| Author | Content |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 9, 2006
11:19 AM Post #2603180
| Since this is a new forum I thought the best way to get it rolling and off to a good start would be to start a thread for everyone to basically introduce themselves and post a photo of one (or more) of their favorite pieces of art and/or mediums.
So here goes . . .
I'm Gary, but most call me GD for short. My artistic adventures have taken me many directions over the years, but my main focus as of late is Wildlife & Nature themed art. My primary mediums are watercolor and more recently acrylics. I have been painting something since I was old enough to make a mess. lol
However, I'm self taught and have only been doing this type of art for a few years combined. I played around with watercolors for a few months several years ago, but it wasn't until recently that I got serious about painting something that could actually be called "Art".
Here's a sample of my work. I hope to share many new projects with everyone and enjoy those of others as we watch this forum grow.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MsCritterkeeper
The Heart of Texas, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 9, 2006
4:12 PM Post #2604279
| Beautiful work Gary!
I really look forward to seeing everyone's work.
What a nice new forum.
MsC |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
August 9, 2006
4:37 PM Post #2604371
| GD, those are absolutely amazing! I've always been in love with the big cats, especially. And self-taught...all I can say is, you've had an awfully good teacher :-))
gram |
crowellli
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 9, 2006
6:35 PM Post #2604790
| Wow Gary, those are wonderful. I am a newbie when it comes to watercolors. I have a couple I'm trying to get up nerve enough to post, but after seeing yours, I'm not sure I want to! Did you scan these images or photo them? I'm always amazed when I see anyone who has that much control with watercolors because they're not very forgiving when you make a mistake. Lovely work. I'm watching the progress on Jamar and I love watching the painting emerge. |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
August 9, 2006
9:17 PM Post #2605389
| Crowelli, I agree that Gary's talent probably abounds over many of the artists who would like to post here. But why not start your own thread and let us see your artwork there. That way, it won't have to compete with anyone else's.
I'd like to see it!
Gary, thanks for getting this ball rolling. I'm going to love lurking here! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 10, 2006
9:58 AM Post #2606888
| Thanks ya'll . . . I appreciate the compliments and kind words. However, I hope ya'll realize my intent was not to intimidate anyone. The intent (by posting some of my art) was to encourage others to do the same. :)
To me . . . that's the beauty of art. It's all different. None better or worse than the next - just different in style and expression. IMHO - We shouldn't think of this as a competition or contest of some sort. But more of a way to show others what we enjoy creating.
Obviously there are different levels and stages at all the things we do, in the art studio as well as the garden. From growing beautiful Irises to the Charlie Brown Christmas trees.
It takes a little time and help from others to turn an acorn into a beautiful oak. To me that's what it's all about. Sharing ideas and tips and information. Without the help of the kind folks around here, I'd be clueless about many of the plants I have and how to get them to grow. This new section is no different, in that we're all here to help and enjoy and inspire and encourage each other. :)
So don't be shy . . . or feel like anyone will be judgmental. We're here to have fun right?
Remember everyone goes through "stages" . . . Eagles start in an egg in the nest, not soaring over the mountains. :)
Edit to add - Crow . . . Those are photos of the paintings. They are 18" x 24" and too large for my scanner. I've scanned some smaller ones, but I think photos come out better for the most part.
This message was edited Aug 10, 2006 8:10 AM |
crowellli
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 10, 2006
10:13 AM Post #2606937
| Thanks so much GD for the encouragement. I've posted my first few attempts and I am getting better control. My biggest problem is knowing when to stop! |
Eufaula
Eatonton, GA
(Zone 8b)
August 10, 2006
10:24 AM Post #2606981
| I am in agreement with Crow! Wow, GD, Your work is just wonderful! I am a lover of watercolor medium, but like to dabble in acrylics , and after seeing your work I know just how much I am Dabbling!
I will be an ardent watcher of this thread! I believe it will give me a lot to think on and hopefully a lot of instruction! I just admire everyone who expresses themselves with their artwork and doesnt mind sharing! I believe this forum will help me grow!
Thank you everyone for this much needed forum! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 10, 2006
10:37 AM Post #2607029
| Thanks Eufaula and no need to be shy . . . it's ALL good!!!
You're most welcome Crow and your work is beautiful too . . . you have nothing to be shy about :)
I'm probably my worst critic and I'm sure there are a lot of others the same way. What I see as a flaw or something wrong in my work, others may never notice, but *I know it's there* so I can't rest until I feel it's fixed or complete.
