A rose is a rose is a rose...Alchemy of Art

I love to paint still life and flowers are a real challenge for me. It has been said that painting Roses, in particular, are very challenging. I enjoy the abstract quality of painting still life.

It is fun to get lost in the shapes and values of objects and painting them in a way that you completely lose sight of the fact that it is a familiar object. I don't forget that a cat is a cat or a dog is a dog...I am consumed by the personality and aliveness of live subjects.

But....Still life, for me, is about finding my way around the subject and it becomes a treasure map that I get into and explore. I have compared it to being like Alice through the looking glass.

Later I stand back and it has turned into a Rose or wine glass or magically some other well known object and hopefully is telling a story.

On the Easel ...First Look!

is this oil of a rose and buds ...it suggests to me the story of "UNDERSTUDIES" and how they support the "star"...unsung heroes that often come into their own and have their day.

Stars Stripes and Spots Forever II

newest work for Dalmatian Rescue...Stars, Stripes & Spots Forever II.

the first one in this theme is listed on Ebay for

DALMATIAN RESCUE of ILLINOIS

***

this one is newly list on Ebay as well for

WILLING HEARTS DALMATIAN RESCUE

***

NEXT UP and COMING SOON...

a new painting

"SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS"

for

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY.

***

The Spots Have it this week!

Spotted....ON The Easel

this is a work in progress

STARS, STRIPES & SPOTS FOREVER

A new painting that will be offered for

DALMATIAN RESCUE

one of 3 in a

patriotic theme.

Tucker was the inspiration for the work

and was recently rescued from

Dalmatian Rescue of Illinois

http://www.dalrescueillinois.net/

hope to have it up for sale with 20% to the rescue

soon.

This image will also be available for cards for service men & women

at

My Jewel Boutique: AnySoldier.com

cards and stationary

http://www.myjewelboutique.com/page/1l1g2/Home/AnySoldier_com_Cards_Stationery.html

art helps in so many ways...

Thanks for looking!

any questions about my work at any time....

just email.

ALL ABOUT BEAGLES ...May thru June

IT'S ALL ABOUT ADOPTION POSSIBILITIES

IT'S ALL ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

IT'S ALL ABOUT SALVATION OF LIFE!

make no mistake...people toss out pets like yesterday's news

and there are ANGELS out there who gather them up, get them medical care

and FOSTER them with love to gain trust, rehab, socialize, and make

adoption ready!

REN is an example of one of the beautiful beagles available at

BEAGLES OF NEW ENGLAND STATES

rescue.

BONES is a wonderful all volunteer rescue...

ART HELPING ANIMALS

has the spotlight on BONES for 2 months.

all new art will help their cause of saving and rehoming beagles!

EVERY ANIMAL COUNTS!

This detail of "Catching Butterflies?" is now available for BONES

on Ebay!

20% to the rescue

Lounging BEAGLE with butterfly pillow new CHRETIEN BONR - eBay (item 120255663522 end time May-10-08 04:11:27 PDT)

COMING SOON...new work for BONES from my easel!

ART HELPING ANIMALS: check out our UTUBE video for BONES
http://www.youtube.com/v/4G_qIeXdZvw

Erin... a TABBY's PLACE cat

COMING SOON!

Erin is up for adoption at TABBY's PLACE

She is the inspiration for

THE WIZARD'S CAT

that is on progress on my easel.

MUCH MORE TO COME!

***

visit

TABBY'S PLACE

to see their fine work for homeless cats and those in Hospice care!

www.tabbysplace.org

CATS IN DRESSES

8x10

oil on canvas

offered for

TABBY's PLACE

This is the first of several in a series of whimiscal cats in costume.

one day left for bidding on EBAY!

This was so much fun to paint...very reminiscent of me with crayons and fresh new paper and all the time in the world to create as a child with no one judging "good" or "bad" art just a lot of imagination and fun...I am doing a series taking off from this idea.

I am painting them for homeless cats.

I am painting them for fun

and I am doing it for me.

