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

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

Enjoy the Sunny Hours...

Dachshund Print

from original oil painting

"Beach Days"
***

The studio is getting prepped for re-opening as I look forward to starting some small pieces to try out my rehabbed shoulder.

The plan is to go slowly and small and see what I can build myself up to.

The goal is Full Time once again.

I was just telling my husband that I have started to entertain the ideas that my Muse is sending me ...I have a few thumbnails drawn and I am getting that excitement to begin, building up in my gut.

I was staying away from new inspiration while the shoulder healed and now the dreams are coming and the ideas are finding me once again.

The end of the season will soon be with us and the time of new beginnings is right around the corner.

Now paintings are swirling around at the edges and I am seeing some great possibilites.

This new time is going to be amazing and fun!

Hope you come along for the ride.

As ALWAYS...my work will help homeless animals in need.

STAY TUNED

***

the painting above sold to help Dachshund Rescue...

This print is available on my website.

http://carolchretien.com/large-multi-view/PRINTS/291234-1-24018/PRINTS.html

Emmi Chretien ~ 1993-2011

Today at 6:15 AM July 17th Emmi crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She did it HER way at home with Leo right beside her. My husband is the very best of the best and his wish was that she stay home with us until her last day. He has stayed with her for the last week every night downstairs in the fish room where she was most comfortable. She was not alone, she was loved until the last.

Emmi gave us everything she had. She rests now out front under the holly tree with her companion cat Dinah.

I wanted to share a few of the paintings Emmi inspired that helped a lot of animals in rescue. She was my constant companion in the studio. My sweetie.

"Ironic...Isn't It?"

***


"Pick Me Up"
(should read, "Feed Me")
***

The Story Teller

***

A Nap Among the Toys

***

And my very personal favorite
and an actual studio portrait...in my collection...

Catching Butterflies

***

and...

This is our Emmi herself in her

is-ness...

Emmi in the studio (photo from 2002)

Emmi's Story

In 1993 a little gray, peach & white kitten became part of our family. We named her Emmi and she was the most adorable addition to our life. She was the wildest and funniest little kitten among 2 big litters in the pet store.

Yes...I bought her and her "sister" Dinah from Rumford Pet Center in East Providence, RI. That was before I knew about shelters and adoptions, and it was also at a time when that store took in litters from the local neighborhood...average domestic non-pedigreed cats and sold them for 19.99 each with first shots and worming AND a 5 lb bag of kitten chow. You might just as well say they were adoptees.

When I went to pay for them at the register the cashier yelled across the store to a co-worker "SHE's TAKING THE LITTLE GRAY ONE!" that was hint of the fun to come. And we did have fun.

We lost Dinah to cancer at age 12, it came about seemingly suddenly and then she was gone. Dinah was a beauty, very elegant, sleek and graceful, shy and regal. Emmi...not so much.

Short little cobbie cat. Short legs and round body, the most beautiful fur and what a little clown.

Personality enough for a dozen cats, a lovable and chatty character who loved to climb as high as possible. Where Dinah would NEVER venture above chair seat height, Emmi often would leap up to a beam 12 ft high in the kitchen and would almost give me a heart attack when she had to get down from there. I would grab a sofa cushion for the top of the china cabinet so she wouldn't pound down hard on her legs from so high.

Loved to eat, always wanted to be first with my attention, over the years loved to put our dog in her place (Emmi was a little Thug in that dept) but she loved Leo and me. She had so many nick-names, "Emmi-tubba-lada" or Thuggie, or Cranky Pants Emmi or Emmi-kins or just... Sweets.

In '93 Those kittens came to us when we were suffering so much grief, we had lost both our Dad's in 2 years...then all 3 of our elderly pets inside of a month, 4 months after my Dad's sudden death. Our house was so empty and we were so sad I can't even describe the incredible feel of the blackness. Joyless and quiet with no feeling of life in our home.

5 days of a no pet home and then we found Emmi & Dinah. Suddenly we had joy and laughter and antics that only 2 adorable little kittens forever playing together could bring back to a home. We loved them from go. They had 4 years before Lizzie our Dalmatian joined the crew. But it all worked out. I would not have traded a moment of them in my life even for the bleakness of the last day.

My very constant studio companion, Emmi pulled through a near fatal bout of hyperthyroidism a few years ago and we were greatful for the time with her...knowing that the reprieve was a gift of time.

She gave us all she had. We will miss her more than words can say. I hope Dinah came to greet her...at the Bridge.

Emmi was the inspiration for many, many paintings that ultimately gave funds to rescue and helped other cats in need. She was my muse, my model extraordinaire.

She will always have a piece of our hearts. There will never be another Emmi.

Loose Ends and New Things....

Munchkin's Painting for Falmouth Friends of Dogs rescue in Falmouth MA

has found its home.

I received a nice email that they forwarded to me from the winner of the fundraising raffle.

A true coast to coast effort, the painting is now in New Mexico.

Ellen B. loves the painting and the work done by this rescue and the knee surgery that gave this dog a better future.

It is nice to know that people help from all over the country!

"MUNCHKIN"

****

On the easel:

"HALIFAX"

(a work in progress)

This week has seen some requests for commissions in my inbox...I have been moving slowly since the first of the year. Some of you may know from my FaceBook postings that I have been
doing some therapy on my "painting arm" and trying to get back into the work of helping rescue with art but the pace is slow.

One of the commissions I started a few weeks ago is of Halifax the beagle.

( I have permission to share some work in progress from Hali's dad.)

This painting will be done this week. The charity that will benefit will be BONES at the client's request.

***

New work is about to start. I look forward to "picking up the pace" and getting some

good rescue work going.

Thanks for looking...updates coming soon.

