Dog Paintings

Premonition, 12" x 12", oil on canvas, framed- $250 © Robin Phillips Studio

Can I tell you how much I love dogs.... ;)  My animal family is a big part of my life, so recently I had the wonderful opportunity of joining a local dog-themed art show, "Dog Park" curated by well-known local artists Fred Swan and Stan Peterson. Each piece in the show honors the way in which dogs have touched our hearts and enriched our lives. If you're in the Portland area, do stop by! The show features 30+ artists and runs February 25 - March 21 at Ford Gallery. All pieces are for sale, contact either me or the gallery for more information. See pictures from opening night on RPS Facebook and the event page below...

Full event details:  https://www.facebook.com/events/257362558031351/

Bliss, 12" x 12", oil on canvas, framed- $250 © Robin Phillips Studio

I had so much fun with these pieces based on my german shepherd Kiva and black lab/catahoula mix Phantom. Here's the full story behind them and a peek into my process...

closeup of Premonition, © Robin Phillips Studio

Premonition

Kiva is a purebred German Shepherd and never fails to show me how exceedingly smart she is ;)
This piece tells the story of how something is always going on in her thoughtful head- she watches out for us constantly. Nothing escapes Kiva's watchful eye. Of course, she's always the first one in line for dinner or biscuits. Some of her best moments I will never forget. One time she alerted me to the fact that the neighbor's dog was injured and stuck was on their fence. If she senses I have trouble with my diabetes she watches me and comes up to sniff my face. What would I do without her?

closeup of Bliss, © Robin Phillips Studio

Bliss

Every year we take our dogs to the coast and they run in play in the ocean so gleefully. This piece celebrates this moment of pure bliss. Just watching them makes me feel profoundly happy and at peace. Dogs have so much to teach us. Is anything more joyful than happy, carefree dogs?

Creating!

In the studio, I started with pencil drawings and then light washes in oil. I used photos of my dogs for reference, and also sketched them in pencil on paper for practice first. Lately, I like to use Holbein Aqua Oils, which I would describe as a cross between acrylic and oil. The pigment quality is very high, yet they thin with water and work really well for the the first wash of color. I'm also playing around using them underneath Gamblin oils, a popular professional oil, for my larger pieces. On these pieces though I only used the Holbein oil.

Iko cat came to help for a bit... or perhaps to remind me he would like some attention too (usually my brushes are out of his reach ;)

Then with increasingly thicker layers of oil, I began to add more layers of color. Typically, I will build up the surface with at least 2-3 more layers of undertones for a deeper depth of color.  Finally the details go in- shadows and highlights in the eye, hair lines, etc. I often use 20/0 or 5/0 hairline brushes for fine work like this.

For the sand and the background landscape, I muted the tones and added less detail so that it did not distract from the focal point- the dogs. The sandscape is painted with deepening tones and shadow on the right to further emphasize depth.

See more of my works in progress and my animal family antics on Instagram at @robinphillipsstudio and #petsinthestudio

And last but not least, I would love to paint your special animal friend(s)! If you like my work and are interested in a custom painting, let's connect. See more at www.robinphillipsstudio.com :)

♥

Recent Artist Websites and Website Training

If you've been following RPS lately, you're likely awaiting my new website to see my updated portfolio. :)

I'm still working diligently on the new site (coming soon I promise, stay tuned!) In the meantime, here's a recap of some of my more recent artist website launches:

elynnerosenfeld.com

Elynne Rosenfeld, an artist and Reiki master, creates stunning bead-embellished paintings that are spiritually inspired. For this site, I customized a WordPress theme to present her work on a large scale that highlights the incredible detail of her beadwork. The site includes a fullscreen home page slideshow, a filterable gallery, blog and separate sub pages for her bio, cv and artist statement.

cynthiabergpolsan.com

To capture the magnificence of Cynthia Berg Polsan's sculpture, I created a customized WordPress theme to showcase her work in close detail. The home page features a slideshow where the work scrolls from top to bottom and fades in/out for a dramatic effect. The gallery is customized to show three or more views of each piece to get a sense of the sculpture in the round. 

lesyayanush.com

Lesya Yanush paints in a bold, expressionistic style. The goal for her site was to showcase the work without distraction. This WordPress site includes a fullscreen home page slide show and gallery so that the painting takes center stage. I also provided training for her to update the site on her own in the future, which most of my packages include.

gatosilimitados.com

Adriana Gasperi creates charming cat art. To emphasize the whimsical nature of her work, the home page has a floating image slider.  This customized WordPress site also includes an e-commerce store, multiple galleries and a blog. We incorporated Adriana's pre-existing logo in the header along with bilingual text throughout the site. Additionally, I optimized her logo for social media sharing. And my favorite feature is the custom cat cursor I designed for the menu.


