When the sun shines....I paint!

Simply Asian Apple-Pears

9x12

oil on canvas panel

These Apple-Pears were absolutely delicious.

There is nothing like them.

The best of both worlds.

***

Courtyard Cats

9x12

oil on hardboard panel

This piece is almost done...just want to let the cats dry a bit and see if they need a tweak!

It was so fun painting this one. I just have been sitting with it between sessions and enjoying the creative play.

Of course, should they sell, they will benfit rescue.

***

If you have an interest in them and would like to purchase or reserve...

email me: carolchretien@aol.com

Otherwise...thanks for looking!

Peace and cheers!

Carol

Sneak Peek! New Seacape on the easel...and more!

WORK IN PROGRESS

New painting on the easel...sunset with wading figure and dalmatian in quiet contemplation.

12x12

oil on canvas

Sunset and a serene feel to this piece.

This painting when finished will benefit

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY

on of my favorite rescues.

if you wish to reserve this painting

please email me: carolchretien@aol.com

***

Tomorrow "Summer Wind" will be representing

Art Helping Animals on The Daily Painter's Gallery site.

you can see the finished painting below.

it is available for sale to help

BRISTOL ANIMAL SHELTER

of

Bristol, RI

SUMMER WIND

8x10

oil on canvas panel

100.00

with 100% going to the rescue.

email me to purchase.
SOLD

***

Thanks for helping artists help animals with your purchase of

original art!

A Bed of Roses ~ Calico Cat, new painting for rescue

A Bed Of Roses

oil on canvas mounted panel

9x12

CAROL CHRETIEN
SOLD

***

Available to help Tabby's Place A Cat Sanctuary rescue.
100% donation goes straight to the rescue.
100.00
email to purchase: carolchretien@aol.com
paypal welcome.
***

This painting was presented as a work in progress last week, now it is ready to go.
The colors are stunning in person. I am not quite sure the monitor is capturing them very well.
It is an ultra smooth canvas mounted panel. So easy to frame in a standard size with shallow depth!
I will be posting this for ART HELPING ANIMALS on
DAILY PAINTER's GALLERY tomorrow, June 9th.
If you want to snag it before it posts just email me.
I enjoy painting cats and hope this kitty helps some cats in need.
TABBY'S PLACE is an awesome rescue and deals with some medically challenged cats.  You can visit their site here:
Tabby's Place Link
they do wonderful work.
****
Thanks so much for helping artist's help homeless animals.

One Down...a bunch more to go! "Lantern Light"

SOLD

LANTERN LIGHT

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

So...finally have some work that is dry enough on their first passes to paint! Started with this one because it was the closest to being done and I needed to have something to post on DAILY PAINTER's GALLERY for Saturday.

That was democratic I think. I understand we have 5 days of RAIN coming so drying time is very slow.

I am thrilled to have things to keep working on for the next wet week!

***

I have been wanting to paint the lantern and I needed a cat subject so I thought "Siamese" would go nicely here with their dark face and dramatic blue of the eyes against the warm background.  Here you have it.

***

Cliche' ??? I don't know but I do know I am happy with it.

so if you want to help YOUR FAVORITE RESCUE...make the purchase...it is 100% donation right to the rescue.

100.00
SOLD

DONATION WENT TO
SAVE THE DALS

carolchretien@aol.com

this painting will post tomorrow on the WEB for sale.

***

and as ever, thanks for your time and attention!

Carol

It's ALL Good...on the easel....

New Work On the Easel 

"Watching Me...Watching You, Again"

When I get stuck ....as I did last week...no painting, no inspiration, I turn to Emmi

She always comes through for me.

I have a million images of her and she is so alive in my heart.

This painting came forward and presented itself to me,

A gift from my sweetie...maybe it will be offered for sale to help others,

maybe I will keep it...it is all good.

Leo walked into the studio and said..."It's my Emmi"

yes, yes indeed.

***

Yesterday it came together...before I started painting in the morning,  it was a horror.

I hated what I was pushing around on that canvas...then I started to paint.

She appeared and won me over.