Yeah I totally understand about the - when to stop part. It's easy to *over work* an area or a whole painting for that matter. I've struggled with the same thing many times.
Something I've started doing that seems to help me and it may help you also . . . I get the painting (or certain area) to a stage that it looks *ok* and then give it rest for a bit. Sometimes a few hours or even a day or two. I set it somewhere across the room and ignore it for a while. That gives my eyes time to rest and my mind time to forget a few of the minor details that I had been super focused on. When I come back to it, I have a fresher view and often see something I was overlooking before. Or sometimes I decide that the area is fine *as is* and I move on to another area.
Obviously each painting is different and even areas within the painting vary a good deal with some subjects. And what works good for one person may not for another. I learn something new with each piece / project I do. That's what keeps my fire lit and keeps me from becoming bored with something and moving forward.
|
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ
(Zone 8a)
August 10, 2006
2:58 PM Post #2607824
| Wonderfu paintings, GD. I may just get up the nerve...no...audacity to show my half of a painting done with a friend...Jo |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 11, 2006
8:18 AM Post #2610402
| Thanks Roadrunner . . . and please do. I know I will and I'm sure everyone else will enjoy seeing your art also :)
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
August 11, 2006
9:11 PM Post #2612781
| Love the wolf!! My older brother is a HUGE wolf fan. Wolves and dreamcatchers. He would start drooling if he saw your picture. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 11, 2006
9:28 PM Post #2612843
| Well thank ya kindly Pepper . . . I love'em too . . . of course I'm a pretty big fan of all things wild :D
I did a pair of them, but didn't include the second one's photo on here - I guess I should have huh? There's a link to my site on my DG Member page where they can both be seen even better, as well as a few other *critters* I've painted. I have a Zoom feature on there where the can be viewed larger if you click on the small images. You could send you brother a link if ya like :) |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 11, 2006
9:40 PM Post #2612880
| Please show them!
I rescued a Mexican Grey about 6 years ago and love pictures of wolves. They're so beautiful and the one you captured above is very nice. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
August 11, 2006
9:43 PM Post #2612885
| I wanna see too!!! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 11, 2006
11:38 PM Post #2613407
| lol ok thanks . . . here's the other wolf . . . I was going to call this one "Can ya hear me now?" lol
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 11, 2006
11:40 PM Post #2613418
| absolutely stunning...the detail of that fur is amazing...thanks for posting that one, Gary, I hadn't seen it before... |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 11, 2006
11:42 PM Post #2613428
| Beautiful! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 11, 2006
11:47 PM Post #2613447
| Thanks gals :)
I thought you'd seen that one on my site TxT? The images there are larger and there's a Zoom feature that allows you to zoom in on sections of the paintings to see the details better.
Fly . . . that's awesome @ the Rescue . . . do you still have the Mexican Grey?
|
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 11, 2006
11:50 PM Post #2613466
| I honestly don't remember seeing that one...and I've studied your web pages very closely, lol... ;) But its always a pleasure to admire your work...over and over again... :) |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 11, 2006
11:54 PM Post #2613472
| I do. I had called around to find a sanctuary for her and they are full of rescued wolves. It was very sad. So, she's here in my back yard. She's very timid and shy, afraid of people and cars.
If you need any pictures, closeups of fur or face, let me know.
Another sad thing, in my opinion, is there are people that raise them and sell the puppies, I figure she was raised by humans because she's so sweet. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 12, 2006
12:00 AM Post #2613496
| Ahh ok . . . well there's a lot of stuff on there . . . so I can see how it'd be easy to miss some of them. I haven't updated it in a while, so there's a few that I haven't posted yet. (Like that horse on the Frisket thread) And I took down some of my older paintings that were taking up space . . . lol
And thanks again . . . ya'll are too kind.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 12, 2006
12:04 AM Post #2613510
| Fly . . . I agree that's sad and one of my pet peeves . . . Don't get me started on puppy mills and wild animal vendors ... arrrrrggggg!!!!!!
I may take you up on the photo offer . . . I have a place in my heart for both - rescues and wolves - and obviously yours gets double space :) :)
|
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 12, 2006
12:19 AM Post #2613555
| I didn't mean to hijack your thread and this is the last thing I will say about my non-art stuff. lol
Here she is...check out those feet!
