A Multi-Colored Life

Open Studio Day AND Folk Friday at Second April

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Today was a fun day at the gallery-- although most days at the gallery are fun! We had Open Studios so I brought a horse commission I am working on. I also got to meet with the owner of the cocker spaniels I just completed painting. She came to give her final approval. It was very nice to see she was pleased.

This evening was Folk Friday. Su Nimon, artist/graphic artist/musician/body worker is part of a singing duo called Caboodle. They provided a free concert while the gallery stayed open late. What a fun evening. There was a nice crowd and a very pleasant atmosphere.

I will include some photos of some of the other artist's studios so you can get a feel for the variety of art available.

Cindy Schott's Photography and jewelry

Su Nimon, graphic artist, digital art, painter, musician and bodywork

Bad Girlz Jewelry

Rod Hardy, woodcarver, painter, pen and ink, murals

Dana Muntean, pet portraits, murals, painted furniture

Rod Hardy, wood carving

Second April Art Galerie and Studios

To get more information on my art, commissions or my studio please visit http://www.suesteiner.com/

For more information on Second April Art Galerie and event calendar please visit http://www.secondapril.org/

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Cocker Spaniel Painting Completed!

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting

Lucy and Rosie, owned and loved by Kathie

The buff and chocolate cocker spaniel pair that I have been working on is now officially completed.

Now on to the next one... a 6 horse commission of a mare and her 5 offspring. What you see here is the underpainting in acrylics. I will go over this with oils and refine it. I am enjoying their beautiful profiles and sculptured heads, throat latch, neck and shoulders. So fun to paint these beautiful horses!

An Equine Family Affaire!

To see finished animal paintings please visit my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com/

thank you!

Sue Steiner

wildlife, pet, horse, farm animal painter

New Multi Horse Painting

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:22:00 +0000

New Horse Painting Work in Progress

Welsh Ponies, Mare and Offspring

This is a large canvas 36 x 36 gallery wrapped canvas and will feature an elegant grey Welsh Pony mare and her 5 offspring. What you see her is the initial drawings and the beginnings of an under painting. I've chosen a warm sand as the base coat and have picked out a delicious palette of cool blue/greens and purples. I'll be painting some darker horses too so I wanted to pick up those beautiful burnt sienna browns and russets in their coats. I love the beautiful, expressive eyes on all of these horses and their chiseled, refined faces and necks. I am really looking forward to painting these beautiful horses.

Cocker Spaniels

I am at a resting point with the above buff and chocolate colored Cocker spaniel dogs. I need to do some glazing to even out some of the tones (such as on the chocolate dogs tongue) and highlight some areas but need it to be good and dry.

I have another commission I will be beginning soon of a beloved black lab and an ornery but oh so lovable terrier. This is a busy season but am enjoying the variety and opportunity to paint these beautiful animals!

Take care and stop back to check on my progress!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Cocker Spaniel Duo Starts to Come Together

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Cocker Spaniels, Oil Painting WIP

Slowly but surely I am getting closer to completion on this pet portrait. The plan is to use the finished painting as a template for personalized Christmas cards for the pet owners. I want to wrap this up this week. Actually I wanted to wrap it up last week but am glad since I had such a good painting session today I didn't fret over time and try to rush thru it.

The coloring on these dogs is really fun to work with. Today was a good painting session because I could meld the two dogs by harmonizing their colors. I enjoyed seeing that come together. The dog on the right at this point looks like her eyes are way off but one of her unique facial characteristics is wide spaced eyes. I am trying to think of complimentary words to describe them besides 'googly' and I can't right now but trust me-- she is a beautiful dog and her unique expression only adds to her charm. Granted I am still working on that part of the painting so you'll just have to check back to see how it looks in the end. :)

I am posting some photos from my week end trip. I visited my sister in law and we were blessed with a beautiful day. She lives in a beautiful wooded setting so I took a walk and took these photos. I am certain her animals will appear in future paintings of mine.

