This time I painted on a 8x10 inch canvas panel . I liked how it turned out so I think I'll paint a few more that size.

Ancestor Painting

2009-09-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

Years ago I had a girlfriend who's Mother was full of fun and made it a real adventure for me when I would go visit her home. One of her collections included old fashioned portraits of men, women and children. When my girlfriend and I would ask about them she would call them her "ancestor paintings". Pressed further, she would regale us with the most outlandish and preposterous stories imaginable about these people in the portraits. My sides would ache from laughing at her tales. I painted this "ancestor" portrait that I will be selling at a local venue and I plan to do it as a silent auction item. I will explain to anyone interested my childhood story and urge them that if they are the high bid on the painting, to promise to hang it in their home and regale their children or grandchildren with outlandish stories about this gentleman.

Repainting Old Canvas

2009-09-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at some of my old canvases and decided to see if I could do an entirely new painting on top of my first attempt. There was nothing to lose so I went for it. I was inspired with a William Merritt Chase portrait and wanted to see how my version would look. Not even close to the original but lots better than the first layer of paint.

Pier Cafe at Seaport Village

2009-08-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Pier Cafe, is a San Diego landmark, established at Seaport Village in 1980. It has a quaint New England-style look to it that made it a likely candidate for me to attempt a painting. I hope to actually eat there someday when I'm down in that area.

Pier Fishing

2009-08-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

My Grandad used to love to go serf fishing and I loved going with him. The most fun for me was walking on a near by pier to watch those anglers too. There was always so much action: bait flopping around in buckets, fish being hauled in, and seagulls everywhere looking for a hand out.

Brothers Fishing

2009-08-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

Summertime and fishing just seem to go hand in hand. I loved the look of these two brothers deep in concentration. Obviously, the older has one on the line and the younger brother is not all that excited for him. I hope it's not too long until they both have caught a fish that they can take back to show off to their Mom and Dad at the campground.

The Docent

2009-08-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

I've been inspired for years to do a painting where the people are being looked at from above. I got this idea from riding in an elevator with a mirrored ceiling. I was fascinated to look at people the way a bird would be able to see us. I used a photo that I found at a museum function and was able to use it as reference for my painting.

Goldfinch

2009-08-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

There is a Niger bird feeder outside my studio that I can see when I am painting. I never tire looking at these very colorful little birds. There must be thirty of them eating out there right now. It was easy to take a photograph as reference for this painting that enabled me to get a good likeness. Aren't they just the sweetest little things ever!

Boys Fishing

2009-08-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Summer time is a perfect time for boys to go fishing. Here we have four friends enjoying themselves doing just that. Looks as if the boy on the left has hooked one and his buddy is getting ready with the net to bring him in.