It's hard to get a good picture of her because she has to know what I'm doing. lol
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 12, 2006
12:30 AM Post #2613586
| Awwwwwwww . . . she's so beautiful!!! Such sweet eyes and I totally understand about the &hard to photo* part. My *kids* (pups) are the same way . . . if I bend over to get a lower angle for a shot, of course they have to come over and help. :D
Thanks for show'n us . . . and not a problem @ hi-jack'n. I'm sure I'm not the only one interested in her. :)
I wish I had some photos of the wolf I had the pleasure of living with for a few months - many years ago. He was found in the Bad Lands of North Dakota when he was about 6 weeks old by a guy I worked with and wound up rooming with when I lived in Houston. That was back around 1980 . . . I knew him when he was around a year old. Great pup!!! |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 12, 2006
8:00 PM Post #2615859
| beautiful photo, fly...you can see so much in her lovely eyes...and graceful body. I guess that wolves remind us all of the wild part of ourselves.. and of that old old relationship between the two species...that keening howl just sort of makes us huddle closer to our fires at night... :) |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
August 12, 2006
10:00 PM Post #2616249
| She is so georgous!! And she has the sweetest looking eyes. Great photo of her and thanks for sharing. |
magoobu
Phoenix, MD
(Zone 7a)
August 14, 2006
10:21 AM Post #2620897
| I was not blessed with the artist gene in my family but my brother was here is some of his work in my home! Different from alot here but I surley enjoy it!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
magoobu
Phoenix, MD
(Zone 7a)
August 14, 2006
10:25 AM Post #2620922
| another 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 14, 2006
10:41 AM Post #2620959
| Awwwww too cool . . . I love that hippo and the turtle is great too!! :D
Thanks for share'n :)
|
magoobu
Phoenix, MD
(Zone 7a)
August 14, 2006
10:46 AM Post #2620977
| Thank you! I am very proud of him he does not paint much anymore but I will get some more shots of what I have here!! |
renatelynne
Boerne, TX
(Zone 8b)
August 14, 2006
11:02 AM Post #2621015
| those are great! |
magoobu
Phoenix, MD
(Zone 7a)
August 14, 2006
11:29 AM Post #2621104
| Bad shot of this one but I call it "Grumpy Fish"
LOL 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ
(Zone 8a)
August 14, 2006
11:31 AM Post #2621110
| Love them!
The Hippo reminds me of "Lucifer"...a hippo in the State Nature Park in Homosassa, Fl (we refer to it as the Manatee Park)...it used to be a private concern that had monkeys and other animals in it...then the State bought it and has only things native to Florida.
When they tried to get rid of the hippo, Lucifer...the residents gave a hue and cry...so they kept him...although they tried to get rid of him a few more times...
Finally ,the then Governor, Chiles, Declared Lucifer and honarary Florida Native and he will be there until he goes to Hippo Heaven!
Jo |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
August 14, 2006
11:35 AM Post #2621123
| Very nice Magoobu . . . I like Grumpy's colors . . . your brother is very good :)
Great story Roadrunner . . . sounds like it was meant to be that the hippo stays there :) |
magoobu
Phoenix, MD
(Zone 7a)
August 14, 2006
11:44 AM Post #2621157
| thank you GD I will get some shots of others I have his art if very bright usually and has a whimsy too it for sure!!! |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 10, 2006
8:51 PM Post #2805203
| I've been a member here at Dave's since about Memorial Day. I just found this thread tonight as I was perusing the forum. What excellent art!!! I love them all and want other folks who may be new also to share your work too.
GD your paintings are lifelike. I feel like I can see the souls of the animals through your eyes. I can feel your appreciation of their beauty. Absolutely stunning! I've been to your site and love the animations, etc. (I wanna be you when I grow up! HAHAHAHA)
Fly, your Mexican Grey looks so loveable! I've always been an animal lover and admire you so much for rescuing her. You can tell by the look in her eye that you are "Da Bomb" in her world! I recognize that look because my Grace (our lab/golden mix) has that same look most of the time. I always feel like she's telling me she loves me when I get that look! So naturally, I tell her back. :-)
Magaboo, your brother's art is wonderful. I love the hippo and that he's half in and half out of the water. Most of the time I see them on TV and the water is so murky you can't see the lower half of their bodies. Now I know what I've been missing! HAHAHAHA The turtle and grumpy are both excellent as well. Great photos!
Some of you may have seen the copper work that my sister Connie (maidentheshade) and I have done on the Garden Art thread. Others may not have. Connie's been making copper sculptures for many years, though not quite as "detailed" as lately. She lost her equipment about 5-6 years ago. "Something happened to it" during her divorce.
