Varla Bishop Acrylic, baby animals, Farm Animals, Fun and easy, life

From Old to New

I have paintings that are ok. I’ve painted them but they don’t wow me. My question to myself is: “would you buy this?” If my answer isn’t yes, I have to figure out what to salvage. Can I improve the painting or do I toss it?

I have a lot of art under my bed. Art I keep for no real reason. No one sees this art but me. A collection of art that reflects my artistic progress and failures.

So this is my most recent re-work. I like my second efforts better. I love color and this has a lot of color. Which do you like???

The new version with lots of crazy colors
The original red comet chick.
Varla Bishop Dogs and Cats, portrait, Watercolor Paintings

The Smile of a Child

One of the things I enjoy in making art is in giving art to others. Isn’t that what we do with our talents? Aren’t we meant to share it with others? In this case I painted portraits of two little girls. Future artists who love to create just like me. They asked “what art project are you working on now?” “We need to do some art together.” Grown up questions from one artist to another.

As grandparents or family elders we have a tremendous influence over the younger generations. They listen to everything we say and believe that what we tell them is a truth. It is responsibility I do not take lightly. These young girls believe that I can do anything with a paint brush and canvas. If only that was true. But I do love to work on projects with kids. From magic wands to acrylic pours it is all messy and fun.

I have my good days and bad days as an artist. Sometimes everything comes together just like I imagined. Then there are the days when I feel discouraged. It’s on those days that I remember the faces of my young future artists and I can’t help but smile. I smile in their belief in me. I smile because in their eyes I am capable of greatness. How can I not pick up my brush and try again.

I suspect the paintings will hang up in their rooms. I hope they will think of me when they look their pictures. I hope they know it was painted for them with love. ❤️❤️❤️

Varla Bishop Acrylic, Dogs and Cats

Family Trio and a Cat’s Contempt

I was asked to paint a trio of family pets. What was unique about this commission was that the owner wanted a contemporary style painting. I like a challenge and I love doing “different” in my paintings. The dog in the center is very sick which was the reason for the original outreach for me to paint.

It took time to complete this assignment. Grocery shopping, storms, lawn care, house cleaning the list of stuff I have to do that take me away from my art. The list always feels endless. I am a caregiver for my husband and so I am never without something to do.

My art keeps me grounded and gives me great joy especially when I’m painting for others. This was fun to paint. The cat looks at the dogs with such contempt. The owner said that is exactly how the cat views the two dogs she lives with. She tolerates and torments. A typical cat if you ask me.

So I hope you enjoy this trio of a family as much as I do. ❤️

11”x14” acrylic
11”x14” acrylic

11”x14” acrylic