***

That is the magic of art...it does not always go in the direction you think it will.

Oh...there are parameters but something dead and mechanical is not my way.

I can't just draw something out and follow it like a plan.

I have to have the alchemy or mystery of what will join me on the canvas. It can't be simply a formula...do this, put that here...it has to have some magic to it.

So Thursday I half heartedly grabbed a canvas ...looked through a bunch of Emmi images to stoke the fire and then I just started in.

Reached the snag...hit the wall...looked at 2 days of painting and thought

"well this looks like crap...it is not speaking to me at all"

Then ...yesterday we turned the corner and there was the magic.

Today?

The Muse came into the studio and I started 6 ...YES, six new pieces. 5 of them I feel will make the grade...1 is iffy. And they are all different.

I am renewed. I am gratified. I feel blessed.

Maybe they will help homeless animals.

We'll see.

It is not, after all, all up to me.

***

Living like I really mean it,

Carol

peace & cheers!

When the Muse Takes Over...

You never know what will present itself!

DETAIL VIEW

UNTITLED WORK IN PROGRESS

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

Sometimes you struggle. Sometimes you work for what seems like days...

then you have those times every Artist knows where you hold the brushes and 

something else just seems to take over.

After working all day on some detailed paintings that really have to have somewhat accurate angles and such I was about to stop for the day and then much to my surprise ....my hand reach for a canvas and all of a sudden there was a LION staring back at me.

This is what I mean by the Muse just doing her own thing. I had NO intention of painting this Lion today or any day in the near future. I have a bunch of in-progress paintings of Urban Scenes that I am ambitiously working my way through. I have been thinking about paintings with beaches and children playing...

BUT...today this majestic Lion...this King of the Cats decided he needed to appear here.

So there you have it. He is going to be quite wonderful...no thanks to me! 

I am just a cog in the wheel.

I am doing my job by showing up.

***

as with all my work this year...

it will eventually be offered at 100% donation to a rescue when ready to go.

***

you just never know...but isn't it nice to be able to still be surprised?

HA HA!

truly.

Twice Blessed ~ Print gallery updated!

These three images as well as others have recently been added to my website

you can access here:

http://carolchretien.com/large-multi-view/PRINTS/1638451-1-24018/PRINTS.html

The sizes and prices are as listed. A donation to charity is given as always.

I recently purchased the Dachshund Print for myself to frame and donate to a fundraiser (more to follow about that) for homeless doxies...and I was very pleased with the quality of the print.

I have had good feedback on the Dalmatian print also.

Any questions? You can always email me.

These make a great gift or print art for yourself.

Two weeks approximately for delivery. My print arrived to my PO box in a secure mailing tube.

I will be adding more prints from sold work in the future.

Thanks for helping animals in need through a purchase of art!

Carol

Two Weeks...and then...

EMMI

Two weeks have gone by since Emmi crossed the Bridge and it still seems like she will come walking into the room at any moment.

I got some nice cards and emails of condolence...thanks so much.

This past week I got a chance to stop by Bristol Animal Shelter and got a huge reminder of just how adorable kittens are and the temptation was great but with Lizzie being 13 yrs old in a few weeks, it is just not the time to go down that road.

But...the joyfulness of cats and especially kittens...oh my! They have 2 little tigers (and many other wonderful animals for adoption, I might add) that are about the age of when I brought Emmi and Dinah home.

I was in heaven watching them pounce and tumble and play together. Ahhh.

I can't help it but I keep thinking of girl names....hahahaha!

Someday...someday....

I also think about the paintings that will come from that whole experience so I DO look forward to when the time is right.

In the meantime...Lizzie is more precious than ever...and I am so thankful for her generally good health. The age issues are manageable.

Leo and I spend a fair share of time kissing her and showering love and attention, as if she would ever be denied!

I am also looking forward to Fall and returning to the studio with new eyes.

I am hoping that starting out small and testing the waters with some painting time will work well with all this therapy to the right shoulder.

Somethings got to give.

That is the intention I have put out to the universe...so we shall see.

Who knows where it might take me.