Take care!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet and horse portraits in oil

Gift Certificates For Animal Art or a Pet Portrait!

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Gift Certificates available in any amount.

You can e-mail me at artbysue@hotmail.com or stop by my studio at Second April Art galerie anytime between 10:00 AM -6:00 PM to purchase a gift certificate. I have original artwork in my studio ranging in price from 2.50 notecards, 25.00-35.00 mini oil paintings on up to large scale, life sized art and wall murals. I do original, custom pet portraits from your photos so long distance commissions are welcomed too. I am booked for Christmas commissions this year but would be glad to add you to my schedule with a deposit and complete it to your specifications and have it ready for you at a later date. A Gift Certificate gives the recipient the chance to be a part of the process!

Sue Steiner

pet portrait and equine artist

Open Studios at Second April

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:24:00 +0000

Sue Steiner working on a pet portrait

Belgians Working in the Fields

Cat Painting by Sue Steiner

We had Open Studio today at Second April Art Galerie in downtown Canton. Several artists who have art studios on the second floor participated. I brought my current dog potrait to work on. Dana painted a floral pattern on the jewelry display case in the gallery. Dana has some beautiful painted furniture for sale in the gallery. Cindy did henna tatoos and Margie brought in some new jewelry designs. BZTAT (Vicki Boatright) stopped in for a bit and then went to her studio to work on a new large piece that will be up for the next art show at Second April. So all in all it was a fun, productive day. Tomorrow the gallery and studios are open for a special Halloween trick or treat. Pictures to follow. :)

Take care!

Sue Steiner

horse, dog and cat paintings

wildlife and Amish themed art

pet portraits

Animals of all sizes and shapes....

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:08:00 +0000

The 'Animal Instincts' Art Exhibit in Canton, Ohio featuring some of my art was written up here by a local art critic. 4 talented, local artists participated and gave a nice range of work from colorful, whimsical more graphic art by Bztat to detailed pencil drawings by Kelli Swan to breathtaking photography by Stephan McNulty. My art was described as having gestural, expressive brushstrokes. I am always interested in how others see my art. I entered several pieces that were painted in an alla prima style in which the paint is applied in quick brushstrokes, 'wet onto wet'. What is fun about this style is the mixing of the colors on the canvas with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes and how the image evolves almost spontaneously.

Southwest Style Art, Bull in Oils

On a personal note I have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather by spending some time riding my horses. The last couple years, as my art has picked up and I've been busy building my pet portrait and art studio business I have not had the time to ride. I have always known that one passion (art) feeds the other passion (horses) and visa versa so I decided I was not going to let my riding time slip by. I believe ultimately that my time spent outside, with my horses and dogs help me to be a better animal artist. And I also know that the weather we've been enjoying will not last. Anyways I have had lots of fun doing some bareback riding on my arab mare and getting my arab gelding accustomed to being ridden out of the ring. He was a former show horse at his previous home and was getting pretty ring sour. Its been fun showing him a new world and new experiences. He is responding well and so it is fun to see the changes in him.

thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Cocker Spaniels painting continues, Lucy and Rosie

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Work in progress Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting

I am at the stage of painting the dog on the left where I am adding small details and thin glazes so the changes are as apparent as in the earlier stages but are really the icing on the cake. A graphic artist, also at Second April Art Galerie will be assisting the owner of these two beautiful dogs in turning prints of this painting when completed into Christmas cards.

I will be delivering a completed memorial dog portrait (pictured below) this week which will also be a Christmas present. Again I feel honored when I can play a part in these special gifts which I hope will create wonderful memories.

Memorial Dog Portrait in Oils

Thanks for stopping by.

