Marianne Hinojosa's Random Acts of Painting

"Izzy" - 11x14" oil on canvas panel

2010-10-24T14:00:00.001-05:00

Izzy is an adorable Weimaraner puppy I know. Her happy face and sweet, lopsided smile inspired me to paint this portrait of her.

Dachshund Puppy - 9x12" oil on canvas panel

2010-08-23T14:53:00.000-05:00

Who can resist a Dachshund puppy? Those big eyes and little round head bring out the "awwww!" in all of us. This one reminds me of a miniature my Mom had, named Heidi.

White Poodle - 12"x9" oil on canvas panel

2010-08-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

Here is my latest work, the ever popular white poodle.

Flyball Dogs #2 - 9x12" oil on canvas panel

2010-07-31T15:04:00.000-05:00

Flyball is a very popular dog sport, which is fast-paced and exciting to watch. Dogs of all breeds can play. Relay teams consisting of four dogs race against each other over a line of hurdles to a box that releases a tennis ball when the dog’s paw presses the spring-loaded pad.The dogs have to catch the ball and run back to their handlers at the start/finish line, then the next dog is released.

I find that the different types of dogs and the great action of this sport give me lots of great ideas for quick and loose oil studies and sketches. This is the second oil study in my series, "Flyball Dogs". It shows a Border Collie, which is one of the principal breeds used in this exciting and fast-paced sport. Here's a look at "Flyball Dog #1, which has already been sold:

"Baby of Mine" Redux - 9x12" oil on canvas panel

2010-07-31T15:01:00.000-05:00

I decided to rework this study because I wasn't really "in love" with the original. I am much happier with the way it looks now. For a look back at the original study and the story behind it, click the link to view the original blog post: "Baby of Mine" (original)

Jack - 12x16" oil on canvas

2010-07-12T14:08:00.006-05:00

Jack was the dog who belonged to a good friend and former coworker. We found him in the employee parking lot one day, the sweetest, most darling little Golden Retriever puppy! I had two huge Rhodesians at home, so I couldn't take him, but my kind-hearted friend took him home and he became a beloved member of the family for 16 years. Sadly, he passed away in 2009. My friend commissioned me to paint him and the photos below are the ones I used to compose this piece. So long, sweet Jack!

Learning Curve - 12x16" Oil on Canvas

2010-07-10T22:52:00.001-05:00

I've been teaching my puppy, Ruby, to play Frisbee. She's getting really good at it! Sometimes she misses, but her efforts are extremely focused. Watching her inspired this painting. The Frisbee is going too high, and she jumps and twists to try to catch it. Hence, the "learning curve" - literally!

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July 2010

The BoldBrush

Painting Contest

Sponsor:

Artist Websites

by FASO

"Ho-o-old It!" - 9"x12" Oil on Canvas Panel

2010-06-14T16:52:00.003-05:00

I got the idea for this painting when I was trying to teach my puppy Ruby to hold a treat on her nose. I watch videos on YouTube by Zak George, who has a show on Animal Planet called "Superfetch".

I LOVE this kid! He really connects intuitively with dogs.

Anyway, I learned Ruby didn't like me putting food on her face - even though she'd get to eat it. Whenever she realized I wanted to practice the trick, she'd run out of the room. Maybe I'll try again when she's a little older.

Please support me
by voting
for my art!

June 2010

The BoldBrush

Painting Contest

Sponsor:

Artist Websites

by FASO

Commissions

2010-03-16T16:21:00.001-05:00

Over the past few months I have been busy with 3 commissions, along with my other work for the galleries and the website. These 3 pieces were commissioned by the same family, to whom I am so very grateful for their confidence and their patience. "Lulu and Huey" the 2 dogs, is 12x16".

"Daisy" is 9x12".

The cats, "Charlie, Pete, and TJ" is 12x16". All are oil on canvas panel.

Dock Dogs - Oil Study 1

2009-12-20T13:01:00.000-06:00

Dock Dogs is the term used for a popular new water sporting event, in which dogs of all breeds run down a dock or platform and jump off over a pool to catch a ball (distance competition) or to snatch a target suspended high in the air (height competition). It’s great fun to watch and the dogs are TOTALLY into it!

