Pet and Wildlife Art by Angela

Interview With Artist Roby Baer

Continuing with my "Artist's I Admire" series, I recently interviewed artist Roberta (Roby) Baer. I have been an admirer of her work ever since I happened upon it on Etsy. The level of realism that she's able to achieve is incredible. Please read the interview below and take a look at a few of Roby's beautiful paintings.

"Glass Beach"

Can you share a little bit about your art background?

Other than taking a couple high school art classes, I am self-taught. My mother was a recreational painter and my grandmother was more of a professional painter.

Which mediums do you work in and why?

I work in pastels due to my grandmother's influence. While she would paint with oils, she would let us use her pastels and it carried throughout my entire life.

How often do you paint?

I paint from 5-7 days a week depending on what is going on.

"Eye Of The Storm"

What subjects do you most enjoy painting and why?

I most enjoy painting wildlife because of my parents' love of nature. We were always outside and I gravitate towards mammals.

How would you describe your painting style?

My painting style is photorealism.

Can you tell me a little about your painting process?

My painting process starts with Bristol Board 500. I begin with a graphite sketch... The sketch is very accurate and this keeps me on track when I start to add my pastels. I begin with stick pastels smudging that into the tooth of the board. After achieving the desired foundation, I start to lay in hairs or detail with CarbOthello pastel pencils. I choose not to use any fixatives as it darkens the overall appearance and the painting is no longer achivally sound.

"Wind Chaser"

Do you set art related goals for yourself?

I have deadlines for everything that I do. I challenge myself by entering juried and national juried shows.

What is your favorite part about being an artist?

My favorite part about being an artist is the interaction I have with fellow artists and other people. I very much enjoy hearing different interpretations of my work.

"Self Portrait"

How has blogging and the internet changed your life as an artist?

The internet is integral part of how I do my research (e.g., making sure my animals are factual and true to their habitat at any time of year). The blog is a place for me to share with people new paintings I have completed and has allowed me to connect with others.

Do you have any advice for artists just starting out?

My advice is to practice your drawing skills if your goal is realism. This is the most important foundation towards being a good artist. Do your homework... learn tones, values and good composition. These are the building blocks to achieving success.

You can see Roby's Etsy page here, and her blog here.

Thanks Roby!

Tis The Season For Quilting

New blush baby blanket, available here.

Well I just added my first baby blanket to my Etsy store. This blanket is so cute and soft! I'm tempted to make a larger one for myself. I'm having a lot of fun with these, in fact I started a couple more today.

I'm so happy that quilting weather has finally arrived. My sewing room is on the 2nd floor of my home and in the summer the air conditioning just doesn't cool it off very well. I've been anxiously awaiting this cooler weather so that I can get some quilting projects done. This morning I put in a Harry Potter movie, made some hot chocolate and got started on a new blanket. It was my idea of a perfect morning. :)

I promise not to share every new blanket that I make, but if you like keep your eye on my Etsy store because some super cute blankets are coming!

Have a great weekend!

Baby Blanket

I recently finished up my college classes (and am now on break for a couple weeks) and got right to work on a few quilts I had to make. The first was a holiday table runner (a surprise gift for a friend) and the second was this cute baby blanket. A couple that my husband knows is about to have their first baby and I thought I would make them a blanket. They didn't find out the gender of the baby so I had to make it neutral.

The first quilt I ever made, I made about 2 years ago, and I actually haven't made one since. It's quite difficult to quilt on my sewing machine once the piece gets large, but a friend clued me in on "tying" and I love it. It's great because I used a poly-cotton blend batting and after tying the blanket is so soft. If it was tightly quilted it would be stiff. So anyway, I'm very pleased with the way it turned out and I've decided to make some for Etsy (in fact I've already made another one and which I will be sewing binding on this evening).

So, just another item that I will be adding to my Etsy shop. Look out for them! :)

Remembrance

"Remembrance" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

Today we remember the tragic events that took place on this day 10 years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with those lost and their families today. Whatever problems we think we have should feel so very small today.

I was a senior in high school, in advanced biology class, when the news broke. My teacher turned on the television and we spent the rest of the day just watching the news coverage. I've always felt deeply patriotic, but this really sparked something in me. Had 9-11 not happened, I'm not sure I would have joined the military shortly after graduating. I had a deep yearning to serve and I served a short time in the Air Force.

Thank you to those who continue to serve our country.

Thank you to Pat at Back Porch Musings for allowing me to use her photograph as a reference for this painting.

Thomas Kinkade Reproduction in Pastel

Thomas Kinkade Reproduction, 9 by 12, Pastel

Been wondering what the "challenging painting" I've been working on was? Well, here it is. I attempted the unthinkable, recreating a Thomas Kinkade in pastel. Thomas Kinkade is one of my very favorite artists. I have his calendar hanging in my kitchen and I kept admiring this particular painting. Then I got the crazy idea to give it a try in pastel. Obviously I wasn't able to do it justice, but I think it turned out fairly decently.

