Diane Hoeptner

Sweetheart valentine's day kitten painting

2012-01-26T19:51:00.002-05:00

Sweetheart Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

I always have an active list of "designy" things I want to try in my art. Painting cats (instead of floral still lifes) seems to have opened the flood gates on getting some of those ideas out of my head and onto panel and I'm really enjoying it! Coco-kitten looks a little clueless here as kittens often are, but he's still a sweetheart.

Sideways Glance cat against victorian pattern

2012-01-20T20:44:00.001-05:00

Sideways Glance Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Coco cat again, lookin' like he might make a hasty departure any moment.

Among the Acorns brown striped cat

2012-01-19T17:54:00.001-05:00

Among the Acorns Oil on wood 8" x 6" $125.

In the Garden oil painting cat & sunflowers

2012-01-17T20:32:00.002-05:00

In the Garden 6" x 8" SOLD

Cat and Fawns small Hoeptner original oil painting

2012-01-16T15:26:00.002-05:00

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

More dabbling with design. The sprinting fawns echo this particular cat's personality...

Distracted III handsome gray boy cat sold

2012-01-11T20:19:00.000-05:00

Distracted III Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

This was painted for one of my favorite collectors. She purchased New Year Cat (see below) and wanted a companion piece to hang next to it.

On a Ledge young calico cat in window

2012-01-10T20:31:00.002-05:00

On a Ledge Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

I painted this cat before here. He's not a kitten and not quite an adult yet--and still growing into those long limbs. Special thanks to Love-and-Hisses for providing the great photo reference.

Catnip Thug small oil painting gray cat on pink

2012-01-09T15:49:00.000-05:00

Catnip Thug Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Coco isn't a really "Catnip Thug." Truth be told, he waits until our other cat Layla has at it, then he politely takes his turn with the left overs. This painting completes a series of four that I'm really proud of, see the other three (all sold!) below.

To purchase Catnip Thug, use the Buy Now button.

Fall Cat autumn colors leaves green

2012-01-05T13:57:00.001-05:00

Fall Cat Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Three Geese oil painting of geese birds

2012-01-03T20:11:00.003-05:00

Three Geese Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Before the snow started to fly in Cleveland, my husband and I took his motorcycle for a ride to the Rocky River Reservation, a part of Cleveland Metroparks. I had hoped to photograph some horses that day but ended up with geese.

King of Blue Daisies dashing cat on floral

2012-01-02T19:22:00.002-05:00

King of Blue Daisies Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

New Year Cat pretty gray cat blue green pattern

2012-01-01T15:10:00.007-05:00

New Year Cat Original oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

I believe in goal making at the beginning of each year! As one year ends and another begins it's important to note what is working and what is not--especially for artists. This blog continues to be an absolute joy to create and maintain. Your comments, direct emails, Tweets and FB "likes" are so very appreciated. We're fortunate to live in an age that makes sharing art, information and inspiration so easy. I painted 129 new paintings last year... This year I want to paint more than that... and I'd like for at least 20 paintings to be 12x12 or bigger. I have a few more goals this year but painting more and bigger is my most serious challenge and it is best shared. Thank you for visiting my blog and for receiving my posts in your email. Happy New Year!

Saint Layla brown striped tabby cat painting

2011-12-29T18:29:00.001-05:00

Saint Layla Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Don't let that doe eyed look or the title of this painting fool you, rub this kitty the wrong way and she will cut you.

Hungry Cat oil painting of brown striped feline

2011-12-24T15:15:00.001-05:00

Hungry Cat Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Happy Holidays!

Serious Coco painting christmas cat holly pattern

2011-12-22T21:40:00.001-05:00

Serious Coco Oil on wood, 6" x 6" SOLD

Poor thing looks like he's posing for a mug shot... Wouldn't it be great if cats could smile?

One Down red tulips oranges still life painting

2011-12-19T20:30:00.006-05:00

The Secret bird whispers to gray cat painting

2011-12-18T18:25:00.001-05:00

The Secret Oil on wood 8" x 6" $125.

Hop Away art nouveau bunny and gray cat

2011-12-14T14:33:00.004-05:00

Hop Away Oil on wood 8" x 6" SOLD

Last week we had an AT&T guy here to tell us about getting cable and faster internet... Coco ran like a bat out of Hell to the basement for cover. He's not used to strangers in the house. I look forward to painting "Hop Away" again, bigger next time--the spastic cat +Art Nouveau bunny is too much fun.

Two Cats a small original oil painting

2011-12-12T20:35:00.005-05:00

Two Cats Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Layla, the striped cat has a few nicknames: Sassy Pants, Sweetpea, Stinkerbell. She pretty much does what she pleases. Coco can usually be found hovering nearby.

Prince of Ivy it's a painting of a cat not a human

2011-12-11T18:35:00.001-05:00

Prince of Ivy Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

When I started painting Coco (in '08 and '09) I had a tendency to project human proportions onto his face, I may be shaking that habit as his contours and cat-ness become more familiar. Illustration provided by How to Draw a Face on Wikinut.

Bird Cat original oil painting of cat

2011-12-08T19:14:00.001-05:00

Bird Cat Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

I (gleefully) snagged the background pattern for this painting from a book of Victorian Designs clip art. The bird cracks me up!

The Pentagon Gallery Artist Reception Pictures

2011-12-07T19:52:00.001-05:00

The Pentagon Gallery in Cleveland Heights, OH. Pictured in the window, fellow exhibitor Natalya Romanovsky's beautiful floral.

Just before the opening of the "Conscious Compassion" show, December 3rd... It was rewarding to see my paintings displayed and expertly lit.

Ray Zen played the electric guitar during the reception.

Joe Grand offered his intricately painted abstracts.

Sculptor Hy Snell made an unexpected visit.

Me and gallery owner, Maria Vega. Big thanks to Maria for all her hard work and to everyone who attended!