COMING SOON:

Cats in Tutus

Cats in Swim Wear!

Where In The World?....

....will you find art work I have painted and sold for animal rescue????
All the red areas show where my work is located....
I thank all the supporters of my art and efforts on behalf of homeless animals everywhere!





create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.



create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands

ART UPDATE...

The painting in the previous post for BONES BEAGLES has sold.

Homer is still up for adoption.

see their site for info.

http://www.bonesbeagles.org/index_front.html

***

BONES is asking to help them with a donation program for matching donations...

ROYCE is their poster beagle for the effort.

His painting "BEACH BOY" sold recently also!

Try to help with what you can.

See their GIVING OPTIONS contact them for more info!

***

visit http://www.carolchretien.com/ and see available art.

some fun art has been added!

***

thanks everyone!

First Look at BONES...and my favorite beagles!

HOMER

available for adoption!

http://www.bonesbeagles.org

***

On the easel...

BEACH BEAGLE

This will be done soon and listed for BONES a great Beagle rescue.

this painting is inspired by :

HOMER

2.5 year old male good with dogs, cats and children over 8
Homer is a well-mannered, kind-hearted, healthy young dog with a very soft personality. Homer has a strong desire to please and willingness to learn. He is respectful of the rules and gets along with other dogs and cats. Homer is a well mannered young guy, house trained, not destructive and generally a easy guy to have around. He would prefer a home with out young children, as their fast movements can make him nervous.
Homer can be a bit unsure in brand new situations, but with time and patience he adapts quickly. Homer would love a quieter household with a family that will give him lots of stability, structure and most of all LOVE.
In return Homer will shower his new family with affection and a deep loyalty only a beagle can give!

Boston Terrier Art - First Look! Carol Chretien

FIRST LOOK!

ALL INNOCENT AND NEW

This little cutie is a new family member of a friend.

I have started some small paintings of her that will be offered to assist rescue.

coming soon...

Land of the Living...the return.

ON THE EASEL

My cold is just about history...the real work begins. Painting is the best medicine.

Back to the easel...I have caught up with all the things that got canceled last week and the chores are getting under control and the studio time will begin again...Tomorrow.

I just listed some work on Ebay for sale. The Rainbow Bridge art continues with a piece for The Humane Society's Northern Rockies branch. They do great work out in the wild! Read about WHERE's DAVE in the arthelpinganimals.com news blog!

Horses starving are an issue we are trying to help.

Rainbow Bridge art horse & angel CHRETIEN HSUS NRRO oil - eBay (item 120245198352 end time Apr-17-08 05:21:36 PDT)

20% goes to the charity if sold.

On the easel is a piece that is a bit different but I am having fun developing the story.

here is a quick First Look above ... so much more to do.... any questions about it just email.

thanks for looking and supporting the animals we love to help!

What a Week! Chicken Soup was on the Menu...

FOR THE ARTIST's SOUL

What a week!

***

I have been in bed all week with the worst cold I have had in years. Knocked me right out of the picture and while I am somewhat better I haven't the energy to get into the studio just yet.

Better days are coming but for now I just want to send along this piece of new work I was working on before the cold got the best of me.

It is called "Patterns, Soft and Bold" it will be offered soon for the

Dalmatian rescue

WILLING HEARTS

one of the best of the best all-volunteer rescues.

Details will be coming soon about the listing.

***

Looking forward to getting back to normal and back to work

and kiss this cold good-bye!

**

Stay Well.

thanks for looking!

Horses, Horses everywhere....

FIRST LOOK...ON THE EASEL

As promised, I am painting horses to bring some attention to the problem of starvation in the horse population in this country.

One report on the recent news spoke of a horse owner who brought his two horses to auction to try to sell as he could no longer afford to feed them. They did not sell so he tied them to a pole outside the auction house and hoped they would be found and cared for.

He thought that that fate was better for them then starving!

***

My first impulse is "how can I help?" that is what the purpose is to my passion and why

I am a dedicated artist in the ART HELPING ANIMALS fellowship.

