Golden Eyes - Fox wildlife painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Golden Eyes | 10 x 10 Oil | 650.00 |©2019 Deb Kirkeeide

This summer I was so excited to have a fox visit my yard right outside my studio - three times!
This is the first time I have seen a fox in the wild and found it very appropriate that it showed up for me, as I am currently fascinated with the fox. This beauty, with the golden eyes, is a result of my current obsession.

I also had a gorgeous coyote visit a couple times too!
I always feel so honored when the animals wander through my yard.

And yes, you can probably expect a coyote or two showing up in a future post. 

Racing Towards Spring - flying barn owl painting

Sky Queen | 10 x 10 Oil | 650.00 | ©2019 DebKirkeeide

As I look out at my snow covered yard, on this first day of spring, I feel like this little owl carries the urgency of finding spring!

But I have hope! I can feel it in the changing light, in the morning bird song returning and a feeling a little lighter in the anticipation of warmer temps and color returning to the landscape.

Oh, happy day!

This beauty is available and awaiting your gaze here.

I'm going to celebrate Spring by going out and buying myself some flowers - and quite possibly immortalizing them in paint!

How about you? How are you celebrating Spring?

Ornaments and a Deck The Walls Studio Sale

 

Ornaments and a Walls Studio Sale? 

Why yes!

Ornaments

Every so often my muse inspires me to reach beyond my painting and try something new. What can I say?  I love trying new things. 

A few years ago I took an encaustic workshop and while I enjoyed it, I really didn't explore it a lot, though I'd like to.

Recently though, I had an idea for an ornament. And because I can't just do one, I did a small limited run of them. Some are being given as gifts but the rest are available to you.

Each one is original and unique. These are hand-cut wood shapes that are painted using pigments mixed with hot beeswax and varnish that are applied in layers and fused with high heat.

 

 

As I said, it is limited availability and there are only 14. 

After they are gone that's it! 

Who knows? If they are popular I may explore further for next year. I'd love your input, let me know if you have any suggestions!

Each ornament is pictured and available HERE on my website.  

Deck The Walls Studio Sale

Now through December 15th,  I have a select collection of paintings available at special pricing - perfect for adding to your existing collection of art or for those just starting out.

As my focus is more and more to the animals and birds (and some new directions that are in the wings waiting) I came across these paintings and I would really love to see them find homes and be enjoyed as they were intended to be.

You can visit the collection here to see if anything that catches your eye! 

Happy December Everyone!

His Royal Highness - Pet Portrait by Deb Kirkeeide

His Royal Highness - Portrait of a Dog

12x12 Oil ©2108 Deb Kirkeeide

I recently completed painting this pet portrait and I love his noble look. Our dogs fill many roles in our lives. Some follow and love us faithfully. Some entertain us with their goofy antics.

And some hold court over the household and we are their humble, adoring servants. Pet portraits make a meaningful statement when it comes to honoring our pets and I love painting them because they hold so much love in them. Even when I don't even know the dog!

This proud guy rules the hearts of all who grace his presence and I came across him while at a sidewalk cafe. 

Do you have a dog who rules your heart and home? 

Pet portrait commissions are available.

Who Cooks For You? - Barred Owl Wildlife Painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Who Cooks For You? | 12 x 12 Oil | ©2018 Deb Kirkeeide

Realizing just how long it has been since I last posted new work, I feel like I've been in winter hibernation! But Spring has sprung! (So, the calendar says....) and even though snow is falling right now, I do feel spring in the air.

The birds singing in the morning again and the squirrels are busy getting busy. After hearing a lot of noise in my studio attic, I spoke with a wildlife control expert and he says he suspects it is a squirrel and given the time of year, she may be welcoming "suitors". So there's that.

I recently finished up this beauty. I've been hearing an owl call the past few nights and I assumed it was a barred owl like this one. Turns out this owl makes a much more distinct call than the soft "who, who" I've been hearing.

Barred owls have the distinct "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?" call and I am fondly reminded of all the times my mother-in-law used to stand on her deck with the kids calling "Who cooks for you?" In all that time, it never occurred to me to find out what kind of owl!

So here's to you Dorothy, you're still making me smile after all these years!

Available here.

