A Hidden Painting

This painting is actually the bottom of the wine barrel I am currently working on. It's my "signature". Because the majority of the barrel is composed of women, I had to let my wild side out a little here with one of my favorite compositions, the wolf. Bet you couldn't guess that with my website name being "paintingwolf" and all. :)

Image 4 on the Wine Barrel

Here is me, working on the 4th panel on the wine barrel project. I have one more image to complete then the barrel will be given a final varnishing and will be placed in the "Old Town" district in my community, probably on Main Street. I was working on the barrel this afternoon as I came home early from work because somehow I hurt my shoulder last week and it was still hurting today. Probably when I was muscling the barrel around last week for a photographer who was taking photos for a publication I believe titled Arizona Vines and Wines. I took a mega-ibuprofen and it helped a little.

After this barrel is complete I have a few weeks to complete a second barrel which I will paint wildlife on, a subject I am definitely more comfortable with! Both barrels are sponsored by our local Economic Development Council to the Chamber of Commerce, both of which I am very grateful for providing this opportunity! There is approximately 40 barrels to be sponsored and the Chamber has had a good response so far. It was a kick walking into the building which is housing all the barrels. Immediately smelled like wine! All the barrels have a pleasant bouquet, rather than the vinegar smell the one I am working on now has. Tho' it has decreased immensely since I slid the braid of sweet grass in the knot hole. You can see it again in this photo at the left side of the barrel.

Verde Valley Wine Trail Barrel Painting Contest

Here is the 2nd image on the wine barrel I am painting. You'll see a progression as the paintings are completed.
The first (not shown yet) is a woman with a freshly poured glass, the second is viewing it, the third (here) is taking in the bouquet, the fourth with be tasting it and the fifth will be full of color and warmth. If you are interested in painting or in participating in this program, or visiting our community go to http://www.vvwinetrail.com or http://cottonwoodchamberaz.org
I've got two barrels to paint. This one smells a bit of vinegar so I have a braid of sweet grass stuck in the bung hole, which you can see on the right side of the barrel image.

A Very Busy Year!

It has been well over a year since I last blogged here! My "make a living" job has kept me more than a little busy! Working for a municipality keeps my calendar full. But I have had time to paint! Most recently, I have been working on a huge wine barrel which I am painting to encourage other artists to participate, to promote tourism in my community through the "Verde Valley Wine Trail." This image is one of five that will be painted on the barrel, hopefully to be completed within the next week.