Some Halloween fun from start to finish. Made myself paint to a timer. Not thrilled with this paper, it was soaking up paint and wasn't very cooperative with lifting paint. But I pressed on! Watercolor.. Drop me an email if you'd like to take this one home! $80 with free shipping. Deborah@DeborahBollman.com

Work in Progress #1

Work in Progress #2

 

 Work in Progress #3

 

Work in Progress #4

Spooky, Scary Skull, Watercolor

Travel Journal Sketching

“I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can’t read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can’t even reliably cross a street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses.” – Bill Bryson

Super fast sketches in my sketch book. A drawing sketchbook at that. This paper actually did ok accepting the water. This took less that 5 minutes. Teaching myself to not overthink and just commit to the marks.

How fun would it be to do these in your travel journal while you explore the world? Wait? What? You don't have a travel journal?

Want to learn how?

 I'll be doing a series of "how to " videos. Be sure to follow this blog or Facebook page for updates on the release. 

Facebook

Assassin's Creed Art

Edward Kenway, Assassins Creed

My son is calling this painting done. He's anxious to hang it! I painting this image of a character called Edward Kenway from the game Assassin's Creed. Not my ususal subject matter, but it was fun to do and I learned a lot doing it. Watercolor.

Watercolor Abstract

©DeborahBollmanWatercolors, Abstract,  8 x 10

Not my usual  style, but I'm feeling compelled to explore abstract painting and I'm having fun doing it. It alows me to explore the relationship between value and color temperature. Plus, it's just plain fun!

Waking Up To Paint

Over the past few months I seem to get inspired to paint things a little after 2 am. I wake up out of a sound sleep with these ideas. My initial reaction was ugh... is then to just lay there and wait til the inspiration passes. But it doesn't pass, and I can't fall back asleep. So I have decided to just get up and do these very fast paint slinging sessions in a drawing sketchbook.
You just never know when inspiration will strike

So out of these late evening painting slinging things comes another watercolor football painting.
I was very drawn to the form of this player's hand and the fold of the fabric.

This one i(below) s close to be finished. Just 2 sessions..

 

Father's Day is Just Around the Corner!
An original NFL painting would make a wonderful gift the man cave or office! Drop me an email at Deborah@DeborahBollman.com or have a look at what is currently available here.. Football Art

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All paintings are unmatted and unframed- unless stated otherwise.
Email me for additonal info and photos on works or for commissioning a portrait
Gift Certificates & Layaway Available

Painting NY Giants Rookies into their Uniforms

And now for something a little different. One of my current projects is painting NY Giants rookies into their uniforms.

 

Painting NY Giants Rookies into their Uniforms

 

 

Yes. You heard that right. In my other life I’m a horse trainer and one of the  writers for GiantsBigBlueBlog.net for SportsBlog.

I’m a huge football fan and I love doing NFL art.

Odell Beckham, Jr #13 is my first creation.

Odell Beckham, Jr #13, Watercolor, 9 x 12

Happily, Mr. Beckham, himself liked his painting!


Next victim is rookie Weston Richburg.


You can view my gallery of football art here... Football Art

Be sure to check out my Giants blog if you are a fan! :)  

GiantsBigBlueBlog.net

Stay tuned! You get to see them in their new uniforms!

Crow Watercolor Impressions

Crow Impression
Watercolor, $99

Crow Impressions. 

The models were not incredibly cooperative. No mucking about, in one go. 

My preferred way to work. Watercolor, 9 x 12

Chillin' Squirrel Watercolor

Chillin' Squirrel
Watercolor, 8 x 19
Available
$99

Chilly Squirrel is now Chllin' Squirrel.   This is the same squirrel that posed for Chilly Squirrel. He's enjoying the sun on the deck railing and stuffing himself with seeds and peanuts.  I painted this live. He's a very cooperative little squirrel! Peanuts will do that.

Watercolor, 8 x10, $99

Drop me an email if you would to take this little guy home!