Daisy Cat gray cat on floral pattern

2011-12-06T20:59:00.001-05:00

Daisy Cat Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

I made a lot of noise at the beginning of this year--about how I wanted to paint BIGGER in 2011. It didn't quite happen.again. Honestly, it's been two years I've been talking about painting bigger! Anyway, one of my ideas is to combine cool patterns, flowers and cats. This painting is a good example of a try-out with just a cool pattern+cat and I'm very happy with it... not to mention highly motivated to try painting bigger again. My plan right now is to finish off the year with 6x6s. ...and try out a few bigger paintings in 2012.

Monday Cat oil painting of gray cat

2011-12-05T14:14:00.002-05:00

Monday Cat Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

I felt a little out of practice this morning, but it was good to get back in the studio. The reception for my show at Pentagon happened Saturday night, pictures soon.

I Spy oil painting sunflowers and cat still life

2011-11-28T20:42:00.004-05:00

I Spy Oil on wood 10" x 10" SOLD

Mull it Over Monday: on Sabbatical

2011-11-27T22:50:00.004-05:00

I've written before about how I do art 24/7. Normally, it works out pretty good. I'm afraid the year's end has found me running a little ragged though... My original idea for Mull it Over Mondays was to write a bunch of them in advance, thus freeing up time to pursue other projects on Mondays. I didn't anticipate such wonderful feedback from fellow artists and collectors, not to mention a dramatic spike in my blog traffic on Mondays...

When my pre-written MiOMs ran out, I started writing them on weekends. Now, with Christmas right around the corner and weekend activities escalating, I'm afraid I have to take a little sabbatical on Mull it Over Mondays. Thank you everyone who commented and emailed me directly regarding MiOM topics-- Your observations are greatly appreciated and provided much food for thought on future mullings. I look forward to bringing this feature back in 2012. To read the Mull it Over Monday archives, click here.

On Duty gray cat and white mum painting

2011-11-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

On Duty Oil on wood 10" x 10" $275.

I may have to do a few more of these, I really like the cat-flowers combination.

Distracted II oil painting cat

2011-11-21T20:45:00.001-05:00

Distracted II Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

A fabulous Facebook friend commissioned me to paint Distracted again. Painting different versions of the same subject is always a pleasure. I told her I'd try it with a little more color--she's happy with it and so am I.

Mull it Over Monday: My Top 5 Blogging Tips for Daily Painters

2011-11-20T22:30:00.011-05:00

Turquoise and Lime Oil on wood 8" x 8" Available, here.

1) Post true to life pictures. Daily painters frequently photograph work when it's still wet. This presents a challenge. Dark passages will appear streaked with gray or white--where the light reflects off the wet paint ridges. A photo tent, the "macro" setting on your camera and a tripod go a long way towards good photographs.

2) Don't trash talk your own work. When I first started posting my daily paintings, I always had the urge to explain what I knew I could have painted better. The thought of someone else calling me out on my various perceived errors was agonizing. The truth is: It's a total buzzkill to like somebody's painting and then read about how much they would like to change it. Do the best you can and let the chips fall where they may.

3) Keep your text brief and sweet. Now folks, there are some exceptionally good writers out there who also blog paintings... But it's my list, so here goes. Share your lovely painting, write a few meaningful lines about it and then call it a day. Have a martini and enjoy the sunset. Part of the joy of blogging is receiving comments, if you obligate people to read three paragraphs of marginally related text before they can comment on your work--you risk losing them to the "next" button.

4) Keep projects that haven't happened yet under your hat. Sooner or later, someone will make promises they can't keep and you may pin hopes on a project or an idea that never actually materializes. Most artists experience this... A daily painting blog is great place for announcements about your art and your visitors will rejoice upon hearing your news-- Your blog also makes it easy to over-share! If your next "big thing" isn't an absolute sure thing, it's a good idea to wait and make sure things pan out first.

5) Post clear contact infomation: There are opinions you need, questions un-answered and opportunities begging to be explored-- but if people can't shoot you a quick email to tell you about 'em, what's the point?
I hope these are helpful. If you care to add to 'em or comment, I'd love to hear from you!

Cats at Play small original oil painting

2011-11-17T20:53:00.002-05:00

Cats at Play Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Look! I finally got Layla in on the action! The "design" of this painting relies on the silhouettes being accurate--but I was pleasantly surprised at how much detail I was able to pull out of the photo reference. Very happy with this one. (:

Upward painting of gray cat looking up

2011-11-16T20:46:00.004-05:00

Upward Oil on wood 12" x 12" $345.

The Conscious Compassion Show at Pentagon

2011-11-15T20:35:00.002-05:00

I am so pleased to be part of the Conscious Compassion show at the Pentagon Gallery. See the mailer above. If you are in Cleveland on December 3rd, please attend the opening night reception. The show runs though February 4th.

Squeaktoy Surprise old rubber squeak toy painting

2011-11-14T21:03:00.000-05:00

Squeaktoy Surprise Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Mull it Over Monday: Applying 80/20 to Painting

2011-11-13T22:30:00.042-05:00

Lone Fressia oil on wood 8" x 8" Available here.
80/20: Mostly gray, 20% color.

Back in the 90's I had a wall dedicated to "art and photos that inspire." It was a mostly a collage of art magazine clippings... I looked at it when I need a little giddy-up in my get-up-and-go. These days I keep eye popping art in a folder on my computer. It's more managageable and easier to update. Some images become old fast, some retain their motivational qualities over time, all are worthwhile.

I'm forever trying to identify "why" I like what I like. (and if I figure it out, of course how do I infuse my art with it.) Some identifiable traits I fancy time and time again: Art that combines representational painting with abstract, technical brilliance, "cute," "hot colors right now," and "graphic." I happened to see a video on Apartment Therapy and it fleshed out another trait I didn't really know about: 80/20. 80/20 is a ratio that applies not only to decorating one's apartment. It's good for painting too! (...not to mention easier to grasp than the golden mean.) Our brains are hard wired to sizzle upon encountering this visual ratio. It's relatively simple: Just like a neutral livingroom pops with a few orange pillows, so too will a gray landscape pop when we see a bit of cerulean blue peeking through the clouds.