Rocky - Portrait of a Pug

Rocky | 8x8 Oil | ©2018 Deb Kirkeeide

Look at this sweet face! One of the gratifying aspects of painting pet portraits is knowing how very loved the subjects are.

Rocky passed on this year after living a long, happy life of 15 years. The painting was a gift commissioned by my cousin to give to his daughter, Sarah. Sarah and Rocky were a team and there was a solid relationship of love and companionship between them. 

I suppose in a way, Rocky was a distant cousin of mine. Rest In Peace Rocky! You are missed and remembered fondly!

Mystic Messenger - Raven Totem Art by Deb Kirkeeide

Mystic Messenger | 8x8 Oil | ©2017 Deb Kirkeeide

A symbol of Creation, Magic and Illumination, The Raven has played a role in many cultural legends throughout time. Among the the Haida and Tlingit peoples of the Pacific Northwest, Raven is revered as a hero and helper of human beings and is often reflected in the bird's prominent position in the totems of the Northwest. The raven is believed to have placed the sun, moon and stars in the sky.

Mystic Messenger is available here.

Merry, Merry!

In the Spirit of the Season

I Wish You All 

Much Love, Kindness and Joy.

May Your Days be Merry and Bright,

Now, and Throughout the Year!

~ Deb

Tree Whisperer - Original oil painting of Barred Owl

Tree Whisperer

8x6 Oil on panel 

©2017 Deb Kirkeeide

Since I only occasionally hear  the owls at night, I go to Lowry Nature Center in Waconia for their Raptors in The Yard program to  learn and observe. They care for several injured raptors that are unable to be released back into the wild and hold educational programs each month. 

I love the barred owl. She is always so calm and serene. Quietly watching those of us that gather round for a chance to learn more of her.

SOLD

Winter Wisdom - Owl painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Winter Wisdom | 8x8 Oil | $550 framed | ©2017 Deb Kirkeeide

Winter carries wisdom to be discovered as we settle in to the still time of the year.

This beautiful owl reflects the cool, quiet colors of winter as it sits in the snowy aerie. 

This piece is floated in a simple natural finished 2 inch deep frame. Shown here in a grouping of simliar paintings.  (all are available)

Purchase Here.

Black Beauty | 6x6 Oil | $220 | ©2017 Deb Kirkeeide

Purchase Here

This little one has me seriously thinking of how fun it might be to have a studio bunny! Well, maybe.

Someday. For now I'll be content with the wild bunnies that live under my deck.

But isn't this one cute? I love how she turned out.

(And no messes to clean up after )

"Doodle" - Dog Portrait by Deb Kirkeeide

Doodle  |  6x6 Oil |  Framed $300

 This guyis ready to play! Doodle is currently holding court at the Minnetonka Center For The Arts  - Art for the Holidays exhibition and sale. If you are in the area, please stop in for unique and delightful gifts of art this Holiday. 

If you are interested in this little one, please contact me and I will see what if it is still available. 

 Wouldn't this be fun in a baby's room?  (Suggested framing and display inspiration)

 

For your own dog (or pet) portrait,  

I am available for commissions and offer 

gift certificates for gift giving as well. 

Both are available with a small framed message 

so you can have something to wrap.

 

Please contact me for more information. 

kirkeeide@me.com

DOGS - an Exhibit B Gallery and National Dog Show Charities Event

 DOGS

Adopt a painting and help a rescue find a home. 

 

October 27, 2017 through October 29, 2017 

Exhibit B Gallery 105 N Main Street, Souderton  PA

 

I Only Have Eyes For You

6X6 Oil

All You Need Is Love 

6x6 Oil

These two are headed east to be included in Exhibit B Gallery's show DOGS. The gallery is teaming up with National Dog Show Charities to benefit Dog Town Rescue as part of The National Dog Show.

​

First Glimpse of Autumn - Plein Air Landscape painting Deb Kirkeeide

First Glimpse of Autumn | 6 x 8 Oil | $200 | ©Deb Kirkeeide

I recently had a chance to visit the most magical, inspiring and beautiful place in Minnesota - Grand Marais, MN along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

I, of course, brought my paints and was able to capture a bit of the fall colors  just starting to emerge. As it happened, the Grand Marais Plein Air  competition was happening at the same time and painters were in abundance along the shore, the woods and around the time. I didn't participate, but I enjoyed talking to other artists and visiting with the curious passerby.