Deborah@DeborahBollman.com

Chilly Squirrel
Watercolor
Sold

Work in Progress- Taking Flight

Last week; I completed my latest painting.. a falcon.  I get a lot of requests for information on my process so I took photos of this one. )I'm toying around with doing some videos in the future.) So I took photos of this one through the various stages.

1. The sketch-  After taping off a sheet of 12 x 18 Aches Cold Press paper, I use my nice mechanical pencil to lay out the basic sketch. No too much detail. This helps me conserve my whites. 

Step 1

2. Working very quickly a lay down wash using Cobalt, Permanent Alizarin Crimson and Ultramarine Blue. I work wet on wet and on an angled board at this stage. I use large brushes. My favorites are my Pointed Squirrel Mops my Rekab.gl

Step 2

3.  I'm using a really simple palette. Burnt Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt, Ult. Blue, Yellow Ochre and a touch of Payne's Grey. That's it. It gives the painting unity. 

I'm an "all over" painter.  I don't work left to right or top to bottom. I go where my intuition takes me. 

I'm also and impatient painter! I put in my lightest glazes and then like to hit it with some really dark darks pretty quickly.

My basic technique is to wet the area I am working on first with clean water and then I  lightly mix my colors on the palette. Then I drop color into the wet area and let them mix on the paper. The dry edges act as a brake and prevents the color from bleeding out. I, also move the board around letting the water run, which allows the pigment to mingle until I get the effect I'm after.

Step 3

4. Adding some more darks and detail. As you start to add the darks you see the light and form just start to appear.

Step 4

5. Continuing to build up layers and working quickly. The tree branch is a mix of Burnt Sienna and Payne's Grey with some dry bruising for texture.

Step 5

Step 6

Completed Painting
Taking Flight
12 x 18
Watercolor 




I'm quite pleased with this one. It's not tight, it's not perfect but it captures the feeling that I was trying to convey.
If you's like this one to hang on your wall.. click here! 
Taking Flight



I've gone ahead and entered it in the Bold Brush Art Competition. 
Click on over and give it and Like!

Taking Flight- Bold Brush Entry

 Thanks so much!



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Painting Out & Being A Good Noticer

Foliage, Holmes, NY ©DeborahBollman,
Watercolor, Plein Air, Sold

I was asked a question on the subject of en plein air painting and why go outside in the sun, elements, and bugs when I could just paint from a photo in the comfort of my studio. 

I mulled over this one on of my early morning hikes with my dog, Tess.

And the title of Chapter 8 from the book Doctor Dolittle popped into my head which is... 

Are You A Good Noticer?

• Have you ever stopped to just watch a hawk soar overhead?
• Have you noticed lately the beautiful changing colors of the clouds at sunset?
• When was the last time you pulled the car over to marvel at a beautiful view, not because it is your destination, but just “because”.
• Have you laid out on a blanket at night to contemplate the stars and Universe lately?
• Did you ever notice the the dandelion flowers open in the morning, and close up their blooms at night? How about the color? Such an incredible happy yellow!
• Have you ever gotten close enough to a wild animal to look him in the eye?
• How about just walking and listening to the silence in a forest?

What does this have to do with painting outside? Everything. Painting outside is about unplugging from technology, and tuning into Source. It’s about slowing down and noticing that there is a whole world going on out there while we humans are running on the wheel. 

When you set up an easel outside you have to really observe things. the colors of shadows, the sweep of a mountain, how the different parts of the landscape relate to one another. And then the painting is done quickly to capture the light before it changes, or the weather comes changes or the heat gets you. 

Painting outside teaches you to notice. It teaches you to marvel. It teaches you that you really are part of something bigger and grander. 

It teaches you to notice what an amazing beautiful planet we live on. 

And that’s why I paint outside.

Why do you paint outside? Or why don't you?

Add your comments below!

Happy painting!