Learn more about my design services at: www.robinphillipsstudio.com/design

Also, did you know I offer basic web design training? This is a popular new service I introduced last year.

Read more here!

http://www.robinphillipsstudio.com/store/product/website-training/


:)

New Year Inspiration

Inspiration Minis series, © Robin Phillips Studio

Wise Tree © Robin Phillips Studio

I love how the new year is naturally full of promise. What are your goals this year?

This week we've been hit with record snow and my mind is full of new ideas.

As I reflect on how fast the past year went and the new branches that I have grown, this year I look forward to launching a new website and focusing more on art and illustration. If you are interested my design services, don't worry!  I will continue to offer graphic and web design services as well. With the launch of my new site, you'll be able to see my latest work, get a closer look inside the studio and hear from me more regularly on social media. Stay tuned!

And if you're not already following me,  join RPS Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. :)

“The beginning is the most important part of any work.” 
― Plato

I wish you a wonderful new year!

Xoxo,

Robin

Upcoming, Holiday Season Shows/Sales!

Opening First Friday October 7, 7-9PM, The Tarot Show and Day of the Dead, show runs through October 28

Splendorporium Art Gallery, 3421 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR
splendorporium.net

Pleased to be a part of this show again, after exhibiting in it once before! Two of my pieces are in the show this year: Soulmates, representing The Lovers card and The Light Within, representing The Sun. 

Opening First Thursday November 3, 5-8PM, Siren Nation "Celebration", 10th Annual Visual Arts Show, runs through December 30

Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR,  portland5.com

November 13, 10AM - 5PM, Siren Nation Art/Craft Sale, McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd St., Portland, OR,  sirennation.org

I will be participating in the Siren Nation shows again this fall, and this is my fourth year showing with this great organization that supports local women in the arts. 

Saturday/Sunday November 19-20, 10-5PM, Audubon Wild Arts Fair, 6x6 Bird Art show, Montgomery Park building, 2701 NW Vaughn, Portland, OR, wildartsfestival.org/6x6-wild-art-project

A fundraiser show for Audubon Society, this is my eighth year creating a small donation painting. The paintings usually sell quickly, and if you want the chance to purchase mine, definitely plan to be there Saturday morning. I'm about to start my piece, follow RPS Instagram for sneak previews!

Early December Online Studio Sale!
Online friends/followers, once again I'll be offering 30% off and some freebies in the RPS online store !  In late November, make sure to look for the sale announcements and a preview of my newest items on RPS Facebook. :)

Opening Saturday December 10, 2-10PM, Big 500 show/sale, runs through December 23,  Ford Gallery, 2505 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR

This is an excellent local show of over 500 artists with works priced at just $40! It's my fourth year doing the show, and I'm pleased to be a part of it again. I will be painting eight small panels for the show. Follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see my works in progress... 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Xoxo,

Robin

New Website Packages

If you're wondering what I have been to lately in graphic/web design-  I'm continuing to work on  artist and small business websites. And I'm now pleased to be offering affordable WordPress design packages and individual website training sessions for artists and small businesses nationally! On a limited basis, I am also working with international clients.

Each project is unique, and I offer my clients much more than just design. Typically, I also assist with everything web-related: domain names, hosting, site security, mobile friendliness, search engine optimization, integrating social media, e-commerce and marketing/branding. At the end of each project, I train my clients on how to update their new site in WordPress so that they can easily manage it.

And... in addition to developing new sites, I commonly take on projects that are simply updates, enhancements or maintenance-related such as:

-moving websites and domain names to new hosts
-mobile-friendly site enhancements
-installing shops, blogs and forms
-changing design styles/themes
-professional advice/training sessions for DIYers
-updating or advising on sites, any platform  - not just WordPress

>>>If you are in need of a new website or advice on your existing website, I welcome you to contact me for a free consultation. And learn more about my design work here. :)

Without further ado, here are some of the latest new site launches/ web projects from the studio...

Mary Lou Dauray

environmental art

www.maryloudauray.com

Site Features/Support:
For this site, I customized an existing WP theme (WP Basic Package expanded), and assisted her with a font design for her name, transferring her domain name, setting up new hosting, site security, optimizing her blog and advice on RSS and social media. We chose a design style that showcased the powerful nature of her work.



