The Reason

THIS PAINTING HAS SOLD!

Wading In

new oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

10x10

100.00

with 100% donation

(Meet Harrison below)

***

Today that is just what I did...I went wading into the story of a Dalmatian boy

who desperately needs help.

***

I was thinking about something the other day...I heard someone on TV say "There is a REASON why she is here in this life..." it was in reference to a very sad situation that the person has been born into, but the idea was that even in adversity there is a REASON for her being here greater than the difficulties.

***

I think there is a reason I can paint a bit. Why I was drawn to do it...it came out of nowhere as these things do. It was an innate ability that I had from childhood. It was the way I was wired I guess. No one in my family had the interest or inclination to make art.

***

It's a nice past time...you could do it quietly at home and never show it. You don't have to succeed or fail.  But there was a REASON for me to have this knack. I believe it was to use it in a way that made it so much more than itself. Art that helps. So you need to put it out there. And while I was never going to be a "master" or create world famous art I was going to find a way to do my art my own way and love it or leave it, use it to help animals in need. If a painting resonates with someone it ends up helping and that to me is success in spades!

***

THE REASON:

So that brings me to this painting above.

I am offering it for sale with the entire amount going to help "HARRISON"

he is a Dalmatian that was found injured in Houston TX June 17th , put in a shelter and a message was sent out as "Urgent Medical Rescue Needed" it was for Rescue Only to spring him from the shelter and get him medical help.

***

Expensive medical help as Harrison has multiple fractures in his pelvis and a dislocated hip.

He was pulled from that shelter by someone who helps rescue but is NOT "a rescue" so he was given help by DALMATIAN RESCUE of SOUTHERN FLORIDA. They helped make arrangements to champion this dog's cause and get him some funding to help with his upcoming surgery.

Many hands can make miracles happen.

DRSF has set up a CHIP-IN to help him. If everyone could donate the price of a cup of fancy coffee or ANY amount they can afford it would help with this vet expense.

Or it can be sent directly to the vet.

Information is all on the Dalmatian Rescue Site.

Please pass this info on to anyone who might be interested in helping.

***

HARRISON

I am in Massachusetts, Harrison and his main rescuer Shelby (bless you!) are in Texas, The Dal rescue is in Florida...It doesn't matter where you are located, we are all in the same place when we stand together heart-to-heart.

***

if you want to contact me to reserve the painting

carolchretien@aol.com

***

to simply make a Chip-In donation

Help HARRISON LINK!

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!

At Long Last!

...Back in my studio.

I will be working on new pieces that are helping me to get back into the swing of things.
I will be painting to help hompeless animals and donate to charity.
Until the end of the year ALL my work will be 100% donations to non-profit rescues.
Any sales will go to charity as I regroup and reconnect with my favorite Rescues.

I will be blogging about and promoting animals in need of adoption and help and working once again in conjuction with a
wonderful group of Artist through
ART HELPING ANIMALS. www.arthelpinganimals.com

The art blog of Art Helping Animals, posting work for sale at Daily Painter's Gallery as part of the group from AHA and on my own blog and website will all go to the cause of helping animals find homes, get medical care and maintenance while they await adoption.

Great needs in very tough times! Art has the POWER to help and my passion and voice are lent to this pursuit.

I have spent the last year working through many challenges and changes...sometimes it has a positive side effect by allowing you to step out of your comfort zone, step back and find new bearings.

We lost our beloved cat Emmi, my studio companion, at age 18 and Lizzie (our Dalmatian) is learning to fill the role. In the picture taken just yesterday with me in my studio she is inspiring me to get back into the game and shake the rust out of my skills at the easel.

I am starting out with some small collectible pieces of art in a variety of themes.
I will begin showing these pieces next week with the hopes that you can join me on the journey.
My right shoulder is still healing (a VERY long year!) but I am able to handle the smaller pieces of work without a problem.

I am not quite ready for commissions of larger sizes but hopefully and with attention to Karmic principles I can send out some good work that will help others.
Feel free to share my news, my work, and please support non-profit rescues who do so much with so little for so many.

Off and running on the new adventures of Art that helps animals!
The Studio is OPEN!
peace and blessings,
Carol

Help comes in many ways...

Dayna Hilton (please see this link to learn more http://www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com/ )

is a firefighter dedicated to educating children about fire safety.