***

The painting above is one of my personal favorites ...I painted this one many years ago of my Emmi and it was the painting I used to teach myself about painting eyes.

It is 14x18 and it hangs in our living room in the Lizzie and Emmi collection of portraits.

I am very fond of the close-up contemporary composition of this painting.

It is not a large piece but it commands attention on the wall.

Fun to paint with all the color, strokes and details in a small format.

So happy now that I did this piece. She had "the look" and it still gets to me.

~~~

Why Oils?

Why do I choose oils? I so admire many of the other mediums but no matter what I have tried, I always return to my first love...

Oil Paint.

***

Wild Woman

available oil on canvas

***

I fell in love with them in my teens and many decades later still appreciate the light and depth of oils.

They really depend on the lighting they are viewed in. You can move an oil painting from one source of light to another and see a whole different painting.

I notice this particular characteristic when looking at landscapes. The light in the painting changes.

This works because the light shines through the oil paint to the canvas and back out to the eye.

You will notice how certain passages will almost have a "light from within" warm light really brings the warm colors forward.

One of the challenges of taking photos, and now with digital sharing, you try to get the best light for images in afternoon north light.

What you see on your computer monitor may still be nothing like the actual painting.

***

When I send out my paintings to the client I am always hopeful they will see the work as so much more dynamic and full of life. Especially animals. Those faces and eyes are very lively and dimentional when you are looking at the actual canvas.

You also get the benefit of the brush and daubs of color that are missed in the digital example. Texture is also missed unless you are looking at the real thing.

But we must work with what we have and the images travel far and wide online and really have impact in audience reach.

***

One of the nicest and poignant comments I get is that my works makes the viewer emotional. That is pretty cool when you think that I am taking pigments and materials and arranging them on a piece of cloth to transform into something that has heart.

That is Alchemy in the truest sense. It is a magical, mystical thing even to me.

Where does it come from?

I really do have the best job in the world. Sometimes I don't even know what will appear on the canvas as I go. It often seems like it is already there and I just seem to uncover it. That is something most artists must encounter.

Hopefully.

***

Another of the attributes of oils is that the paint often suggests where to go next. This is hard to explain except to say it remains a teacher of sorts for me.

***

This is today's ramble. :)

If you would like to shop for a Christmas of Holiday gift that will provide a donation to help an homeless animal and make your giftee happy:

http://aheart4art-carolchretien.blogspot.com/

or email me to see about an after Christmas gift certificate for a custom painting.

Have a grace-filled day!

That Christmas Feeling

For me....Is about creating moments on canvas that will help homeless animals.

Giving with an open heart...these Christmas paintings will help rescue.

25.00 from each sale goes straight to rescue.

Free Domestic Shipping!

He's A Gift

12x12

125.00

25.00 donation to a BEAGLE rescue!

www.paypal.com

please send payment to carolchretien@aol.com

***

KITTEN CHRISTMAS

10x10

oil on canvas

125.00

25.00 DONATION to the rescue of YOUR choice!

www.paypal.com

please send payment to

carolchretien@aol.com

***

Cape Cod Beagle Christmas
SOLD

****
GIFT CERTIFICATE ANNOUNCEMENTS
available to
GIFT for the Holidays
Book a painting for the
NEW YEAR!
details below!
http://carolchretien.blogspot.com/2010/09/merry-christmas-oh-you-heard-right.html

****
STUDIO "C" SALE BLOG
details below!
http://aheart4art-carolchretien.blogspot.com/2010/10/first-ever-studio-christmas-sale.html

Friends of Falmouth Dogs...

When I am asked to help a rescue with Art I try to give it my all.

It is why I do what I do.

***

The last fundraiser for

FRIENDS OF FALMOUTH DOGS

http://friendsoffalmouthdogs.org

I offered a pet portrait as a one of the gifts for donations.

I want to share what the result of that offering was:

"PORTRAIT OF TWIGGY"

12x12

oil on canvas

is now completed and will be off to her home soon.

Her "mom" likes it!

That makes my job gratifying I can tell you.
