Laid Back Big Boy

I admit, I am a Longhorn!  As a graduate of the University of Texas, I am very partial to these hearty and mellow guys.  They can withstand drought, Texas summers and cold winters too.  All the while carrying the biggest set of horns you can imagine.  A longhorn fact for you: steers have longer horns than bulls.  I know there is a scientific explanation for this, but I can't remember it!  As soon as this one hit my Facebook page at Amy Higgins Art, I got a phone call and he is SOLD.

18in x 24in   oil on canvas

Patience the Cow

I have switched subjects with this one!
I adore where we live in Texas.  Livestock of all kinds are within a short radius of our home.  Cows have always made me smile.  They are big and strong, but also simple and patient.  Often, the only time they rush  is when someone is rattling a bucket of grain.  They just seem content!

Keep watching, because I plan to keep going with livestock.... a longhorn is already on my easel!

Stacking Them Up

This is the finished product from the process below.  I named it "Stacking Them Up" because the memories of my children growing up is stacked in these cups.  If you follow me, you know that I paint sterling because of the traditions and memories that are connected to each piece.  I love this painting and I am very happy with how it finished.
 24in x 36in
oil on canvas

Revere Bowl and Blue Blanket

This Revere bowl was a wedding gift from oh so many years ago.  When I got it as a new bride, I imagined it being filled with perfectly cut fruit, elaborate side dishes from Southern Living magazine, and all things beautiful and "foodie".  Funny thing is, while it has held some yummy and beautiful side dishes for family dinners, my favorite uses for this bowl have been holding Halloween candy for the neighborhood kids and it has been a perfect size for a mail bowl, too.   I love it how life works out like that...I have one grand idea, and a simpler solution gives me more peace and joy.
The colors of this one are simple and cool.  I tried to keep it basic on this one.
12x12inches
Contact me at mcmac31@aol.com if you are interested in this painting or any others.

Painting Reflective Pieces

I thought I would share my painting process.  These photos show the first few steps that I take when painting reflective subjects like these sterling silver cups.  I sketch my composition first in pencil on the canvas.  I usually go from a photo I have taken for the bones of the painting.  Once I wet my brushes, I always start with the darks.  You can see this in the top picture.  When painting sterling, you have to paint shapes, not a cup or a coffee pot.  I then begin to lay down my middle colors and begin to get specific...The middle cup has many blue hues, so I began to put more blue on.  The lower cup is lighter than the rest, but it has more browns.  That means that plan to add more green hues on the top cup.  I will continue to post pictures of the evolution of this fun painting this week!

Coming attractions....

We live in a charming small town in the Texas hill country, and our favorite bakery is called Bear Moon Bakery.  My kids love to spend Saturday mornings on the front porch of the bakery, eating sugary treats and watch the cars and trucks drive by.  I have thanked the owners of Bear Moon for creating a place that our children will remember and cherish for a life time.  Our youngest son is the lucky kiddo that quickly ate the duck cupcake seen above.  I am going to go bigger with this painting (about 24in x 30in) and I am so excited!  I will post the journey of this painting...stay tuned!

Piggy Bank on Books

Oh my goodness, these little pigs have kept me busy...and I love them!  The colors are luscious, and bright.  Can you see anything reflected in the banks?  They are both 8 x10 inches and painted on canvas with oils.

Each painting is 8 x 10 in and $130 unframed
Contact mcmac31@aol.com to purchase