Happy at the Guggenheim

My wife and I went to the OAA reception Saturday evening. There were about 187 works on display. There was a table filled with goodies and it was a very pleasant low key gathering.

28 oils were juried into the show. For the oils, there were 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes and 3 honorable mentions.“Mattie” won an Honorable Mention ribbon. I couldn’t be happier!

"Laguna Coast Wilderness Morning"

"Laguna Coast Wilderness Morning"

8"x10", Oil on Canvas Board

© 2011 Bernard Echanow

UPDATE:  "A Companion of Diana" won a Second Place ribbon at the Orange Art Association's June 2011 meeting in the Intemediate General Media category.

UPDATE:  "Lago Santa Margarita, Reflections" won an Intermediate Oils/Acrylics Honorable Mention ribbon at the Orange Art Association's June 2011 meeting.

I Proudly Present "Mattie"

"Mattie"

11"x14", Oil on Canvas

© 2011 Bernard Echanow

UPDATE:  "Mattie" won a Second Place ribbon at the Orange Art Association's May meeting in the Intemediate General Media category.

UPDATE:  "Penguin on Ice" won a First Place ribbon in the Intermediate Watercolor category at the Orange Art Association's May meeting.

"Sycamores"

"Sycamores"

8"x10", Oil on Canvas Board

© 2011 Bernard Echanow

This is my submission to the Alice Thompson Calypso Moon Artist Movement "Landscape Challenge." "Sycamores" began as a plein air painting. I spent a couple of additional hours  refining it in the studio.

By the way, "Mattie" (working title: "Matanuska") was completed and is visiting an art show through March 25. I'll be posting her photo sometime after that date.

My Left Paw

My left paw needs more work.

I'm now focusing on completing the paws. They have been very challenging. The paws are very dusty in the photo from which I'm painting and that doesn't work with the color of the dog's face. So, I've had to change several times the color of the paws and some of the values (lights and darks) to make it all work together.

I'm also dealing with the implied bone structure of the paws themselves, the implied strength of the paws and nails gripping the railing, and the subordinate relationship of the paws to the puppy's face. I haven't studied dog anatomy; so, I'm on a steep learning curve.

I've allowed myself the luxury of generous patience and enjoyment in learning all the subtleties of puppy-dog painting.