therichartist.com

Old blog location,new blog location and why the change?

therichartist — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:24:00 -0800

This location is the home of archived blog posts from February 2005 through October 2009.

For all current blog posts starting November 2009 forward, please click here.

Why are my current blog posts in a different location? Because the host of this blog is discontinuing the service, this will remain, (I am told) online, but they are no longer supporting the blogware, will not be updating or fixing bugs etcetera, so I have decided this will remain as an archive and all new blog posts will be at the new location from this day forward.
Please click here to view the new posts from November 2009 on, or scroll down to view previous posts from
February 2005 through October 2009.

To visit my official website and see what works are currently available click HERE.

Next in my series of American Bison (Buffalo) original art, this one is a big painting

therichartist — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:17:00 -0700

This piece started out with a charcoal under painting, and I am progressing with oil. It just seems right that this American Icon should be presented large, so this is also 30"x40".
First is the charcoal under painting:

I actually think this could have stood alone as is, but really wanted to follow through
with oil, already seeing the color in my head, especially with this interesting landscape setting.
I will possibly do another charcoal which
will remain as is, but for now, phase 2 and on with the oil paint progress:

I'll be posting another progress photo of this painting as soon as I have it finished.
Meanwhile, I am working on a commissioned painting.

New Work Series, American Bison - Buffalo by Denise Rich

therichartist — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:39:00 -0700

A new series is in progress to add to my Bovine art adventures. I've been gathering some interesting information about the American Bison, and have decided that it is most deserving of being center stage for a while. I have dabbled a bit, with a couple of pieces, one being the portrait that was accepted into the Bosque Art Classic seen in a previous post.
I like the look of the charcoal, and will be doing more, such as this new piece. From several hundred reference photos I have taken this is one of the first pieces finished, a portrait, charcoal on canvas. This has been specially treated and sealed so it does not need to be under glass, and can be framed in a traditional canvas frame, a feature I especially like,
The charcoal on canvas, to me, has a completely different look and depth than charcoal on paper.

30"x40"

Although it is charcoal, I wouldn't so much call it a drawing, as when I work with charcoal in this way
I actually would describe it more as painting with the charcoal, similar to how pastels are called
"pastel paintings".

I like this so much I might like to do it as an oil painting as well.

Bosque Conservatory Art Classic, three pieces juried into the show

therichartist — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:59:00 -0700

I was very pleased to find that three of my entries were accepted into the Bosque Conservatory Art Classic show in Clifton, Texas, September 12-27, 2009.
This show gets a very large number of entries, this year it received 975 entries, from which 144 were chosen in four categories. I had these two Hereford works in the paintings category:

Ranger Portrait 16"x20" (sold at the show) and Crowded Cows 18"x18"

and this (American Bison) Buffalo Portrait (Charcoal and Oil) in the drawing category:

Buffalo Portrait 16"x20"

Texas Longhorn calf, Black Baldy cow, Hereford calf paintings by Denise Rich

therichartist — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:25:00 -0700

You might have noticed the recorded videos in recent blog posts showing portions of these three paintings in progress.
Here they are finished, fresh off of the easel. All three are 14"x14" on portrait canvas.

The Hereford is another view of Ranger, a recently sold portrait. He is so cute! The Black Baldy painting is a portrait of one of his friends, they both lived on the same property, and were show cattle.

The little Texas Longhorn calf portrait is the second in a series of portraits, the first one is sold. I have one more view that I did as a study (sold) that I will likely paint in the future.

Took reference photos last Tuesday...Dairy, Buffalo Ranch, Dairy in that order

therichartist — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:21:00 -0700

My plans were foiled last Tuesday when I went out to Ramona to take dairy cow photos for a commission. Because of the continuing high heat all of the cows were hanging out in the shade, not what I need!

Making the best of it, I took a detour out to the Buffalo Ranch hoping to get a good close up for a portrait I'd like to do.

Do you think this is close enough????

Meet Harley, her mother died and she was raised by a human family. Still able to integrate into the herd she responds when called, how great is that? However, I think this might be a tad too close!

Watch for some Buffalo paintings coming up in the near future though, as I did get a number of great shots! (Thanks Amie!)

Out to take reference photos in Ramona this morning, Holsteins here I come!

therichartist — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:03:00 -0700

I've been commissioned to do a painting of Holstein cows on the beach, this should be great fun. The first thing I have to do though is take the photo reference that will work, as of course I'm not aware of any Dairy cows living at the beach, so it will involve a photo of Holsteins that can be painted into a beach scene.

Taking the photo reference is one of my favorite things, it always leaves me in a good mood and with a smile on my face. Unfortunately, I've had few windows of opportunity in which to photograph my bovine friends in anything but 100 plus degree heat lately. It looks like today is a small break, so I'm jumping on the chance to get the girls basking instead of wilting in the shade.

