Big Update!

Wow, I can't believe it's been 5 months since I updated my blog!  I've done a lot of art in that time, mostly coloured pencil.  I've been exploring a more whimsical style lately which seems to be quite popular.  I have also recently opened up a Zazzle shop where prints, greeting cards, cushions and more can be purchased featuring my artwork.  The link is in the right hand column or visit here:  Catherine Gabriel Art Zazzle Shop.

Here are a few examples of what I've been doing lately.  I hope people are still following this blog, I hope to update it more regularly from now on :)

Kookaburra

Just started this painting today of a Kookaburra, the second in my series of Australian Bird portraits.  Quite happy with how this one is turning out, lots more detail still to go.

Snow Leopard

The other day I finished another mixed media piece, this time a Snow Leopard.  Paper & acrylic on stretched canvas, 16" x 20"

Australian Bird Series

I've decided I really need something to focus on in my art and what I've come up with is to do a series of oil paintings of Australian bird portraits.  The first bird I have chosen is a cockatiel.  This is actually my cockatiel Jakey or he used to be at least, he actually lives with my Mum now.  Oil on Gessobord panel, 6" x 6".

Lion Collage

I'm not sure if anyone is following my blog anymore, if you see something you like or would like to comment on please do so as it is very appreciated.

This is a lion collage I did a few weeks ago.  Quite pleased with how this one turned out and it looks great on the wall.  Acrylic and collage on stretched canvas, 16" x 20"

Fox collage

Mixed Media Collage

Collage has been calling to me lately, it is something that I explored when I first got into art 2.5 years ago and I still love doing it.  I've been experimenting with some different techniques and believe I have come up with a style that is quite unique.  This is my latest piece "Rabbit", Collage & Acrylic on stretched canvas, 10" x 12".

Duke of Burgundy

After all the cats I've been painting recently I felt like doing something completely different.  Just finished this painting yesterday, it is a Duke of Burgundy butterfly (a European butterfly),  Oil on Gessobord, 8" x 10".  Thanks to Byron Taylor for his permission to use his beautiful photo as a reference.

More oil paintings

I haven't updated my blog for quite a while, been busy painting cats in oil and I also did one of my own dog Woodley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ginger cat in progress

I'm really enjoying painting cats at the moment.  I wanted to paint a cat with amber eyes and decided to use this lovely reference from the Wet Canvas photo reference library.  This is how far I've got, still a bit more detail needed in the fur and he needs whiskers too...

Cats in Oil

The last few weeks I've been concentrating on painting cats in oil.  My first attempt was a beautiful closeup of a silver Persian.  I've actually done this picture before but in coloured pencil.  I'm so much happier with this oil version though..

 

 

Next I decided to paint a cute little kitten lying back on a blanket.  This one was more challenging as there was a lot more fur to paint but I was happy with the results...

 



Long time no post

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted on my blog!  I have been busy with my art, new Brusho pieces, a pastel and some oils as well.  Below are some of the works I've done...

Deer, Brusho paints, A3 size

 

Barn Owl, Brusho paints, A3 size

 

Cat Profile, Pastel, A4 size

 

Yarrangobilly, Oil on Gessobord, 8" x 10"

 

Brusho!

Recently I purchased a product called "Brusho".  Ink paints in powder form.  You can either sprinkle it on paper and then spray with water, or add water to it on a palette and use like watercolour etc..  You can create some very interesting effects.  It's messy and unpredictable but I have managed to do two paintings so far that I'm pretty pleased with.  Looking forward to experimenting with it more.

Flame Robin finished

Flame Robin

Work in progress, Flame Robin in coloured pencils...

Woodchat Shrike

It was nice to bring out my coloured pencils again and I decided to draw this delightful little bird called a Woodchat Shrike, found in Southern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Thank you to Steve Hatch for the kind use of his photo as a reference.

Owl Emporium

I have been very busy the last month or so working on a new venture!  Handcrafted owls, painted with acrylic paint.  I have a brand new website especially for the owls here:  www.owlemporium.com
I also have an Owl Emporium facebook page here:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Owl-Emporium/490545881000527

I would love all of my blog followers to visit my new pages and also support me on facebook and please share with people who you think might be interested.  I find it difficult to get the word out sometimes and would love some help :)

Facebook Giveaway!

 

Giveaway!! Would you like to a win a custom mini pet portrait? Portrait will be done in coloured pencil and measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches (6.4 x 8.9cm)

To be in the draw you must be a fan of my facebook page and also write a comment on my giveaway post.  Please visit my facebook page for more information.

ACEO Cards

I've been very busy the last week or so making little ACEOs (Art Cards Editions & Originals).  They measure trading card size, 2.5 x 3.5 inches.  Here are some of the drawings I've done so far.  Most of them are available for purchase through my Etsy shop.

 

Lachlan in Graphite

I decided to try and draw my youngest child, Lachlan, as he was as a baby.  This is graphite on Bristol paper, A4 size.