Gently Cleaning a WIP (work in progress) Mermaid Painting

I pulled out a work-in-progress mermaid painting I had tucked away, ready to dive back in, but lo and behold, it had acquired a layer of dirt!

While acrylics are sturdy enough for a soft cloth and water, this was my first time facing grime on a water-soluble oil painting. Normally, I'd know what to do, but for this, I turned to Gemini for advice.

Gemini suggested Picture CleanGel. I applied the product by spraying it onto cotton balls and gently rubbing the surface. Then, I followed up by softly wiping the painting with distilled water on fresh cotton balls.

Voila! The painting is clean and prepped for its next stage! It's such a relief to have it ready.

Presenting Athena: A Completed German Shepherd Original Painting!

 

I'm delighted to unveil the completed view of Athena, a truly beautiful German Shepherd. Bringing this traditional pet portrait to life was an absolute joy!

While this original painting is already spoken for, I still wanted to share her finished form with you. She's painted using duo oils on an 8"x10" panel.

Meet Athena: German Shepherd Underpainting WIP Work in Progress

 

I'm happy to share this work-in-progress view of Athena, a beautiful German Shepherd. This is the underpainting stage of my traditional pet portrait.

Although this original is already spoken for, I wanted to share a glimpse into the process. The painting is created using duo oils on an 8"x10" panel.

Huntington Gardens Adventure: A Focus on Nature's Beauty

 I recently visited the Huntington Gardens, and the beauty I found there truly moved me. I initially aimed to share my top ten favorite nature photographs from that trip, but as I compiled them, I felt compelled to share eleven!

Art is a powerful force that continuously drives me to seek beauty, and sometimes, the raw power and intricate detail of nature becomes my inspiration. In this collection of garden-centric photographs, I wanted to capture and share that very spark. I hope you feel it too!