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist

Cocker Spaniels painting, Lucy and Rosie

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Cocker Spaniel Oil Painting, a work in progress

There is quite a contrast now between the roughed in dog on the right and the nearly completed buff cocker on the left. I seem to be going from warm layers to cool layers and back again as I layer this painting. Right now the buff cocker is definitely more in the cool tones. After this layer dries I will be bringing more warm tones in again. I am beginning to like the spark that is developing in the eyes. I also am wanting to convey the feeling of softness in their coats.

The owner of these two dogs wanted them to be painted with their 'happy' expressions. Cockers have those expressive puppy dog eyes but hopefully the smile and bubbliness is shining thru too.

We are experiencing Indian summer here in NE Ohio. Oh it was lovely today! I am getting my barn ready for winter. After spending most of the summer out on the pasture my horses are getting back into the rountine of coming into the barn every day to be fed, groomed and ridden. Since I have lots of pasture we use the run in shed for the warmer months. The horses like this too but once the mud and cold come and the grass leaves they need to be fed inside. So along with the change in the season so is there a change in our schedules. I had to deal with some rambuctiousness today from my yearling I think in part because of the change in rountine and the cool invigoriating weather. I am reminded that just like this painting is developing layer by layer so does a horses training-- small baby steps, consistent handling and 'shaping' the environment and expreinces to keep them gently progressing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet portraits in oil

Buff and Chocolate Colored Cocker Spaniels in Oil

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress dog painting in oils

I am not quite half way done with this pretty pair of cocker spaniels. I am working in thin layers of paint to bring richness and depth to the coat and expression.

The dogs are named Lucy and Rosie. The painting is 16 x 20 on a cradle board. I am still developing the colors in the coats so be sure to stay tuned so you can see it completed. Finished animal art and pet portraits can be seen at my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com/ If you are in the Canton art district be sure to stop by my studio above Second April Art Galerie at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW Canton, Ohio

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

colorful dog, cat and horse paintings in oil

Dog Portraits in Oil, cocker spaniels Lucy and Rosie

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress pet portrait in oils

I find the more I paint the more I enjoy when a painting looks like a painting! I like to mix a realistic rendering with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.... especially on these cocker spaniels with their lovely coats. I'll post some close ups of the brushstrokes after the paint dries a bit and photographs better.

I am in the middle of my 3rd painting session on this portrait-- maybe I am halfway completed? Its hard to put a time frame on this kind of thing because I find I need to pay attention to the 'flow' and work with that. Sometimes things need to sit and incubate and just be observed... other times I need to dig right in and not come up for air until its done. Ahhh... taming the creative cycle is alot like horse training. You get more done when you gentle it rather than wrestle with it!

Today was a good painting day but I am going to pay attention to my muse and stop for now and resume painting tomorrow.

I've already said this a few times but I am loving the colors in these two dogs. They are a great pair to paint with the contrast of warm highlights and cool undertones and then just the reverse in the other dog.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal art

pet portraits

Lucy and Rosie, Work in Progress III

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:20:00 +0000

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress pet portrait

These cocker spaniels are a delight to paint! I am still pretty early in the process of painting these pretty dogs but hopefully you can see their personalities beginning to show thru. They are a bubbly, wiggly, soft and cuddly duo. I am having fun with the sutble variations in their coats-- the undertones and highlights but can't get into that too heavily just yet. I am still working on my 'road map' of features and body position-- landmarks might be another way to describe it. I need to lay down the foundation and build from there-- lights and darks.

One of the areas I can not wait to get to will be those ears-- those soft curls and waves with beautiful highlights and deep tones. One of the pleasures of doing pet portraits is painting fur! :)

It is a cloudy, overcast day so I am thankful to be in my studio to paint this morning! My farrier is coming this afternoon to trim my horses hooves so I get to be in my 2 favorite spots today-- the studio and the barn! My dogs enjoy the farrier's visit also. Those of you with horses will know that trimmed horse hooves are a real treat for dogs. Maybe that is TMI for some. :) I can see the cats turning their noses up at the uncivilized way of canines!

