ART, LIFE, and A PERSONAL NOTE

Up Before the Sun This Morning...

Sunrise somewhere in the universe...(photo credit Morguefile.)

Life has been a rollercoaster in 2011...not horribly "bad" but definately challenging. Physically, mentally, spiritually ... a challenge.

Make no mistake, there are many more things in my life to be thankful for than not. So I am not really complaining but just trying to make sense of things and find a way to express it.

My studio is closed into 2012.

I make this announcement with mixed feelings ... I do miss painting and having a schedule and purpose and being able to make donations as I have in the past. That last is the biggest change to deal with.

Some of you know that while I painted almost a full time schedule I was also supported by a part-time job as a nurse working evenings for the last 33 of 37 years. These hours allowed me the freedom to paint as much as I pleased and the freedom to give as much as possible while covering our health insurance with my part time job.

That job has come to an end and now and I am in the process of wrapping up an entire portion of my life and restructuring the way I have done things for so long.

There are many changes involved in this for me in all spheres. Not in the least is trying to envision a whole new life plan. It would seem that it would be simple, "Just Paint" ...but the practical elements need to be addressed first and eventually it will come to painting again. That is my long range plan.

Knowing that this job change was coming, I have been preparing for this for a while but there are so many unknowns just ahead. I was working myself into a frenzy thinking I had to have everything figured out and wrapped with a bow, having everything in place and knowing every move ahead of me. I can't. I realized yesterday that this was just not possible. But...I am a Capricorn and that is always my approach.

Yesterday I had a moment of clarity regarding "plans" ...I do not know exactly what the plan is going to be just yet except to say that I am going into uncharted waters for the first time. As a nurse, I will be unemployed. Having never been unemployed it is a whole new world for me.

As an artist, I will be beginning from scratch when I reopen my studio at a future date and make Art my full time passion once again.

My "job" in the next year will be to sort out life details, see what works for us here, and find my way again. These changes have wrecked havoc with my creative abilities and keeping focused, so rather than force things I do not really feel where art is concerned it is less stressful to just step away.

Saying goodbye to a whole segment of my adult working life, and more importantly, the people who inhabit that life, is more difficult than I ever imagined. I thought it was a matter of just substituting one schedule for another. No so.

I am learning as I go...I will get to that place of reconcilliation with change and find light on a new path. I am learning to rely on my internal compass in a whole new way.

I will be putting a notice on my WEBSITE and if any prints should sell from the site ALL profits from the sale will go to charity of the buyer's choice.

I will be working behind the scenes and when the reopening is ready I will let you know.

Thanks for following my work all these years and helping as you do to give homeless animal rescues funding through art.

This message will go out through several outlets, you may receive a duplicate message if you are on also in my opt in list from the website, for that I apologize.

ALL MY BEST,

Carol

Scout....a work in progress

SCOUT

A work in progress... The very rough beginning to convey the idea. I start with some simple lines to place the subject on the canvas.

Finding the personality and emotion.

I like to go straight to the eyes to start. It is eerie when you have vacant eyes of a living subject and also I find that I am in "their company" once they are "there" with me in the studio. All the inspiration, for me, comes from the subject and what they mean to their person.

Now we are getting somewhere.

Color for background and collar have been discussed and approved. Scout is taking shape for sure and I am enjoying the process.

This canvas is 14x18 and a pleasure to be painting him in the close up format.

He has very beautiful eyes and markings and this will be a keepsake portrait that will draw the viewer in and touch the heart of Scout's mom.

This is the 3rd pass, and with another session or two I will have completed the piece.

Like negative space, the time between actual painting sessions gives you a chance to study the work and where you want to go next. This is all part of my working process.

***

This has been posted with permission of the client to share the process.


ABOUT THE SUBJECT:

Scout is an almost 10 yr old hound/shepard mix who was adopted out of a Washington DC shelter. His "mom" says he started with, and still has, an over abundance of energy.

Scout has a few hobbies that include "counter surfing & snagging" and taking things from the bookcase, along with rifling through a purse or two and finding money! He LOVES the park.