Our link is in the box to the right.

***

The image above of "WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER"

is just the first pass on a new painting.

The fabulous photography of Mary R. Vogt was the inspiration for the piece used with permission.

The finished work will be posted on Art Helping Animals when it is available.

***

thanks for looking!

Coming soon...

Beach Pups!

Lab puppies exploring the beach.

Rainbow Bridge series ...continues

Detail of Angel eyes


"Every One is Precious"

About the painting and the series...

As I have said in the past, I love angels. I believe in Angels and I have my own vision of the Angels that assist souls who have passed across the rainbow bridge.

***

With each of the paintings in the series you are seeing the angels who bring themselves forward to me in my own view of who they are and what they would look like if I could see them in real life.

***

That is what/why art IS for many artists...bringing forward from "someplace" what we see in the inner places. What it ends up meaning is up to the viewer to complete, EVEN in realism, maybe especially in "realistic style" expressionism. Abstract by definition evokes interpretation. Painting realistically is more of a challenge...the viewer of the piece must look past the recognition of WHAT the objects are as recognizable in themselves and make all new connections...or not. If you don't have your own connection I can't imagine wanting to have the piece for your own.

***

This angel was a real challenge...I wanted to paint an Angel of Kittens...it would be a young Angel and the main challenge is to make an Angel look other-worldly and yet not too unreal.

I made the eyes a crystal blue and kept the kitten more solid.

The actual painting is a bit more crisp than the photos allow.

***

Coming Soon

paintings of horses...a subject I rarely have painted and hope that they will help feed the horses who are in rescue and need rehab and care during our national feed crisis that is

hurting many farmers and horse owners.

see you on the

AHA art blog!

Thanks for looking & helping homeless and needy animals with art!

***

If the nose is warm...

On the easel...

Warm nose, warm spots...caught Liz in the spring early morning sun yesterday...

this actual spot is where painting animals and painting for animals really began for me.

***

Also on the easel.... and coming soon:

Two new Rainbow Bridge inspired pieces

A new fun beach scene with Labradors

&

Something very different with my favorite breed.

***

Spring has such great light here and I get such interesting scenes with shadow and light to reference. The mind never stops and the ideas keep coming.

The biggest trick is staying in the studio for all the hours it takes to accomplish it all.

Have a great day... and thanks for looking!

FIRST LOOK! New Dalmatian Art - Save the Dals!

LAZY AFTERNOON

8x10

oil on board

***

This is the preview of what will soon be offered for sale to assist

SAVE THE DALMATIANS

rescue

***

Lizzie models in a favorite pose...

Dalmatians are not only black and white (or liver and white) they are YIN & YANG...

At one moment the embodiment of pure unbridled energy

the next

well couch potatoes who can strike a pose that lasts for a good long nap!

***

this painting will be listed on Ebay at auction starting at 99.99 for the opening

20% will go to the rescue.

Thanks for looking!

if you like what you see please share the link with your favorite rescue pals.

***

Happy Spring,

Carol

Portrait is a WIN-WIN proposition!

Portrait of Tucker

***

Last October a raffle for "a portrait of your pet for charity" was held at the

DAL-O-Ween Picnic in Tampa Bay, Florida.

100% of the fundraising effort went to the Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay.

It was my pleasure to offer my services as I have been doing with Dal rescue for the last 5 years.

It is so wonder-filled to be owned by a dalmatian...and wonderful for me to have made friends across the country in several Dalmatian Rescues.

I live in an area (Ma) where Dals are few and far between...but in Florida, California, Texas, and the mid-Atlantic states Delware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and Ohio it is not the case.

Working to help these areas of Dalmatian Rescue is a blessing for me.

Getting the word out about saving "death-row" Dals, rehoming, heartworm treatments, spaying and neutering, acute medical care, and caring for seniors abandoned and too old to be rehomed but still in need of loving care...

it is what these all-volunteer rescues do!

TUCKER was a much loved Dal, his "mom" Pat has been working very hard helping DRTB to save and rehome discarded dals.

