When the Muse Takes Over...

You never know what will present itself!

DETAIL VIEW

UNTITLED WORK IN PROGRESS

CAROL CHRETIEN

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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.

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as with all my work this year...

it will eventually be offered at 100% donation to a rescue when ready to go.

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you just never know...but isn't it nice to be able to still be surprised?

HA HA!

truly.

LET's GET OUR ELF ON!

(Under the Tree - original oil)

Carol Chretien

2010

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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)
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You are able to view the enlarged version on my website for greater detail.
As ALWAYS my work will generate funds for rescue.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 Empty Bowl - not so empty!

A metaphor for being open to all good inspirations, aspirations...and keeping my lines of communication open.

Yesterday I sent out my thoughts to the Universe (and a call to my Muse who I envisioned was away on vacation...still) although I have a different perspective on this today.

I have come to realize she has been giving me some space.

I needed a break, a pause, a deep sigh. I was beating myself up with the idea that I was stepping away from the canvas for too long. Realizing that I have been painting hundreds of works with a feverish need to make my donations that help.

AH.....this morning I made the donations without painting! Without lifting a brush to canvas. It doesn't feel the same obviously, when a painting sells and I make a donation then it is a 3 way WIN and it has that added magic to it that makes it all worthwhile. The painting gets a home too!

HOWEVER....I was inspired to give to a local rescue FAXON ANIMAL RESCUE FALL RIVER MA. as someone told me the story yesterday that they rescued a cat, brought the cat for vet care to the Sylvan Vet Care that is attached to Faxon, saw my name and website on their "CREATIVE WAYS TO GIVE" page.... I didn't even realize they had me linked there...and I thought it was a good way to start my January.

This morning on Facebook I read about RESCUE INK and the work they are doing for the neediest animals....BINGO! Donation sent.

I will start painting soon...there are many EMPTY BOWLS out there that need filling. Money is GREEN ENERGY...you have to keep the energy moving. It is GOOD KARMA. Helping feels GOOD.

The Muse will be joining me soon ...all tanned and rested I am sure. I have a few conversations planned. I'll be happy to see her when the timing is just right.

She has worked awfully hard beside me the last 4 years. I guess she deserved a break.

Stay tuned!