Dock Dogs - Oil Study 1

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

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

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

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

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

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"

"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!