Molly A Poole

“Redhead” new small work

Molly — Sat, 05 May 2012 14:05:34 +0000

SOLD
“Redhead” 6″x6″ acrylic on panel, unframed painted edges. Hang or frame ready.

*Thank you Janet White for permission to use her photos of her lovely chickens for reference.

2013 Labrador Retriever Calendar Contest “Show Me Your Labs”

Molly — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:34:17 +0000

I would like to invite my Lab Lovin’ friends to participate in the process of creating next year’s Lab Calendar.
I am looking for reference photos of your happy Labs to use as inspiration for each month of 2013. I will select 12 winning images from the submissions to create a painting for each month. Contest winners will see their Lab(s) featured in the 2013 calendar as well as receiving a signed copy of the calendar.
This is a big project and something entirely new for me. I have been holding off announcing the contest for fear that I am biting off more than I can chew and the “what if” voice talking me out of taking a risk. What if no one wants to participate, what if something happens to prevent me from finishing the project…..?
Today, I am in the mood to ignore the doubts and send out a call for reference photos and take a leap of faith. Before I lose my nerve, I am hitting the “post” button.
I hope I have explained the rules and requirements for submitting your photos to this contest and I hope you will consider participating. Please feel free to email me with questions.
See below for more information and printable contest rules.

Call for Reference Photos!

Would you like to see your best friend featured in next year’s calendar?
I am looking for 12 awesome Labs to paint for next year’s calendar and I need your photos of your fabulous Labs. (all 3 wonderful colors wanted!)

The past two years I have put out a Labrador Retriever painting calendar and it has been quite successful and popular. I thought a contest would be a fun way to include my lab loving friends involved in the process of creating next year’s calendar! I hope you will consider participating.

What kind of images am I looking for?

Happy Labradors, of course!
Yellows, Chocolates and Black Labradors
Your photos showing off what Labs do best whether it be snuggling, romping, swimming, or retrieving.
Photos can include more than one lab and more than one color.
Think seasons! Winter scenes, summer scenes…

Who will be Miss July? or Mister August?

Please read rules and submit photos using the submission guidelines outlined in the Complete Contest Rules and Submission Information

Molly Poole “Betties” a new acrylic on panel

Molly — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:40:03 +0000

We often stop at a favorite farm stand on our way home from hiking or kayaking during the summer months. One visit, in addition to picking up some fresh picked corn, I tried to get a photo of the farm dog for a painting, but he wouldn’t sit still long enough. Got a shot of these busy ladies instead.
Framed and available for purchase.

25th International Exhibition on Animals in Art Show at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

Molly — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:48:48 +0000

Update: SOLD“Knee Deep” a 8″x8″ casein on panel is going to Louisiana next month! This painting has been accepted into this year’s 25th International Exhibition on Animals Art at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
With over two hundred and twenty-seven (227) artists from 40 states, Canada and Mexico submitting 509 entries, Bill Fagaly of the New Orleans Museum of art, juror and judge, selected 70 pieces for exhibition.
I am pretty thrilled to be counted in on this show.
*Update: “Knee Deep received the Judge’s Award at the Exhibit’s Opening Reception.

The exhibition begins with an Opening Reception, which is open to the public, on March 24, 2012, in the SVM Library. The show then runs through April 29 during library hours. It is free and open to the public.
Louisiana State University

School of Veterinary Medicine Library
Baton Rouge, LA 70803-8414

Bid on a Molly Poole original painting and help Labrador Life Line!

Molly — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Would you like an original Molly Poole artwork hanging in your home or office? Want to help Labrador Life Line raise funds to help Labs in need? Here is your chance!Each year, Labrador Life Line holds an online auction to raise much needed funds.
Every year, I donate artwork in the form of prints, card and occassionally an original painting. This year, I created this special piece “Under Cover” a professionally framed 6″x6″ open acrylic painting. What is more comforting than seeing your favorite Lab pal snuggling under the covers? The winning bidder will get to see these Lab eyes gazing at them and be reminded each day that they helped a Lab or two in need!

There are some very exciting items for your labs, you, and your home up for grabs! Talented artists with wonderful art offerings, unique dog items from new companies and beautiful offerings for you and your home. Treat yourself and your pups this Valentine’s Day!The Heart Dog auction is one of LLL’s biggest fundraisers. Your participation in the auctions and other fundraisers make these happy endings possible for so labs in need!

All money raised helps Labrador Retrievers in need of medical care and treatment.

Last year, Labrador Life Line was able to help over 80 Labs.

Auction Begins Friday February 3th at 5pm Central TimeFor a list of categories and registration, click here

please share this event with your Lab loving friends!