Baby of Mine - 9x12" oil study

2009-12-12T17:15:00.000-06:00

While working as a volunteer one day at our local shelter, I went to the visit Jenny, a yellow Lab over 5 years old. I had planned to take her for a walk. Her new roommate was a young yellow male Lab, less than a year old. He looked like he could have been her own son. As I peered into her room, she was lovingly bathing the face and ears of the puppy, who was laying with his head under hers. I quietly observed the sweet scene, which gave me the idea for this oil study. The title, “Baby of Mine”, is from the beautiful lullaby in Walt Disney’s “Dumbo”.

(It always makes me cry.)

Mabel - 9x12" oil on canvas panel

2009-11-03T17:03:00.001-06:00

Mabel is a sweet little dog owned by Harold. Harold owns Harold's Art Supply in San Antonio, where I go to workshop every week. Mabel is the store dog. She will lay hidden under the front desk and, if you come in wearing flip-flops, she will sneak up on you and lick your toes. She comes into the class to check out everyone. She loves to be carried and cuddled. And she gives wonderful puppy kisses.

I look forward to seeing her every week, and just wanted to paint her. The painting now belongs to Harold and Mabel.

Every Dog has its Dia (de los Muertos) - 9x12" Oil Study on Canvas Panel

2009-10-31T14:15:00.000-05:00

I painted this little long-haired Chihuahua in a skeleton costume in honor of Halloween, All Saints Day, and the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). I am hoping to hang this at the SAVA

Art Gallery at River Center Mall in downtown San Antonio. If not there, it will be for sale at River Art Gallery close by.

Art281

2009-10-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, October 11, was the Art281 Show at My Place Restaurant on Hwy 281. What a day! It was cold and rainy-drizzly the entire day. And I had an outdoor spot! My husband, Dan, (I put him through the wringer, poor guy!) help me put the tent up in the rain, but I couldn't put my art out. Fortune smiled on us and an indoor spot became available in the old Casey's Dance Hall. So we lugged everything inside.
The SAGAG (San Antonio Glass Art Guild) sponsored the show. I was amazed at all the beautiful and imaginative things these artists create with glass and stone and metal. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. The lunches My Place delivered over to us were Dee-Lish-Us!
The entertainment provided from numerous Performing Arts and Dance Academies was also a treat!
I made several new friends and a few commissions, so I considered the day a pleasant success!

River Art Show and 2 New Oil Studies

2009-10-08T14:51:00.011-05:00

We were set up in the La Villita Assembly Hall. This is me at my booth on Saturday.

I rearranged my booth on Sunday so I would have more room to do demo work (my set-up is in the lower right hand corner) and draw people in closer to the artwork.

On both days we finally received our desperately needed rain here in San Antonio, although it did affect the turnout somewhat. Sunday we had more people wandering around to view all the fabulous art and jewelry and sculptures.

Several people inquired about having paintings of their pets commissioned. The kids were the most fun, though. They are always drawn to the dog paintings and like to just stand there and look and look! Some will just start telling me all about their animals or watch me draw or paint and ask questions.

I did finish two new oil studies while I was at the show. They are available to purchase safely and securely through PayPal on my website mariannehinojosa.com for just $48 each. They are 9x12 on canvas panel, and I used conte and pastel to draw and then painted them with oil paints. They are quick, simple, and fun to do!

"Privacy, Please!"

9x12" Oil Study on Canvas Panel

"Clean Up Your Room!"

9x12" Oil Study on canvas panel

"NEW! Original Studies"

2009-10-01T18:59:00.001-05:00

"Original Study - Gus" 9x12" oil and pastel on canvas panel

I am trying something new. I love to draw! I draw better than I paint. But I love to paint - in oils.

So I have combined the two in this style of quick and loose "studies" on canvas panels. I have really been trying to find my "style", or "handwriting", or creative impetus, and this has really been a huge leap for me. I started off with - what else? - my most beloved subject. My eternal Muse, Gus. I plan to do more studies, as they also provide a more affordable way for people to own my art. I am accepting commissions, as well. I am going to be posting them for sale on my website, so check out my website now and then!