Perfectionism and Doing it Scared

Misty Trees, Watercolor, ©DeborahBollman, Sold

Boy, that title just about says it all. I’ve just gone through that dreaded period in the life of a creative where the well feels like it had run dry. As a painter I had nothing..nada....zip.... there is nothing quite as intimidating as staring down a blank, glaring white sheet of paper when you have lost all inspiration.

Judging by my email I can say with assurance that this seems to be a fairly common thing among those of us who create... be it a painting a painting, writing a book or blog content, composing a song... 

I’m going to be very transparent here. I was doing everything in by bag of tricks to avoid that sheet of paper that was staring accusingly back at me. I would “get” busy. If I’m busy, well, then I don’t have time to paint. There are too many other important things that need to get done! 

I finally reached a point where the guilt from not painting got so bad that I had to take a step back and re-assess. I had to get to the bottom of things and I decided to work with a mindset coach to try and figure out why I was trying to avoid doing something that I loved and what I discovered wasn’t pretty. 

One of the key insights that I learned is that it is not laziness or procrastination that was stopping me. It was...wait for it.... perfectionism. Yes, you heard that right. My artwork had gotten to the point where I was making good sales and had I put the pressure on myself to make every painting count. I no longer was painting for the fun of it anymore but for the market and a living. 

The fear of “getting it wrong”, screwing up and the prospect of what if next thing I paint doesn’t even come close to being as good as the last thing that I painted was stopping me in my tracks.

I work in watercolor and those of you that know watercolor know that the odds of “getting  it right” (whatever that actually means) every time is pretty slim to none. And that concept of possible failure was death to the perfectionistic ego that I was starting to become a slave to.

“The Solution”

My coach said you simply have to “do it scared”. You can’t wait until everything aligns and the fear will  magically go away. It just doesn’t work that way. Just do it scared. So I did. And you know what? It works. It feels really uncomfortable at first but I had to give myself permission to be imperfect. And guess what? The fun came back.. it led me back into the fun of seeing what the paint could do and pushing the envelope. And the bonus some of those paintings that I considered "mistakes" sold right off the easel.

An Even Bigger A-ha

And from this came an even bigger a-ha moment when I realized that we aren’t just talking about about perfectionism in just painting anymore.

We were talking about life.

How do you handle that blank paper, canvas...sheet of paper and perfectionism? 

I'd love to know. 

Leave your comments in the section below!

Time For Our Spring Studio Sale!

Well Done! ©Deborah Bollman So who doesn't love a sale? This one is going to be really FUN! I'm in the process of sorting out my studio and have decided to offer a fun "Make an Offer" Sale! The image above is a very happy painting! Titled Well Done! it depicts a the horse/human bond and the satisfaction and joy after a well executed Dressage test or ride. I always enthusiastically praise my horses when they try for me and I think this is the reason this painting came so easily for me. Another super reference photo from collector, Kathy. (Thank you, Kathy!) This is a full 1/4 sheet and measures 14 x 11! Painted on super heavy 300lb archival paper this painting is unmatted and unframed. Framing instructions included! My newly tweaked painting Well Done! is going to be offered up Silent Bid fashion. Bidding starts on this happy painting at $125. 00. Email me with your bid (don't be shy!)  to Deborah@DeborahBollman.com by Thursday, March 23 and I will notify the winner via email. Buyer to pay Priority Mail Shipping. Good luck!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It must Be Peeps! Season! Peeps seems to be quite the popular painting. First it was in the Tryon Horse Newsletter, then showcased in last weeks The Chronicle of the Horse Horse Show Edition. We've got a full page write up!! How awesome is that? Did anyone get to see it? Next it will be in April's American Hanovarian Society's magazine. And I've just received notification that Peeps was in the judges favorite top 15% of the February 2014 BoldBrush Painting competition. Cool! And because I'm so happy about that and it is Peeps season -Peeps prints are on Sale! This one is quickly becoming my best selling print! This is an 8 x 10 (image is 8 x 10, support slightly larger) new, giclee reproduction.This image is printed on a 100% acid- free, archival quality, fine art paper and printed with archival inks. It comes packaged in a protective,acid free cello bag with backing board. I hand sign and number every print to make it a one of a kind piece. Spring Sale Price $35! Sale Ends March 31 To order your very own print just click the link below and I'll get your print sent off to you asap USPS Priority Mail! Click To Purchase As always thank you, thank, thank you for the interest and continued support of my work! Warmest regards,

I've got some fun news about my latest horse painting called "Where's the Peep?"


