Tangerine still life

I don't do too many still life paintings but I needed a change, so I decided to try one again.  I actually enjoyed painting this but would have loved to have painted it looser.  The only problem is that I have no idea how to paint looser..lol  I painted this with sanded paper which I'm enjoying more and more because it's the perfect paper for texture.  Now that my daughter is recuperating so beautifully, I can concentrate so much better on my Art.

Nadja

This is "Nadja Missouri".  She was my daughters mini dachshund for 16 years...and such a beautiful dog.  I enjoyed painting this little girl. 
Also, my daughter Carin is slowly healing and the doctors told her today she can go back to work August 13th.  Everyday she feels better.  I'm smiling again!!!

New Beginning

This has nothing to do with art but I needed to share...Today, my daughter Carin had heart surgery.  Apparently she was born with a hole in her heart and only found out after having a stroke just recently.  A blood clot went through the hole in her  heart and landed in her eye which took away some of her vision.  The Doctors felt that surgery was imperative to close the hole to prevent having another stroke in the future.  The operation was a success!  My beautiful daughter now has a complete Heart and she's coming home tomorrow!!  Thank you Dr. Ong and thank you God.

Pensive

Once again I had my granddaughter pose for me.  She's always willing to make me happy.  lol
I used my Rembrandts and terry Ludwig pastels for this portrait.  They are always so creamy and blends so well for my skin tones.  Skye is always a pleasure to paint.