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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

In the works...The Snow Leopard


The Snow Leopard
New and second in the big cat series ...this one will help Tabby's Place Cat Sanctuary when it sells.
Still on the easel but will be finished soon. I LOVE big cats. It is amazing that these incredible and beautiful animals really exist! How gorgeous is nature?!
Snow Leopards are not one of the "Great Cats" because they do not roar. They are endangered and there are about 4000-7000 left on the planet. The literature says that they are closer to the lower estimate of that figure.
Many years ago I read the book "The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen (still have it and love it) about his journey to find this animal but really to find himself after a life changing loss.
Any way this piece is fun to paint...the ref image was from Morguefile.com and used with their generous permission to inspire the art.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Let's Hear It for The Boys....

Gunner & Bubba Gump
commission
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These two magnificent Mastiffs were rescued to live their lives with love.
Time cut short by illness, they reside at the Rainbow Bridge but they live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
They also help other Mastiffs by being models of a wonderful Giant Breed.
I hope to use some of the reference images of them for future work for rescue.
Check out this rescue if you would like to help other Mastiffs in need or wish to know more about this majestic breed!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Halfway through February!

I can't believe how fast the time is flying. It goes faster every month. I have been working on a couple of different canine commissions and getting close to completion. And have several waiting for me to start. All have a donation to charity attached to the work.

Why does it take so long compared to work I do for rescues and charity?

It is such a different approach to painting when I am doing work that is specific and most important to match expectations from another's viewpoint. The goal is trying to find that "something" in a static refernence image(s) of someone's beloved animal that combines the artistic vision I have designing the work with the intimate knowledge about the pet that the client has. This needs to be a translation in oil paint to the one who knows them best.
In other words...trying to see the animal a bit through their eyes.

No two people see the same thing. It is very gratifying when I am told that I captured THEIR much loved or missed companion. It makes the slower approach to the work worth the time that goes into it.

I paint these oils in layers and while the layers are drying it gives me time to study what I have done and where I need to go next with the piece. Sending off updates when there is something to show helps me hone in on the finished work making changes if needed before it is signed off.

Below is a near finished piece currently on the easel, two Mastiffs now at the Bridge, who had the blessing of living their lives, once rescued, with love and dignity


Below in previous posts the work for charity sold to help the rescues they were listed for.
As always, thanks so much for helping homeless animals.


Wednesday, February 04, 2009

First Look for Bristol County Animal Shelter

LINEAGE
11x14 oil on canvas
CAROL CHRETIEN
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SOLD
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the BRISTOL COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER is doing good work to get a wonderful state of the art rescue shelter built, it will benefit not only the animals in their care but also the community it serves.
With a new fundraiser this month, it is going to be a nice boost to their project.
If you are local to Bristol Rhode Island and can attend please see their link below for details!
IF you want to make a donation...please see their link of how to help.
***
I am proud to offer art to help their animals in need.
thanks for looking!

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Where Have I Been?

ON THE EASEL
SOLD
...and what happened to January???? that is my big question. First day of the second month and I have started this wildlife piece. The reference image that inspired the painting is from Morguefile.com with thanks.

This painting will be offered to assist a rescue when done.

February promises to be a really busy month.

I am working on several commissions that will also give a donation to homeless animals when done.

Life is good.