What horse person doesn't recognize this face? This is much loved face from a really fun perspective otherwise known as "The Mooching For Peeps Face". The inspiration for this painting came from a Hanovarian mare, named Wrose, that I had the privilege of training for close to two years. She is a real character and her owner, Amanda, discovered that Wrosie had a penchant for Peeps. You know..those marshmallow chicks that come out around Easter? It seems they are also available for a lot of other holidays so Amanda and I would load up after the holidays when the ghost Peeps, bunny Peeps, Santa Peeps, etc.. all go on sale. Wrose could hear the subtle rustle of the cellophane that comes on the Peeps packaging and she would just go nuts nickering for her most favorite treat ever. This, my friends, is the face of a Peeps moocher.

Wrose,surveying the water hazard, with her incredibly
 talented owner, Amanda Miller

And now for the fun news!

"Peep?" has become quite the popular painting! It will be showcased in the Horse Show Issue of The Chronicle of the Horse next week March 9)  and now it's also going to be published in the next edition of the American Hanovarian Society's magazine! 

And because you guys asked I now have reproductions available!

And because, y'all have been asking I now have Peeps available as a giclee reproduction!

This is an 8 x 10 (image is 8 x 10, support slightly larger) new, giclee reproduction.This image is printed on a 100% acid- free, archival quality, fine art paper and printed with archival inks. It comes packaged in a protective,acid free cello bag with backing board. I hand sign and number every print to make it a one of a kind piece. Framing instructions included with each print. $50 plus $6.95 Priority Mail Shipping. 

Note: the website info is NOT on the print! 

To order your very own print just click on the Buy Now Button!

Peeps is quickly becoming one of my most popular images. It's right up there with Collection and Connection and is following in the footsteps of Collection which had the cover of The Chronicle in March 2010.

Collection

Watercolor, Private Collection

The Chronicle of the Horse

Connection

Watercolor, Private Collection

EponaVentures

Epona -Pan-Celtic) [ey-PONE-ah, AY-paw-nah or Ay-PAWN-nuh]

 "Divine Horse"; "The Great Mare";

 Goddess of horses; Mother Goddess. 

Protectress of horses, prosperity, dogs, healing.

I am getting ready to launch the next big part of my equine adventure. In addition to my hands on training/teaching business,  I will be making my heart-centered training riding solutions grounded in the basics of the the Training Scale, Rider Biomechanics and the Horse/Human Connection available to all who have been asking through my new website that I will be launching in the next couple of weeks! If you would like me to be informed of the launch I have an email list. Just fill in your name and email below!

Sign up for EponaVentures News

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

I will never, ever share your info. ever It is safe with me. 

Til next time,

Deborah

Chilly Squirrel Watercolor

This morning's little attempt. I sketched this little watercolor through my back door. Just too freaking cold for the water not to freeze! Does that count as plein air? I tossed some sunflower seeds out to this chilly little squirrel and I worked quickly to capture him in the beautiful light. Watercolor, 5 x 5.5. If you'd like him to come live with you click on the link!

To Purchase

A Fun Perspective

I have transferred the pencil sketch from the last post…here  to watercolor paper and I am thoroughly enjoying working on this painting. It's such a fun perspective of a really great mare who happens to love Peeps. This is the Peeps face!

WIP #1

First and lightest glaze

WIP 2

Pushing some of the darks and some detail. When I start adding the darks the light just starts to appear out of nowhere!

Sketching Out A New Painting

Playing around with sketches for a new horse painting. I'm thinking of going with this very familiar face from a fun perspective otherwise known as "The Mooching For Peeps Face". Not sure yet if this will be watercolor or acrylic.. 10 x 8 graphite sketch.