Not long ago, a good friend gave her a welding rig like you might find on the back of an A/C guy's truck. I'm just learning how much fun it is to "manufacture" something from copper tubing and sheets. Oh, and the 2 huge rolling pieces of luggage filled with beads from my jewelry making helps too! HAHAHA We're really proud of the fun we've had creating things for our yards, critters, etc. and bringing them to life with personalities. :-) I really have enjoyed the time we've been spending together. Time does have a way of disappearing when the creation is going on. To me, it's time well spent. :-)
Both of us enjoy Dave's Garden immensely and have broadened our horizons on both art and plants here. Everyone is so friendly and willing to share. Just like it ought to be. Thanks Guys for sharing your beautiful artwork.
With Pleasure, I give you ... Miss Morphetta Nymph.
Janet (and Connie)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ
(Zone 8a)
October 10, 2006
9:00 PM Post #2805243
| How charming!! How do you get the colors on the copper? Jo |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 10, 2006
9:16 PM Post #2805308
| With just the right flame. Don't ask ME what that is. HAHAHA It's trial and error until we get it like we want it. There's lots of oohing and aahing and then it will heat again and disappear, then she starts again. Connie is the welder, I'm the holder of little parts that might move, and the sprayer of the water bottle (with a tad of baby shampoo in it - don't ask how THAT got started :-) The first nymph we made didn't have quite the irridescence that the next 2 have. We can always re-torch her though since she's at Connie's house. That's Miss Grace. I have Miss Eltie. Both were named after our favorite 2 great aunts that never had any children.
Janet
Miss Grace
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 10, 2006
9:24 PM Post #2805338
| And Miss Eltie 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
October 10, 2006
9:29 PM Post #2805361
| Beautiful pieces, ladies!! Congratulations! |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 10, 2006
9:30 PM Post #2805364
| Janet, those are fabulous! I especially like the blue one. Is there no limit to your talents...from copper ladies to cedar butterfly cages, amazing.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
October 10, 2006
9:43 PM Post #2805418
| Wow . . . those are really cool look'n . . . I bet they're even better in person :)
lmbo @ "I wanna be you when I grow up!" . . . Janet . . . you're far too kind and your words are most appreciated :)
Thanks for share'n :) |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 10, 2006
11:32 PM Post #2805878
| Thank you all so much for your comments. It really means alot to us both to know others appreciate our craftiness. Connie and I are so much alike that most folks think we're twins. We both have ideas, and between us, there isn't much that we aren't willing to try. If it's fun, we'll make a habit of it! HAHAHAHA Connie is much more modest than I am, and that's most likely why she hasn't chimed in here.
They are really cool in person GD. Everyone that's seen them oohs and aaahs and most likely thinks that Connie and I both have a loose screw in there somewhere. {waybigo grin here}
Here is the Butterfly.Caterpillar cage that we made this weekend that Fly Girl has referred to (for those not following the BF Forum) I've done some plant rearranging since this was taken. I think you can see both Miss Morphetta and Miss Eltie in this photo.
Janet
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 10, 2006
11:33 PM Post #2805882
| This is the butterfly "lock" we created for the top of the cage. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
October 11, 2006
6:52 AM Post #2806419
| lol @ a loose screw :))
Hey that little butterfly came out really neat . . . I bet ya'll could do all sorts and sizes of those and market them pretty easy if you wanted . . . ya know like little dragonflies, ladybugs, etc. :)
hmmmmm . . . eBay perhaps? :D |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 11, 2006
9:34 AM Post #2806720
| Thanks GD. We liked the way it came out too. Good idea on selling them on eBay!
One of these days, hopefully in the near future, my kitchen is going to get a complete overhaul. I'm thinking to replace the cabinet knobs and pulls with these copper critters. The current pulls are copper, but 40 years old. I don't see any reason we can't weld them to the existing pulls.
It would be lovely to sell enough of them to help pay for the overhaul, but I'm not going to hold my breath on that. :-)
Janet |
magoobu
Phoenix, MD
(Zone 7a)
October 12, 2006
2:58 PM Post #2810852
| Unique I LOVE them all!!!!!! fablous!!!! =~} |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
October 12, 2006
3:00 PM Post #2810863
| The critter drawer pulls would be wonderful. You could probably make the money doing that. |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
October 12, 2006
5:24 PM Post #2811249
| Thanks folks! I appreciate that. I agree Zen, that would be where the money would be. The least expensive "cool" ones I've seen have been about $5 each.
Janet |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
October 14, 2006
12:17 PM Post #2816665
| Heck yeah . . . that sounds likea plan ;) good luck :) |