Pat purchased a charity raffle ticket, she lost Tucker to age which was a very dear loss for her and her family...she won the raffle.

Bittersweet as Tucker's portrait becomes a memorial painting...but she has also supplied some great shots of Tucker's adventures and allowed me to create other work based on his life that ultimately helps even more homeless dals in the care of DRTB!

Tucker has inspired artwork that helps to keep on giving!

Recently Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay has recovered 12 abandoned Dals and through the tireless and giving work of their volunteers they have found homes for 11!

...it is so worth your while to read about what they do on their site.

***

So much tragedy in the world...who cares about a bunch of discarded dogs? cats? animals in general?

WE DO! We have to...we are their voices, their protectors, their hope and their homes!

We allow animals to be...it is our responsibility to see them through.

Support your local rescue.

CARE!

Spay and Neuter... prevent needless suffering.

And thanks for looking!

Happy Easter ~ Happy Spring!

From the Easel - new Dalmatian art

The Wading Pool

new oil in progress

ON THE EASEL

***

Today's latest post is the preview of my artwork that will be offered to assist

DALMATIAN RESCUE of TAMPA BAY.

***

About the painting:

"Tucker" was the inspiration for this oil painting.

The story it tells is of a pair of Dal buddies who have been brought to the lake to cool off on a wonderful summer day...it looks so inviting that I am sure the humans are joining these two very soon...if they are as smart as Dalmatians, that is!

One of the best things about being an artist is that you get to tell a story in paint.

Sometimes it is only the look in the eyes that conveys a deeper message or hint at a story that the viewer finishes for themselves... if they connect with the painting.

The true magic of art is for the artist to bring something to the viewer and the viewer takes it from there and gives meaning to the work.

This is my personal working philosophy.

***

About the Model:

Tucker was (and truly remains) the beloved Dal of a rescue volunteer for DRTB, today Tucker's beauty is still working to assist other dalmatians in need of homes and health care by inspiring some of my recent paintings for the rescue. He continues to be a Dal Angel for others.

(see their site here: http://dalmatianrescuetampa.tripod.com/ )

***

It is my pleasure to create fine art for homeless animals.

More to come!

&

thanks for looking and supporting animals in need.

***

20% of the sale of this work when listed for

AUCTION

will go to the charity.

share this link with your friends who help animals!

***

RECENTLY SOLD WORK:

"Welcome Home" - Rainbow Bridge art benefiting OLD DOG HAVEN.

"Beach Lover" - dalmatian seascape benefiting WILLING HEARTS DAL RESCUE.

both are official

ART HELPING ANIMALS

favorite rescues.

ANGELS

Today's art blog is about sharing some work I really enjoy on many levels.

Angel art is a subject that captures me. I am a huge fan of the classical sculptures of Angels.

In these paintings below I have taken the inspiration from the sculptures and added my own voice to the subject .

The first painting below "His Eye Is On the Sparrow" was painted and sold at the end of last year and was a true joy to paint. Adding the sparrow in color to contrast the "stone" of the Angel makes the work live and gives a heartbeat to the piece.

This second one is purely contemplative with sunlight hitting a young garden angel with strong light.

"Quiet Contemplation" is about serenity and self reflection. This can be found on my website.

And my favorite, which I orginally painted to help BONES beagles rescue but decided to keep in my own personal collection (when it did not sell) is entitled "Little Angel of Hope" I based it on a verdi gris statue from an image on Morguefile.com, used with permission, as a reference and inspiration.

The expression on the figure looking skyward and the angle of the piece as we look up to the angel makes it seem hopeful to me. I enjoyed making this art and it smiles in my studio keeping that attitude of hope always before me.
and... the latest angel painting can be found in a post on the blog below...also it is posted on my site and currently is listed on EBAY for sale with a donation to OLD DOG HAVEN senior dog hospice and rescue. "Welcome Home" is a piece of Rainbow Bridge Art and is the first of a planned series.