But..."he makes me happy, he is like a little person and understands almost anything you say, even when he doesn't want to listen to you" ...Scout is "stubborn, spoiled, and has the most personality his mom has ever had around"...that is a testimony many of us share about our beloved companions. (just ask my Lizzie! LOL)

Scout is a "velcro" dog. :o)

***

All my work provides a donation to a rescue when completed.

PLEASE consider an adoption from your local shelter...it saves lives.

And if possible, consider supporting a shelter with needed items, time, fostering or donations.

Thanks for looking and supporting rescue with art!

Closing up Shop ....

The Studio is officially "closed" for the year. I leave you with a few of the Christmas Commissions I have completed this season...a sampling, if you will.

I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year.

It has been a year of struggle for many in this economy and the Rescues have felt the weight of the increase of animals in their care, and donations going down.
The next year will be just as challenging, and the need to give care find homes for the abused, neglected & abandoned, just as urgent.

My wish is to keep helping where I can with donations to the frontliners who save lives, foster, rehab & rehome.
I continue to serve this end in my humble way...Every painting I will paint will send a donation to a rescue in need...that remains my promise.

I hope you continue to follow the work along with me and join me if you can ....and...God bless us, everyone!

Lily

Sterling

Ashley

L'il Orange One

***

MANY BLESSINGS TO YOU AND FOR ALL THAT YOU DO

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

See you in 2011

Carol Chretien

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.

Recent Work ....And More!

Art that keeps on Giving!

The latest oil for rescue!

BLUE BOY BULLY

available

email me: carolchretien@aol.com

125.00 for this 10x10 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

no frame needed ~ FREE domestic shipping

25.00 goes directly to BAMA BULLY RESCUE!

http://www.bamabully.org

***

APRIL BLUES

12x12

oil

the 4th painting in my ongoing Year of the Cat series

this painting will be framed and hung in a Christmas show.

that will benefit

BRISTOL ANIMAL SHELTER in BRISTOL, RI

visit: http://friendsofthebristiolanimalshelter.org

I will be showing several pieces in the exhibit for this rescue.

***

Commissioned Work

BROUX

11x14
Recently completed and delivered commission of this wonderful little

cairn terrier

Broux.

Donation went to the Col. Potter Cairn Rescue

****

It is the season of giving that is shortly upon us.

Consider the GIFT OF ART that will also benefit

HOMELESS ANIMALS IN NEED

fa la la la la la la la la la

;-)

Monday, Monday...

...its all good

TWIGGY

***
It's Monday Morning again....a new week of work and another chance to get things right!

I have been doing a lot of painting but it has been mostly commissioned work and I have not been able to share it but this piece is one that the recipient has now seen and likes and it is, in fact, the results of a donated "Custom OIL Painting" from a fundraiser for
FRIENDS OF FALMOUTH DOGS.
This painting is a 12x12 oil, it was won at a fundraiser, the winner sent me her photos and this is the result of the prize. A one of a kind work of art of a one of a kind dog.
I am just about done...need to give it a touch or two and then sign off on this work.
~
Working to help homeless animals is my mission. We have so much need to provide for these innocent refugees more than ever!
They are losing their families at insane rates due to the economy. They never asked to be born. People still, in this time of "enlightenment"... do not spay and neuter as they obviously should and we still have Puppy Mills cranking out lots of pups. Pitiful!

Add to that, through no fault of their own, those people who have lost income, jobs and homes and have to surrender their family pets.
Some of them are elderly pets, some are elder people who can barely care for themselves.

We, who love animals stand together and try to help where we can. For some, it is their special breed, there are some WONDERFUL all-volunteer non-profit groups who go to the moon to help save these lives.
Others are all-breed (or who knows what breed) rescues who step up and help by pulling pets from high-KILL shelters and transport them to safety, provide medical care and rehab them to get them family-ready. And even breed-specific rescues often take in special need mixes because they can't let them die.

I am not any of the above...I am a painter who has a penchant for animals, wants to use the ability she has to take a bunch of oily colors from tubes and smear them around to create moments caught in paint that may touch a heart, cause a donation to happen from a sale or supply a "unique prize" that might help to save an innocent life from certain death.
All that to say I help raise funds and a little awareness through my art. At least that is my goal.

