Dog Days of Summer - Shep - Dog Portrait by Deb Kirkeeide

Shep | 6x6 Oil | ©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

Shep is a happy-go-lucky fella, always happy and ready for any kind of fun and love you might want to throw his way!

My intentions were to make these portraits a daily challenge. However, I miscalculated how much I had on my plate. Intentional and unintentional. Gotta go with the flow!

These little dog portraits are a lot of fun and I still have a few more in me. If you would like to commission a special Love Portrait of your own pet, I have more information on my website. 

In the meantime, if you would like to "adopt" one of these little guys, you can purchase here. $185

A Superior View - Lake Superior Landscape painting

A Superior View

12 x 9 Oil 

©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

Mother Superior Called … and I answered.

Lake Superior that is. Each time she called, her voice offered a promise of comfort and nurturing.

I finally answered.

The last few months (years?) have been a bit stressful. I hadn’t realized how much of that I was carrying but I knew I needed to get away to the shores of the big lake.

Armed with journal, sketchbook, paints and absolutely no agenda other than to just be, I headed north to the Grand Marais area, just 60 miles from the Canadian border.

“Be still and the Earth speaks to you”  ~ Navaho Proverb

I watched, listened and let her speak.

She spoke through the mournful call of the loons and the playful antics of the crows that visited each day. Through the gentle fall of rain and the occasional roll of thunder. The lake sang her songs, the pulse of her heart repeating in the waves. Breezes whispered to the trees, their answers in the rustling of the leaves. Love showed up in heart shaped stones I found along the shore. Majesty came in the form of a russet colored buck crossing the road in front of me. Delight came in the thousands of wildflowers lining the roads. So delightful, that I just wanted to give the Earth a big old hug!

Not being completely cut off from civilization, I explored the galleries, discovered new artists, checked out the art fair in Grand Marais, read articles and stories each leading me to a little more clarity and inspiration. I was led to the overreaching theme of nature, her healing and our connections to all of her lessons. 

This painting was my view while I was up there. It was glorious!

A Superior View                                                                                                                9x12 Oil  $435 purchase here 

Blue Bunny - Original rabbit painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Blue Bunny

 6x6 Oil on hardwood SOLD

©2016 Deb Kirkeeide

This would probably be more fitting for springtime but somewhere in the world, I believe there is a bunny sitting in the grass, in the sunshine.

I've lived in my house for about twelve years now and have encountered a lot of wildlife in my backyard but never a bunny until a couple years ago. And where there is one, eventually another ( or more) shows up. Surprisingly there has only been one other. Mama's little one joined in the fun this summer. They would venture out from beneath the deck and snack on the many dandelion greens growing in my yard. The little one would venture about the yard each time going farther  and going into the neighbor's yards. I would watch for her and warn her of the dangers out there. (I am very protective of my little ones!) I don't see her much in the winter but I am seeing tracks in the snow so I know she/they are still around. Isn't she cute? Her name is Charlotte.

As always, visit my website for more paintings!

Waiting at the Edge of Dusk - Barred Owl Painting - Deb Kirkeeide

 

Waiting At The Edge of Dusk

12 x 9 Oil 

$450 

©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

I currently have 5 pieces in an owl exhibition at True North Gallery in Massachusetts. If you are in the area, please stop in for the reception this Saturday. It looks to be a wonderful show!

This painting is not one of them.

Had I intuited that this show opportunity was coming up, I might have finished this (and another) in 

time to be included!

I love owls.  I find them mystical and magical. Probably because they are rarely seen. Their presence only coming into our consciousness by their lonely call in the dark of the night.

Barn Owl In Flight - original painting by Deb Kirkeeide

Barn Owl In Flight

6x6x1.5 Oil on Cradled Hardboard

SOLD

©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

I love this little painting! This is one of those paintings that when I get done and take a closer look, I wonder how I did that!  I especially love the color palette with the soft grays and warm tones. 

This one may reincarnate in a larger version. Though I'm sure it won't look the same!