New work will be coming to the blog soon. Thanks for looking!

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay

Dalmatian Rescue Tampa Bay

DeeDee

the lastest rescued 13 yr old girl in transport.

DeeDee's owner was killed and the plan was to euthaize her becasue she is 13!

A lovely lady bailed her out and she is in foster care...the word is

She will be adopted soon...we are keeping all paws crossed for good luck.

Please keep a good thought for her.

***

Are you looking for some uplifting stories? Do you need to feel there is an amazing flip side to all the bad news and heartache you see and hear everyday?

Have I got the place for you! Just take a few minutes to click the link below and see what goodness can come from people pitching in to help.

One of the best bunch of people who help in ways you just can't believe.

They have a wonderful section of happy tails stories...and much more to see on the site.

CLICK HERE AND FEEL HAPPY!

http://dalmatianrescuetampa.tripod.com/happenings.html

Kismet! Willing Hearts, very willing indeed!

Meet "Sugar"

click here for her story: sugar

and

see the Special Auction below!

~~~~~

A Note From the Artist:

It is my pleasure to put the money where the passion is...pay it forward...make a difference where you can! This blog is set up to show new work but also to give information where assistance of all volunteer, non-profit rescues need help.

WILLING HEARTS is one of the best of the best.

They are not just another pretty face...they save the lives of the most NEEDY animals you will ever meet.

A visit to their site will show you what your funds can really do when you help.

I am humbled to do what little I can where I can but the people, the ANGELS, who do the hands on work are the ones I admire the most.

Let's make this AUCTION a big success!

thanks for your attention!

and all my best,

Carol

~~~~~~~

"A Garden Welcome"

SPECIAL AUCTION

Dalmatian in garden LE Print from oil CHRETIEN WHDR - eBay (item 120230961410 end time Mar-15-08 07:26:21 PDT)

to benefit

WILLING HEARTS DALMATIAN RESCUE

http://www.dogsaver.org/willinghearts/

100% donation from sale

free domestic shipping.

FRAMED AND READY TO HANG!

***

Thanks as always for supporting homeless animals with purchases of art

from

ART HELPING ANIMALS ARTISTS!

Welcomes on different planes!

The blog is now available for subscription thanks to the help of fellow artist

Tanya Amberson!

she helped me to get this up and running.

this is the kick off for posting newest work and lots of info about the rescues.

thanks so much for looking.

this is my passion and purpose for painting...

cheers!

Carol

FROM THE EASEL

First Look:

" Welcome"

is inspired by a beagle named Ren who is awaiting adoption at

B.O.N.E.S.

Beagles of New England States

rescue.

http://www.bonesbeagles.org/ab4.htm

REN

3 year old malegood with dogs, cats and children over 4
Goofy, silly and full of fun! This young beagle boy is ready for action, so bring your hiking shoes, tennis ball or doggy playmate! Ren is a sweet happy social young boy -he knows some of his basic commands, loves to ride in the car and adores going for walks.
He will need to learn some of the finer points of living in a home (house training, not counter surfing) but he's ready to go , and eager to please.
If you have an active home looking for a fun loving dog - look at Ren!

When this painting is ready I will list it for

BONES.

Lets hope he finds his forever home soon!

He is gorgeous.

20 % will be donated from the sale of the painting

^^^^^^^^^^

AND... a different kind of

welcome home

My version of a welcome to the Rainbow Bridge.

Below is a painting just listed on Ebay for:

OLD DOG HAVEN

http://arthelpinganimals.com/olddoghaven.htm

READ ALL ABOUT THEM:

What We Do
OldDog Haven is a very small group of people with a network of foster homes and supporters. Our goal is to provide a loving, safe home for senior dogs abandoned at this stage of their lives. When we have room, and the means, we take these dogs into our homes; if possible we adopt out those with a reasonable life-expectancy. We care for the rest as long as they have good quality of life. In addition, we try to assist owners in finding new homes for their senior dogs through our website and referrals.