Happy Holsteins, get ready to show me your good side, here I come with my camera!

Labor Day, painting a Hereford calf live from the studio!

therichartist — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:54:00 -0700

This Hereford calf is Ranger, looking straight at the viewer as opposed to the last portrait I painted of him. I'll post a photo when this is finished.14"x14" oil on portrait smooth canvas. I love painting on smooth canvas and boards, the detail stands out so much!

Labor Day Weekend, and I'm laboring! Working on a new Black Baldy Portrait live!

therichartist — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 09:45:00 -0700

I've spent a lot of time getting things together so I can broadcast more often from my studio. This morning I was up bright and early for a Sunday, loving the smell of oil paint in the morning, working on a new Black Baldy cow portrait.

Where the Buffalo Roam.....Ramona! New painting of Buffalo with her baby

therichartist — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:32:00 -0700

Many thanks to my friends in Ramona with the Buffalo ranch for taking me around to get reference photos. It's taking me time to get to between commissions and other works but I've finally gotten this one finished, with more to come in the future:

18"x24"

Recent portrait painting of two Hereford Bulls, titled "Respect A Bull"

therichartist — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:39:00 -0700

From photo reference taken in Ramona, this huge Hereford Bull was kept with a
younger male, and I love the way he is pushing his weight around, making sure the youngster knows who is boss! I've know I would paint this since the photo was taken, and it's turning out to be a great deal of fun, the swirls are going to be the best part.

This painting is 18"x24".

"Respect A Bull"
I love watching the cattle interact, this is a perfect example, and you don't know for sure if he was pushing the little guy around or just scratching his nose, but he does have a look in his eye!

New Black Angus painting, study for a larger piece, The Boys

therichartist — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:26:00 -0700

Here's a group of Black Angus (or Brangus) youngsters looking for trouble. These are from a herd in Ramona, California, one of my favorite places to get cattle photo reference. My plans are to do some very large scale paintings, but before I do I have to see how a composition works first, so this is an 8" x16" oil on canvas, from which I will decide if I want to paint it much larger, and I'm thinking of 24"x48".

Getting back to work in a big way, new Holstein paintings and two commissions

therichartist — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:48:00 -0700

There was the two weeks off, one for the cruise, the other to get ready for the cruise. Then there was the last week of school, graduation ceremonies and last day picnic. Now there is an 11 year old looking for something to do. Regardless of all of the distractions, I'm getting back to work!!

I started this with the intention of keeping the charcoal as part of the finished piece as with my buffalo charcoal with oil, but the canvas texture was not a smooth, nor did it accept the dark charcoal in any way that pleased me, so the charcoal you see here became the underpainting.

I really liked the look of the charcoal, and will do another on a smoother canvas. Up close it just wasn't what I was after.

My first decision was the background, and it was an easy one. Black, white and red just begs to be combined. I don't know why I haven't done more Holsteins with red, because it's one of my favorite combinations, so these two kids are now in front of the barn...

This is 18"x24", and is near completion. I'll be posting a final picture when it is done, taken in
better light, if the San Diego June Gloom decides to let up. This photo was taken in low light,
I might replace it, but you can get the idea.

I'm taking suggestions for a title, and no it can't be "Got Milk?" which is unfortunately what I keep seeing in their little expectant faces....post a comment if you have a suggestion, although a sign in is offered, you do not need to sign in to leave a comment!

In addition, I have two commissions I will be starting. One of cows on the beach, a fun concept and something different for me that I'm very excited about, and another of cows grazing, a classic scene that's always fun!

Now finished, and titled "Ben and Jerry"

Hereford cow/cattle paintings, new and favorites!

therichartist — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:24:00 -0700

I've got two favorite new Hereford paintings, just finished. First is a classic portrait of Ranger. I've painted Ranger before, he was my bovine model for "What You See Is What You Get", an 8"x10" painting from a few years ago. Here he is close up, with every bit as much attitude as before, which I loved and is why I have chosen to paint him:

This painting is 16"x20" oil on canvas. In the post below you can see some of this painting in progress in my online broadcast.

Next is one I had previously done a 6"x6" study for, and the painting is 18"x18"
oil on canvas.

The red and white face cows are dominating the easel lately, next up are Holsteins.

What's on the easel now?

therichartist — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:57:00 -0700

This is Ranger, a very cute six month old (or so) Hereford. I have already immortalized him in oil once before, an 8"x10" study of him standing titled "What You See Is What You Get", (that painting is sold). I haven't decided on a name for this one, but it might just be "Ranger". This painting is 16"x20".

Red Angus Study, oil on panel

therichartist — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:37:00 -0700

6"x6" oil on panel
This is a new study, I had thought about making it a little tighter, but couldn't bring myself to do anymore to
it, as I really loved the look, especially with the background blending in.
I may do a more detailed, larger painting of this in the future.