My intentions were to see if a Thomas Kinkade type of style was achievable in pastel. I have to say I think it would be a lot easier in oil, but with some practice and developed techniques I think it just might be possible with pastel.

This piece was so much fun, I just love all that detail. I was disappointed when I went to photograph the painting because the colors appeared so dull. I tried to fix it in photoshop and it helped a bit. The colors are so much prettier in person.

I hope you are having a great week!

Surrender

"Surrender" 5 1/2 by 5 1/2, Watercolor

Available Here

Here is a look at today's watercolor. There was just something so sweet about this white rose against that dark background. I really enjoyed this piece. I'm not quite sure why, but I just love all those fussy little details.

This little watercolor was completed on 140lb watercolor paper and completed with artist's quality winsor and newton paints.

I'm already planning my next pastel painting, but it's so crazy I'm not even going to say what it is just in case it doesn't turn out. :)

Have a nice afternoon!

Item of the Week & Special Offer

"In The Garden" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I brought this kitty back from the gallery this weekend and he's now available in my Etsy shop. As this week's item-of-the-week this painting is being offered at a discount price of $45 with free shipping.

I have a few collectors of my original cat paintings, and at $45-$55 they're very reasonably priced. I have a few other original kitties available on my website too.

I'm also having a cigar box sale. If you purchase any box you will receive a reduced price box for free. Also, if you "like" my art page on Facebook I will send you a free hand painted cigar box with any purchase. These offers are supposed to end this Sunday, but I may extend it.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

A New England Lighthouse

"A New England Lighthouse" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I have to begin this post by thanking Sharon at A New England Life for allowing me to use her beautiful photograph as a reference for this painting. Thanks Sharon!

I decided to try a little something different today. I'd been admiring this photo for a long time but was too scared to even try it. For some reason I feel like I cannot paint foliage very well, but I haven't really tried. So, I decided to give it a shot today and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I was disappointed with the scan of the painting because it seemed to take something away from it. I think it looks much better in person and I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

As always, this painting was completed with artist quality pastel pencils on pastelbord. The detail of the lighthouse was so much fun. I think I'm going to have to try more paintings like this.

Have a great afternoon!

Goliath - Commissioned Pet Portrait

"Goliath" - Commissioned Pet Portrait, 8 by 10

I've been working the past few days on this pet portrait. A customer requested this painting as a gift for her sister. I was a bit nervous before starting it because the right side of the dog (in the reference photo) was mostly in shadow. It didn't look bad in the photo, I just wasn't sure I was going to be able to render it the way I wanted to with paint. But, I am very pleased with the way that it turned out. The scan isn't perfect, but the original looks great.

If you're interested in a custom pet portrait, just check out my Etsy page. I offer 3 different sizes and I think the prices are very reasonable.

Off to plan my next painting! :)

Cards and Quilts

I just thought I'd share what I've been working on the past couple days. The table runner above I made today. The fabric is all from the "Grand Finale" line by Moda. And it was my very first attempt at applique. I did some little leaves and acorns. It definitely takes a bit more time to do, but it was fun and it's different. This runner is listed on Etsy for $32.00 if anyone is interested.

These are a few cards that I made yesterday. I use my decorative painting style when painting these cards, much like I use for my cigar boxes. I had several of these listed on Etsy but no one seemed interested, so I took them to the gallery instead. I've sold quite a few, so I thought it would be fun to make some more. I don't know about any of you, but I still like to send cards. We are all so much into technology now that people don't send letters and cards like they used to. Maybe I'm just old fashioned. :)

I hope you all have a great night!

Among Lily Pads

"Among Lily Pads" 8 by 10, Pastel Painting

Available Here

SOLD

It's finished! Like I mentioned in my previous post, I felt a bit rusty with this painting considering it has been a couple months since I used my pastels. But it's amazing how quickly it comes back. I also think it's good to take a break once in a while. I've come back from this time off with renewed creativity and fresh ideas.

This painting was completed on pastelbord and I used all CarbOthello pastel pencils. For now this painting is for sale on Etsy, but I might end up taking it to the gallery in a few weeks.

Have a lovely afternoon! :)

Water Lily - Work In Progress

I'm working on a new pastel painting. The main subject is a water lily, but I haven't settled on a name yet. It's been months since I've painted in pastel and I'll admit, I'm a bit rusty! But after painting for a couple hours I started to settle back into my groove. I'm pleased with the way it's progressing.

So far I've only used pastel pencils and the surface is pastelbord. It's an 8 by 10, which is a bit bigger than I would normally work. I've only had a handful of pieces as big as 8 by 10 and my Grandma just purchased 2 of them. I need to start working a bit bigger, so this is a start.