"WELCOME HOME"

Rainbow Bridge Art

Posted today on Art Helping Animals art blog.

ebay link for bidding:

Angel heaven dogs lab new CHRETIEN ODHN daily painter - eBay (item 120230309264 end time Mar-13-08 12:23:39 PDT)

MY SPACE - brave new world!

MySpace.com - Art by Carol Chretien - 89 - Female - Massachusetts - www.myspace.com/338570201

89! not!

but this is the new thing...(to Me) ...networking about rescues and art with lots of photos and friends with photos...check it out!

All in a Day's Work & the Emmi Saga.

Morning Rest

(modeled by Emmi)

8x10

available

Who would think there is so much NON-PAINTING time that is spent on the business of art?
It seems like it never ends and it is not the fun part of what I do.



Today is the day to get back into the studio and finish up some pending work.
That is AFTER I get the pieces of art ready to ship.



Life got in the way with a little cat with Thyroid issues...not fun have a little one so sick.
Now that she is eating again I will get back to work that is piling up quickly.



Emmi has an appointment on March 3rd at a vet specialist in RI.
We hope it will cure her thyroid problem so she can enjoy her remaining years!

She is our little character!

I've Been LOST

I wasn't voted off the island and I haven't really been away but I could not for the life of me find my way back to this blog...A SPOT 4 Art!

So this is a test to see where it goes and how I can find it again.

I maybe should throw out some bread crumbs to find my way back?

HELPING US, HELP THEM!

4 year old male, good with dogs, cats and children over 4
One of the boys in the worst shape from his rescue situation, we were worried about Skippy. He was scared and skinny when he arrived, but has blossomed into a wonderful boy. Skippy is now 99% house trained, happy and social. He loves playing with his foster brother, but enjoys attention from his foster mother the most of all.
A true lap dog, Skippy really loves to be close to you, in your lap or being cuddled. He's learned a lot about house living from his foster home, lots of basic manners and even how to go for walks nicely on a leash. Skippy is a really enjoyable boy to have around, small, compact and cuddly.....you can't ask for more!
ART OPENS HEARTS
thanks for reading!
Visit their site www.bonesbeagles.com
and for ART that HELPS... www.arthelpinganimals.com
and of course my own site! www.carolchretien.com

COCO THE DALMATIAN

Are you looking for a handsome and mature gentleman of the Spotted variety?
Happy and friendly...a great companion...?

Let me introduce COCO...he is recently staying at the FAXON ANIMAL SHELTER in FALL RIVER MA.
He is waiting for a place of his own with his forever family...not too much to ask for this lovable 8-9 yr old.
Could you love him?
This is your opportunity to help a great guy!
Renee the shelter manager sends this info about him...

Hi Carol,Here are some pictures of Coco (our coffee table dog) he is really over weight. Came in over 95lbs. He is losing weight and looks better than when he got here already. He is 9ish since the people that had him did not really know his age. They were watching him for a "friend" that after a year never returned for him.
They said Coco was just as large when they first got him. We have had him checked for thyroid issues and there aren't any. He is just a sweet, sweet boy. I think he is the nicest Dal I have ever met. Such pretty chocolate spots I call him coco puffs. He looks like a bowl of cereal. : )
This is the official write up on him...Coco 26218 is 9 ½ years old. His former owner left Coco with someone and did not come back for him after a year, then the original owner could not be found. The new people did not have time for him so they brought him to us. He is housebroken, crate trained, good with cats and other dogs. Ok in the car. He is a sweet loving boy. He is a Dalmatian he came to us on 3/9/07If you know of anyone that is looking... let them know he is here.
Thanks,
Renee
visit the shelter and directions below!
Faxon Animal Rescue League, Fall River, MA Pets for adoption and wellness clinic.

Hello....Again!

Hello!
I haven't updated in a long while but I have been hugely busy painting away and trying to keep all those balls in the air!

The new ART BLOG at http://arthelpinganimals.blogspot.com/ has been a wonderful outlet for getting the art we paint to help homeless animals into the public eye.