Best of all I visited with dear friends, spent my time painting and slept throught the chilly nights with my windows wide open, listening to the waves along the shore.

Heaven.

First Glimpse of Autumn and other landscape paintings are available on my website.


As always, thank you for your interest and support of my art!

Dream Keeper - Barred Owl Original Wildlife Painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Dreamkeeper | 8x8 Oil | $550 | ©2017 Deb Kirkeeide

This beautiful bird is a resident of the Lowry Nature Center in Waconia, MN as part of the University of MN Raptor Center. She was injured some years ago and is blind in one eye and cannot be released back into the wild. She is now an educator in the Raptors in the Yard program.

The day I was there she sat on her perch, very serene and calm and was pretty curious about me as I snapped pictures of her. She's a pro!

The King | 12 x 12 Oil | $850

The Wanderer | 8 x 8 Oil | $550

Dream Keeper, The King and The Wanderer were juried into the Kelley Gallery Small Works Show this year. If you are in the area - stop by!

Exhibition and Sale dates: Oct 13, 2017 – Oct 29, 2017
Artist Reception: October 13, 2017 from 5-9pm

If you are interested in any of these paintings please contact myself or the Gallery 

Dog Days of Summer - Old Man Mav - Black Pug Pet Portrait

Old Man Mav | 6x6 Oil | ©2017 Deb Kirkeeide

Mav is a black pug who is quickly becoming rather white in his old age. His loves to eat. Hates getting his feet wet. And his favorite sport is curling up on your lap under a blanket!

Dog Days of Summer - Gracie Lou - Jack Russel Dog Portrait

Gracie Lou | 6x6 | ©Deb Kirkeeide

Gracie is the the other half of the duo, Gracie and Wefos. (I painted Wefos' portrait a few days ago)

She is loving, feisty and quite frankly I think she's the boss and Wefos will pretty much agree with anything Gracie decides.

Together, these two are the stars of my daughter's life and also of the site Tail Travelers. 

Sharing their adventures and hopefully provide some inspiration for your next journey with your beloved companion.

If you ever have any questions about pet friendly travel, Krista and pups would be happy to offer some suggestions.

You can also follow them on Instagram @tailtravelers and while you're there, follow me! @debkirkeeide

Dog Days of Summer - Pretty Boy Tucker - Golden Retriever Pet Portrait

Pretty Boy Tucker | 6x6 Oil | sold | ©Deb Kirkeeide

Tucker is a lover with big soulful eyes. All he asks is for your love in return. He's a sweetie for sure.

Tucker and his mom are getting ready for Goldzilla - to raise money for Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota. (RAGOM) The money supports their mission of rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers and Golden Mixes of all ages. Donations help with veterinary and foster care on their way to finding adoptive homes.  If you feel you would like to donate you can do so here.


More information on commissioning a portrait of your favorite companion on my website.

Dog Days of Summer - Millie, Patiently Waiting - Pet Portrait

Millie, Patiently Waiting | 6x6 Oil | ©Deb Kirkeeide

Young Millie patiently waited while her humans visited with their friends. It appeared that there were other more interesting things she'd rather be investigating.

Continuing this little series of dogs to celebrate the dog days of summer has been a fun exercise  in painting and capturing those loveable doggies we all know and love. Some are random dogs I've met  on my outings and some are created for some loving humans of that special pup in their life.

Have you got a special dog who holds a special place in your heart? If you would like to honor your special relationship you can find more information on commissioning a special portrait here.

This one is available for purchase $185

Dog Days of Summer "Sweet Wefos" Dog Portrait

Sweet Wefos | 6x6 Oil | Sold

This little portrait is of Wefos who is one of the sweetest dogs I know. She loves swimming, runs on the beach, catching snowflakes in winter and chasing reflections. She definitely lives in her own little world. And when she looks at you with those big brown eyes, you can't help but fall in love with her!

If you are looking for a portrait of your own sweet pet, please contact me (kirkeeide@mac.com) and let me answer your questions! I also have information on pricing and policy on my website.