Casa Ballena ~ The Whale House of Punta Banda

  © Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

One of my favorite houses in Punta Banda was the Casa Ballena; the House of Whale. This house sits on the beach with perfect viewing areas of the whales that sometimes make their way into the harbor. Each tower on the house offers lookout stations that can get the viewer high enough to see out into the Pacific to hopefully spot the yearly migration of many species of whales.

If you would like to purchase this original oil painting, please click this link:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/177988863/small-oil-painitng-by-kellie-straw-casa

Worldwide Sketch Crawl

Photo credit to Stephen Henderson

Yesterday was Worldwide Sketch Crawl Day where people all over the world met to sketch a small scene of where they lived. I met with fellow sketchers here in Austin and had a blast drawing and hanging out for the afternoon. So many wonderful drawings and captivating people.
http://www.urbansketchers.org/

Weenie Dog Swim Meet in Austin

  © Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

Austin is known for many things, one of which is the expression, "Keep Austin Weird". It's in reference to preserving the uniqueness of this town and not allowing it to turn into "Every Town, USA". When Walk Your Dog Austin hosted the 1st Annual Weenie Dog Swim Meet this past summer, I just knew it would be a fun event to attend and get some reference photos to create a painting with later on. So a couple of days ago, inspired by the newness of oils on my brushes again, I found the photo I wanted to use to create a painting of the race. What a riot it was to see so many Dachshunds attempt to swim in perfect form across the springs to their cheering devoted, (albeit, perhaps a bit deluded) owner.  I'm definitely looking forward to next years event as well.

If you are interested in purchasing the original painting, please follow this link: 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/176702713/oil-painting-by-kellie-straw-1st-annual?
If you would like a print, please follow this link:
 http://kellie-straw.artistwebsites.com/featured/1st-aunnual-weenie-dog-swim-meet-kellie-straw.html

Sammie and Lilly

© Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

Sammie lays still for her portrait when sister, Lilly, sneaks into the shot. This painting meant a lot to my client as Sammie recently crossed Rainbow Bridge. I really enjoyed painting these girls and knew their portrait would turn out great with the magic carpet and the reflective cans to tie everything together.

Deck Your Walls with Original Art

© Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

I've got a body of work for sale on eBay!
If you are interested in owning one of my
pieces, and love supporting the arts, click
on the link below!!

Happy New Year, to all you art-lovers!

http://www.ebay.com/usr/rose27701#

 © Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

Sookie & Stella Went Under the Tree

© Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

What is so special about receiving a portrait of a beloved pet for Christmas aside from the obvious joy it brings? Well, you never have to upgrade it or download anything to it to improve it. You will never walk up to it and think, I can't wait until next year's model comes out and they fix the bug this one has. No one will come knocking and say a membership is due to keep it current nor does it come with directions and a small baggy of tools to help assemble it. Portraits are old school. They are simple and hang in silence though they have the ability to move the viewer to another time without ever buying a plane ticket. They have a certain life though need no remote control or batteries. They are a reflection of what an artist saw in your best friend and they are forever just as they are. But really, what is the very best part about receiving a custom pet portrait? Every single time you look at it your dog is behaving perfectly; no training classes required! What a priceless gift!!

Happy New Year, all you wonderful dog-loving people!!

© Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

Dahlia's Favorite Flavor

© Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.

My housemate asked me to paint her parents sweet rottweiler that they just had to say goodbye to, as a Christmas present for them. I love this breed so much and know from first hand experience how hard it is to say goodbye to them. Their years just don't add up like most dogs and they rarely make it into their teens.  I was told Dahlia was very loved and also quite spoiled as a good rottie should be. Her human mom would walk her to their local ice cream parlor for a scoop of her favorite treat and Dahlia relished it. I really enjoyed creating this painting and hope her portrait will bring just a little bit of comfort and joy.

© Kellie Straw, all rights reserved.