I've sold a lot of work and that has allowed me to make donations to all the worthy charities Art Helping Animals supports. We also contribute to other animal charities that need our help, also.

I have recently listed some STILL LIFE paintings that allow the buyer to choose the charity that the donation will go to.

We are the voices of these innocent homeless animals, often discarded, abused and neglected by their former owners....BUT ....RESCUED and REHABBED by the wonderful volunteers at the various charities...made ready for a family of their own.
Many happy tales are reported by successful adoptions. It is so gratifying.

So please help...and if you are in the market to help AND would love a piece of original art work...visit my site www.carolchretien.com or www.arthelpinganimals.com and see what is new!

As always....THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Art opens Hearts!....it really does.

It's a Small World

Colorful fish swimming around and seeing their world. This month I seem to be heading into the sea as many of my themes are sealife related.

All the work I do is offered to assist homeless animals and I always smile at the thought of how one species can help another!

These fish are oil on Canson canvas paper and at 5x7 and matted they make a bright and happy statement to enjoy.

Feel like some fish today? contact me and a portion of the sale will go to help a homeless animal in need! carolchretien@aol.com

February Chill

Winter is here and we are in the middle of a really fridgid cold snap!

Good time to think about those who may need shelter and warmth.
Clean out your closets and find those clean old unused blankets and quilts to bring to the local animal shelter.
Pick up an extra container of dog and cat food to bring along with the blankets! Of just get a gift card to the local outlet or supermarket and let the volunteers shop for the needs of the shelter.

Every little bit helps!
image copyright 2005 Carol Chretien "Rescued by Love" oil on canvas

Cats in the Moon

5x7

oil on board

The studio is humming...

Time just rolls along...busy painting everyday, blogging everyday at ART HELPING ANIMALS and just generally trying to keep all the balls in the air!

In other words...the usual.

Our Daily ART BLOG at AHA is filled with great new art...everyday we try to post art for sale to help homeless animals with donations from the sale of EVERY piece of art we list!

The Painting above is a brand new miniature painting series called

"Moonlight Kitties"

there are 3 more that are going to be posted soon.

These little 5x7s are such fun to paint and the colors are amazing.

They are also easy to frame!

Whimsical themes and art to make you smile.

SUPPORT HOMELESS ANIMALS WITH YOUR PURCHASE OF ORIGINAL ART!

www.carolchretien.com

carolchretien@aol.com

NEW WORK!

This little guy is having a moment of fun wrapped in feathers...the painting is offered for sale to help homeless animals and is listed on the NEW ART BLOG hosted by ART HELPING ANIMALS!

One of 3 paintings with the "feather theme" ...8x10 oils on canvas.

the third is on the easel.

Visit the blog...see the wonderful work we are doing in our ART HELPING ANIMALS artist fellowship. http://arthelpinganimals.blogspot.com/

For the homeless, abandoned and rehabilitated pet rescues...Each piece of work sold is art helping us to help them...Thanks for viewing!

Any questions? contact me anytime: carolchretien@aol.com

MARDI GRAS TIME IS COMING

These 3 ACEOs are the remaining 3 of a 5 card series. Tiny pieces of ART only 3.5 inches x 2.5 inches...oil on canvas, collectible and ORIGINAL artwork.
All five were painted for KATRINA ANIMALS still in need and being helped by BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY...these paintings are listed on EBAY through MISSION FISH or if you have any questions...just email me!

Lets do what we can, as much as we can to help homeless animals in 2007!

All my work is signed, dated is catalogued and comes with authentification.

What's NEW?....

The new blog at ART HELPING ANIMALS!!!

It is a wonderful stream of the latest artwork that has been created by artists at Art Helping Animals.

We have been busy this first week of the new year...but the great message here is, it is just the very beginning of 2007!
Our collective work in 2006 has brought well over $15,000.00 to the charities we support. Some of the charities are our "official" AHA charities and others are the local or favorite charities of the artists themselves. The important point being that the neediest animals are receiving the benefits of the art work sold to help them.