John Stamos is one of very few
who can pull off the 50/50 mullet.

I took another look at my inspiration folder and immediately recognized paintings that incorporate 80/20!

If you find yourself struggling with a painting, consider applying the 80/20 ratio! Too much chaos? Too busy? Too dark? Sometimes less is more and knowing how much less can turn an otherwise boring painting into something special.

Plastic Horse Pulltoy

2011-11-10T20:35:00.003-05:00

Plastic Horse Pulltoy Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Cat and Sunbeam original oil painting

2011-11-10T07:58:00.003-05:00

Cat and Sunbeam Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Inquiring minds want to know what my fabulous new Minnetonka mocassins look like, so here for your extreme entertainment, a picture. Sweet, right? Just call me easy to please, a new pair of shoes and a Coco cat sitting near a sunbeam and I'm good to go.

Duncan the Dachshund a dog portrait

2011-11-07T20:12:00.002-05:00

Duncan Oil on wood 8" x 6" SOLD

This is a commissioned pet portrait. My buyer asked for a turquoise background and that worked out really well. For information about my pet portraits, click here. There's still time to order your's before the holidays.

Mull it Over Monday: Not.

2011-11-06T20:50:00.003-05:00

I'm afraid the only thing I mulled over this weekend was whether I should spring for a pair of blue Minnetonka mocassins. We had a quick overnight in Berlin, Ohio: Amish country. Amish town closes down at 5pm on Saturdays and doesn't re-open until Monday. We had a few hours to shop and eat. We stayed at the Berlin Grande Hotel, a surprisingly contemporary hotel in the middle of rolling hills farm country. I didn't have to mull over the mocassins too long as my dear Husband bought them for me. (: They are so comfortable, I'm sure I'll wear them out by the end of winter. Mull it Over Mondays will resume next week.

Cat in Sun oil painting

2011-11-03T20:45:00.003-04:00

Cat in Sun Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Garden Roses oil painting big pretty red roses

2011-11-02T20:36:00.003-04:00

Garden Roses Oil on wood each 12" x 9" NFS

Same roses as week before last. This time around they look less like a 1920's postcard. Me still likey.

Distracted oil painting gray cat

2011-11-01T18:42:00.006-04:00

Distracted Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

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House Cat painting of gray cat in shadow

2011-10-31T20:30:00.008-04:00

House Cat Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Coco, looking for the red laser bug... He's a relentless hunter but prefers to be inside at all times.

Mull it Over Monday: How to Find Your Unique Voice

2011-10-30T22:15:00.007-04:00

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; What is essential is
invisible to the eye." --Antoine de Saint Exupery
Illustration by Mary Englebreit. Visit her website, here.

One of the best compliments a visual artist can receive is to be told "Your work is instantly recognizable." I normally juggle a variety of different projects. They range from floral still life painting to commercial illustration. The artists I admire are diverse, understatement. (Here's two: David Riedel and Mary Englebreit) Finding my own unique style is an ongoing challenge.
I used to think it was necessary to switch hats to be successful. By day I'd paint floral still lifes and that's when I'd wear the JSS/MC hat (John Singer Sargent & Mary Cassatt, I know I'm pushing it, but indulge me!) By night, I'd channel Norman Rockwell and illustrate children's books. It's great to have art heroes but having your own voice and knowing what it is --is the ultimate goal for most artists. But how do you get there??

One thing I've discovered: Your own voice emerges over time through the practice of painting.every.day. It doesn't matter what project you work on or who you "channel." (I'm not the only one who does that, right? Heh.) If you are earnest about it and apply yourself in a consistent manner, all the things you wish to have manifest mix and simmer in the synapses of your unique brain... and eventually show up in your work. The mental painting notes, the art that inspires will begin to inform your brush... It's like magic when it happens. You can't think it into existence though. You have to actually paint a few miles of canvas first. This is something I'm still discovering. Having patience and working through it is important. I've also found that as my skillset expands my internal compass has become more organic and my need to "switch hats" has lessened. Sometimes it's hard to catch your stride, but painting every day is the by far best method I've found. What do you do to make your art as unique as you are?

Pig in Mud oil painting by Diane Hoeptner

2011-10-27T19:16:00.004-04:00

Pig in Mud Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

(: Happy with this one. Photo reference provided by Robyn at Love-and-Hisses.

The Zinnias I & II flower pink orange

2011-10-26T20:45:00.006-04:00

The Zinnias I & II Oil on wood each 6" x 6" NFS

Heehee, I love this quote from Tilda Swinton via a British paper called Metro: “People who have careers set out to have careers. I always find that very admirable and awe-inspiring, this idea of shooting an arrow with a thread attached way into the future and then pulling yourself up, but I never had that sense. I don’t want to sound ungrateful but I am literally making it up as I go along.”

Toy Talk II vintage mickey and donald

2011-10-25T20:47:00.006-04:00

Toy Talk II Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Another try at vintage push puppet Mickey and wind up Donald Duck. This time I tried to pay more attention to edges and background application.

Toy Talk I Vintage Mickey Mouse Donald Duck

2011-10-24T20:46:00.019-04:00

Toy Talk I Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

"Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch." --Ivern Ball

Mull it Over Monday: How to get out of your head and into your studio.

2011-10-23T22:45:00.022-04:00

Floral Rhapsody, art that tiles. Oil on
gesso'd paper. Email me for more information.