Have a great day!

Sue Steiner

animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Lucy and Rosie, a work in progress pet portrait

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:22:00 +0000

This is the progress I've made so far after 2 painting sessions on this 16 x 20 oil painting. I am painting these two beautiful cocker spaniels and then will be painting another similar painting for the same owner of her previous dogs- another pair of beautiful, bouncy cocker spaniels. I am really honored to be able to do this for Kathie. Her dogs are beautifully taken care of and a real delight. I got to meet Lucy and Rosie in person so I was able to enjoy their bubbly personalities. I don't always get to see the animals I paint in person-- although I do encourage pet owners to tell me all the fun stories of their animals so I can get a feel for their personalities. Sometimes the pets I paint are memorial paintings, like the collie, shepherd mix I just finished. I feel especially honored to do something special as memorializing a beloved pet pet who has passed on. Sometimes the paintings I do are commissioned from long distances and it is done strictly by e-mails and phone conversations. 'Hector', an oil painting I did this year of a donkey went all the way to England. Liz, (Hector's owner) and I have become friends thru facebook and our mutual interest in donkeys.

This year I also got to paint 3 wedding presents. How wonderful is that?

In the end whether they come to me over the internet, thru personal referrals or by meeting at my art studio I feel a real connection to these animals and owners. Spending the time to paint their faces and think of the memories the owners hold for their pets and the special role they play in our lives makes what I do so rewarding.

The photos above are at the beginning stages so if you are new to this blog sign up on the side bar if you'd like to follow along to watch the progress. I will be doing another duo of a lab and terrier mix next. I've got an outdoor mural series of life sized horses to do sometime before spring and some more Christmas commissions. So there should be some variety. I also like to throw in some fun, quick paintings that I sell at my studio in between commissions.

Take care and thank you for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

Painting Life and Color into our Animal Friends!

equine and animal artist

2 Cocker Spaniels in Oil, At the Beginning

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:39:00 +0000

I took my oil paints into my studio to visit the gallery and begin on my next commission. I love being at Second April Art Galerie because I love the people and being able to enjoy the wide range of art in the individual artists studios and the gallery downstairs. The guys are rearranging the gallery space so thats fun to watch as it transforms into something new.

I am not as productive as I am in my home studio but that is okay. I got to catch up with what everyone is doing. Things are gearing up around here with a very full schedule of art related events. You can get more info on the gallery at their web site at http://www.secondapril.org/

I will show you the beginnings of my next pet portrait.

The rough drawing on my canvas will be depicting two bouncy, happy souls named Lucy and Rosie. Already I am enjoying the swirls and color variations in their beautiful coats. What I have done so far is do my rough sketch in chalk on a cradle board that was toned with burnt seinna. I am now working on the lights and darks to get a 'road map' in which to develop the painting. The painting will be a composite using two (or more) different reference photos. My client liked the body position in one photo but the dogs expression from another. This is also a fun one because she has asked me to just 'do my thing' and wants to see it when its all done. We will be taking this painting and using it, along with my graphic artist friend's help, turning this into Christmas cards for the owner to use this year. So I better get back to my easle!

Take care and stop back to see the finished painting!

if you are new here please visit my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com to see completed artwork and commissions. Or stop by my studio at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Canton, Ohio.

SueSteiner

equine and animal artist

pet portraits in oil

Impressionistic Flower Garden

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Flower Garden in Oils

It is an overcast, drizzly day here in Ohio. I decided before I start in on the next pet portrait I would 'warm up' this morning with an impressionistic flower garden oil painting. Maybe I should call it 'Last Rose of Summer'?

I love all the thick gooey paint and brushtrokes. Very fun to paint! :)

Next up on my easle is an adorable pair of cocker spaniels. I should have something to show of these silly girls soon so stop back!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

petportraits in oils

Chandler, a Pet Portrait 'Alla Prima'

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:21:00 +0000

Alla prima is the term for an oil painting technique in which the painting is created in one sitting using 'wet into wet' oil paint.

