New Work on the Easel...

New pieces on the easel:

The first is on masonite...new experience for me...not sure if I like the support of hard board vs canvas.

I seem to be a canvas person.  But it is interesting painting on this surface.

may try out a couple more.

***

The second is the Lion I started last week. This painting was reserved as soon as I posted the Work in Progress that means that there was a request to purchase and they have first option when it is done.

That painting will be made available in Print on my website when finished.

House for Rent

8x10

oil on masonite panel

***

King of Cats

12x12

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

(reserved for sale)

****

I have several in progress floral paintings 5x7 postcard sized oils currently in the works as well.

ALL MY ARTWORK SALES UNTIL THE END OF THIS YEAR ARE

100% DONATIONS TO CHARITY

with all proceeds going to help homeless animals

in non-profit rescues.

Thanks for looking.

Email me with any questions or to purchase paintings

carolchretien@aol.com

or for PRINTS or AVAILABLE PAINTINGS

http://www.carolchretien.com/

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.

Karma, Drama, Dharma and the Dance...

Huntress Moon

by

CAROL CHRETIEN

PRINTS AVAILABLE

http://www.carolchretien.com/

to view and print on demand

all sales will be donated to rescues

***

So here's the thing...all my work in any form until the end of the year is being donated 100% to non-profit rescues. Rescue is where my heart lies.

If you know me or know my work or my passion that is not news.

The reason for this is that millions of pets are disposed of in this society on a disgustingly regular basis and yet we are such a "pet friendly" society. We spend billions on our pets. We have pets in almost every household. 

 And yet, and YET millions are put death every year.

 SPAY AND NEUTER, people!  can it be said enough?

***

So you have these dedicated volunteer rescues, and some of the well funded larger ones like Best Friends who really pack a punch in scope and education of the public...but it is the little guy, the grass roots efforts, the "regular"  people in the trenches...that I am compelled to pour my work into. 

And this need to paint and share it... is Soul Work for me. 

So I am already beyond gratified that ANY work I have done has been able to help even a little. 

Last year I was hardly able to give anything to rescues as I was sidelined. But now as I am back in training, while I still work on the old shoulder injury, I am able to create work again that helps. Blessings and joys I can't even describe. 

Painting is magical.

Piece of white canvas, a bunch of scruffy tubes of oil color and some brushes...

POW! A painting comes to life. Amazing to me! I still don't understand it myself.

But I do love the magic of art. And then...Alchemy! It becomes more than itself, more than just a pretty picture...it can actually transform to help others. It provides green energy to homeless animals or other charities.

***

While I was "deployed" from my old life and unemployed by the new nature of the "business of healing" and all kinds of internal Drama that ensued from that chapter of my life...You know the part of life where your story starts to sound like a bad country song?...the Karmic light started to shine again.

What do you do?

You shed the old skin and you shake the drama off your karma and you start the dance! I've been dancing and spinning and flying, ever since.

(Insert Snoopy Dancin' image here...you get the picture!)

***

That is where I find myself today. I am so thankful I have the Muse back in my corner, I am thankful that the old life is behind me, I know I have a chance to still do for others in a way that is practical and gives a little ease to bad situations and comes from my own hand. Offered lovingly.

I am an Artist.

We always wish we could do more. There is so much need. If everyone does their little part then it all comes together in a much bigger way than the parts of ourselves. 

That, to me, adds up to hopeful.

 And isn't it wonder-filled to begin from a hopeful place?

***

I am working on all kinds of new art with new enthusiasm and painting subjects and different things I have not done in years. So freeing and so much fun. 

Join in the Dance.

***

Stay Tuned!

Peace and cheers,

Carol   

Preview ~ Sky Rider ...a new oil

SKY RIDER

12x12

SOLD

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

This new painting is available to assist

Dalmatian Rescue Tampa Bay

125.00

PAYPAL is welcome

email to purchase:

carolchretien@aol.com

DONATION

100% to the rescue minus shipping.

Help this rescue with a purchase of collectible art.

***

About the painting:

This piece is another of multiple glazes of color to achieve the depth and glow of light. A bit of drama in this Moonscape that draws you in and hopefully takes you to a mystical reverie.

One of the good things about having been away from painting for the last year was that it gave me a renewed perspective about just what it was that I enjoyed so much about my favorite medium, and my approach to painting.