Ever since I read Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, I've been mulling over how best to apply his principles to my life and especially to my art... As artists we can feel pulled in so many directions. What should we paint, how should we paint it? --seemingly simple questions can become quagmires of indecision if we aren't careful. If you find yourself thinking a too much and coming up short on studio time, here's a few pointers to get you back on track:

Identify the materials and supplies that serve you best and use them. I've wasted a lot of time and effort blaming materials when what I actually lacked was proper skill and focus. Once you find materials that fit your needs and budget, stop wondering about changing up or switching out-use them.
Maintain regular studio hours. Show up with or without your muse, do it again the next day.
When your muse does show up, enjoy it and don't waste time trying to justify your choices. You don't need to know the final outcome of everything you do. Gratefully accept it when you are inspired to paint something out of your comfort zone. I know for sure, discovering what doesn't work is a great way to finding what does. Trust your instincts.

“Don’t think about making art.
Just get it done. Let everyone else
decide if it’s good or bad,
whether they love it or hate it.
While they’re deciding, make even more art.”
– Andy Warhol

Keep your work space separate from your living space. A designated creative zone is crucial to peace of mind.
Not all artists will agree with the following and that's ok: If you use photos for reference, print them in black and white if it helps you paint better values. Take lot of pictures, keep them all -- Blog everything including your blunders, then put them behind you. Photoshop is your friend and technology is good.

Lanky Teen painting of young cat in window

2011-10-20T19:14:00.009-04:00

Lanky Teen Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Love, love, love this one. Can't remember being so happy with a cat painting and it's not even my cat! The awesome photo reference for this painting was provided by Robyn at Love & Hisses. Thank you, Robyn!

Fall Flowers painting of nasturtium orange

2011-10-19T19:50:00.006-04:00

Fall Flowers Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

I've done a few variations of this one, I never tire of the pretty Nasturtiums.

Two Hollyhocks painting of flowers

2011-10-18T19:20:00.025-04:00

Two Hollyhocks Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Painting critters for a few days has enabled me to approach flowers again with a refreshed enthusiasm. Also looking forward to painting a few vintage toys this week too.

Garden Roses red floral flower pair paintings

2011-10-17T20:29:00.002-04:00

Garden Roses I & II Oil on wood each 12" x 9" NFS

Roses are hard! But this time around, I think I got it right. Last time I tried a pair of rose paintings was here. These have less stem and more bloom and that definitely did the trick.

Mull it Over Monday: Art 24 hours, 7 days a week, is this healthy?

2011-10-16T22:30:00.087-04:00

I think or do art 24/7. Sound familiar? The roses in the front yard don't just demonstrate my husband's new found ability to prune-- they are reference material and that thing I want to do with the color red. I'm the distracted wench with the camera at____________ (Fill in the blank, all events, locals anytime are correct.) When I'm in art mode which is almost always, I'm sourcing material, seeking counsel, assesing venues for sales and percolating ideas for future work. It annoys, it excites and it can be exhausting. ...in quiet moments I wonder if life is much bigger than my artist filter brain is computing but it's hard to disconnect...and I'm not sure I want to. Stapleton Kearns wrote about it here. I love that he makes no apologies for art 24/7. Outside of my dedicated art activities, I've managed to keep the rest of my life pretty simple. While I'm not one of those people who believes being "happy" is the end-all or even necessary for a worthwhile life. Yet, I manage to feel happy fairly often. There's this idea that a sacrifice is somehow necessary to have what we want...

Do you believe that "you can't have your cake and eat it too?" That rare time in the studio when we know we're creating something beautiful or meaningful is worth gold to many of us. Many artists gladly sacrifice wordly resources, cash money and amazing effort to have that time. Despite occasional second thoughts Art 24/7 does seem to be a way of life here... personally I don't feel like I've sacrificed all that much... Have you sacrificed something for your art??

Paul Guthrie Neilson a portrait painting

2011-10-12T20:20:00.004-04:00

Paul the Framer Watercolor and Color Pencil on Paper 20" x 16" 2003 NFS

This is my late friend Paul Guthrie Neilson. We used to have our morning coffees together when I had a live/work space in San Pedro, CA. He was mild mannered, wise and funny and always good company. When I opened my studio for First Thursday Art Walks, he'd lug his portable piano over and play showtunes. He was also a talented framer whose services I could never fully afford. One time he let me do this portrait as partial payment for framing. About a year after I left CA, Paul died unexpectedly in his sleep. A mutual friend told me his family displayed the portrait at his memorial. I'm so grateful I had the chance to know him and I think of him often.

Blue Irises plus a link to Twitter

2011-10-11T12:05:00.000-04:00

Blue Hued Irises NFS

Here's a recent project, blue hued irises that reminded me how much I enjoy painting flowers. Despite painting cats and creatures lately, I continue to accumulate more still life props. You can see those on my TWITTER feed. (:

Mull it Over Monday: The 3 Top Killjoys for the beginning artist, sorry.

2011-10-09T22:19:00.003-04:00

Cobalt Clues, available here.

1) Your art drama is not that interesting. Your family, friends and most non artists will not get it. Unless it relates directly to them, most people have a limited tolerance for your latest painting ideas and art supply purchases... Even good news can get old. I remember telling a friend:"I hope the day will arrive when I don't have to shout from a rooftop and do a happy dance everytime I sell a painting." That day has yet to arrive, but my allotment of bragging rights is long over! Save the art talk for fellow artists who love to hear all about it!

2) The work you do in the near future probably won't be dramatically improved, be patient. What I really want to say is that improvement happens over the long haul. It's important to work the path you are on. Stay on it long enough to use your unique successes as equally unique stepping stones. If you haven't seen this Ira Glass animated quote about being creative, it's a must see. I think I first saw it on Linda Popple's art blog.

3) You're gonna have to paint more than many to get where you want to go. "Painting more" isn't really a killjoy-- but it's worth mentioning. I'm grateful to every gallery that ever represented my art. But sometimes galleries aren't the end-all answer. You need enough art to go around. Try here, try there. Try this, try that. Some of it will come back to you, unsold. It's not pretty but having a lot of art in stock gives you a minute to figure out what will work for you.