So Monday, Monday it is...yet again...and I have a chance to help make it count.
I am truly blessed.
If you got this far ...thanks so much for reading. If you have one of my paintings or have booked a commission...THANK YOU FOR HELPING!
you make what I do count for something more than just another pretty picture to hang on a wall.

Peace and Cheers!
~~~
carolchretien@aol.com
love hearing from you

Updates!

SOLD!

Donation has been made to:

Cascade Beagle Rescue (east)

please visit their site to see who is ready for adoption!

http://www.cascaderescue.org/east.html

*****

The painting in progress below is shown updated but only hints at luminosity in this digital image! More to do, spots to paint.

THIS PAINTING HAS BEEN RESERVED!

donation will go to

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY

they have inspired this painting.

Please visit their site to see which dogs are ready to go to their forever home!

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org

*****

Please scroll down to see other still available work on the easel...

OH SO MUCH MORE TO COME

so much more work to do to help rescue with fine art!

Please...

STAY TUNED!

What's On The Easel? Variety!

Sharing some work in progress is always fun for me...these are in varying stages of completion and all currently on the easel. Thanks so much for looking!

Under the Autumn Moon

is a doggy noire for Fall...the story of two friends wandering under a rising moon at the farm.

In a state of near completion this will soon be offered to assist

Cascades Beagle Rescue.

***

Early in the Morning

This oil is in a very early stage and my plan for it is to convey the promise of sunrise with my favorite breed (Spots have yet to be placed) catching the early rays. Enjoying the different colors

for this seascape from my usual blues and greens. Like Dalmatians waiting for adoption there is something about the colors of morning that convey hope.

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay inspired this one.

****

A Gift for the Season

Ah yes...Oscar my little Muse (Pam A's Boy) has the most expressive eyes...I love the light in his and his winsome expression...can he be resisted?

The colors of the season will surround him.

He will be helping Coast To Coast Dachshund Rescue.
***

Store Up Your Treasures

A new oil still life in one of my favorite subjects that I just enjoy painting.

It is for my pleasure of working through the puzzle of patterns, reflection, transparency, light and shadow.

This is play time for me.

***

Thinking about a special gift? Considering a Commission?

email me!

All of the above will be available soon.

If you have a desire to purchase and want to reserve in advance

and wish to know more about them

Please just email me.

carolchretien@aol.com

All my work will benefit a charity.

***

Stay Tuned!

New Work In Progress - Dacshund Art

This new oil will be offered to assist dachshund rescue. It is my first holiday themed piece of the season. Pam's Oscar is my model and her images of him are used with permission to help inspire me with ideas to assist raising funds for rescue groups.

In this piece I am concentrating on the eyes and the reflected light.

Thanks for looking and comeback and see the finish soon!

*****

Painting to help homeless animals with all the passion I can paint with.

Inqueries welcome anytime and commissions accepted.

carolchretien@aol.com

Portrait in Oils

MONIQUE & PATRICK

14x18

oil portrait on canvas

***

In a recent commission I was asked about doing a portrait of a Bichon named Monique who had passed on a few years ago. They now have Patrick in their lives.

After some discussion they decided to have them together in a painting as one keepsake piece of fine art.

The oil portrait above is the result of the commission.

Monique was a sweetie with a loving personality and is greatly missed. They always adorned her with ribbons or flowers and she was the light of their lives.

Patrick is a lively youngster with a large personality and penchant for letting you know he is the Prince of their castle.

My goal in this piece was to try to distinguish the difference between the two and this was achieved by placing Monique behind Patrick, using her sweet expression and open look in her face while giving Patrick the spotlight, the side glance of mischief that might be brewing and a jaunty tie.

***

There is a challenge in painting solid colored pets. It is a matter of looking for colors and definition to their coats and to making the most of their eyes to convey life. It is one of the best parts of painting animals for me.

***

If you are thinking about gifting art this holiday season or wish to consult me about a commission for yourself of your own pet...

please contact me at

carolchretien@aol.com

All my commissions also provide donations to rescue.

Thanks for supporting the work of non-profit rescues with a purchase of fine art that helps animals.

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.