It's a New Year!

" Bobby Boo"

detail

a Christmas commission 2010

~~~~

Wishing everyone a wonderful NEW YEAR!

I am in the process of getting the studio up and running for 2011.

Commissions are already booked and work will resume shortly.

(every piece of work I do gives a donation to a non-profit rescue)

***

It was a crazy finish to 2010...

The old year ended not as planned...with blizzards and cold bugs and cancelled travel plans.

Not a great ending, I did however get all my commitments completed! WHEW!

The new year is a new beginning and hopefully we will be able to help many homeless animals again this year with sales of art and art related items.

and...

ART HELPING ANIMALS

continues to grow as well!

we have new artists joining us and new work to celebrate

we have almost reached the

80,000.00

mile stone of funds donated from artists helping animals in need.

~~~

I hope you can coninue to join us and follow our journey with art that helps.

***

Have a healthy and happy New Year everyone.

all my best,

Carol

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

Bristol Art Gallery ...for the animals

APRIL BLUES AGAIN

THE CALL HOME

***

These two paintings will be on display framed and hung at the

BRISTOL ART GALLERY

423 Hope St

Bristol, RI

the weekend of Dec 10th.

www.bristolartgallery.net

***

Each oil painting is 150.00 framed ready to gift!

signed front and back with certificate of authenticity as original art.

***

the proceeds from the sale will go to help

BRISTOL ANIMAL SHELTER

***

This shelter has been working tirelessly to get the new shelter built and it will happen
in the near future thanks to all the people who have donated to the cause.

These rescue animals deserve to have the comfort that many have never known

as they are rehomed into loving families.

***

Coming in February is the fundraiser

Mardi Gras Ball

more info to follow.

thanks for helping homeless animals

THE GIFT OF ART!

If you would like to choose a Gift for your loved one

this Christmas

AND

you want to support your favorite rescue...

(a donation will go to rescue)

PLEASE don't wait:

***

Available until DECEMBER 7th

I will send out to you a Christmas Box full of giving joy

as an announcement for an

ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING

by

CAROL CHRETIEN

of your giftee's favorite pet!

The box will be festive and ready for gifting.

***

details will all be included for them to contact me after January 1st

and we will create something they will treasure.

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE GIVING

A ONE OF A KIND

GIFT

something that will not get lost in the gifts under the tree

or forgotten in a few weeks!

***

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART!

Happy Holidays

email me soon to book a gift announcement!

carolchretien@aol.com

gifting that helps homeless animals!

Munchkin ...a dog with a chance!

Meet Munchkin!

12x12

oil on canvas

Munchkin Gets A Chance

***

FALMOUTH FRIENDS OF DOGS RESCUE

Falmouth MA

is helping this dog have a real chance at a comfortable life.

Meet Munchkin (below) and read the story of what they are doing for this wonderful young dog.

***

Bilateral Knee Surgery Dog With a Chance At a Good Life!

http://www.friendsoffalmouthdogs.org/munchkinsurgery.html


5.00 or the cost of a fancy "drive-thru" coffee will enter your name in the raffle for this painting.
I hope you can see some love in those eyes.
Munchkin is a dog who has some good people on board to help.

If you love to help and love Original Canine Art...this is a WIN - WIN for you.
***
ALL THE PROCEEDS HELP SUPPORT CHARITY
Please click the link above and do what you can.
The drawing for this painting will be done in January.
Please pass this link forward to anyone who might be interested in giving Munchkin a Chance.

Many Blessings To You!

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

Labor of Love...

The Call Home

12x12

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

This is the updated version of the work in progress.

This painting is based on the idea that each animal is accompanied over the Rainbow Bridge on their way Home with a guardian that helps make the transition easier for them.

I love painting my vision of Angels with Animals...it gives me great joy while I paint this topic. I know we are surrounded by the grace of angelic presence throughout our lives and their assistance is always available to us when we need it most.

~~~

This painting is available

150.00

with 25% of the sale going to

Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter

http://www.friendsofthebristolanimalshelter.org/
***

Please visit their site to see what pets are ready for adoption.

If you would like to purchase this painting and help the rescue just

email me.

carolchretien@aol.com

Art Helping Animals

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

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!

Your Point of View....My Point of View...

The glass HAS to be half full....it allows you to keep going forward!

Today I had the wonderful experience of hand delivering a painting I had completed t0 the couple who commissioned the work. It is a little bit nerve wracking when you hand the painting over, they unwrap it and you hope they will love it.

Most of my work is done over the internet, I paint and ship and get feedback by email. It is something when you actually meet the client and see their reaction. People react emotionally to see their pet as Art.

A funny thing happened with this particular painting. I worked from snapshots. I used 2 of the better ones to try to capture the dog and meld my vision with what they described to me about this dog that had crossed the Bridge a few years ago.
When they saw the painting I explained that I did my best to recreate their dog on the canvas, the snapshots were a little distant so I did my best with them.

They say they see their dog looking back at them and couldn't be happier.

Then they showed me a picture of the dog that not only WOULD have been an excellent reference but my painting actually matched exactly! The client explained that she was afraid to send me the image incase it was damaged or destroyed and it was their favorite image of the deceased pet!
What a surprise for both of us...LOL!

I always explain to clients that it really does help me when they can tell me about their pet's particular characteristics it makes a huge difference in the quality of my painting if I can connect with the subject at a deeper level. There is nothing generic about painting portraits, be it people or animals. You have to find that spark or twinkle that makes them...them.

The other most wonderful aspect of this whole thing...I got to make a donation today to help homeless animals. The best blessing of my work selling!

Art helping animals....it really works. And is a Win-Win-Win!

thanks for following!

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.