Recently I had the opportunity to visit a private ranch to take photo reference, just in time to get some great pictures of Hereford calves.  

( You can read about that ranch visit here.)

One of the things I love about what I do is the fact that, although most of my paintings are of cows, every one on it's own is a strong work of art that makes it's own completely unique statement.  Consider the following three paintings of Hereford calves, they are all Hereford calves, but they are all very different works of art.  

6"x8" Hereford Calf Study "New on Blue"  

Look at each one for a moment, and ask yourself,  what personality does this calf have? what is it thinking?  what kind of energy or mood does this piece give?  in each instance your answers could be very different.

6"x8"  Hereford Calf Study  "Eye Contact"

I think one thing that makes my work different is the fact that they are not  just general paintings of animals, they are distinct works of individuals that I have met and photographed personally.  I carefully choose which ones will become paintings based on qualities I see, it has to have something that gives it life, much like a portrait artist who successfully captures the personality of his subject.

6"x8"  Hereford Calf Study "Intrigued"

First captured in the field on camera, translated into oil on canvas, my studies are small, loose, expressively painted works.

You can see more of my studies and small works here or view my larger, more detailed paintings here.

I'm working on a commission right now, and in beetween finding time to finish a couple of other projects, most recently this Black Angus painting.  I have to say I love this expression!  This is another larger painting, 3 feet by 3 feet.  It just had to be that way, and the impact is exactly what I had planned on.  

"Black Angus Portrait"    36"x36"   oil on canvas by Denise Rich