Chicken painting of farm animal

2011-10-06T20:38:00.005-04:00

Chicken Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

My Sister told me to paint chickens. She said there aren't enough good chicken paintings in the world. (heh, not to mention her kitchen) I had planned three large chicken paintings with semi abstract backgrounds (in photoshop) and got a less than enthusiastic "eh" from her on those...and so, here's a sweet and simple chicken. Despite my snarky self, I like this painting very much and I suspect I'll do more.
On a related note: I had been searching for good reference photos of chickens and Jala Pfaff recommended love-and-hisses.com. Blogger Robyn Anderson documents her life on an Alabama farm there. She shares pictures of her no-kill cat shelter, garden, pigs, dogs and chickens. I can't say enough nice things about Robyn, she loves what she does and it shows. Her blog is a treasure trove of wonderful pictures, stories and advice. I used a photo from Love and Hisses as reference for this painting with Robyn's permission. Thank you, Robyn!!

Lark & Key Gallery Opening Reception

2011-10-05T20:30:00.000-04:00

This Friday night is the opening reception for the Table Manners show at Lark & Key in Charlotte, North Carolina. Table Manners promises to offer "functional pottery for your table and a feast for your eyes!" I'm very excited to have paintings included in this exhibit! Unfortunately, I can't attend the opening--But if you are in the area, do stop in and see it!

Cat Nouveau oil painting cat

2011-10-04T20:31:00.001-04:00

Cat Nouveau Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.

Here's my attempt to combine Coco with an art nouveau pattern that includes a flower, butterfly and bird... Maybe a bit much for such a small painting. But I will return to the art nouveau motif w/cats or flowers again. Note to self: Buy smaller brushes!

Mull it Over Monday: A Brief Ramble on the Subject of Blog Comments

2011-10-02T22:43:00.012-04:00

This painting received many comments, cluing me in that
maybe I had actually painted something half way decent.
American Greetings bought the rights to use it on greeting cards
and it is one of my all time personal favorites! SOLD

Like most artists, I am prone to the suggestive influence of visitor comments at the end of my blog posts. I'm not presenting diamond encrusted skulls... People generally don't take offense to flower paintings and kitty cats--comments tend to be astute and encouraging... (: One thing I noticed though, is that unless you are a Carol Marine or a Qiang-Huang-- receiving comments is not a given for every blog, no matter how good the art. Most bloggers must actually leave comments on other blogs to receive comments. Leaving comments for fellow artists is on my to-do list. Not unlike doing housework (only more so.) While I enjoy leaving comments purely out of admiration for the art----the first blogs I visit are the people who left comments on my blog. It's important to return the visit and say something constructive back! Did you know that when a blog post receives multiple comments, Google places it higher up in searches?

Another perk to leaving comments is an increase in your own traffic. I know one blogger who leaves outrageously sweet, enthusiastic and sometimes very funny comments. She's playing it smart, her comments pique the interest of everyone who then visit her blog. She's has hundreds of adoring followers and her art is getting proper attention too. Just a little food for thought on comments. Comments?

Gray on Yellow small original oil painting cat

2011-09-29T19:46:00.002-04:00

Gray on Yellow Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

My husband and I visited homeless animals at the APL last night. We spent time playing with the cats...and then walked through the dog kennels. Besides childhood pets-- I've never owned a dog and I forget how responsive they can be. It was heartbreaking to see those sweet souls waiting for a little attention. I wish I could have taken one home...

Doves oil painting pair of doves birds

2011-09-28T20:28:00.011-04:00

Doves Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

This pair of doves posed for a quick photo--on the 2nd story deck right outside my studio. I replaced neighborhood rooftops with sky.

Coco Blue 6x6 oil painting gray cat

2011-09-27T19:34:00.003-04:00

Coco Blue Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

There's a little glare on this one--the top part is deep midnight blue.

All Paws oil painting gray cat

2011-09-26T20:54:00.003-04:00

All Paws Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Here's Coco before he grew into those giant paws.

Mull it Over Monday: Bad paintings and Empty Spaces

2011-09-25T22:23:00.000-04:00

"Poppies" Love this one!

Once upon a time, I destroyed 40+ of my less than stellar paintings. I marked them with permanent marker and left 'em in a trashcan.

It felt totally liberating. I had all this space freed up, oh the glorious space! ...and you know we artists need empty spaces. Having empty space is like a quiet validation seductively whispering: It's ok to paint more, do it now!! My optimism about the work I will do in the future is like a crazy making fairy dust. But (buzzkill ahead) pinning all hope on future work might not be the best approach. A few events that occured between then and now that have me re-thinking my willingness to have "out with the old." First, I had a request for a companion painting I did for Poppies. Poppies had become a best seller in poster-form and somebody wanted to buy the (original) companion pce... Oops?! Um, can you say "sorry that one is in a Cleveland landfill?" Subsequent to that, I discovered that painting over and fixing old paintings can result in immediate blog sales.

"Just cause you got the monkey off
your back doesn't mean the circus
has left town." --George Carlin

Also food for thought: referencing old work when painting new is a necessary part of the journey. Not to get too philosophical but accepting where we've been as the backdrop to where we're going is healthy. We know what's "wrong" with that old thing-- Using it, recycling it, avoiding doing it again and having it in plain view can be just the ticket to creating the next masterpce. Empty spaces really are an elixir to the artists mojo--but before you clear away the old, take this advice and think twice!

Blue Feather watercolor color pencil painting

2011-09-22T21:30:00.001-04:00

Here's one from the archives. Blue Feather is an all-time favorite of mine. It won first place in the 37th Annual Open National Exhibit at The Fine Arts Institute of the San Bernardino County Museum in 2002. The girls are fraternal twins, daughters of dear friends. I babysat them when they were new born! Since I moved away from CA, I see pictures of them all grown up (beautiful!) on my friend's FB page and it's always a shock. Where does the time go?!

