"Sporty" - Jack Russell Terrier

Jay is a young man who's been a favorite friend of our family since he was about 5. He's now 20, it's hard to believe, and in college and one of the things he misses most when he's away at school is his adorable dog, Sporty. I couldn't resist painting Sporty for Jay as a surprise. Jay loved the painting, but not as much as I loved painting it for him. And YES, Sporty really smiles like this!

Douglas Walton - Workshop - Arlington, Texas - The Upstairs Gallery

I wish I could take credit for this incredible painting, but it was painted by M. Douglas Walton, a wonderful artist from Louisiana.

In January, my friend and fellow Walton fan, Chris Nolan, and I had a chance to take a workshop from Doug at The Upstairs Gallery in Arlington. This was my second class with him, and her third or fourth. His workshops are completely exhausting and just as exhilarating. Painting wild and free with abandon is not easy! Doug uses LOTS of water, and since January brought cold and rain, it took hours just for the underpaintings to dry. The results were certainly worth the wait, though.

We learned alot about painting in this workshop, and a lot about Doug as he regaled us with funny stories about his travels around the world. He also shared that he's submitted his home to HGTV in hopes that Jamie Durie, the host of The Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie, will come and design his outdoor space. Wouldn't that be amazing? Good luck, Doug!

'Let's Dance' Contemporary Mixed Media Painting by Texas Artist Connie Michael

This is the third of the trio I like so much. Enjoy!

'Blocked Out'

10x10 original acrylic on 140# watercolor paper

This is one of the two remaining companion pieces to "At Rest" which I posted yesterday. I love the colors and find the trio restful to look at.

For purchase information, contact me at:

michael.connie@gmail.com.

You can also view my art at:

http://www.canvasbycanvas.com/

http://www.dailypaintersabstractgallery.blogspot.com/

At Rest - Contemporary Acrylic Abstract Seascape

The last few weeks have been so busy for me at work that I've neglected my blog, so this week I'm playing catch up!

A couple of weeks ago my Canvas by Canvas friends and I had a weekend painting retreat at a lake house not too far from Canton which offers an an unbelievable shopping experience. Never having been there before, I had no idea what to expect. It's huge!

Not only did we have a blast Christmas shopping, we got a LOT of painting done. There were over 30 paintings completed that weekend, by the eight of us. It was wonderful being completely immersed in creativity for three days.

This is one of my abstracts from the weekend. It's 9x12, acrylic on watercolor paper, and I really like the feel of it. There are two other companion paintings that will hang nicely with this one and I'll be posting them over the next couple of days. I like them so much I might decide to keep them. In the meantime though, they're available. Contact me for purchase information. michael.connie@gmail.com.

Not Just Words - Mixed Media Abstract - 12 x 24

Not Just Words is a deeply imbedded in varnish, collage of richly colored acrylics and hand painted papers. A lot of time went into this painting, but the results were worth it. Although this is not a very good photo, under the lights the painting just glows and I love it. One of my favorite clients indicated that she may want this painting, so if she does, at least I know it will be going to a good home!



The "Queen of Hand-Stained Collage Papers" is Carrie Burns Brown. You should watch her video if you have an interest. It is beyond fascinating!

American Art Collector Magazine

Canvas by Canvas is featured in the September 2009 issue of American Art Collector. We painted the red truck, the fourth image from the left on the top line. Rusty old trucks seem to be a favorite, and this is one of our most popular paintings.

Daily Painters Abstract Gallery is our online gallery and where Canvas by Canvas, as well as the member artists of the group are featured. Drop by and have a look. Thanks to Kimberly Conrad, Laurie Pace and friends, it's a beautiful site!