Helping with oil painting...My passion and purpose!

****

This painting below has also been painted for FFD rescue

and they will be telling you how you can help them raise funds for the dogs they save

soon.

You can join them and me on FACEBOOK!

and keep up with all news as it happens.

Thinking about

GIFTS OF ART THAT KEEP ON GIVING?

The holidays are around the corner.

For the love of dogs and all pets...

Keep an open heart,

they depend on us.

Business As Usual...The Muse is Home!

WORK IN PROGRESS ....first pass....
This new painting (ABOVE) is a work in progress for BRISTOL ANIMAL SHELTER
this painting is inspired by one of their adoptable young white cats..."BRIE"
Who could possibly say NO to those blue eyes? If My 16 yr old thug of a cat named Emmi would allow another cat in my house I would be first in line for this beauty.
When the painting is done I will list it for sale with 20% going to the rescue when sold.

AND...below is the finished painting first posted yesterday for RIMROCK of their adoptable "Honey."

Just on the easel this afternoon is a Dalmatian for DALMATIAN RESCUE OF TAMPA BAY
and a new black lab seascape for OLD DOG HAVEN...yes...the Muse is kicking butt and taking names!

Stay tuned....

Like Honey...

To the bees...

Like Honey To The Bees

10x10

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

****

I walked into my studio today with my spine straight and my resolve intact...
The Muse walked in behind me, dropped her travel bags and pushed up her sleeves.

She said, " Lets get to it." ...and we did.

Two hours later...and I am here to tell you it was only about 20 minutes in my internal clock, we have the painting you see here. I have a few details to add when dry enough but I am thrilled with the start of 2010 and my painting efforts. There is no place in my life that TIME is suspended like when I am at the easel. The "Zone" does indeed exist.

First time I have put oil paint brush to canvas in '010.

I feel like I just let out a LONG held breath. Yes, this is breathing to me.

OK...the nuts and bolts: This is my rendition of a beautiful cat that is up for adoption at RIMROCK HUMANE SOCIETY in Montana.
She is waiting for that forever home. Her name is "Honey" I will be posting this for sale on the ART HELPING ANIMALS ART BLOG as soon as it is done.

If you are interested in it before I list it please know 20% goes right to this rescue.
It will be 125.00 with free domestic shipping!

please email me: carolchretien@aol.com to reserve it. Once it is gone, it is gone for good.

Back to the studio and back to work.

Cat & Mouse Toy Tales...continue!

WHO CAN IT BE NOW?

Emmi and her Toy Mouse, Bartholomew, on alert...

Painted right from the studio as Emmi & Company sit with me while I paint.

The series continues and you can see in the collage (below) she always has a little tale to tell.

It started with "The Storyteller" and is still telling little bits about her day.

When Emmi came back to life from her Thryoid Crisis I took a series of photos of her with her mouse toy. She put up with me posing her for "Ironic, Isn't It?" the painting of her toy mouse on her head. LOL!!!! I still laugh when I look at the pics of that one.

That expression said it all and I was glad she wasn't speaking english.

Now as the ideas or scenes present themselves I paint them.

All the paintings in the series have SOLD to help rescue.

this one is now

AVAILABLE.

8x10

oil on canvas

TO PURCHASE:

125.00

20% to BAMA BULLY RESCUE

Thanks for helping animals in need with art!

IN THE WIND - March #3 -Year of the Cat

SOLD

IN THE WIND

12x12

oil on canvas

***

This is the latest painting in a 12 painting series the first 2 have sold.

Representing the month of MARCH this painting is inspired by the work being done by

TABBY'S PLACE

a cat sanctuary

150.00

20% of the sale goes to this wonderful rescue.

***

The series is a very fun challenge to myself to imagine this whole group of totally original paintings by either finding the cat that inspires the scene or planning the scene and then finding the purr-fect cat!

Below is a little collage of what we have so far...it is always neat to see them together.

I think it is an elegant series so far and even I don't know how it is going to unfold!

The artist is also the observer...and that is exciting for me.

ALL 3 HAVE SOLD!

The next painting is representing APRIL will be based on my idea for a vintage scene

but the cat model hasn't been decided as yet.

***

STAY TUNED!

The Series Continues....