Comfort Fall Art Walk

2009-09-25T17:30:00.006-05:00

On Saturday, September 19, I participated in the first annual Comfort Fall Art Walk in the beautiful Texas Hill Country town of Comfort. It's lovely, picturesque, and FULL of antique shops. My tent was set up in the driveway of Blackbird Antiques in the Historic District. The shop is owned and run by Karen Frias, who proved to be a very friendly and helpful "Hostess". She comes to work every day with her two little Pugs, Molly and Hudson. They are just too adorable, and sleep on little antique beds in the shop. I did a lot of "schmoozing" with them - they give such wonderful puppy kisses!

My husband , Dan, sacrificed his whole day to help me - Thank You, Honey! Besides helping with the unloading, setting up, and reloading, he visited with the shoppers, scouted out the surrounding artists, and brought me lunch.

Many people inquired about getting portraits of their own pets, and showed me pictures and shared stories about their "little darlings". I really enjoyed it and got to visit with some dogs walking their People around!

I had a table set up with a bowl of candy for the folks and natural biscuits for the doggies. In the photos you can also see the painting of the duckling I was working on, as well as a pastel I did on a piece of sketch paper of my boy, Gus, from a photo. (It's to the right of my blue photo album, under my bag of Oreo cookies!)

Now I am getting ready for the River Art Show which is in San Antonio October 3 and 4. it's in the Historic La Villita District, and I will be in the Villita Assembly Building. I'll be back soon with photos of some different things I am trying out!

"Pedicure" 9x12" oil on Raymar Linen Panel

2009-09-14T18:34:00.002-05:00

I've been experimenting with Conte, charcoal, and pastel pencils this summer. I really love to draw, and I draw better than I paint. But I love colors and oil paints. So I've been working on different ways to incorporate the two into a style that I enjoy and find satisfying. I really believe I'm on the way to discovering my "real" style. The next few posts will show the results of my experiments. This painting was inspired by my cat, Gabriella. We had her front claws removed, but left her back claws. She likes to groom and pull on them with her teeth when we settle down to go to sleep. I like to watch her - she seems to enjoy it so!

Pensive (Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy) - 9x12" Oil on Raymar Canvas Panel

2009-08-29T11:39:00.008-05:00

Originally, I had been working on a larger painting of my Hanna from a sketch I drew of her shortly before she passed away. I was having trouble getting her head the way I wanted it to look, so I thought I'd try a smaller version first. Then, as I was painting, I saw the puppy! She was just there on the canvas, waiting for me to bring her out! I tried to keep it very simple and loose, not wanting to have it end up looking overworked and "tight". I am happy with the result!

Sunburst Sea Horse

2009-08-24T18:58:00.003-05:00

This little painting was done on a 6x8 canvas panel. I started it several months ago, then put it away to work on something else (a dog painting, I'm sure....). I totally forgot about it! I have finished it and will probably take it to hang in River Art Gallery.

Where Have I Been?

2009-08-12T15:13:00.007-05:00

I haven't posted anything in a while. It's been a long HOT summer here in San Antonio, and I've been busy like the rest of you, I'm sure. After several weeks of computer/internet related technical issues, I have changed my website. I am using Fine Art Studios Online, which is a company based right here in San Antonio by a native San Antonian, Clint Watson. FASO caters specifically to Artists! I have also discontinued using eBay, as Customers can purchase my art using PayPal directly through my new website:

http://www.mariannehinojosa.com

I am working on having my Red Dog Art Gallery domain redirect to this new website.

It's as if a major load has been lifted off of me! Now I can devote my creative energies to PAINTING! There are shows coming up in the next few months that I need get ready for, and "time's a-wastin'!" Hope to be back soon with some new art to show!

Workshop Paintings

2009-07-08T15:25:00.005-05:00

White Teapot in Autumn - 9x12" oil on Raymar canvas panel

Daisies and Peppers - 9x12" oil on Raymar canvas panel

These were paintings I did in a workshop taught by Kaye Franklin at the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts in San Antonio, TX. It was a 2 day workshop June 12 and 13. It was so much fun, I was sorry when it ended. Kaye would do a demo painting for us, explaining what she was doing and why. We were free to ask questions as she painted, which was really helpful. She made it so simple for us to understand her painting process. Now if I can just put it to work in MY painting process!

