Paintings in progress and studio notes from fine artist Denise Rich, specializing in cow paintings and commissions from client photographs.

I was moved to turn on the studio cam yesterday while putting in some detail on a recent commission.
This painting is for a client in Norway, of his farm and Highland cattle.  I've always loved the hair on these
cows, hope someday I'm commissioned to do a close up and detailed portrait, but for now am really enjoying
painting these girls and the farm they live on.

Online video chat by Ustream

Push the little play button, not the big one in the middle of the screen, and you can skip ahead
by clicking ahead on the timeline bar.

I love the baldy face, and the black with the golden grasses background, but I especially love to show the interactions between the cows and this one certainly tells a story.  I'm kicking around a few different titles for this piece, but since everyone doesn't see the same thing when they view a painting I don't think I want the title to say too much, giving it some thought.  If you have a great suggestion let me know.

It really made me feel so good when the winner of my last contest said this.  It was a random drawing, and I had no idea what I would find at the other end of that slip of paper when it was drawn out of the bowl.

I called her to inform her of winning.  She had forgotten entering, having come to my website by way of Real California Milk, voting for her favorite Happy Cow Kirsten in the California Milk Advisory boards recent and highly entertaining campaign!

I was able to jog her memory and next thing I know I'm painting her precious rescue Pekingese dog Gracie. 
Erika says of Gracie:
"I am 61 years old and I live alone with my Peke "Amazing Grace".  I got her from a Pekingese Rescue and first fostered her and then I could not let her go because she was the most precious thing in the world."

Here is the finished painting:


Erika's comments after I emailed a photo of the finished piece:

:Gracie's painting is beautiful and it looks just like her.  I forwarded it to my daughter also and she loved it too.  It will be something to cherish for a long time to come. Best wishes to you both Erika and Gracie!

You could be my next winner, but only if you enter! Find the Fast Track to entering my latest contest here.