collage of the previous paintings in the series....all have sold helping rescues!

Introducing the lastest in the Cat & Mouse-toy Tales Series...Emmi and her toy mouse Bartholomew continue their adventures...

Get up, Nap Time is Over!

8x10

oil on canvas

just off the easel and will be ready to go soon.

this painting will help homeless animals with a portion to a non-profit rescue.

One of the best things about living with animals is learning so much about them...and then there are the entertainers like Emmi who make life fun.

thanks for looking!

If you could read my mind......

My web site www.carolchretien.com has new and older work available for sale ...over 45 paintings in a variety of sizes, subjects and price range, framed and unframed are listed there. Some are gallery paintings that were exhibited in juried shows and some have won awards for painting excellence.

Rescues caring for the ever increasing population of homeless pets are facing the same struggles with the economy as the rest of us. We will all be digging deeper this year with the cost of living rising every week. Buying art from ART HELPING ANIMALS artists is one way to be sure rescue gets a donation but... you can also directly help at your own local shelter!

As an artist, I am happy to help through art. My donations range from 20% to 100% with every sale and also include donations of art and prints of past work for charity auctions.

ART HELPING ANIMALS artists have donated over $ 50,000.00 to rescue in 2.5 yrs!

If you are planning to purchase animal art or other pieces of art and my work interests you...please feel confident that a homeless animal will also benefit from the sale.
Thanks for all the support in the past and I look forward to providing new pieces for rescue in the future as well.

NEW!

Just off the easel and newly available on Ebay.

Emmi, my studio cat companion, models for

TABBY'S PLACE

20% to the rescue.

***

other new work is now on ebay!

and see all my listings while there

***

Cat in sunlight daily painter CHRETIEN new TPCR oil - eBay (item 110272655807 end time Jul-27-08 15:45:31 PDT)

Cat & Roses - First Look - On the Easel

UPDATE! this painting has sold to help Tabby's Place!
This has been a busy painting weekend which is fine with
me.
After a strange week...the full moon probably helped that
out a bit...it got down to 2 days to concentrate on painting.

This new oil that sits on the easel is a work in progress that is inspired by the idea of "shabby chic"...the soft colors and the full blown roses...this painting comes from my muse to the canvas. One of those paintings that is swirling about in the back of your mind whispering to you to "paint me!"

So I did...I started it today. It was so enjoyable to watch it come out of my head and through the brush onto the canvas board.

It will be offered for sale soon with a percentage to charity.
There are a few other things coming along too, still life and some new Dalmatian paintings.

Check back later....and enjoy what is left of the weekend!
peace and cheers!

Waiting for Sunshine! argh!

...yes....that is what I am doing...we have had so many gray days it is on the verge of annoying when it comes to getting some good photos of the work!

FIRST LOOK!

"Brownstone Kitty, Catching a Breeze"
new oil
coming soon for rescue

SOLD 6/13
***

One of my favorite masters is Edward Hopper...his city scenes from life in the 1940's are among my most favorite work of all time. Not that this is anywhere near a Hopper but it is a tip of my beret to him.

When the sunlight comes back to New England I will get a decent image of this work for listing.

***

New work is coming and lots of new work for Tabby's Place is on the way for JULY1st when we start the new focus on rescue from the artists at Art Helping Animals!

I have been busy in the studio and working on a variety of subject matter.

All in a Day's Work & the Emmi Saga.

Morning Rest

(modeled by Emmi)

8x10

available

Who would think there is so much NON-PAINTING time that is spent on the business of art?
It seems like it never ends and it is not the fun part of what I do.



Today is the day to get back into the studio and finish up some pending work.
That is AFTER I get the pieces of art ready to ship.



Life got in the way with a little cat with Thyroid issues...not fun have a little one so sick.
Now that she is eating again I will get back to work that is piling up quickly.



Emmi has an appointment on March 3rd at a vet specialist in RI.
We hope it will cure her thyroid problem so she can enjoy her remaining years!

She is our little character!