Look Up painting of gray cat

2011-09-21T18:24:00.004-04:00

Look Up Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

NPR recently published a story about entrepreneurship in my city: Cleveland! It features a brief interview with my friend Pat Washington. Pat also reads a "letter to Cleveland" she penned-- at the end of Segment B. I've been raving about what a good writer she is for a while now and this is further proof! To have a listen, visit the NPR State of the Union website, here.

Escape Artist oil painting of gray cat

2011-09-20T19:19:00.003-04:00

Escape Artist Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

That's Coco, ready to run at any moment and always, always on the lookout for his calmer companion, Layla.

Mull it Over Monday: Think Less, Paint More ...tapping into joy

2011-09-19T10:21:00.000-04:00

From my archives, a detail of c/p w/c on paper

I recently read Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now. It's a wonderful read. He talks a lot about joy. He says it doesn't come from the outside... He says we should be more conscious and "think" less. When I apply that concept to my art, it works on many levels. Mixing the right color, intuitively finding the right tools and equipment, arranging a still life: Most of it is better accomplished on the fly in the moment. Many of my best paintings were done with not a thought to be found. In fact, the more I think about my art the less I actually do it. Having a vision that motivates and gives us our get-up-and-go even before we grab a paint brush is a magic and sometimes fragile alchemy. The "joy factor" is there when ideas inspire and sustains us as the creative act unfolds.

Always good for a laugh, this website.

I believe that artists have a unique ability to tap into joy. When it's there it's great, when we're not feeling it: Thats when thinking less can really come in handy. Getting quiet helps. Switching out a media of choice, trying a new subject matter, size or supports will reset one's creative flow. My husband sometimes tells me I need "a fresh set of eyes" --and achieving that can be as simple as a good night's sleep. How do you recharge?

Gray Cat small original oil painting

2011-09-18T17:30:00.002-04:00

Gray Cat Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Kitty Cats! I'm a bit torn between doing paintings like what you see above and the one before it from Thursday's post. I've been talking about doing "graphicy, designy" cat paintings for a while now, maybe I just need to do a few more of both. It's nice to take a break from flowers.
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The Lookout oil painting of cat in doorway

2011-09-15T19:30:00.002-04:00

The Lookout Oil on wood 6" x 6" SOLD

Here's a less than stellar photo of a painting I am very excited about. More small cat paintings to follow.
Of note, I'm looking for colorful photos of chickens and roosters to use as photo reference for a project. If you have one (or many) and you don't mind if I paint from them, please get in touch!

Tangled sunflower painting still life floral

2011-09-14T19:32:00.001-04:00

Before After

A few more tweaks, that's the ticket! See the original (updated) post for this painting, here.

Time on TUES reworked painting before after

2011-09-13T19:07:00.012-04:00

AFTER: Time on Tuesday Oil on wood 14" x 11" $365.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

BEFORE

I have 'till the end of the month to coordinate paintings for the Lark and Key Gallery group show "Table Manners" -- They are giving me lots 'o wall space (yay!) I can't help but tweak a few more paintings. The reworked version above features a more neutral background that helps move the eye around a little better. I also changed the draping cloth to dark turquoise, that didn't translate too well in the photo --it's better in life. Will make final decisions on what to send them by the end of this week!

Mull it Over Monday: How Selling Antiques on Ebay Helped Me Appreciate Art

2011-09-12T08:01:00.000-04:00

So pretty! old dresser pulls and lamp parts,
I sold 100's of these in sets and mixed lots

I've always enjoyed being an artist in one form or another, but there was a few years I did something else. I sold antique door hardware and lighting on Ebay. My days were filled with acquiring and listing wonderful old objects. I learned so much and had great fun.

Japanese Bronze Cloisonne Lamps
Paid $60, sold for nearly $270. Sweet!

Something unexpected happened during those years: There was a loosening in my critical thinking that allowed me to respond to art on an entirely new and fun level. I started enjoying art for art's sake. I began looking at it-- not as an artist, but as a collector and home decorator.

"The Favorite Cat" a Currier and Ives print
that looks like my favorite cat, Layla. (:

Art I had never seriously considered became notable and in some cases quite desirable. Collecting all kinds of art became a favorite activity! Since I went back to painting fulltime, sadly some of that "loosening" reverted back to "snarky." We went to a few art fairs over the summer and I couldn't stop comparing all the art I saw to what *I* do, I wasn't seeing it at all, really.

Four of twelve Arts & Crafts
wood tiles, I wish I would have kept these!

Artists have a tendency to forget: Most folks (who do not make, think and obsess about their art 24/7) have a kinder, more personal approach to art appreciation. Sentimental purchases are perfectly OK.

Every Picture Tells a Story

Art that reflects and communicates lifestyle, hobbies and special interests is valuable! --Technical proficiency isn't a top requirement... Many art collectors just want to find something that compliments their decor. Whenever I start to get uppity about other's art (and especially my own) I try to remember what collecting art was like when I sold antiques on Ebay.

Watchful painting of donald duck sunflowers

2011-09-11T13:37:00.000-04:00

Watchful Oil on wood 14" x 11" $365.
Diane@DianeHoeptner

If you aren't receiving this painting in your email, please subscribe now, you'll never miss a post! -- The sign up box is to your right! To order my blank assorted notecards, click here.

My Cute Nephews

2011-09-09T20:25:00.001-04:00

My Nephews

I can't believe Fall is almost here... My dear nephews have already began second grade and kindergarten. Here they are --just a minute ago, how time flies! Have a great weekend.

