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.

PREVIEW...and more!

Studio Updates!

The first two paintings are new again...I should say I went back and did a second look and reworked these two paintings. I never gave up on them, I always liked them and they didn't seem to interest anyone.

So...back to the easel they went and I like them even more now. If they find a home with someone else ...even better!

they are also listed on my web site

www.carolchretien.com

***

The last painting (see below) is On The Easel and is a work in progress.

***

ON THE HALF SHELL

8x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

125.00

with 100% of the sale to help

WILLING HEARTS DALMATIAN RESCUE

***

SEA SHELL & BEADS

8x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

125.00

with 100% of the sale for

WILLING HEARTS DALMATIAN RESCUE

***


WORK IN PROGRESS

My latest Angel / Rainbow Bridge painting is in the works

this oil is 11x14

and as yet to be completed but you can see where I am headed.

The puppy is a mixed breed and represents all puppies who end up in the arms of angels.

The Angel is still showing herself to me.

I am still not sure what I am going to do with the background yet.

Anyway...wanted to share this with you.

I may make this into prints when done.

***

I am also working on some mixed media paintings that are fun and interesting and have CATS in them.

So the work continues and I am ever grateful for your interest in my work.

***

thanks for looking!

contact me anytime or just say hi!

carolchretien@aol.com

Huntress ~ Carol Chretien

HUNTRESS

10x10

Carol Chretien

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

***

SOLD

This newest painting is for

BRISTOL ANIMAL SHELTER

***

125.00

100% donation to the rescue when sold.

About the painting:

The lioness is a wonderful symbol of female strength and power.

She is a provider, a huntress and in this particular painting she is portrayed as a lady in waiting. Under the moon, in the high grass and waiting for that opportunity to present itself.

Intensity with intent.

Much the way I feel about painting to help homeless animals.

If this painting speaks to your inner Lioness...You can email me

carolchretien@aol.com

***

Paypal is welcome!

The funds will go straight to the rescue.

We are working to help homeless animals each in our own way.

thanks so much for looking.

Saturday this painting will also be posted for sale on

Daily Painter's Gallery

and

Art Helping Animals.

feel free to share the link!

Happiness is Helping a Rescue!...and NEW WORK

I can't say THANK YOU! enough to the response to my work with my return to painting after this year long hiatus and how you have helped such deserving rescues! In the last two weeks we have donated funds to

3 rescues with the sale of FOUR (!!!!) paintings.

White Rose

Sky Rider

The High and Mighty

and

Sonata

are all sold with funds going to

Dalmatian Rescue Tampa Bay, The London Sanctuary, Bristol Animal Shelter

***

NEW WORK!

DESERT SUNSET

8x8

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

100.00

***

This new rose painting gives a nod to Georgia O'keeffe in a respectful way in that I "deconstructed" a rose to a minimalist view point and then painted this in glowing desert sunset hues. It really is a vibrant piece as posted above.

100% of the sale will go to help

BRISTOL ANIMAL SHELTER

***

Meet

BIG POPPY

He is a WONDERFUL gentle and loving cat
(I know this because he sat in my lap for about 20 minutes purring and loving the attention!) and should have a home of his own.
All the details about him can be found on their site:
http://www.friendsofthebristolanimalshelter.org/
Please visit them here.
***
If you are interested in "Desert Sunset"
email:
carolchretien@aol.com
the funds will go straight to the rescue.
The buyer can claim the tax deduction.
thanks so much for helping artists help animals with art!

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.

PREVIEW....White Rose ~ a new original oil

WHITE ROSE

SOLD

8x8

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

My first offering for ART HELPING ANIMALS for 2012 is my vision of the white rose that symbolizes the Spiritual.

This particular piece is a small one painted in many thin glazes to allow the illusion of light to come through representing backlighting.

It captures the impression of luminosity and a delicate layering of petals.

The canvas is wrapped around the stretchers and the sides are painted. It can be framed or displayed as is.

***

100.00

100% of the sale (minus shipping) will go directly to

DALMATIAN RESCUE of TAMPA BAY

a non-profit, all volunteer rescue that works tirelessly to save

Dalmatians and others from high kill shelters, discarded pets, and seniors at end of life care.

***

This particular painting is dedicated to the dalmatian mix who was saved from a shelter at AGE 8 where he was sent by his family.

MEET PINTO

(Pinto's Shelter Picture)
Imagine living with your family for 8 years and they leave you in a shelter?
***
He is 58 lbs, very loving and has made friends with his foster home's Dalmatian
"Charlie"
In the beginning he was very depressed and mourning the loss of his family.
He was not eating and he was suffering from shelter cough.
NOW...he is healthy, adjusting to the loving care he is receiving and is ready for a family of his own.
If you can help this wonderful boy...please consider adoption.
All the details and contacts with DRTB can be found here:
http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org/

***
It is always GREAT that a pet gets a foster home but for the volunteers to be successful and help others in need they have to find that FOREVER HOME for their foster pet.
Thanks for viewing the painting and the information about PINTO.
***
this painting will be posted for sale on Art Helping Animals
Art Collectors Blog, The Daily Painter's Gallery and directly from me.
email: carolchretien@aol.com
to purchase immediately with this preview.
Shipping is free to you.
Paypal is always accepted.
The purchase price will go straight to the Rescue.
ART HELPS ANIMALS
thank you!

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

Get Well Oscar!

