THE POSER

8x10 oil on moleskine nfs

The Poser is for sweet Linda Popple's moleskine with The Texas Moleskin Round-Up. I had so much fun painting this guy that I think I may have to commit to painting a few more roosters and chickens over my summer break. The background was a bit of a dilemma, I was aiming for dull, but sophisticated, something that would allow his plumage to stand out. I am happy with the end results, but we'll have to wait and see what Miss Linda thinks for herself.

And now I have a special favor to ask all of you...I have just recently lost 50 pounds...YAY!...Ok, that's embarrassing to admit that I even needed to lose that much, but it is what it is. I want to celebrate those 50 pounds with 50 pet portraits of animals of all kinds during my 50 days of summer vacation. In order for me to do this, I need you to send me photos of your pets, and I mean pets of all kinds...from dogs to piglets, I'm on for the challenge and am hoping for a variety of subjects to work from. The photos must be your own pictures and, you will be under no obligation to purchase a painting. In order for me to work from your photos, they must be clear and in-focus, along with good lighting; jpegs can be e-mailed to me at jaledge@aol.com . I am beginning this challenge within a few days, so it is important I get your photos soon.

Happy Summer to all of you, school is officially over for me and I'm ready to paint...Please help me celebrate my 50 with 50!

PACO & THE END

5x5 oil on canvas paper
This is for my fellow Texas friend, James Parker. James sent me photo references of his dog, Paco and I could not help but think that this funny sideways glance was a perfect depiction of Paco responding to another one of James' tall stories.


5x9 oil on canvas paper
I'm sad to say this is my last painting for the ever talented group of Flying Moleskins. Because this journey has come to an end for me, and with James' wonderful sense of humor, I thought it fitting to end James' book with The End.

WASH DAY

8x10 oil on canvas panel

April's challenge for Some Texas Artists Like to Paint was tools. Our students in the second grade experience Pioneer Day each Spring. The children dress in costume and experience a wide variety of activities, such as washing clothes with a washboard or a very useful tool prior to the invention of the automatic washing machine.

And speaking of school, I'm thrilled to say we have only 20 days left. These last 2 months are the hardest and most definitely the longest. Once again I'm looking forward to summer vacation and some serious daily painting.