Please visit my blog or website for more! 

Hill Crest - Landscape Southern MN Plein Air - Deb Kirkeeide

Hill Crest

6x8 oil on linen panel

$165 purchase here

©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

This is another painting from my outing in July. As you can see Minnesota is very green in the summer! I sometimes long for the colors of the west with it's multitude of colors but I confess after spending time in Utah recently with it's dry and very hot conditions, I was happy to see the greens and the multitude of lakes and trees  as we descended into Minneapolis. 

I do love this state.

For more please visit my blog or website 

Chip - Original Wildlife Painting of Chipmunk - Deb Kirkeeide

"Chip"

8x6 Oil

©2015 Deb Kirkeeide

$165 Purchase Here

Just Chip. No Dale.  

This little wildlife painting is an homage to the little chipmunk that occasionally scurries across my deck, running for cover in a nearby downspout if I happen to surprise him with my presence! I'm sure there must be more than just him, but I only see a him on solo expeditions.

He always brings to mind childhood vacations at a woodsy Northwoods cabin. Where the chipmunks were tame enough to eat out of my hand. For a kid, there's a bit of magic involved in feeding the local "wildlife" out of your hand!

More wildlife here and here !

Max the Cat - Pet Portrait by Deb Kirkeeide

Max the Cat

12 x 9 Oil

Sold

©Deb Kirkeeide

This is Max. I was asked by his people to paint this portrait of their beloved cat. He is a handsome fellow isn't he?

In their words: Max was a lap cat and he loved to cuddle. He was very loyal, almost like a dog. He would loved to greet us at the door with tons of meows and head nods. He was very vocal cat. Max loved his food and was so motivated to eat that he would perform tricks for treats. He was a big cat at least until he got older.  He didn't care much about being outside, but he loved to check out little critters and birds through the window. 

I hope this painting will bring them many smiles and happy memories.

Lovey Dovey - Mourning Dove painting

"Lovey Dovey"

8x8x1.5 Oil on wood

$145 +SH

©2014 Deb Kirkeeide

Purchase Here

A friend of mine, who lives in England, recently talked of the warmer weather there and asked if we  still had snow. I laughed. Hysterically.

Like much of the nation we seem to be stuck in the never ending winter. C'mon! It's March!
Spring is just a little more than 2 weeks away and here in MN we are still being hostage by sub zero temps, ice coated roads and 4ft thick ice on the northern lakes! I'm beginning to see the merits in hibernation.

Much to my surprise, the last few mornings I have heard birds singing! Which gives me hope that the weather will shift.

Having been away a bit from painting, I decided to "warm up" with some simpler small paintings of birds. to get back in the creative flow. (No surprise there, eh?) I also have been exploring some ideas for a slightly new direction that I'm eager to start in on. All in good time.
 

These little bird paintings are painted on cradled wood boards. They have painted sides and are ready to hang as is or would look nice in a floater frame.

Minnetonka Center for the Arts Holiday Show

Cardinal

6 x 6 Oil on Cradled Board

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I have paintings in several shows at the moment. Lots of paintings - and this little guy is one of them.

He is currently available at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. Holiday Show. If you are in this area it is worth a trip to see this wonderfully diverse show. It is wonderfully curated and I am always amazed at the magic that happens between the chaos of dropping off the work and the actual show opening.It is the perfect place to find that unique and creative gift for that special someone this holiday season. Gift the gift of art this year. It's a great time to start a collection for yourself or another. 

"Nevermore" raven painting by Deb Kirkeeide

"Nevermore"

14 x 18 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

A little something in the spirit All Hallows Eve....

The original concept for this raven painting was quite different! Halfway into the process, I was less than thrilled with the results and was about ready to offer it up to the powers that be. After taking a break to think about it I decided to just let loose and quit thinking about it so much. I figure I had nothing to lose. This is the result. It's gritty, energetic and a bit mystical. And I like that.