Sparkles, a wonderful Dalmatian teacher, traveled the country with Dayna helping in this endeavor. Now Siren has stepped up to help carry on the teaching with her buddy Tango, Dayna's other fabulous dalmatian helper.

Siren, still a pup but growing fast, is a beautiful dal in training for the tasks he will assume and I was lucky enough to have permission to paint him in hopes of helping with some fundraising for the cause. I was inspired by his beautiful eyes, the idea of him answering a call to duty, and also as a tribute to Sparkles' memory.

All proceeds go to the fund.

Dayna blogged about the painting here: http://sparklesthefiresafetydog.blogspot.com/2011/01/painting-arrives-from-artist-carol.html

And now...

I want to share this link that will help provide the funding that takes teaching children about fire safety to schools around the country.

http://www.cafepress.com/sparklestfsd/7650100

If you would like to help please shop here...and share the links ...every bit helps raise awareness and can save lives.

Healing Art....

We who love animals, are IN love with animals and are owned by our "pets" (if you remember your 101 Dalmatians you remember that "Pongo" called Roger HIS "pet")...same applies to our situation.

Our 2 animals are growing older and it hurts to see time passing. I am comforted by the fact that all the love given to them comes back to us 10 fold. They have wonderful lives.
It is our duty that we make it our duty to give them the best.

I have had the opportunity to make a friend on Facebook because of my love for all things Dalmatian and yet it is a little bittersweet.

I discovered Dayna Hilton, a firefighter and her dog SPARKLES the FIRE SAFETY DOG and all the great work they have done teaching children about how to stay safe and about fire prevention.

Sparkles passed on shortly after my finding out about her.
Dayna Hilton is going on with the work and has two beautiful Dalmatians in her life. One of them is Tango and one is a young pup named Siren.
Siren is a striking blue-eyed boy who has some big paw prints to fill.

When Dayna posted a pic of Siren I was so taken by him that I asked if I could paint him...I saw in him the idea that He would go on and maybe be the healer for her and be the light for lots of kids, maybe continuing with Sparkles' work going forward.
She gave me permission to paint Siren and below is the finished painting and my concept of Siren answering the call to duty.
I hope the painting helps Dayna's heart heal along with Sparkles' legacy....and all the good things that Siren will bring to many lives. This painting is my gift to Dayna and to help with her work.

Siren's Call To Duty

16x20

oil on canvas

gifted to Dayna Hilton in memory of Sparkles.

All proceeds from this painting's use will benefit the foundation for teaching children fire safety.

***

Where everyone wins... It starts with US!

All of us.
One of best things I have experienced over the last decade is having met some of the best and most generous and hard working people in the world. Big statement, I know.

Most of these "meetings" have been on line or by phone or email, but none the less, very special.
It has prompted me to want to work harder to raise money for homeless animals and work harder to be able to give all that I can.

The project we just finished together is one that helped People and Animals! It was a great idea lent to me by a Facebook friend (Rebecca) as I have mentioned before but it was also a way of helping me learn about another wonderful rescuer.

Judith Farrar was the winning name that came out of the hat. I had never heard of her before the raffle but have heard alot about her since! :o)

She has been one of the best helpers and "foster Moms" for Dalmatian Rescue Tampa Bay.
I was told by Susan and Pat of DRTB that she has fostered 24 dalmatians for that rescue! That is 24 dogs that definately have been given a headstart of a new life.

She does not have a dog of her own, much less a Dalmatian! She has made herself available to helping reshape the lives of these rescue dogs so that they may be ready to go to their forever homes.

What a gift of a volunteer she is to that rescue. Judy told me in an email that she has a siamese cat "Simone" that is the official "Cat Friendly" tester for rescue dogs who stay in her home. A little 8 lb cat will let her know who is the dal that will go to home with a cat in the family.

Judy...it is so great to "meet" you. The painting is on the way!

So once again...EVERYBODY WINS! and I am so proud to know so many good people.

A packet of info that went out with the check.

YOUR donation mattered and YOU can claim it on YOUR taxes.

I will not be claiming that check on mine.

Your gifts were so appreciated!

Carol Chretien

Oh Happy Day! an UPDATE

" WAIT, LOVE, PRAY... FOR A HOME"
12x12

oil on canvas

***

I am so happy to report that the

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY

"Dall-o-ween"

Event

Oct 23rd

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org

was a success and that the painting above helped raise

$500.00

for the rescue.