Shades of Gray II oil painting of Mums

2011-09-08T19:03:00.002-04:00

Shades of Gray II Oil on wood 12" x 12" $345.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

I've painted this one before, smaller here. This time around I warmed up the colors and added the background pattern. Chrysanthemums have such an old world look. I never get sick of painting them!

Crazy Eyed Vintage still life oil painting

2011-09-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

Crazy Eyed Vintage Oil on wood 8" x 8" $175.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Not the last you'll see of the vintage squeaky girl-- I'm enjoying the addition of toys to my set ups, but as with everything, there's a bit of learning curve. I'm definitely getting a better feel for what works and what doesn't.

Mull it Over Monday: Part II, Daily Painting Art Blog Evolves, keepin' it real, yo

2011-09-05T08:47:00.002-04:00

Some visitors may remember the many acrylic stencil paintings I did
a while back. This is one of a two part suite called Dragonfly Zinnias.

Blogging is good. Last week I talked about that... The asocial artist benefits from sharing online--shocking, right? (: But as time marches on--I've had to re-assess what is important. Truth be told posting a painting a day has become a lesser focus. It started when I upped my daily painting size from 6x6 to 8x8. Painting an 8x8 every day is not a cake walk and some of you may have noticed my post rate went down a bit... But it was a necessary change. Entering juried shows then motivated me to paint a wider variety of subjects. It also brought home the realization that 8x8 is still quite small. More change, doh!? Reconciling my attachment to daily painting and my desire to do more is ongoing. A few modest inroads towards licensing my art have been made. I'm not just "learning how to paint again" (that will never end!) but also stumbling towards and fighting to see my paintings become coveted and useful items in the world. Lastly, despite asocial tendencies I have the desire to pass on some of what I've learned. I may be a little slow on the uptake, but it occured to me that blogging might be good for that... Keeping my content relevant and correspondent to my growth as an artist is really important. Daily paintings will always be a part of it, but I want to share other aspects of the journey too.

ch-ch-ch-changes!

I see other artists doing this already: Kim Rempel does "Art Love" posts regularly. One of my favorite bloggers, Jala Pfaff does triple-good posts: paintings, pictures of her cats and of her travels to India. Talented Joan Breckwoldt posted how she paints on unstretched canvas. Mull it Over Mondays are one change here and I suspect there will be more to follow. Fellow daily painters, has your daily painting blog changed with you as you changed? If so, how? Please comment!

Second Thoughts original oil painting orange

2011-09-04T12:20:00.002-04:00

Second Thoughts Oil on wood 8" x 8" SOLD
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Very happy with this one. I used a cadmium red HUE to tone the board. I don't usually like to leave a lot of the tone color showing, but it worked out pretty good here.

Daffodil Trio still life painting

2011-09-02T21:01:00.002-04:00

AFTER: Daffodil Trio Oil on wood 6" x 6" $95. (Buy Now button below)
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

BEFORE

The little daffodils needed refreshing-- I added yellow and a couple highlites on the petals. I've noodled with this painting so many times, if I was charging by the hour me thinks, it would be more than $95. Heh. Whatever. It's a labor of love, right? Have a great weekend!

Publicity is good!

2011-09-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday's Charlotte Observer published a picture of In the Shade in it's 2011-2012 Arts Preview section! In the Shade will be part of a group show at Lark & Key Gallery Oct 5 - Nov 26. Awesome fellow art blogger and resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, Torrie Smiley recognized the painting and was kind enough to mail me a copy!! Thank you so much Torrie!

Oh Donald sunflower donald duck painting

2011-08-31T19:47:00.002-04:00

Oh Donald Oil on wood 8" x 8" $175.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Wide Eye original oil painting still life flowers

2011-08-30T20:40:00.034-04:00

Wide Eye Oil on wood 8" x 10" SOLD
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Ah, sunflowers on a table in the sun...not the most original composition but I like it. The wood table is hand carved and gorgeous. I got "bidding fever" at an antique auction and paid too much for it...and do not regret it.

Mull it Over Monday: Blogging is good: Part I

2011-08-29T06:46:00.000-04:00

Final Pink, sold

I'm a bit of a shut in--not quite a hermit but definitely an introvert. It's one of the reasons I don't teach workshops. Dealing with more than a few people at a time makes me anxious and tired. Blogging for someone like myself is nothing short of a lifeline. It allows me to share what I do and gratefully receive feedback. If it wasn't for this blog and the fellowship I've formed with like minded artists and collectors, I'm not sure if I would have stayed the course, learning to paint (again) in my 40's. It began as an experiment, just to see my own progress... It has become so much more. My inspiration, ideas, failures and all associated energy: neat & tidy and shared over time. Discovering and joining the daily painting movement made it even sweeter.

Colin Farrell sports a fantastic
comb over in Bad Bosses. He's almost
un-recognizable!

Actually, this blog has provided more opportunities than any other single thing I've done. I usually get philosophic about blogging when I do a give-away--but today it's because I realized my art and my focus is changing. There's a three page manifesto that sits on my desk outlining the changes, but I wanted to express this part of my plan today, the blog stays! Part II of related blathering in next week's Mull it Over Monday-- Do you blog your art? Why? Better question: What do you treasure most about your art blog?

Rolling Stop pulltoy duck daisy painting

2011-08-26T19:55:00.004-04:00

Rolling Stop Oil on wood 14" x 14" $470.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Here's another paint-over. I'm almost embarrased to link to the OLD version, it was sort of abandoned first time around...but here it is. (: Softer edges and more life-like values made a gigantic difference here.
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Out of Sync painting daisy floral still life

2011-08-25T20:27:00.003-04:00

Out of Sync Oil on wood 8" x 8" $175.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Another go round with the daisies in pottery vase-- I'm working on using thicker (more!) paint ...and trying to fuss less with initial brushwork. It's hard to know when a painting is done sometimes, but I'm happy with this one for today.