Oscar recently had emergency surgery this is a shout out to say we wish him a quick recovery.

***

I have had the pleasure of using his likeness to create some fun paintings

that have generated funds for helping homeless animals. He is an inspiration and has helped friends in need!

Oscar's images have always been used with permission as with all and any references for paintings.

***

We wish our friend Oscar a big

GET WELL SOON!

Dachshund Blues

(model in the painting: Oscar)

Life and Making Choices...

Hello my fellow travelers...life is a journey and you are either on board with that or not. Right now I am like the painting subject above...looking out to sea and wondering what is coming over that horizon in the next blink.

Some of you know that I have been trying my best to manage a miserable orthopedic problem with my right shoulder that is just not working out for me.

With the help of a wonderful massage therapist I have taken it as far as it can go and have given it a good fight to keep from even a hint at a surgical solution.

Yesterday I finally gave in and now my next step is to have an orthopedic surgeon weigh-in on what will happen next.

I am suspending my painting for now and just wanted to let you know that I have so appreciated you following and supporting my efforts on behalf of the animals in rescues that I have been privileged to work with.

I am hoping that I will be back at the easel before long if things go well with whatever options I am given and path I must take.

You can always send me a Hello on my FaceBook page or email anytime.

Thanks for your friendship and support and I will catch you on the flip side!

All my best...Carol

(I will also post this in an email through my website ...sorry if you get to see it twice!)

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!

Happy Valentine's Day...

Wishing everyone a day of Love.

And have a wonderful day.

***

Please support your favorite rescue,

Give your heart to a pet up for adoption.

Sponsor a pet in foster care.

Volunteer with a local group.

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

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!

NEW ADDITIONS ~Christmas Art SALE!

New Additions to the first STUDIO "C" Art Sale have been entered here:

"Waiting At the Gates" (above) is included!

http://aheart4art-carolchretien.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-additions-christmas-studio-sale.html

***

Click the link to see what paintings are available to purchase before

Christmas

GIFTING or PURCHASING

FINE ART

will be the distinctive gift under the tree!

You will help a rescue and be the best gift-giver ever!

Variety of subjects available.

Also see the PAGE 1 LINK

and which paintings are STILL available.

Some have sold and rescues have received donations.

Each painting is an original oil and each is 75.00

of which 15.00 goes straight to rescue.

Happy Shopping!

thanks for looking and please share the link with friends.

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

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

On The Easel.....A Gift....work in progress

He Is A Gift

One of the Christmas themed paintings that will be offered for

beagle rescue as soon as it is done. I am about halfway there with it.

The most fun for me as an artist is receiving a vision of what I would like to paint, find the story in the painting and then go for it.

The VERY best part of art for me personally is to make someone happy, to touch their heart or experience but even more.... is to paint for a purpose.

I have had the pleasure of doing both. My joy is found in the win-win situation of connecting someone who appreciates my efforts on canvas to the benefit of a needy animal or the rescuers who are saving them.

My inspiration for the painting above was Sam-wise and you can read about his rescue and story here. GREAT READ and info!

I learned a LOT about this situation and the wonderful "mom" who rescued him!

http://withoutavoice.net/Sam.html

To honor Sam-wise I have painted the beagle subject with Sam's coloring and the rest is all imagination.

If you would like to place a hold to purchase this painting or want to book a painting or give the gift of art for next year... as a gift for Christmas please

email: carolchretien@aol.com

***
And while I have you here...please don't forget about

A LATTE ~ A LIFE

and the chance to win an original oil painting that supports

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY

by going to their link and for the cost of a LATTE (5.00) throw your name into the drawing

for my painting and the

RESCUE GETS EVERY CENT!

***

details found here:

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org

Moon Madness! What does that get you?

Dalmatian Moon

(SOLD)

Because this is an ART BLOG as well as a chatty patty blog I share this painting that sold last year to help DRTB to illustrate how this week has made me feel!

Yesterday it was a day of taking a step forward and hopping about 6 steps back.

ARGH! Frustration!

I really hate days like that but I ask myself what can I make out of it?...I ask this once I get a little distance, a little perspective, a glass of wine maybe.

So this morning after a good night's sleep I am able to say that the

Waxing Moon, that will soon be full and bright, just slowed me down to a reflective state instead of a high energy, buzzing around and bull in a china shop momentum.

Well what did that get me? a chance to decide to catch up with some life and home things before they get away from me.

It made me rebalance.

I could stop being frantic and realize that I have work that is getting finished and ready to go.

I have work in progress that I personally like and I have a plan to begin the 30x48 dalmatian seascape that is a commissioned piece.

So in other words... in a note to me from the Universe...

CAROL, SLOW DOWN AND BREATHE!

Take a break, take a pause, take a look around. Look at the bigger picture.

Oh,.... OK. I can do that.

I tend to jump up and run in 10 directions at once and wonder why I hit the wall every so often.

So I will heed the wisdom of the Universe...

I will howl at the moon and pay attention and find a pattern of order.

It's there I just have to SPOT it.

this is the way to enjoy the process that gets lost in the flurry of confusion of activity.

The Universe is Wise when you step to the side and stop and listen.

~~~

Have a great day...go at your own pace and remember to breathe!

If you have a minute please check out the fundraising event at

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org

and

See where the cost of a LATTE can help save a LIFE!

PEACE & CHEERS!

Carol