pugs and other commissions

The pugs are done, and another commission is started. This one is top secret. I can't show it to you until after it's delivered and the patron gives their approval. It's also causing me fits. I don't paint landscape unless it's important to the 'story', in this case it is very important.

I know many artists would say that figure work is harder than landscape, but for me it's just the opposite. Probably because landscape doesn't excite me. Yes occasionally I'll see a vista that makes me want to reach for a brush, but that is rare indeed. I'm much more entranced by the small living things around us that most of us take for granted.

That of course is what the 'At Risk' series I'm working on, is all about. There are so many of these creatures that will not be here in 20 years if we don't do something NOW, that I have an almost frantic sense of urgency to record them, and tell their stories. Perhaps in some small way I can help open peoples eyes to what we stand to lose. In the words of Joni Mitchell "you don't know what you've got till it's gone".

I have one more commission to do, and no, neither of theses two are due for Christmas, although if it were possible.... I'm still working full time so unless a modern Medici takes me on I can only work on these things, evenings and days off, (sigh).

I love commissions, but I have a solo coming up in April, and I'd like to fill the room with the 'At Risk' series. I'll need about 20 pieces, so I've got to get to work!