Follow the Horizon - Flying Barn Owl Painting

Follow the Horizon | 16 x 20 x 1.5 Oil | ©2017 Deb Kirkeeide

Ah, those wonderful, magical, mysterious owls! My current obsession. And evidently one I've had since I was young.

Like all great mothers, mine held on to a lot of my artwork from school and I've discovered owls were a favorite subject matter even then. Come to think of it, a lot of things I am drawn to even now, are the very things I loved as a kid. Somehow, between then and now, I forgot them - or maybe became distracted by other things. Things that I thought I should be interested in because everyone else was.

I'm glad I've gotten back to my roots. It just feels right.

* Painting is currently unframed.
For more information please visit my website.

Davis: The King - A royal rooster portrait!

Davis: The King | 12 x 12 Oil | ©Deb Kirkeeide

Most Saturdays, my daughter volunteers her time providing love, care, conversation and cuddles with the rescue animals at Ching Farm | Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Utah. This rather formal rooster portrait was inspired by her favorite rooster, Davis, who she says struts loud and proud around the barnyard. 

It wasn't until after I painted this that I found out his name. Since he had a penchant for vocalizing and having a royal attitude, I started referring to him as Elvis, The King. But Davis it is and as my daughter pointed out, I was only 2 letters off - not bad considering all the names I could have chosen!

Davis: The King | 12 x 12 Oil | $750 Purchase Here

Fun En Plein Air!

Apple Orchard | 9x12 | ©Deb Kirkeeide | Available Here

A funny thing happened on the way home from the winery...

Over the weekend our plein air group - Outdoor Painters of Minnesota - gathered to paint at one our favorite venues, Parley Lake Winery. The winery focuses on creating a wine and art experience and their award winning wines are delicious. Who would have thought we'd have a wine region here in Minnesota!

It was a fun day of painting, celebrating and making new friends. And we had live music and even easel-side wine service! What more can you ask for?

"So where are the paintings?" you ask.

Well, I painted two - a fun quick study of the horses in morning light. They didn't hang around long enough to finish the painting but I did like the quick study in it's abstract color and shapes.

My second was a view of the pasture and rollings hills. 

At the end of the day I carried my gear and paintings back to the car. I (now) remember setting the paintings on top of the car while I loaded everything in. And yes, you guessed it, I forgot I had put them there and drove home. They were long gone by then. I'm pretty sure they are laying in the dirt somewhere.

C'est la vie! It was still a good day!