Xmas Blooms christmas colors holiday

2011-08-24T20:19:00.000-04:00

AFTER: Xmas Blooms Oil on wood 8" x 10" $220. (Buy Now button below.)
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

BEFORE

I'm sure I'll trot this painting out again before Christmas. I LOVE the "fixed" version with the pumped up colors and triangle of deep reds.

Porch Flowers hydrangeas in the sun

2011-08-23T20:58:00.001-04:00

Porch Flowers Oil on wood 8" x 8" $175.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Daisy Cycle original oil painting flowers

2011-08-22T20:47:00.003-04:00

Daisy Cycle Oil on wood 8" x 8" $175.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

One of the ongoing pleasures of painting small complete paintings is knowing you'll do it again the next day and most likely the day after that. This is one of those heavenly weeks where I get to do that. ***This painting was reworked 11/12/11 and the image above was replaced with the newer version.

Mull it Over Monday: Three Top Requirements: when selling art offline

2011-08-22T09:45:00.029-04:00

Last Monday I wrote about how finding people who buy art is important if you are selling art. It might seem like a no-brainer--but making smart choices when it comes to choosing venues for your art can make all the difference. Here's the three things to look for in offline art venues.

Sometime in the 90's

1) A nice person present and within speaking distance of your art, a person who greets people and is available to chat and make the sale. I had a brief exhibit at a hair salon once. Even though it breaks my rule that forbids showing art in a non-art venue--The salon owner was always there to talk about the work and she was genuinely enthusiastic about it: Thanks to her, sales were made. Finding people like that is like striking gold.
2) A destination that attracts lots of your target traffic: A museum or an art gallery specializing in the type of art you do is ideal! But remember, your target traffic is as unique as your art. I had good sales at the Cleveland Botanical Garden Gallery, but I paint flowers so go figure. Consider the issues and subject matter upon which your art is focused: Who cares about it and where are they? If your art focuses on conservation, find the next green event happening in your city and see if there's an opportunity for you to exhibit there. Well attended public institutions, tradeshows and special themed events in your city are good places to start--depending on your art.

Mick Jagger had a mullet once
I don't think he was happy with it.

3) TRUST: When the stars line up and you've found a place that meets your needs: Do not leave your art there without a written receipt, consignment form or contract. Maybe they have boiler plate paperwork or maybe you'll have to print out your own. Cay Lang offers some fantastic resources for paperwork in her book Taking the Leap. Trust the person/business, if you have to call and get some referrals from fellow artists, do it.
Did I miss anything? Do you have any top requirements for selling art (offline) to add? Please comment!

Lone Freesia painting single bloom

2011-08-21T20:06:00.002-04:00

Lone Freesia Oil on wood 8" x 8" $175.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

Bowl of Orange eye candy fruit painting

2011-08-19T20:54:00.002-04:00

AFTER: Bowl of Orange Oil on canvas 20" x 20" $785. (Buy Now button below)
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

BEFORE

There's a bit of a learning curve when a painter goes from a typical daily size painting, like 8x8 to 20x20! This larger dimension painting needed more detail and that is something I will try to capture earlier on next time I paint big. Love, love, love this one.

Friday already??

2011-08-19T20:03:00.001-04:00

My Nephews

Have a great weekend!

Shadow Casters purple tulips painting

2011-08-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

Shadow Casters Oil on wood 8" x 8" $175.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

New Harvest sunflower oil painting still life

2011-08-17T20:48:00.003-04:00

New Harvest Oil on canvas 20" x 20" $785.

I hope I'm not boring anybody, I can't seem to stop tweaking, but I'm very happy with the results, especially here. It took a few times to get New Harvest right, to see previous incarnations of this painting, click here.

Kitty Pitcher II painting of sunflowers

2011-08-16T08:43:00.001-04:00

Kitty Pitcher II Oil on wood 10" x 10" $275.
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

The first version of this painting can be found here. I'm really happy with this new one and I may try a few more "iterations" on favorites.

Mull it Over Monday: Advice You Might Resist

2011-08-15T08:36:00.017-04:00

I could design cat cards all day. (:

When I started making lots of art and realized I needed to start selling it: I knew I had to get it in front of people. What a lot of non-artists don't realize is that our creations are like our children. We are personally invested and completely in love with some of them--and sometimes we might lack objectivity. We think: People who see my art will be intantly smitten, I'm sure of it! So the idea of getting our fabulous-ness in front of people seems like just the ticket. What people one might ask? Why anybody and everyone of course! Wrong! If you want sales, don't waste your good energy by placing your original art in un-attended lobbies, daycares and cafes. It's sort of like a car salesman trying to sell Audis at a Job Seekers Convention. If I had a ten dollar bill for every non-art venue I tried to sell art in (and failed) I could buy every.single.one of you a coffee at Starbucks.

Keifer is smitten with your art.

Here's a bit of advice: Sell art in places where people look for and buy art. Your art might be good, people might be smitten by it-- but if they aren't there for art and actively looking to buy art, you're probably spinning your wheels. There are exceptions and truth be told, I've had a couple. I am curious about other artist's experiences: Have you successfully sold art in a non-art venue?? (like a salon, lobby or other non-art destination?) ...and if so, why do think you it worked for you (besides your art being brilliant, of course!)

Carried Away oil painting calla lilies

2011-08-14T20:44:00.001-04:00

Carried Away Oil on Canvas 20" x 20" $785
Diane@DianeHoeptner.com

I posted an in progress shot of this one here. A smaller version is available, here.

Trumbull Art Gallery 47th Annual

2011-08-12T20:52:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to have two paintings in the upcoming Trumbull Art Gallery's 47th Annual Juried Exhibit. It runs from August 13th through September 30th. If you happen to be in the Warren, OH area, do see it! Accepted entries pictured above: Hydrangeas with Pears and Summer Hues. Have a fantastic weekend everybody!