Esther Sternberg Art

impressionist-style painting

www.esthersternbergart.com

Site Features/Support:
For this WP Basic Package site, I helped Esther find a portfolio theme and colors that fit the more traditional style of her work. I also assisted her with a font design for her name, transferring a domain name, setting up new hosting, and site security. Finally, I created several custom living room images to showcase how her art would look in a home setting. 

Columbia River Tile & Stone
artistic tile and stone installation
www.columbiarivertileandstone.com

Site Features:
For CRTS, our other family business, I recently updated the website's design/structure (Custom, non-WordPress site) to be fully responsive > mobile and large-screen friendly. Additionally, I added new galleries, a blog, and another sidebar with rotating reviews, helpful information and calls to action. In the future, the site will evolve with more dynamic content.

And finally... a new RPS site is coming! 
Last but not least.... Stay tuned for a new RPS website, currently in the works! Here's a sneak peek at some of the initial design snippets. It's very exciting, and long overdue! The new site will be a unique, custom design that is dynamic, responsive and ultra- mobile-friendly with lots of fun content like design tips, patterns, design ideas, studio/show pics, daily inspiration and more.   www.robinphillipsstudio.com

30 days x 4+ Shows

It's a busy month of shows/openings for me, including some juried shows that I am pleased to be participating in. If you're in the Portland area, I hope you can make it to one or more of these events! I will also be posting details and pictures on RPS Facebook and Instagram. So follow me there, if you are not already. :)

April 7 - May 31, Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales show   
Closing Reception is Friday, May 27, 5-8pm  - Cash bar, hor d'oeuvres, and costumes
P5 Centers for the Arts- Antoinette Hatfield Hall, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR

This special show features paintings based on scenes from Grimm's fairy tale stories. 

Through the Enchanted Forest © Robin Phillips Studio - scene from Twelve Dancing Princesses

May 7- May 31, La Vida Veggie Art Gallery  
4925 SW Angel Ave., Beaverton, OR

For the month of May, I will have an assortment of six to eight larger paintings on display along with artist Kelly Powers at this locally owned, cozy cafe/gallery that has a super delicious veg menu! 

Ace of Wands © Robin Phillips Studio

May 19 - June 14, Siren Nation 2016 Paint Your Art Out
Opening Reception: May 19, 6-9pm, Salvage Works, 2024 N Argyle St, Portland, OR

Once again, I'm excited to be participating in the Siren Nation art shows. There are two events: Opening Night is a fundraising event, and there is also a month long show.  Follow me on FB or Instagram for a sneak preview of a group of small works that I will show... 

Deer Spirit © Robin Phillips Studio

June, July Shows- Stay Tuned! 

I'm also currently working on new pieces for Fire on the Water: Dragon Boat Art Show, in the Portland Rose Festival, and Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 

More details will be announced in a couple weeks on RPS Facebook!

XOXO, Robin

New Year, New Horizons

Around here, we are ready to ring in the new year! 

And in a few short weeks Jeff and I are off to the Yucatan! On our way, we will visit family we haven't seen in a while in Atlanta, which will be so nice.  I will be posting pictures of our adventures on Instagram @robinstudio and RPS Facebook. Expecting to create a new series of paintings based on this trip, it will be an amazing experience. Can't wait to discover the Mayan ruins, landscapes and gardens,  native art and crafts. We'll be driving all over the peninsula visiting a variety of cities and of course, beaches. :)

In progress: Siamese Parlor, Meditation, Owl Spirit, Eagle Spirit paintings

In the studio lately...

Creating more small pieces to replace those sold for OneDer Gallery. If you're in Portland, do check it out! All art is local and priced under $100- such a great deal.

In collaboration with Renee Phillips of Manhattan Arts International, I am now working on artist websites nationally. I'm delighted to be working with Renee, who is an amazing coach and advocate for the arts. A new RPS website is also in the works. Stay tuned!

And for fun, more holiday sewing.

In the new years sewing basket are more kitchen towels, hot pads, and perhaps a new table runner (if there is time :))  Sewers, stay tuned for new winter and spring pattern releases to be announced soon!

The winter garden...

I am always in awe watching nature cycle through the seasons. Isn't it truly amazing? Now the garden is at rest, and it has cleared the slate for a new horizon, new growth, new possibilities.

We saw a few snowflakes in the air the other day, but alas no snow. Growing up in Wisconsin, I used to be so tired of the snow, but these days I have fond memories of how beautiful it looks. Especially on all the evergreens around here... a touch of snow would be nice! The rain drops we have are stunning though- shimmering on the plants in early morning light. And feeling thankful for how the winter rain keeps everything so nourished and green ;)

Japanese Garden- Winter  © Robin Phillips Studio

Blessings to you for a happy new year!

♥  Robin