I enjoy taking the time now to glaze and relax with the work. Live with it a bit

and sit back and change a passage here or tweak a stroke there.

And color...there is nothing I like better than playing with color and light.

So if this piece of art appeals to you and you want to have it...

let me know.

In the meantime

don't forget about the purpose behind the passion to create...

visit:

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org/

and help a great rescue out!

***

PINTO is still up for adoption through

Dalmatian Rescue Tampa Bay!

read all about him here:

http://www.carolchretien.blogspot.com/2012/03/previewwhite-rose-new-original-oil.html

Thanks for looking.

LET's GET OUR ELF ON!

(Under the Tree - original oil)

Carol Chretien

2010

***

Today is the end of November...it is going out like a lamb!

For New England, 60 degrees and more is a gift at this time of year.

It is saving us heating costs and letting us get out and get things done without freezing our ornaments off!

***

Times are tough for many but it is the season of giving.

Please remember our shelter pets along with the other charitable giving that you normally do at this time of year, or all year, as is your way.

***

Your local shelters and rescues have needs lists and donated items are always appreciated and/or any extra dollars donated goes a long way.

Please keep them in mind as you make your lists and check them twice.

***

On a personal note: this year we lost our beloved Emmi cat. She is missed but I will be giving in her name so she lives on. That brings happiness in memories.

***

I continue with my "Frozen Shoulder" rehab and am finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! I have much improved range of motion and all the time and money spent working on getting "my painting arm" well is paying off.

And...

My part-time job is almost over and I will be saying good-bye to 37 years of my old life in "health care" in exchange for a great new period of happy creativity making Art my joyful focus.

I welcome that Peace filled heart and soul work!

***

I KNOW in 2012 I will be back in the studio beginning from scratch with some new work behind the scenes to get those artistic muscles back in shape.

I will not be selling work right away but I WILL be working on my craft and finding my Muse with hopeful anticipation, again.

I do expect a good period of time when I will be reacquainting myself with my love "of painting just to paint" and perhaps be able to help once again with the charities I love.

That is what my hope for the new year will bring.

Health and a Peaceful Heart.

SO...GET YOUR ELF ON

as we kick off DECEMBER and celebrate the magic of the

CHRISTMAS SEASON

of light and hope.

All my very best,

Carol

Old Visions ~ New Options!

"All things old are new again"

...I have added some new PRINTS to my website

they are available now with others that will follow.

I have the "print on demand option" for approximately 8x10 sized prints.

Welcome Home

(original sold to help rescue)
***
You are able to view the enlarged version on my website for greater detail.
As ALWAYS my work will generate funds for rescue.
***
I am currently reviewing and updating my site to reflect and acknowledge the changes in the economy. As my artwork is the means of my ability to donate as much as I can to non-profit rescues, I am trying to find a better approach to helping than just Original Oils.
***
I am offering Original Oils again as my main focus as an artist and will be accepting commissions again in the near future as I return to full time painting and my passion for using my art to help others.
***
I am offering FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on all my original oils
and have included the PAYPAL option that accepts payments of all types with each piece on my website.

The PRINT feature is pre-programmed through my site host (ArtSpan) and has the shipping calculated for the work. They will ship to you directly.

Original Art purchased from me is set for free domestic shipping as noted.
If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at any time.
carolchretien@aol.com
I am always available.
***
So please take a moment to consider a PRINT of my original work at a reasonable price and I will make a donation to the rescue of YOUR choice from every sale.
http://carolchretien.com/large-multi-view/PRINTS/1638451-1-24018/PRINTS.html
***
I will be adding more and more work as I revise, review and yes...paint new pieces!
Stay Tuned for Updates
All my best,
Carol

The Call Home - a work in progress

The Call Home

new work on the easel

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

The latest work in my continuing theme of Angels and Animals.

This painting is at its start and will help support the work of

FRIENDS OF BRISTOL ANIMALS

with 25% of the sale going to the rescue.

If you would like to reserve this painting before it is listed for sale at the finish

just email me.

150.00

carolchretien@aol.com

25 % to rescue!

free domestic shipping

~~~

The style of the painting will be soft and luminous with a serenity that is part and parcel of

the Rainbow Bridge

where all our pets wait patiently for us.

~~~

On this day of 9/11

wishing all a day of reflection for us and prayers for our fallen

and support of our heroic citizens and soldiers who fight insidious evils for the good of our country.
God Bless America

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.