It's been a while since I've done any still life painting, but it is so important. All the basics of good painting have to be applied. And if I can master those basics, it will help in landscape painting and in painting dogs and other animals. It's kinda like Boot Camp for an artist!

We had 3 still life set-ups to choose from on the first day. That's when I painted the white teapot set-up. On the second day, after Kaye demonstrated a landscape painting, we had 3 set-ups and a choice of landscape photos. I chose the daisies and peppers set-up. I really needed the practice of painting a still-life from a good live composition.

Kaye is such an accomplished artist, who has traveled extensively, and does plein aire painting frequently. Her loose, painterly style is so appealing, and she is a kind and patient instructor.

I hope to have the opportunity to work with her again. You can check out her work by clicking on her link in my list on the right.

"Incoming!"

2009-06-17T13:20:00.007-05:00

Here is the finished painting from my last entry. I decided on a bluebird, since they're a favorite symbol of happiness. Also, because a butterfly would have reminded me too much of the cover of my "Bambi" VHS. And a fly was just not cute. I will be putting this one on eBay for one week, and if it doesn't sell, I will put it in the the River Art Gallery downtown.

I really like this painting, because it really DOES make me smile!

Almost finished.....

2009-06-06T13:13:00.007-05:00

This painting is done on a 12x16" Convexo canvas; the edges are beveled and it does not take a frame. I just have one more element to add, and I'm trying to decide what the dog should be turning around to look at.

Usually you'll catch dogs doing a quick turn to catch an annoying fly. I could do a fly, but I'd rather do a butterfly or a small bird or a dragonfly or even falling leaves. I'll have to chew on this one a bit longer....I'll post the end result in a few days.

Goodbye to Hanna

2009-05-22T22:35:00.009-05:00

Today Hanna went to be with Gus and the Lord.

She would have been 12 years old on November 5.

She was a beautiful, sweet soul, and a great source of comfort, love,

and companionship for Dan and me.

We will miss her terribly. I will miss her presence on the patio

while I painted. I will miss the warmth of her big beautiful head

to hug and kiss. I will miss her excited , expectant search through the

grocery bags on shopping day to see what mommy brought home for her.

I will miss her warmth on the bed sleeping next to me. And the way she wanted to share whatever I was eating. Loved Peanut Butter!!

Goodbye, my dear baby girl....

"What?....WHAT?? 12x16" on Creative Edge canvas

2009-05-14T13:21:00.020-05:00

A photo of this painting was on my post on April 3rd, before I had it completely finished. It has been finished and ready to sell for a few weeks, but I have been so busy obsessing over my unfinished paintings of Gus and Hanna (there are 4, in fact) that I am only now putting it on eBay. It is still one of my favorites.

This week has also been a stresser, because our Hanna (11-1/2 years old) has been under the weather. I'll soon post pictures of the paintings of her and Gus that I am working on.

"Goin' for a Spin" - 12x16" on Gallery Wrap Canvas

2009-05-04T12:49:00.014-05:00

top and bottom edges of canvas

sides of canvas

click on photos to enlarge

This painting was done on a Gallery Wrap canvas. The edges are painted all around, and it doesn't need a frame. I got the idea for this from seeing dogs that like to "hang on" to stuff. It can be a toy, a chew rope, or a piece of clothing...you can swing 'em around and the dogs love flying through the air. And of course, Hunter (my niece's Bagle puppy) provided inspiration!

Frustrations!

2009-04-27T19:49:00.009-05:00

Well, I've spent the last week working steadily on a fairly large painting of my two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Gus and Hanna. (Gus passed away last August.) It's a 22x28" Convexo canvas. I paint for several hours, and if I haven't already been wiping off my work every couple of hours, I end up wiping it all off at the end of the day. I just can't seem to get it the way I want to, and therefore I have no photos of my work today. Instead, I am posting a picture of Gus and Hanna taken in 1998. Gus was 3 and Hanna was only a couple of months old. Gus adored his half-sister from the very beginning. And Hanna always stuck close to him. He was her Best Buddy. This is one of my favorite photos in the whole wide world! And they are the inspiration for most of my art. It's their sweetness, noble character, and loving, beautiful souls that I try to capture in every animal I paint.