I offer 'alla prima' pet portrait commissions for people who enjoy this looser, lively style. I enjoy painting this way too because I like the challenge and I like the thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.

This is a memorial portrait of a lovable dog with a big personality and lively spirit so it is fitting that he is remembered in a painting that reflects those aspects of his personality.

This is what I did today... I ended up getting so caught up in the painting I did not take many 'work in progress' photos this time around. I will be going back to even out the upper background and maybe adding a few finishing touches but for the most part this is completed. My goal when painting these portraits is to be realistic in porportions and basic anatomy without being overly fussy and at the same time being expressive with color and bold brush strokes.

I also offer more realistic portraits in which the paint is applied in thin layers over time. I will begin a realistic rendering of a couple dogs soon so if you enjoy seeing these works in progress you can follow this blog by clicking on the tab on the side bar. You can also see finished artwork of mine at my web site http://www.suesteiner.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal artist,

pet portraits in oils

Equine Themed Murals

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:33:00 +0000

For those of you following along on a recent donkey and cat mural commission I thought I would show you what the it looks like in its permenant home. My client sent these delightful pictures to me so I could see where they put the mural. I just adore this! It made my day. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal art

life sized farm animal murals

pet portraits in oils

Mini Pet Portraits

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:43:00 +0000

white cat painting in oils

cocker spaniel oil painting

parakeet painting

mini pet portraits for sale

I painted these today as a way to warm up before starting in on some new commissions. They are 8 x 8 and 5 x 5. I will include some close ups of the thick paint and brushstrokes. I am hoping to add some more of these to my studio in time for First Friday in Canton. I want to do some fish, hamsters, guinea pigs.... that kind of stuff to add some variety to my usual dog, cat, horse art.

They are also offered for sale at my Etsy Shop. Just follow the link on the sidebar.

thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

colorful pet portraits in oil

3 Cat Portrait in Oils, almost completed

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:33:00 +0000

This 3 cat pet portrait is to be a wedding gift so I have been scurrying to get it completed in time to dry by my deadline. I am almost there. I've got to do some more blending on the front cat and some shading on the grey cat so I am almost completed. I'm not too chit chatty these days so I will keep this short so I can get back into my studio. :)

Take care and thanks for stopping by!
Sue Steiner
animal and equine artist

Animals of all sizes and shapes....

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Final, Omega

Horse Mural

I've got an assortment of paintings to show you of the last 3 projects I am almost done with. Two are the large outdoor farm animal murals and then the cat portrait which is to be a special gift. After this batch I will begin another outdoor mural and then on to Christmas commissions.

I consider it an honor to be able to do these kinds of very personal gifts and keepsakes. I met two of my next 'models' this week-- a pair of adorable cocker spaniels, full of enthusiasm and personality! I'll look forward to painting them. Painting these portraits has actually been a great way to feed my animal and pet habit without adding to my own menagerie! 3 dogs, 1 cat and 6 horses is enough for now! :)

In my studio I am settling into a routine now that the kids are back in school. I've been working more at home only because its quieter and I don't have to move supplies. I did take the donkey mural to the last First Friday in Canton. We have a special event every 'first Friday' of the month year round in the arts district of downtown Canton. It was fun to see the people's expressions when they came into my studio and saw the donkeys.

Cat Portrait in Oils, a work in progress

I labored over the tabby cat's face in the above painting and think I've got him where I want him now although I can still see places i want to tweak. I only had one photo reference because this guy has passed on which makes it all the more important to get him right. I have a silver tabby cat at home and could see where I needed to change things but could not get my cat to stay in a position that I could study him! I tried taking photos, bribing with treats, holding his head (gently of course) but finally got what I needed in a photo so I could compare. If I had not wanted this photo I can guarantee you Moses would of been right in my face with his head in the exact right angle and light source! :)

To see completed work of mine or inquire about pet portraits or commissions please visit http://www.suesteiner.com/ or my studio at Second April Art Galerie and Studios in Canton, Ohio.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal artist, pet portraits

Girls and Horses

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Many girls go thru a horse crazy phase. Some of us have always been 'horse crazy'. Many of us can look back and see the role special horses have played in our lives. These horses, often older 'special needs' horses are often worth their weight in gold for people who recognize their hidden treasures.