Lucy, a dog’s life in watercolors

Molly — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:51:25 +0000

This morning while sipping my coffee and gazing at Lucy under my studio table, I got thinking about all the paintings Lucy has inspired over the years. I sat down at my computer to find out just how many. Wow, over 2 dozen and counting…a few are missing from the above collage. And since she continues to inspire me everyday, there are more on the horizon. My vanilla gorilla, my dumb bunny, … Lucy is my shining star!

Lily a portrait commission

Molly — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:29:51 +0000

“Lily” a newly completed commission portrait. “8″x10″ watercolor on paper.

Lily’s portrait was commissioned as a gift to her owner.
Often, I get questions regarding how I go about completing a commission piece and also get inquiries about my technique on how I get bold, rich colors and depth using watercolors. I decided to photograph the stages of Lily’s portrait to get an idea of my process. Every commission piece is different and some more challenging than others depending on the quality of the reference images and or the combining of images to create one composition.
Here are 2 of the 4 or so images the client sent over for me to work from.
We liked the expression and the position of her tail in the first photo but the client wanted the portrait to include Lily standing on the rocks with a bit of the lake in the composition. I really liked the shadow cast by Lily in the second photo and wanted to include it for an interesting element. We agreed we wanted Lily to take up most of the composition in an 8″x10″ format. With that all decided upon, I went to work laying out a sketch.

Slide 1: Composition is worked out before I start with a transferred final sketch onto watercolor paper.
Slide 2: I then loosely start painting in washes of color/value without worrying about details. I “save” some whites (using the white of the page) but will use casein white in thin transparent washes in other areas as the painting progresses.
Slide 3: An hour or 2 is spent focusing on the texture and color and light of the rocks and water. I paint very light washes and use a spray bottle, sponges and a toothbrush to get the texture I want.
Slide 4: My attention is directed at working on Lily’s shaggy coat. I use casein mixed in with water and color to create depth and texture to her coat. I use a hairdryer to speed up drying times between transparent washes. Once I feel I am near completion, I spend a bit more time adding details and pumping up color along edges until I am satisfied.
Once complete, the watercolor is scanned or photographed and the digital image is tweaked to accurately as possible represent the original. A “proof” is then sent for final approval or suggestions for minor changes.
My painting tools are not limited to brushes. I use toothbrushes, twigs, leaves, fabric, sponges and a spray bottle for getting the texture I want. I even use on occasion potatoes to make organic shapes to stamp watercolor paint on to the paper.
If you have a question about commissioning a portrait or about technique, please feel free to contact me.

Keep Away

Molly — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:39:43 +0000

“Keep Away”
7 1/2″x10″ watercolor on paper.

Started 2012 with this ambitious and challenging watercolor. I have had this reference photo of the gang (my Lucy front and center) playing keep away on the shore of Long Island Sound for quite some time. I have been saving it for when I really wanted to tackle painting movement and water and had consecutive days to complete it.
I hope you can just feel the excitement and joy these pups are having! Maguire never did give up the toy! He was the boss.
Painting in memory of my brother’s most awesome golden retriever…Maguire.

word out 2011, word in 2012

Molly — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:45:46 +0000

Last year at this time, a few artists that I follow and communicate with introduced me to the idea of choosing a word to set the tone for the upcoming year. A word that could inspire and motivate. I chose “experiment” for 2011 and although the word wasn’t always foremost in my mind every day, I found that it influenced my decisions both creatively and personally. I took more risks than I think I would have had I not set the tone with a single word.
I tried a new medium, new subject matter and experimented with new marketing tools, but the biggest “experiment” and biggest risk of all in 2011 for me was the decision to leave my part-time job at the library and dedicate my time to my artwork full-time. So far I have little regret, except I miss my co-worker/friends and many of the patrons I no longer see on a regular basis.
So now, on the second day of 2012, I have thought about a word to push me along in the new year. Honestly, the first word that came to my mind? “Trepidation.”
I am embarrassed to admit that doubt, fear and a bit of pessimism is what my mind’s knee jerk reaction to the unknown. For obvious reasons, I won’t be using the first word that comes to mind!
So, the second word that comes to mind is “double.” Not exactly flashy, but I like it.
I can use it to set my goals for 2012…double my effort, double my studio/painting time, double my risk-taking, double my time AWAY from social media, sorry Facebook.
So with that set….here I go!
Happy New Year! What word will inspire you through 2012?

A Gift

Molly — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:30:20 +0000

I haven’t participated in a Daily Paintworks challenge in a few months. Since commissions are behind me, I a chance to play around. This week’s DPW theme is “Holiday Cheer” and the challenge is to paint something that is meaningful to you during the holiday season.

I am looking forward to spending time with my family and all of our 4 legged friends.
Along with sharing gifts with friends and family, it is so fun to watch the pups rip open their presents!
“A Gift” 6″x6″ open acrylic on 1/2″ panel. Waiting for the “okay” to open up the gift bag.. a bone? a kong? a stuffie?

$90.00
hang ready/unframed with painted edge