***

There is nothing like the feeling of a successful project that has been completed! You start out with the best of intentions and just hope that things fall into place and truly can help.

The volunteers of the rescue work so very hard to make a difference in the lives of these animals.

Dusty, the inspiration for the painting above has not been adopted as yet...you can go to their site and see who still needs a home...they did have some adoptions take place and will be telling their tales on the site.

THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE EVENT

and

THE ANIMALS IN NEED!

Many Blessings!

DALLOWEEN DAY IS HERE!

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY

it is

DALLOWEEN

DAL - FEST DAY

see their info here!

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org/

to READ ALL ABOUT it.

IF you are in FLA and can join in the fun there today....please see their location.

IF you cannot....but want to support their cause and make a donation

PLEASE DO!

I do!

they are a wonderful and hard working bunch of volunteers who save Dals and others

working tirelessly and for NO PAY!

****

HAPPY DALLOWEEN!

Dalmatian In Pink - COMPLETED

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

DALMATIAN IN PINK

***

Drawing to win this painting is

NOVEMBER 1st

5.00 entry will go to

THE BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

***

If you would like to JUST donate the cost of a cup of fancy coffee to support someone you know who is battling cancer or honor one who has passed and not enter for a chance to win this painting... you can make the donation and just note that in your paypal.

the link to donate is:

http://carolchretien.chipin.com/breast-cancer-awareness

October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

10 x 10

oil

wet in wet

CAROL CHRETIEN

Inspired by the suggestion of a FACEBOOK friend Rebecca,

using her Dal's pose as inspiration, we have here a "Dalmatian in Pink"

***

Thanks Rebecca!

25 years of education and awareness

and

saving lives

visit http://www.nbcam.org

to learn more about

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

5.00 donation to win this painting

ALL PROCEEDS GOES TO THIS CHARITY
http://carolchretien.chipin.com/breast-cancer-awareness

A Gracious Welcome Home

SOLD

A Gracious Welcome

10x10

Carol Chretien

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

***

You know from previous paintings and previous posts that this expresses my vision of the welcome home once they have crossed the Bridge.

I believe in the Divine Benevolence that animals must be received with when they cross the Rainbow Bridge.

***

It was difficult to get the accurate colors in the images...They are a bit more vibrant with much depth and texture. I added extra images to try to show the detail.

If this painting resonates with you and you want to add it to your collection then please contact me at

carolchretien@aol.com to purchase.

SORRY THIS PAINTING IS SOLD!

donation to

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay.

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org/

to see the Dalmatians available and the great work being done there.

***

Thanks for supporting the work of rescue.

Back to Basics

In the beginning I painted Dalmatians to help Dals in need and today I am beginning the return to help Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay.

This new painting just started today is a work in progress (WIP) inspired by one of their Dal Mixes named Dusty.

Sharing a couple of images in close crop format.

I start with basic lines to place the composition, I go right to the eyes to begin the connection to the painting for myself.

It seems more than a two dimensional exercise when the subjects eyes are watching you paint.

More to come and thanks for looking.

Please support your favorite rescues with a donation if you can. Many animals are being needlessly destroyed in this economy.

COOL BLUE - First Look! UPDATE...

RESERVED!

COOL BLUE

8x10

oil on canvas

This new piece is painted to assist DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY...they are one active, engaged and dedicated bunch of rescuers you could ever hope to meet.

ANGELS AMONG US

***

I will be posting the finish and the story of my model "Lucas"

he waits for his forever home.

Have a pool? Need a great companion Dal?

contact the rescue!

http://dalmatianrescuetampa.tripod.com/

STAY TUNED!

Updated work... Diversity of Friends ...dal pup

The next phase of this RESERVED painting was part of yesterday's work ... painting in layers and taking my time.
This year my goal is to paint more deliberately and put my skills to the test. I am aiming for some more involved pieces.

I am researching a bit more on some themes I am interested in to paint in 2010. No need to hurry but I walk that line between wanting to paint for charity so to get the work out in smaller pieces and more timely....and wanting to paint for the soul and speak a little louder as an artist.

I am working it out....it is a happy challenge for myself. I like working it through...now to just do more prep work and express it in paint!

The work continues......

Updates and then some...