I hope to have this finished in the next couple of days. :)

No Apologies

I made a decision recently to stop feeling guilty and to stop apologizing for my art. Perhaps you're wondering why I would feel guilty or need to apologize for it. Well, I have gotten grief over the years from people who think that I shouldn't sell different types of items in my Etsy shop (I sell original fine art, prints, quilts, hand painted boxes and other decorative painted items). I've also gotten grief for supposedly not finding my "voice" as an artist yet.

To tell you the truth I'm just tired of it all. I shouldn't have to feel guilty because I have many interests. And I sell some of everything on Etsy, which tells me that people enjoy my different crafts as well as my fine artwork. And regarding my "voice" as an artist, I don't know why I have to paint in one medium and in one particular style. That just doesn't match my personality. I like to experiment. Some subjects I like to do a little looser and others I like to do more realistic. I appreciate the opinion of other artists, but I think it's time that I just follow my own path. Art is subjective and there should not be any rules. Giving into the harsh opinions of others has put a damper in my creativity.

I'm choosing to pursue what I choose and that's that. :)

The Smurfs

I'm so excited! I went to see the Smurfs on Sunday and I spotted some of my boxes! The set decorator purchased the three boxes pictured below. My husband, brother and sister and I all went to see the movie and were scanning the rooms trying to find the boxes.

I think I spotted this one and the one below on some tables. I'll have to wait until it comes out on DVD to see where they all were.
This peach roses box was clearly seen in many shots. In the movie, the Smurfs redecorate part of the living room, in the apartment of the main characters and this box is standing up right on the left hand side of the screen on a table. I'll admit that it was very cool seeing something I painted in a movie!

And the movie was cute. If you have kids or enjoy family type movies, you should go see it. :)

I couldn't help but pick up this little Smurf from McDonald's yesterday! :)

As a little celebration I'm having another cigar box sale on Etsy. 50% off any box with coupon code "boxsale."

My brother and sister were visiting this entire last week, but left for home today. While I'm sad that they're gone, I'm happy that things will be going back to normal around here. Which means I should be doing some more painting soon!

I hope you have a great week!

My Art In The Smurfs

The Smurfs is coming out next Friday! If you follow my blog you already know that some of my hand painted cigar boxes were purchased for the set of this movie. This was well over a year ago and it's so exciting that the release is almost here! I'm looking forward to seeing the movie and trying to spot my boxes. Luckily my brother and sister will be visiting next week so we can all see it together. And the movie looks cute, so you should take your family to see it. :)

Tulip in White

"Tulip in White" 5 by 7, Watercolor Painting

Available Here SOLD

I actually completed a new painting! It's been 2 months, I can't even believe it. If I hadn't gotten married I would say that going 2 months without painting is unacceptable. :) At least I had a good reason.

Anyway, I'll admit I felt a little rusty with this piece, but I enjoyed it. Getting the shade of those shadows was a challenge. I also used a piece of 140lb watercolor paper that had been stretched on a piece of gatorboard for several weeks and I had some issues with it. I used Winsor & Newton paints on this piece and the size is 5 x 7.

If anyone is interested, this painting is available in my Etsy shop for $50 plus free shipping.

It's good to be back! I've missed you all! :)

Taking a Break

I've decided to give myself some permission to take a break from my art. I have been feeling quite overwhelmed lately by everything I've got going on and having a difficult time making time for my painting. I'm taking a full class load and this quarter is easily one of the busiest I've had in my 4 years in college. I'm also getting married in 4 weeks so I'm feeling some stress from that. Actually this school quarter ends the day before my wedding. I'm even thinking about beginning my yoga teacher training soon. So you can see why I'm feeling overwhelmed. It takes a great deal for me to get stressed and my yoga practice has helped me manage it, but it's still a lot.

My art is unfortunately my last priority right now and after the wedding and after this quarter is over I plan on jumping right back into it. And I may do some painting over the next few weeks but only if I have the time and I want to.

Have a great day!

New Hand Painted Items

I just wanted to share some of my latest hand painted items. After high school I took a break from art and when I got back into it I started doing decorative painting. I just loved it. I have continued to paint in that way on my cigar boxes but I recently decided to paint on some other items that I had.

This cute painted plate and stand are listed on Etsy for $15.
This plate and stand are also listed on Etsy for $15.

I love this candle holder/jar but I had trouble getting a good picture of it. I painted it with these sweet soft purple metallic dragonflies. It's listed on Etsy for $12.

It's not exactly fine art, but I really enjoy it and others seem to as well.

I hope you have a great evening!

Cigar Box Sale

I'm having a cigar box sale on Etsy! Purchase any regular or reduced price cigar box and receive any reduced price box for free. The price of the free box will be refunded via Paypal. I have over 30 boxes to choose from, and most of them are already reduced in price.

If you follow my blog you probably know that some of these hand painted cigar boxes were purchased last year by Columbia pictures to use on the set of The Smurfs movie coming out this August. I'm looking to clean out some of the boxes I have now to make room for some new ones. These boxes make great gifts and everyone loves them! :)

Have a great day!