Cosmos original oil painting still life Hoeptner

Cosmos  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  SOLD
Click image to enlarge.  Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Wishing all a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!!  I will be back in JAN, but will be checking emails. 

Crimson Orbit oil painting flower floral still life

Crimson Orbit  Oil on wood  6" x 8"  SOLD
Click image to enlarge.  Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

As the year concludes I find myself taking brief tours down memory lane...back to when I first started getting serious about painting.  Of course one hopes to see improvement.  The first time I painted this little floral arrangement was here.  This version pleases me even more than the first one and I really loved that one, even though it never sold. (:

Light Catcher II oil painting of cat

Light Catcher II  Oil on wood  8" x 6" 
Click image to enlarge.  Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Coco again.  But not a great likeness this time.

Light Catcher I oil painting of cat

Light Catcher I Oil on wood 6" x 8"
Click image to enlarge.

Coco was hand picked by me for his outstanding good looks.  I knew I would paint him the moment I laid eyes on him.  He was the first of his litter to leave.  ...and when I got him home Layla (the first cat) made sure he knew who was boss.  Despite his traumatic beginnings, he's become a fine companion for her and for us.

Sleepy painting of Coco cat

Sleepy  Oil on wood   6" x 8" 
Click image to enlarge.  Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

It has been proven that the presence of a cat will lower one's blood pressure, reduce anxiety and alleviate feelings of anger and depression.Cats themselves rarely seem stressed. Our Coco tends to spaz out more than most cats, but he has his peaceful moments.

Xmas Blooms painting of flowers in old jar

Xmas Blooms Oil on wood 8" x 10" N/A
Click image to enlarge.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

The pretty quilted fabric in this painting was acquired at a flea market for $5--  Good deal!  Next year (among other things) I want to incorporate more patterns into my still life set ups.  They add so much dimension!  This painting will not dry in time for Christmas delivery, sorry.

Earth Harvest hoeptner hot picks page

Earth Harvest  Oil on wood  8" x 8"  N/A
Click image to enlarge.  Diane@DianeHoeptner.com



Another go 'round with the  sunflowers.  I'm crazy about this arrangement.  I've painted it twice before, once as a "study" like this one and once at 12" x 12."  I felt the first painting(s) relied on bold color for much it's excitement--and I wanted to see if I could do the same painting again but with a more subtle (interior friendly) palette. Love how it came out!  This painting will not dry in time for Christmas, sorry. 
For those of you reading this post in your email box, you should know I've added a "hot picks in Hoeptner Art" page to my blog.  See a variety of my personal favorites all in one place-- and all available for purchase directly from me. Please visit, here's a direct link to the new page.  As always shipping is fast and free in the USA!

Hover Cat painting of cats in interior

Hover Cat   Oil on wood   8" x 10"  SOLD
Click image to enlarge.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

We have two cats and this painting captures a typical pose.  Layla is prissy and smug like most cats.  Coco on the other hand is a nervous cat and always shadows whatever Layla does.  My husband called me into the livingroom the other day to point out Layla sitting so pretty in the light--  and of course Coco wasn't far behind anticipating her next move. *It's 6 below ZERO degrees here with windchill!  So, I am stuck inside trying to get photos of my paintings before it gets too dark, ugh!  The photo of this painting doesn't do it justice, it's way better in life.

The River Gallery Open House and two Marks

Tonight there was an open house event at the River Gallery in Rocky River, OH. I have seven paintings on display there, two of which depict cats (see above.) A high point to the evening was meeting Mark Cole the Curator for American Paintings at the Cleveland Museum of Art. He actually awarded one of my paintings an honorable mention at an exhibit at a different gallery earlier in the year. It was a unexpected thrill to meet him!

Also tonight, I acquired the most exquisite ceramic trinket box. It was made by Mark Yasenchack (yes, another Mark) who happens to manage the gallery. I usually save my recreational shopping for shoes and handbags, but I couldn't resist.  When you see his lovely creations, you'll see what I mean.  Click here to visit Mark's website.

Taffy Two oil painting of pink daisies

Taffy Two Oil on wood 10" x 8" 
Click image to enlarge.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Have you checked out the great 2011 calendars available at Dailypainters.com?  Choose from over a dozen themes!  My paintings are featured in the floral and still life calendars.

Window Way floral still life painting

Window Way   Oil on wood  8" x 8"  SOLD
Click image to enlarge.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

It's a challenge to get good color saturation when subject matter is either very light or very dark.  But this painting does a sufficient job of that.  I really like it and I will do it again sometime, bigger.

In other news, I'm pleased to report the River Gallery is now representing my work.  The gallery is located on the Old Detroit Road District in Rocky River, OH--the area offers an alternative to dreadful mall shopping with a great selection of eclectic antique shops, boutiques and restaurants.  Also found there:  Mitchell Sotka Antiques, a wonderful source of pristine condition 18th and 19th Century art and antiques.  If you get a chance, do visit this shopper's paradise!

Window Daisies floral still life painting

Window Daisies   Oil on wood   8" x 8"   N/A
Click image to enlarge.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

I just love the little kitty shaped creamer--  The last time I painted it was here.

Window Lily painting by Diane Hoeptner

Window Lily  Oil on wood   8" x 10"
Click image to enlarge.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Ivy Choked oil painting sunflower ivy

Ivy Choked  Oil on wood   8" x 10"  SOLD
Click image to enlarge.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Back to basics is a good thing:  Sunflower with ivy in glass bottle.  I'm very happy with this one!