Holiday Gift Ideas From Deborah Bollman Studio

Give the Gift of Art!

     Although it is to late to commission a painting in time for holiday gift giving you can still give the gift of art! I have a nice inventory of horse, dog and NFL Football themed artwork and reproductions available. Here are some offerings! And if you would like to give a holiday portrait of a beloved horse dog or NFL player from your own photo, you can order a gift certificate for holiday gift giving and the recipient can be involved in the process of creating a treasured heirloom. Drop me and email at Deborah@DeborahBollman.com if you have an interest!

Thanks for looking!

Deborah

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Sunsoaked

I love the thrill and action of showjumping and tried to capture that in this painting. This painting depicts a jumper in the warm Florida sun of the winter circuit! I tried to capture that wonderful clear light. I think I have accomplished what I have set out to do! This is a reproduction of the acrylic original.

This  is an 8 x 10 new, giclee reproduction.This image is printed on a 100% acid- free, archival quality, fine art paper and printed with archival inks. It comes packaged in a protective,acid free cello bag with backing board.  $35.00 includes Priority Mail shipping!

To Purchase Sunsoaked

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Baroque

The Baroque horse is a thing of beauty. I do adore the baroque breeds and love to paint them. One of my most popular prints. This is a reproduction of the acrylic original.

This is an 8 x 10 new, giclee reproduction.This image is printed on a 100% acid- free, archival quality, fine art paper and printed with archival inks. It comes packaged in a protective, acid free cello bag with backing board. 

To Purchase Baroque 2

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Set of 3 Daily Riding Essential Giclee Reproductions


This is really fun set of prints that would look really great in a tack room or farm office! A bath bucket and scraper, mane comb and a leather back German body brush.  These are giclee reproductions of the acrylic originals. Each 5 x 7 image is printed on 10 x 8, 100% acid- free, archival quality, fine art paper and printed with archival inks. It comes packaged in a protective, acid free cello bag with backing board.

$60 for the set of three.
I have one set left!
Plus $6.95 for Priority Mail Shipping.

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Set of 2 ORIGINAL Daily Essential Paintings

Hoof Pick 2 (6 x 8) and Show Sheen (8 x 6) are very familiar items in the tack box. These two little s a really fun paintings make a great grouping for a tack room of farm office! Fun! These are ORIGINAL acrylic paintings on canvas board.

Price for both is $60. 

Price includes Priority Mail Shipping.

Click To Purchase

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This little Border Collie painting is titled What About Me? It depicts my most favorite breed of dog. This one really, really wants to come out to play but can't reach the latch! :)

 This  5 x 7 image is printed on 10x 8, 100% acid- free, archival quality, fine art paper and printed with archival inks. It comes packaged in a protective, acid free cello bag with backing board. 

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Doberman Joy

Doberman Joy captures the unbridled enthusiasm of a red Doberman. 

This is one of my most popular canine prints!

This is an 8 x 10 new, giclee reproduction.This image is printed on a 100% acid- free, 

archival quality, fine art paper and printed with archival inks. It comes packaged 

in a protective, acid free cello bag with backing board. 

$25.00 plus $6.95 Priority Mail Shipping.

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And for the 

NY Giants fan!

Running For Glory

I just love the excitement of football and those game changing moments. I painted this one in one go. And as usually happens the paintings that get done in one day are usually my favorites. They tend my own urgency in capturing a fleeting emotion. I had this wonderful comment on this painting- "Brilliant! It's seething with power. I think you captured the anonymous brutality of the game. Whether you were going for that I don't know. But it's in there." I couldn't have said it better!

Running For Glory was a finalist in the January FASO Bold Brush Painting Competition!

This is a giclee reproduction of the watercolor original. $35 includes Priority mail Shipping.

To Purchase Running For Glory Reproduction

The ORIGINAL is available HERE 
As well as a large selection of Football Original Artwork!