Shy - 8x8" on Creative Edge Canvas

2009-04-20T19:41:00.002-05:00

click on photo to enlarge

I finished this painting last week, adding a few fine details and working on the shading. I plan to put this one in the River Art Gallery in San Antonio.

Make a Wish! 9x12" oil on canvas

2009-04-13T23:00:00.010-05:00

Click on photo to enlarge

This is another painting inspired by my niece's dogs Titus and Hunter. It's so cute when dogs run together while holding a toy or a stick! I plan to put this painting in the River Art Gallery here in San Antonio.

OOPS!

2009-04-07T17:39:00.006-05:00

Well, I apologize if you weren't able to find my website "Red Dog Art Gallery" the last couple of days. I decided to use a web hosting program, and forgot to change my links.

I had such a time trying to figure out how to work with FTP.

I am severely cybernetically challenged, so I spent all weekend reading about FTP and XHTML and Sitemaps and all kinds of computer stuff I am still trying to learn.

And I should have been painting! Ah, well, hopefully I have it all straightened out now. If anyone encounters any problems, please email me so I can correct it! Thanks!

"What?....WHAT?? 12x16" oil on Creative Edge canvas

2009-04-03T17:57:00.016-05:00

This is another painting that is almost finished.

I only have to paint the edges and varnish.

I thought about how puppies just do whatever seems FUN! They do what comes naturally. They don't have a concept of right or wrong. And if you come upon them engaged in one of their fun activities that you don't approve of, they look at you like "What?....WHAT?" But they can soon tell by your tone or your demeanor that you are not happy. But they are still so precious....you just can't get angry!

Click on photo to enlarge

Seahorse Races - 10x10" oil on canvas

2009-04-02T19:52:00.012-05:00

Click on photo to enlarge

I painted this piece because I could never find artwork of

seahorses that appealed to me. They somehow seemed too cartoonish.

Seahorses are fascinating and mysterious creatures. So little is known about them. But there are different types and sizes, and they have so many beautiful and vivid colors.

After viewing a multitude of actual photos of seahorses, I simply

used my imagination and put them in this setting.

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"Shy" - 8x8x" Original Oil on Creative Edge canvas

2009-03-29T17:16:00.022-05:00

Click images to enlarge

This painting is almost finished. It is on an 8x8" Creative Edge canvas with 3/4 wide edges. I just need to put some finishing touches on the edges, let it dry, varnish, let it dry...then put it up for sale. This piece was inspired, again, by my niece's Bagle (Basset - Beagle) puppy, Hunter.

We were sitting out in the yard and my senior citizen Rhodesian Ridgeback,

Hanna,was "doggin' " him everywhere he went. He finally took refuge behind Natalie's pant leg, and I took the photo. So I imagined him hiding behind a curtain, if a guest came into his home. Just a little too shy to come out before he can check out the company!

"Frisbee Dog" 6x8" Original Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas

2009-03-22T12:38:00.013-05:00

Click on photos to enlarge

Yet another Frisbee dog! This painting needs no frame. It is on Gallery Wrap canvas and is painted on the edges. This time I painted a type of sporting dog that exists only in my head. It could be a Spaniel or a Pointer or a Mutt....whatever it looks like to you, that's what it is!

"When They Comin' Home?" 9x12" Original Oil on Canvas

2009-03-17T22:08:00.020-05:00

Click on photos to enlarge

In this painting I combined images of Titus and Hunter. Titus is a black Lab mix and Hunter is a Bagle (part Basset, part Beagle). They were watching my niece and her husband loading the car to go back home to Houston after Hurricane Ike. (I plan to kidnap Hunter one day!).

"Frisbee Catch" 10x10 in. Original Oil on Canvas

2009-03-13T21:07:00.013-05:00

Click on photos to enlarge

I love to watch dogs catching Frisbees! And Border Collies are so enthusiastic and energetic! I tried to imagine myself sitting on the grass at a dog park or field event, watching the dog flying into the air.

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"Waiting" 9x12" Original Oil on Canvas

2009-03-06T14:17:00.033-06:00

Click on photo to enlarge

This painting was inspired by Titus, my niece's puppy. I took a photo of him as he was standing at the front door, watching Natalie and her husband, James, packing the car for the drive back to Houston.

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