Wild Woman ...Completed

WILD WOMAN

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

The sides of this canvas are painted for a contemporary feel

and can be displayed without frame.

***

Painted in my own realistic style with a touch of impressionism for flow.

I enjoyed painting the light in this piece and when sold it will give 20% of the sale to

the non-profit rescue of your choice.

A wonderful gift of art for the gardener in your life while gifting to an animal in need!

Please pass this link on to anyone who may enjoy floral art.

email to purchase.

This painting will be featured in support of

ART HELPING ANIMALS

8/12/10

on

Daily Painters Gallery

I'm BAAAAACK!!!!! Oh happy day!

Well I am so very happy to make it official and say I am back to work again!

It has been an awesome weekend of painting for me. What a great start. I always wonder when I have been away from it for awhile how hard will it be to pick up again from where I left things. I used to be afraid I would forget "how" to paint. Each time I have come back better for taking the break. It always surprises me and humbles me when it works out.

First of all, the weather was perfect to have all the windows open, no fans or a/c needed and just great light all the way around.

Below is the second pass of this new painting:

"WILD WOMAN" is the title of this piece.

Very fluid piece of painting. All about the light as usual. It is so much fun painting the effects of light that create drama and hopefully draw you in.

100.00

WILD WOMAN

10x10

oil on canvas

email to reserve this painting.

carolchretien@aol.com

20% of the sale will help a rescue

I have several other things on the easel that are commissions and a very rough start to a Rainbow Bridge inspired painting. Will be posting updates soon.

SO GOOD TO BE BACK!

Thanks for looking.

TIME OUT! ...Announcement

I have been trying to decide how to possibly get some much needed work done here in my home and still try to keep all the balls in the air.

It has come down to taking one of my jobs out of the equasion.

***

I am going to close the studio for the month of April to give me a chance to do some work in in the house without the guilt and worry of not getting artwork done for my favorite rescues.

***

So when I return to painting in May I hope to be eagerly refreshed and ready to jump into my work with wild abandon and a freshly painted and organized studio, house and spring cleaned yard.

At least that is my plan.

***

STAY TUNED....I will be back soon.

THANKS TO ALL WHO FOLLOW MY WORK, HELP RESCUES WITH ART AND ARE JUST

ALL AROUND GOOD FRIENDS!

you are truly appreciated.

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!

First Look! BLACK DOG ZEN

9x12

oil on canvas
Brady was my inspiration for this painting, he is the Black Lab of my friend Tracy.

He loves the beach as any Labrador does.

The minimal scape with the billowing clouds and waving dune grass lend a peaceful sensibility.

The black lab surveys the sea below.

This painting is available to help the dogs in final refuge care or senior foster care through

OLD DOG HAVEN

an Art Helping Animals supported rescue.

you can purchase this painting

20% goes to the rescue

SOLD

Black dogs are the hardest to find homes for and are a special favorite of Judith at

Old Dog Haven. visit their site http://www.olddoghaven.org/ for adoption info or to sponsor an needy dog in their care.

First Look! Sun Catcher - white rose

Sunlight and glow is what this painting is all about. 10x10 on the easel
just a touch or two and it is done. It will be posted on my website for sale with a % going to animal rescue.

Sun Catcher

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Best Time of My Day - FIRST LOOK!

SOLD

BEST TIME OF MY DAY

8x10

oil on canvas

Carol Chretien

***

Anyone who knows a Dalmatian KNOWS this expression...this is the "listening to my Dad's footsteps coming home" and after that very still moment....an explosion of pure dal exuberance and welcome.

I have not painted many dals recently as there have been other artists doing wonderful paintings of my favorite breed and it was getting to be too much of the same.

My good artist friend Vernita Bridges-Hoyt recently finished a Dalmatian in landscape that blew me away and if my walls were not well covered in my own Dal collection I would be buying that new one of hers! YIKES!

(but I confess I do have one of her Dal puppy oils in my studio to inspire me!)

So...I broke out this little piece of Spotted love on my easel to get me in the Dalmatian Painting mode in preparation for a couple of Dalmatian Commissions and get my head and hand back into the Spotted Zone.

it will help DRTB when it is sold

They Rock!

****

The newest oil for DALMATIAN RESCUE OF TAMPA BAY...

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay

One of my very favorite groups who do so much for so many!

Stay tuned!