Three Herefords in a Field cows commissioned painting

therichartist — Wed, 13 May 2009 07:53:00 -0700

As often happens, a client found a painting on my website that they liked, but it was sold. The next step is to contact me and commission something with the same flavor, and as I have taken tons of reference photos over the years, there is always a probable chance that I can come up with something you will love just as much.

In this case, the sold painting was "Cutting the Mustard", a painting of Hereford cattle in a landscape.
I knew I had more photos that would carry this theme, so I scoured out the best one, and produced these two graphite studies which were the result of cropping the same photo two different ways:

My client chose this one directly above, Three Cows in a Field as the composition for their painting. Next step was to begin the painting, which is 24"x36".

I layed it out in charcoal first, then put a wash over it in complimentary colors to what the final colors will be and got the cows started:

And on to the finished painting:

This painting was quite fun to do, the reference photograph had all greens, but my client wanted wheat colored grasses, so I really enjoyed putting in all of the gold and amber waves of grain. It blends so well with the Herefords while at the same time making them stand out. Just enough green scrubby trees to lead the eye in and down to the cows.

Bucking Bulls painting for their owners, Bo's Excuse for the Andrews, and Brutus for Laird Bucking Bulls

therichartist — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:15:00 -0700

I've been lagging on the updates! Here are two new commissioned paintings I've done recently of Bucking Bulls, commissioned by their owners. This is Bo's Excuse, for Rena Andrews of Andrews Rodeo Co.

This painting is 12"x12", oil on canvas.
This reference photo came to me directly from his owner:

Next is another handsome bucking bull named Brutus. This painting was commissioned by Lisa Laird of Laird Bucking Bulls.

This painting is 6"x8", oil on canvas mounted to board.

This reference photos came to me through email directly from his owner.

New Works, Holsteins and a pig painting

therichartist — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:24:00 -0700

I'm off on Thursday to Paso Robles, California for the Cattlemen's Western Art Show.
This is an invitational Western art show. Since I'm getting ready, and will be gone on Thursday, my usual live broadcast is being canceled for the week, but I will be back on air live next week.

Here are two new works:
The Holsteins are 24"x36"

And now for something different, another of my favorite farm animals,
Mr. Pig, a 12"x12" oil painting.

"Pig Headed"

I herd you- new painting of a Hereford and a Cow Dog by Denise Rich

therichartist — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:29:00 -0800

Here is a brand new piece, from one of the very best reference photos I've ever taken (in my opinion.) I was actually taking pictures of the Hereford, when this Border Collie (maybe a Australian Shepherd) decided to pose as well. I really loved how the Hereford's ear is bent back listening to the dog approach.

I herd you
24"x24" oil on canvas

If you scroll down you will find how this piece started, as a charcoal sketch on
the canvas.
This painting is sold.

New painting just finished, Arabian horse

therichartist — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:40:00 -0800

I've had this sitting on the mantle partially done since ? October! If you scroll down you will find a poorly lit photo of it collecting dust there, until very recently when I was inspired to finish it finally. I decided to blot out the back horse, she was too dark in the reference photo to see much and it didn't really add to the piece, I like it much better now. It's about color, the back lighting and the shadow anyway, really another mood piece.

6"x12" oil on board.

Jersey Calf Portrait Commission in Progress

therichartist — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 09:15:00 -0800

The cuteness of a calf is forever in this oil portrait, commissioned by a client after falling in love with a Jersey calf face in one of my previous works.
This painting in progress is 12"x12" on wide profile canvas, I'll be painting the edges so it will be ready to hang when it arrives.

New Commissions in progress, now finished! Miniature Herefords and a Holststein

therichartist — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:51:00 -0800

My favorite subjects, this time two commissions. The first one is of Miniature Hereford cows. Who can resist this scene of a mom and her calf in the field? This is the clients photo, and perfect to work from. Shown in three stages, the first is layed in with charcoal, the second is the beginnings of blocking in, and the third is blocked in and starting to give the subjects form. The fourth is the final finished painting.

This painting is 20"x30" on canvas.

On to the next commission. You may recall and if not just scroll down to read about the beautiful dairy cow named Da Iry. She is a 4H project of a young woman named Emily. Emily's mother has commissioned a portrait of Da Iry for her daughter to have as a keepsake, a very touching idea. I visited them and was able to take the reference photos myself. Emily chose the photo to be used for the painting, a shot where Da Iry has her tongue sticking out. She wanted something that showed her beautiful face and personality. I think it was an excellent choice!

This painting is 12x16 on linen.

Donated to the North Shore Animal League America online Charity Auction

therichartist — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:03:00 -0700

Here is a view I see often when photographing dairy cows for painting reference, the extreme close up of the super curious one in the bunch.