The way it all works...

....Inspiration....your names are Annie and Oscar!

Annie (above) photo by Pam

Oscar (photo by Pam)

Yesterday afternoon after painting all day (on a commission and a piece for rescue) I sat and thought ....What will I work on next?

I stared at a blank canvas, I went through some of my old photos for inspiration and that just brought me to a trip down memory lane.

I spent over an hour totally lost in time. I looked back 20 or 30 yrs at people I love who have passed, at people who have aged...even my husband...I looked at images of our former pets and our current two, Lizzie and Emmi who are 12 and 17 respectively. Lizzie turns officially 12 in less than 2 weeks! Where does all the time go?

When I put the cover back on the box and realized I was back in 2010 it was such a sad feeling. I smothered our Lizzie with hugs and kisses (because she really loves this) and went off to make tea and cookies...we shared a cookie "party" and I felt resigned and better. I even added it to my facebook status. If that doesn't smack you with "2010" what will? LOL!

But then came today and the Muse was just waiting...I was working online and I stopped by Facebook and see my friend Pam's photos of her fabulous dachshund Oscar and one of Annie the beagle and I am instantly INSPIRED!

Pam always generously allows me to use her wonderful images to inspire paintings that help rescue and I am so anxious to work up the immediate visions I see when looking at these two faces.

They will be my first Christmas paintings for rescue this year.

A shout out to Pam for being such a great rescue worker.

She has helped get many beagles and others into good homes matching up families with the right pet. Pam has inspired some of my favorite paintings with the loan of her terrific photography.

Thanks Again ...PAM!

***
Come back in a little while and see where this inspiration takes us!

Inspired by Dusty ...Wait, Love, Pray...For a Home!

" WAIT, LOVE, PRAY...FOR A HOME"
12x12
oil on canvas
CAROL CHRETIEN
***
Painting for
DALMATIAN RESCUE OF TAMPA BAY
where you can adopt the inspiration for this painting!
20% of the sale goes directly to the rescue.
125.00

Dusty is in foster care and is available !!!!
http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org
for information.

***
and if you want to purchase the painting email me:
carolchretien@aol.com
a lovely way to add fine art to your collection of dalmatian art while helping rescue!

And the Winner Is.....

ABE

This year's winning custom portrait for charity was

painted to help raise funds for the

Lincoln D Lynch Memorial Scholarship Fund.

***

Abe spends his time with his family between MA and FLA

He is a lovable and well loved little Scottie and it was my pleasure to paint him for this worthy cause.

***

The scholarship serves students from the Middleboro MA school system where Mr. Lynch was an educator and the Superintendent of schools for many years.

This was the second annual Charity Golf Event for the scholarship fundraiser in his name. Allendale Country Club held the event in Dartmouth Ma.

Quiet Contemplation...In a Capricorn way...

This is pretty much where I am at the moment.

I have been reading my horoscope the last week or so and it seems that by that measure I am finding myself reevaluating all my methods of operation. Mercury is in retrograde and things seem to be spinning backwards.

I am working on refining my website and reworking my schedules to help me get into that place where I can be my most creative. What does it all mean?

Every year my resolutions (some say you should not make them as you set yourself up for failure) seem to involve 3 things: the search for CLARITY, better ORGANIZATION, and BALANCE.
Here I am again. So THIS year I am calling them "ASPIRATIONS" (thanks Stella!) and looking at what steps will get me there. SO Capricorn.

I just read that one of the traits of a Cap is that you want to SEE the net before you leap...but if you don't see it... YOU want to make it yourself. LOL!

Seems what drives me is that I need to have a purpose. I need to make a difference. That is very much me. "You can see the wheels turning" is what one of my instructors once said to me in a post class discussion. Another told me to STOP! working on my work. I was obsessing I guess on some type of perfection. I can't seem to just cruise if I am doing something worthwhile.

Ah well...I am finding ways this month to make life more colorful for my Mom as we repaint her living spaces in new and refreshed colors!

I have a call out to my MUSE....waiting for the call back! ...I hear distant laughter I think.

I hope your day is going in a forward motion but ...if you are in the retrograde spin ...look within, and, if you see me...WAVE! :)

The painting above is available and listed on eBay as we speak.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Angel-Art-CHRETIEN-quiet-contemplation-oil-on-board_W0QQitemZ110458820613QQcmdZViewItemQQptZArt_Paintings?hash=item19b7dbd805