I was fortunate to have some wonderful horses and ponies who introduced horses to my daughter. When she was 3 I rescued 'Trixie', an adorable, aged pinto pony who I was told was used for pony rides. Poor Trixie, when I found him was so skinny his backbone was showing. He had not had his feet trimmed in 3 years. We brought him home and gave him the care he needed for his arthritis and supplied him with special food for senior horses because he had many missing teeth. Trixie went on to live several more years and was a wonderful teacher for my daughter. Riding was not really an option due to the arthritis but in all honesty a 3 year old is not physically able to really ride but my daughter learned how to lead, groom, feed, clip, care for and handle a horse.

Another treasure we have had the pleasure to have in our life is a wonderful small horse we named Flicka. When we first saw Flicka she was being offered for sale because she 'had a funny trot'.... when in fact Flicka is a gaited horse. :) The owner was trying to teach her to trot and not gait and was frustrated that Flicka wasn't doing what she wanted. We met flick and right away could see what a wonderful temperament she had. I can honestly say this horse is THE BEST kid's horse! My daughter rode her thru out her childhood and had an absolute ball with her. When my daughter sadly outgrew her Flicka went on to give the youngest new riders a safe introduction to horsemanship. She has that unique ability to know the skill level of her rider and adjust accordingly.

I am showing a recent photo of Flicka once again doing 'her thing' with a very happy girl. I write this blog entry to remind people that sometimes the older, 'past their prime' horses are the real treasures!

Support your local rescue organizations!

If you are new to this blog please visit my web site featuring my animal and horse art. I also am available for commissioning an oil painting of your special pet or horse.

Thank you!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

Pet Portraits in Oils, 3 Cats WIP

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Work in Progress, '3 Cat Portrait'

I've been playing around with the placement of the first cat's head in this pet portrait. I decided I wanted him looking down to the other cats. This has some significance because the tabby has passed away and was a very much loved pet of his owner. They currently have the 2 other cats so I thought to have the first cat looking down on the other two can represent him watching over the others. As I keep working on this I want to soften his expression somewhat.

For those of you with cats you'll appreciate a story that goes along with this painting.

I have my own pets-- a cat, 3 dogs and 6 horses. It is usually very helpful to have my live 'models' around if I need to check on some aspect of their respective species anatomy, musculature or pupil shape etc. As I was changing this cat's position I needed to check on the shape of the head at that angle. No problem... I've got a cat-- even a tabby at that! Well it was quite comical trying to get him to pose.... cats just don't DO that! Not when you want them too! (horses don't either for that matter!).

I do have some information on my web site on the commission page that gives pointers on how to get a good photo to be used as a reference for a pet portrait. Maybe I will need to add tips on how to get the 'pose'...... once I figure that out for myself! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet portraits in oil

3 Cat Portrait in Oils, at the beginning

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Cat Portrait in Oil, a work in progress by Sue Steiner

Missy Kitty and Friends Mural 'work in progress'

I have begun a 3 cat portrait in oils and am posting the first painting sessions or so as I get started with this. It is a 16 x 20 cradle board which wooden boxed sides so the edges can be stained or painted for a very clean  look. The first photo is just after I've toned the board and have very roughly drawn in the basic shapes to decide where to put everyone. As you can see I ended up changing the position of the cat on the right. I wanted a triangular composition and I like how the cat's faces keep you moving from one to the other but the focus is tight on their faces. I also love how the ears help to repeat the triangular theme. I also liked the negative space between the cats. I am going to have the background dark with fairly dramatic lighting. I thought of how a cat's eyes are so mesmerizing. I am really hoping to get them to really stand out in this painting.