"I'm Ready For My Close-Up"
18"x24"
Sold

Happy Cow Art

therichartist — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:31:00 -0700

A common practice with artists is to do preliminary drawings and sketches for planning an oil painting. Sometimes several similar views are done to enable chosing the best one to paint.

I have generally only offered oil paintings for purchase, but I am going to start listing for sale some studies, charcoal and graphite of the Happy Cow paintings, as well as others.
I think they would make great gifts for any Holstein fan, especially if they love the Happy Cows.
This is one of my favorites of the Happy Cows:
You may recognize it as California Is The Place To Be. This is
graphite on Arches 90 lb hot press watercolor paper, a surface I am
especially fond of drawing on. This is about 5.5"x7".

I love the value studies, hope you will too. I'll be posting more as I have time,
but commissions are calling!

News and new works in progress, cow, cow dog, horses

therichartist — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:52:00 -0700

News around here is my Husband's knee surgery went well and he is recovering nicely! It's kept the Rich Artist a little distracted having him around the house for the past couple of weeks, but he's back to work, (and so am I.)

These are on the back burner as I am working on two commissioned pieces seen in another post, but I wanted to put them up. The cow with the herding dog, I believe it's a border collie, is a pet cow of a local woman who teaches cutting. This guy came in as a youngster for practice, and walked right into her heart. Lucky for him, and for me, as I had the opportunity to take several excellent photo reference shots of him a while back. This is the first painting I'll be doing of him, there will be more, he's quite photogenic and giving Howard's Heifer a bit of competition as my favorite bovine model!

This piece is 24x24. This is just a vine charcoal value lay in, although I really do like
it just as it is, this will be an oil painting, just as soon as I get around to it. I love this
composition, the title is "I herd you".

And one small piece in the wings, 6x12 oil on board, this one is just blocked in, and will be a looser style study. I love the shadows.

Not the best lit photo, it's on my mantle waiting to be finished. I might do this on a very
large scale in the future, I think this study is working.

Mountain Oyster Club's 39th annual Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale

therichartist — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:04:00 -0700

This piece, 12x16 oil on linen titled "Nibbling on Sugar and Spice", has been accepted into the prestigious Mountain Oyster Club Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale, which will be November 23. This annual event is in it's 39th year.
I am honored to be included in this years show.

From their website:
"The Mountain Oyster Club, established in 1948, is a private club composed of members united in the interest of preserving Southwestern heritage and “Old Pueblo” tradition. Their foundations in this way of life vary. Whether they come from pioneer stock with deep roots in Arizona, are ranchers, farmers, or horsemen, are professionals working with livestock interests or are Western artists or collectors of Western art, this society of Westerners remains dedicated to western traditions, art and the western way of life.

Each year the Club sponsors the Annual Southwestern Art Show and Sale, considered to be one of the most outstanding showcases of western art by many of the country’s finest artist. The club boasts its own extensive collection of western art."

For more information, visit them at www.mountainoysterclub.com

Cowgirl original oil painting, now completedl!

therichartist — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:27:00 -0700

I've had a couple of popular Rodeo Cowboy little boy works available for a while, and have been asked a number of times "where is the little girl Cowgirl?" Here is number one in that category, in three progress pictures and the completed painting fourth.

Finally finished in the fourth photo, and photographed in natural light which represents
the colors the best.
The title of this piece is "Nibbling on Sugar and Spice"
12"x16" oil on linen

New Holstein Calf painting by Denise Rich

therichartist — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:43:00 -0700

I finished this the other day, finally got a chance to photograph it this morning.
I always love the little Holstein calves at the dairy. It takes them a few minutes to warm up to me and my camera, but I have a lot of patience, and never fail to get good photo reference for my work when I visit. This I love especially because of the lines of the fence behind her, and the rich colors. OH, and also the shadow. The ears always make such interesting shadows if they are at the right angle! This painting is 12"x12" on board.

I've been enjoying doing several smaller works lately, potentially studies for larger paintings in the future. This one I could perhaps see as a 36"x36" or larger someday.

New Work, three new cow works by Denise Rich aka The Happy Cow Artist

therichartist — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:57:00 -0700

Three new small works. All three bovine, all three on my favorite surface.
The first one, "Mini Moo" of nearly all white Holsteins, I have been wanting to paint ever since the shutter clicked at the dairy. I have a few more pictures of this pair that I will likely paint as well.

5x7 oil on panel "Mini Moo"

Next are Black Angus and I believe Charolaise, or perhaps a cross.
I thought this was an interesting view, and couldn't resist the title "O.R.E.O."

O-R-E-O 6x6 oil on panel

And finally, this big Black Angus bull was resting happily, the two behind him
probably his calves reminded me of kids showing Dad respect while he is taking
a nap, not that it ever happens in this house!

"Keeping a Respectful Distance"
6x8 oil on panel

(O.R.E.O. is sold)