Deb Kirkeeide
Blog and website

Lavender Fields Forever - Landscape painting, Deb Kirkeeide

Lavender Fields Forever

12 x 16 Oil
Purchase Here

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

On my recent trip to San Juan Island, WA we visited a lavender farm. It was beautiful. A nice relaxing spot to enjoy and explore a bit. The fragrant air, the slight buzz from all the bees doing what they do best and the color of the fields. I reaaallly wanted to set up my easel and paint but I didn't have it with me - nor did we have the time to stay. So I took lots of pictures and painted this. I love the colors and the textures in this one.

"Single" Peony painting by Deb Kirkeeide

"Single"

8 x 6 Oil

Unframed

165.00 Purchase Here

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

I seem to be on a floral kick lately. Trader Joes had some beautiful peony bouquets recently and I got a lot of modeling and enjoyment from them.

Please visit my blog or website for more paintings.

"Daisies On The Deck" original floral daisy painitng by Deb Kirkeeide

Daisies On The Deck

5x7 Oil

©Deb Kirkeeide

$165 Framed Purchase Here

I just love daisies and I recently planted some containers with them on my deck.  I couldn't resist making a couple studies of them recently. It's easy to get some plein air painting in after work when all you have to do is step out the door!

Please visit my website or blog for more paintings.

Sunflowers In Carl's Vase

Sunflowers in Carl's Vase

11 x 14 Oil on clayboard

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

$485  Purchase Here

Painting on Clayboard is a little like painting the previous painting in gouache. You lay it down and it sticks to the surface. It's an interesting challenge and since I've got a few more panels, I'm going to experiment more with it. Every substrate seems to present its own challenges and requires a new technique - at least for me! I've been trying trying a lot of different surfaces lately, hopefully one day I will settle on what I prefer.

Please visit my blog  and website for more paintings.

Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove

8 x 16 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide. All rights reserved.

Purchase Here

I love these birds. They remind me of being at my grandparents house in Ohio where I would often hear their soft call. To this day it brings me a sense of comfort. I was very happy when a pair showed up last spring and nested nearby. They and their brood would show up often near my feeder.

And since I am such a fan of folklore and symbolism here's a little bit about symbolism of the dove.

Although its song is heard throughout the day, it seems more distinct at dawn and dusk.  These are the “Between Times” – a time in which there is a thinning of the veils between the physical and the spiritual, the past and the future.  The dove can help you to use these times to see the creation process active within your own life.  The song tells you to mourn what has passed…but awaken to the promise of the future…It is the bird of prophecy and can help you to see what you can give birth to in your life.
Animal Speak, the spiritual & magical powers of creatures great & small by Ted Andrews

Please visit my blog and website for more paintings.

A Little Birdy Told Me

A Little Birdy Told Me

6 x 8 Oil

©2013 Deb Kirkeeide

 $150 Purchase here.

Please visit my website or blog for more paintings.

Grace - swan painting

Grace

15 x 18.5 Oil
$695 unframed

©2012 Deb Kirkeeide

I reworked this piece from an earlier version. I just had to try something else with it - though I admit I can't quite point out what I did. Some warmer colors in the feathers, more paint texture and I cropped the original composition a bit.

Purchase Here.

Please visit my website or blog for more paintings.

Winter's Eve

Winter's Eve

9x12 Oil on Linen

©2012 Deb Kirkeeide

Having had a quiet house and some time to myself on Christmas Eve, I put on some Christmas music and painted this. We had a beautiful snow fall a couple weeks ago and this is my version of some of the beauty from that. In reality these trees have houses tucked in and around them but I opted to leave them out. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon and evening.

Purchase Here.


Please visit my website and blog.

Oak On The Hill

Oak On The Hill

12 x 12 Oil on Panel
SOLD

©2012 Deb Kirkeeide

This is a painting I did this summer at one of our plein air events. I just have never posted it. I think

I've forgotten to post a few, so there may be more showing up.

For more paintings please visit my website and blog!