Its always kind of scary showing paintings at this very rough stage. I know I can 'see' where I am going but thats not always so clear for a viewer. Hopefully you'll hang in there and watch this develop.   I guess I should add too that I am not one who plans out my paintings from start to finish. I have a general idea and direction and then like to let it develop.

I included the most recent pic of Miss Kitty and her donkey friends too. I should be done with this mural shortly. I need to do some refining to the middle donkey and can then call it done.

To see finished work please visit my web site at http://www.suesteiner.com/

This week is Sept.'s First Friday. I feel like it snuck up on me this month but if you are local check out  http:/www.cantonfirstfriday.com for details and then stop by White Horse Studio above Second April Art Galerie and say hi!

Donkeys and Miss Kitty mural taking shape....

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:56:00 +0000

I am still in the 'roughed in' stage of the kitty cat, Miss Kitty. She's still looking alittle monkey-ish but that will change as I add layers. (You can follow this blog by clicking on the side bar to get regular updates).

From her owner's description Miss Kitty is quite the Diva of the house. She probably wouldn't be caught dead setting her prisitne white paws anywhere NEAR those funny looking long eared animals let alone a barn... but their quaint backyard setting wouldn't be complete without Miss Kitty dominating the 'lesser' creatures. I will share with you the setting in which this mural will reside. I am hoping to get it finished by this weekend. The beautiful weather, First Friday at my art studio, my kid's upteen sports activities, the mowing and my barn time are competing for my attention butI am putting this and the other mural on the top of my 'to do' list. I've got a 3 cat commissioned portrait next in line to do which has a very short definite deadline due to the fact this will be a wedding present. :) This is the second wedding present I've paint in the last month or so. Such an honor to create a special gift for such a special occassion. So I have the blinds drawn so as to not look outside at the beautiful day and I will carry on! Just so you don't feel bad for me I have reserved this evening for riding time. No sports for the kids tonight- they had a school day out today which is socializing day in which they have fun at parks etc. so new kids to the school can get aqcainted. I really like the idea and love how the school fosters the kid's relationships.

Okay- enough chatting... time to get back to my easel. Enjoy your day and please stop by my web site or studio if you've not seen completed artwork by me.

thanks!

Sue Steiner

equine and animal art, pet portraits

In the Middle of the Donkey Project...

artbysue@hotmail.com (Sue Steiner) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:16:00 +0000

I am right smack in the middle of this project as you can see. These donkeys have been so much fun to paint. I think thats because they are one of the most expressive animals. What doesn't show up well in a computer image is all the texturing and layering that is going on in this. I am wanting to convey a real life like softness to these animals.

For those of you just stopping by this will be an outdoor mural on an exisitng barn. It will be installed so it looks like the donkeys and barn cat are looking out an actual stall. I met Susan, the person who commissioned me for this project at Lehman's. She saw some of my work there done in a similar style. I've been painting murals in the store and outside for the past couple of years.

In the background of the photo above you can see another project I am working on as well. This is similar in that it aslo will be an outdoor mural. I will be painting a series of horses based on several special horses this family has owned over the years.

This next week is a busy one for me. On Sept. 1 I will be featured, along with 3 other artists at a special art exhibit titled 'Animal Instinct'. This will be at Gallery 6000 at the Kent State Stark Univeristy Conference Center in North Canton.

This week 'First Friday' rolls around again with the theme 'The Color of Music'. I will have some abstract horse art with the theme- Finding your Rhythm with Abstract Art. My studio is at 324 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio 44702 above Second April Art Galerie. for more information on First Friday events go to http://www.cantonfirstfriday.com/ To see finished work by me please stop by http://www.suesteiner.com/

Thank you!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist