Musings of a work-in-progress

It has been awhile since my last posting, however, I have been busy with a posthumous portrait commission of Gov. S.W.T. Lanham, a Confederate general during the civil war. He was also one of the governors of Texas who was one of the founding fathers of the University of Texas, and a long list of other contributions to our great state. I will post a work-in-progress soon. It is a larger work..24 x 30..and being painted in oil on triple primed canvas. I normally paint the negative space first, but started this as a demonstration for one of my art classes to instruct in the process of value painting of flesh tones. Now I have the challenge of adding the background & adjusting the flesh tones that are influenced by their surroundings...arghhhh!

On another note, I have also become a member of a fine organization called "The Artists of Texas". You will find them at http://artistsoftexas.org Please visit this site and enjoy the works of other great artists too.

"Autumn Crossing"

Texas has been spectacular with the changing of Fall foliage this year. Here is a commissioned painting I have completed for the holidays. A Vaquero (Spanish cowboy) & his compadre are attempting to cross the Paluxy River. While his friend is still finding a path in the swift current, the Vaquero is pausing to take in the beauty of his surroundings.

Original (sold)

Canvas Transfer (18 x 24- $350)..note cards available (4 /$10)

If interested, contact me at www.vonniekohn.com

New Pet Portrait Commission

Here is my newest commission..."Hannah"-- Shitzu with an attitude. Can you see her fiesty expression. It's as if to say, "I'm the boss." Being personally acquainted with the owners of this little pet, I can honestly say that she really does command the respect of her family! Sometimes it is good to loosen up with a small portrait such as this. If you are interested in commissioning a portrait of your family pet, please contact me at vkohnartist@aol.com Rates are reasonable!

oil on canvas....11x14...Sold

"Man's Best Friend"

Have you ever wanted to do a portrait of your best friend? No, I don't mean the human kind; I am talking about your pet. My little dachshund, Snoopy, (who lives up to that name, btw) is the perfect kind of studio "companion." He lies on a cushion next to the ceiling-to-floor window & watches for any intrusion that might disturb my inner sanctum. Of course, just when I am deeply focused on a fine detail in the painting, he begins to excitedly bark at the neighbor's goats or cows who lean over the fence to get that green blade of grass just out of their reach! More than once I have had to retrieve my paintbrush from the far corner after such an outburst. All in all, he makes a good & faithful companion, content to just be in the room with me, making no demands whatever, except foran occasional pat on the head. What more can you ask of a good friend?
oil on canvas, 12 x 16"
$125, unframed

"If I Can't Be a Surgeon, I'll Be An Artist"

One of my art students has many hats to wear..one of them is as a writer. Here is an example of her work:
"Lately I have considered myself to be one of the luckiest persons alive. Why? Because I am an artist. That may not be a big deal to you, but it is to me. There's been a lot of years when I just wasn't sure what my 'calling' was. I spent quite a few years as a substitute teacher & was actually very good at it. But it wasn't something I planned for, worked toward, dreamed of. I kinda fell into it & accidentally found I was good with middle school kids & could teach a lesson, & even make most of them pay attention while I taught it....But, the art side of me has always hovered near the surface...during an art class, I was told by several artists that I didn't need to get a degree unless I wanted to teach..my talent was there! Still, just because you decide you want to be a surgeon & can pull all the body parts out of the game Operation in record time, doesn't mean you can own your own scalpel (& use it). My criteria for being able to say, 'I'm an artist' has hinged on being able to sell any of my paintings.......well, I have! I'm going to be hung in a new restaurant! And I have 2 commissions!!..guess what...I'm an artist! Still, that statement & $2 will get me a venti green ginger tea at Starbucks (with 2 Splendas) habit, I need to continue to sell paintings..which means I need to produce paintings-which means I probably don't have time to mop floors or take out the trash much, much less cook dinner......If you need me, I'll be in my studio (back of the house). Come on in, visit, hang out, just don't get in my light. We artists are fussy about that."....If you're interested to read more & laugh, her link is: http://www.waitingforthenextshoe.blogspot.com/ . Her name is Becky Arnold....enjoy the laughter!

"Busy Month"

Somehow I have found myself double-booked on the same weekend..I'm judging an art show on Sept 12th & have to drive back to Ft. Worth (2 hrs) in time for art show reception in which I am one of the artists! How do I get myself in these situations?

In addition, I am leaving for a family reunion (2nd or 3rd this year) to Lake Tahoe. Looking forward to a photo shoot while there. I can hardly wait. There will be some wonderful paintings from this trip. Travels are always welcome moments of inspiration for artists. Duty calls!!!

"Arts in the Garden"

For those in the Ft. Worth vicinity, the "Arts in the Garden" will be held Sept. 11-13th in the Deborah Beggs Moncrief Garden Center at the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens. Call the Center for times: 817-763-0724. Website: http://www.fwbg.org/. Gallery night reception: Sat. 5-8 pm.

I am fortunate to be included as one of the participating artists. Here is my entry, entitled: "DeGolyer's View". Hope to see you there!

Oil on canvas..11 x 14.. $ 750