My New Old Passion
When I was sixteen, my parents surprised me at Christmas by giving me oil paints, brushes, and canvasses. I could not have been more suprised – or more pleased. I was overwhelmed by the confidence my parents had in me. They thought I was good enough to paint – really paint – with the real thing!
I painted a few oils. My best one still hangs above my mother’s bed. I looked at it just yesterday. It definitely looks like a child painted it, but I am pleased to add – like a child with some talent.
Now that I am retired, and I am goofing off full time, I want to make the most of my goofing off.
Foremost, of course, there is writing. My two novels, (and one in stuttering progress), this blog, my twitter account, and even once in a while, a poem.
I will never stop writing.
But I have rediscovered painting.
I have not taken up the oils of my teenage years – although I may someday.
I am in love with Watercolor.
I always loved painting in watercolor. It’s so fresh and light and clear. I’ve never been very good at it though. I’ve taken a course or two throughout my life – mostly adult ed courses. And I liked it but I always ended up thinking that I had better stick to writing.
But last year, for some unknown reason – maybe Grace – my watercolor has come together. It works. My brain and fingers have figured it out. They must have been taking courses while I slept.
And of all crazy things – or perhaps not so crazy – what I love painting is:
Dogs.
I started with Theo of course.
And I showed a few people.
And someone asked me to paint their dog. And then another person. Then another.
And I ended up with a little happy business. How I love it!
My dogs look like this:
These are a few of the dozen or so I have done in the last few months. And I’ve got orders for three more for right after the Holidays. Cats too, so I am going to have to practice on my own kitties!
If you are interested in a portrait of your own dog (or perhaps cat), I am now ready to take orders.
I have been mostly painting 5 X 7 portraits done on paper that is 8 x 10. This is then really easy for the purchaser to frame – since there are a lot of standard mats and frames for that size. (Watercolor has to be matted and framed under glass – to keep it from fading and warping.)
The cost is $50 for a 5 x 7 plus $5 shipping in the US. (If you are outside the US, the shipping cost will vary).
I have a paypal account for payment.
For more details – just write me at notquiteold51@gmail.com
My favorite subject!
Write me for details: notquiteold51@gmail.com
( I will be setting up a permanent tab on the top of the page – with my samples and this email address…so you can always find it.)
- Posted in: Humor
- Tagged: painting, pet portraits, watercolor
notquiteold 
they are wonderful Nancy!
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Thanks!
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Merry Christmas!
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You’ve really captured each dog’s soul in their eyes. Well done! Beautiful work.
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Thanks, Margo.
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Great job Nancy! Merry Christmas!
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Thank you so much. Merry Christmas to you to Alex!
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these are wonderful, it’s lucky that you found the joy in painting once again )
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I am enjoying it more than I ever have… I think there is a lot to be said for getting older.
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No wonder your parents gave you paint! Now you can fill in those non-writing moments with another creative outlet!
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Merry Christmas to my multi-talented friend!
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Thanks, Tim!
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Beautiful work!
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Thank you Kate.
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These are great! I especially enjoyed the Boxer, since I recognize that “Boxer stare” from seeing my daughter’s two dogs:)
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The Boxer is my favorite also. Her name is Lily and she came out exactly as I wanted her to.
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Beautiful Nancy! You have a gift for capturing the personality of those animals.
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They are absolutely lovely pet portraits.
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I love your paintings! I’m in!
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These are amazing! You inspire me to try some new areas of creativity. Thanks for sharing.
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Beautiful ~ you definitely have a gift! Cheers!
MJ
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I am glad I found your blog today; I want a portrait of my dog, but first I must take an engaging photo. The boxer’s gaze is so sweet and the white dog with long legs looks very relaxed.
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These are wonderful! If I had a dog I would definitely be in.
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Wow! That’s lovely
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I think you are very good at painting dogs! I’ll remember this when I finally get another one!
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One more year and I shall goof off with you! And darn, if you haven’t stated my plans for the other-life. I love writing, like you. Novels, short stories, my blog. But a number of people I know have taken up painting and are so frigin’ good — like you — that I can’t wait to try my hand at it too! You are my inspiration.
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The most helpful advice I received when I started to paint again was to remember that it’s just paper and a little paint. Don’t worry if it’s not good – just try it again. I have at times done the same painting four times until I was satisfied. Why not?
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Amen sister!
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It’s super cute Nancy. I really like your paintings.
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Beautiful! I’d love to have such talent!
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These are wonderful! When God gave out talents, you must have run from line to line. You have so many!
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Lovely paintings and your dogs are so dearly
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