Hoeptner Fine Art Summer Update

Last summer was all about a starter boat my husband and I purchased.  ("death-trap" depending on who you ask, heh.)  We became novice boaters.   ...and we loved it.  Who knew Lake Erie was so fabulous??!!!   When it became clear the boat's wood "threading" would no longer support the engine--and the boat was beyond feasible repair,  we were devastated.   for.about.48.hours...which is how long it took to find another boat. This boat is better!!  ...and we are on it every weekend.  Last weekend we took my dear nephews aboard (and I can't resist sharing that cuteness, picture below.) 

Remember when I announced that my painting "Freesia Fran" would be featured in the September issue of "The Artist's Magazine?"  Well, it got bumped to the October issue, but it's still happening!

I'm painting...commissioned pet portraits mostly-and will share those soon. 
If you are local to Northern Ohio, please visit The Art Gallery of Willoughby, Ohio.  As of last week, they have a fantastic selection of my paintings available!
Finally, my desktop computer crashed on Saturday...  It's been taken in for repair.  That computer is my control central for many art-activities, planning, photographing and documenting.  Fingers crossed that I haven't lost any data!!!
Yes, time is a flyin' but now you know the scoop on this end.  I hope you, dear reader are having a wonderful summer. 

Puffy gray cat with green eyes on pattern

Puffy  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  NFS

Coco-puff, Puffy, Poppy, my special spaz, I think I have to keep this painting.  :)  
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Cat and Butterfly II original oil painting by Hoeptner

Cat and Butterfly II  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  $175.

Liking the cat + butterfly combo, despite it being (how do I say it?) a little high on sugar content...  Part of the fun is deciding what kind/color of butterfly best compliments kitteh.  Maybe a few more, they'd be nice on greeting cards, me thinks?!  Do you agree?

Dapper Dan black & white cat from Cleveland APL

Dapper Dan  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  $175.

He looks like a "Dapper Dan."  Can't resist posting a photo of this kitteh in all his bushy tailed (and pawed!) splendor.  I think he'd be most himself in a home that features golden silk brocade wall treatments...  but any home would do, really.  He waits for adoption at the Cleveland Animal Protective League. 

Kirk on Yellow cat feline original oil painting

Kirk on Yellow  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  $175.

Cat and Butterfly an oil painting by Hoeptner

Cat and Butterfly  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  SOLD

Muse black cat fish floral pattern painting

Muse  Oil on wood  11" x 14"  SOLD

Sometimes other people's art sneaks into your brain cells and shows up later in your own work.  Call me "chagrined."   It happened to me with this painting.  See this by wonderfully talented Sarah Stringhetta.  I pinned the image ages ago then promptly forgot about it until I sat down to write this blog post.  I think I put enough of my own spin on it to make it my own, but clearly, Sarah's art was the inspiration.

Beth the Tuxedo Cat original painting

Beth  Oil on wood  8" x 8"  SOLD

This painting is better in life, I will re-photograph it once the paint dries!

TJ Roses & 3 Tips on How to Paint Roses

TJ Roses  Oil on wood  8" x 8"  SOLD

This post was originally titled:  "Why Roses are So Dang Difficult." But we're trying to stay positive, lol.  Thus notes to self, my top tips on how to paint roses:

• Unlike most flowers, each rose usually has a full range of values from dark to light.  Identify accordingly.
• Roses (especially white ones) contain a dizzying array of neutrals and more saturated hues.  Include both or you risk painting something dull and lifeless.
• Regarding edges that spiral, overlap and curl:  Too many graphic edges can be over-kill.  ...and all soft is a snooze-fest.  Use sharp edges for focal points and areas that beg definition.  

Abigail painting of orange tabby

Abigail  Oil on wood  12" x 12"  SOLD

Very happy with this one!  Abigail's human (who is also an artist) let the final painting be a surprise--  and told me to paint the background as I saw fit.  An old Art Nouveau pattern was used, though I modified the colors to compliment Abigail's fur.