Ok...these are done for all intents and will just need to get a tweak maybe if there is a need when I look at them tomorrow. For now it is "Back To The Beach" as I finish up the little friend making Dal Pup in the sand.

I really have a mardi gras themed piece nagging at my brain (it's the Muse but I am resisting) so that may be started later today...Or I will be finishing my 2 fish paintings.

So much to paint...so fast the time goes....

STAY TUNED! More to come! and as always....my heart felt gratitude that you are even looking.

Life Is A Party - completed!

UPDATED!

SOLD

12x12

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

A happy fun painting to brighten your life. Liver Dalmatian puppy who thinks life really is a party. Not True of all pets especially Dalmatians...in need of a forever loving home.

***

Sold to help Save the Dalmatians rescue.

email me: carolchretien@aol.com

thanks to Joan Murphy for letting her wonderful Dalmatians inspire the work!

This painting will be posted on the ART HELPING ANIMALS art blog

and Daily Painter's Gallery tomorrow.

And for Fun ... Work(s) In Progress

******

UPDATE!

RESERVED

Liver pups inspired by Joan Murphy's images of her own Dals.

The top painting is based on a pic of her Hombre when he was a pup.

He has just the right pose and attitude for

"Life Is A Party"

I saw him surrounded by colorful balloons and his beautiful self making a fun design.

This oil is 12x12 and will be available in the next week when it should be finished. It is a fun process painting the balloons in thin glazes, this is at its second pass.

***

The seascape based on Brulee suggested a curious pup discovering a new "friend" in the tide line on the shore.

"Diversity of Friends" 10x10 oil It is in a drying stage waiting for the next session. The beauty of oil paint is that you can work on several at the same time which gives you a chance to make decisions of where you will go next, or in many cases, where it will take you on the next pass.

***

If you would like to reserve a painting to purchase when done...

email me: carolchretien@aol.com

If you REALLY want the painting for your own, please let me know because I always get emails after the painting has sold asking me if I can paint one like it. I don't. It doesn't work that way.

But I do appreciate the thought!

ALL my work when sold gives 20% to non-profit rescue helping homeless animals.

****

Stay Tuned!

thanks for looking!

Update...RED HEART Dalmatian...and more

RESERVED!

This is phase 2 of "LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT" a work in progress...one more pass to complete I think.

***

Just want to say a word about WOMEN's CARDIAC HEALTH and Wearing RED in the month of February is a reminder to make yourself aware of cardiac warning signs in women.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5531890_cardiac-symptoms-women.html

Thanking Joan for the use of her images to inspire some mew Dalmatian work. The painting above is based on "Dash" one of her gorgeous Dalmatians. This painting will provide a donation to Dalmatian Rescue.

***

Life and the Joy of Painting....

WORK IN PROGRESS...

My 20's were about living larger than life...My 30's were about establishing a homebase, physically, mentally and spiritually...My 40's were about using what I learned to help family members who needed me...My 50's have been about expressing my ME-NESS and taking all the other decades with all their foibles and faux pas' and getting ready to blast into my 60's with adventures and a capriciousness that I hope screams "I've got nothing to lose! so WHY NOT?!"

Just felt like sharing that and that was a bit more than you probably wanted to know.
I am also sharing a FIRST LOOK.... ironically it is going to be titled:

LOVE ME...LOVE ME NOT

STAY TUNED!

Dear Prudence - FIRST LOOK!

SOLD!

10x10

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

This painting is available for

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY

inspired by "Prudence" a senor up for adoption.

DEAR PRUDENCE by the Beatles does come to mind...but she is "dear" and she needs her own bed, your bed? and a forever family.

you can find her on the DRTB website.

***

Also I would like to say it is a poignant reminder to me of time passing. Our own Lizzie, the central figure in our home , is aging and my connection to every single senior Dalmatian is so evident in my heart and in my art.

I live in that state of denial and see her as the "puppy" she has always been but the reality is she will be 13 in August and I am keenly aware of every moment of her time.

Our time with her.

I think she keeps wondering why we are always kissing her. LOL

***

If you want to purchase this painting before I list it elsewhere for sale

email me: carolchretien@aol.com

once it is gone...it is gone.

20% to the rescue!

125.00

free domestic shipping.

***

STAY TUNED!

update:
THE PAINTING HAS SOLD...................