Please visit the AHA BLOG ... http://arthelpinganimals.blogspot.com/ where new work can be viewed or purchased...art for sale is also linked to live auctions on eBAY.

Be assured that the artwork is professional, highly collected by art enthusiasts around the globe, and varied in style and media.
Any questions...contact me at carolchretien@aol.com signup for updates of new art at http://arthelpinganimals.com the main site.
View the animals we serve, read their stories and so much more!

It is going to be a great year helping homeless animals through ART!
Link to current auction:
eBay: Mardi Gras Mask ACEO by CHRETIEN Best Friends KATRINA (item 120072540397 end time Jan-14-07 05:52:01 PST)
Image copyrighted to Carol Chretien 2007.
"Royal Masque" new original ACEO oil on canvas, miniture collectable art card in the Mardi Gras tradition.
This is the first original in the series offered to assist the animals of Hurricane Katrina...STILL IN NEED!...offered on EBAY.

An Ending...A Beginning! 2006-2007

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2007!

This last year was one of adventure and learning for me.
I am so fortunate to be aligned with the group of Professional Independent Artists of Art Helping Animals and part of all the wonderful things that were accomplished for so many animals in need this last year.
The list of charities we create for and all their volunteers who do hands-on rescue, healing, fostering, support and adoptions are nothing less than angels to some of the neediest animals in the country.

So many more will need help in this next year and I am inspired to do my small part on their behalf.

I give thanks for what has been accomplished and look forward to all that is ahead for us to do with renewed enthusiasm and hope.

If there is anything to embrace in 2007...there is HOPE!
SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Image detail of "Cat Face" new oil painting... copyright 2006 Carol Chretien.

PEACE OF THE SEASON ...

...is wished for you.
May the Spirit of the Season find you and lift you up.
May you pass that feeling on to others you meet.
If you have been given great gifts, may you share them with those who might need a little help.
Find your passion this year and fly with it.
Reach for good health with gusto.
Remember those who are away from home...pray for their safe return.
Love your fellow man, be very kind to the animals.
Spread cheer.
Do good deeds, make miracles, be someone's guiding star, be an angel, be joyous.

Have Safe and Happy Holidays!

Original oil painting by Carol Chretien, copyright 2005.

MAKE A WISH!

Yesterday it was serendipity that I had the car radio on as I was out doing errands & shopping & thinking about what I could get my 92 yr old Uncle for Christmas....as I have blogged (ad nauseum) this Christmas Season...my theme is that none of us need anything so lets just get to it and give to those who do.

Then the amazing answer came...the MAKE A WISH of MASSACHUSETTS wish-a-thon was in it's last day on 103.3 ...what better way to celebrate the day than to make a donation to honor my Uncle (and a few others in the family) than with a gift that will help grant wishes to terminally ill children in my own state?!

BRILLIANT!
So now the artist in me will design a card to put that bit of news into to present as a gift to my Uncle!!! Gift is made and everyone is happy!

How lucky to be able to spend the money wisely, give a really meaningful gift, honor an elder and imagine the happiness of a child who has a special wish fulfilled!!!!

SO GLAD I HAD THE RADIO ON IN THAT MOMENT.

You ever notice how when you ask the Universe a question...if you are listening for it, you DO get an answer?
Can You Hear the Bells?

original painting & image copyright 2006 CAROL CHRETIEN.

The Merry Elves Of December!

Tis the season to be jolly...and just how jolly can YOU get?
Pretty darn jolly if you are an ELF!

These are the JOLLY DAYS...the opportunity to spread a little cheer and do a little good. Just find a way to help (the ways are many) and begin.

Here are some elves to inspire you...they wrapped for the children who will have some wonderful presents donated by many citizens this Christmas Season of giving!

The Ghosts of Christmas Past

Memories...this is a time of year to look back even if you find it difficult or bittersweet.
You can look WAY back if you have a few good decades under your belt.


Some of us are so lucky in life to have some really great memories.
I was one who can only remember the good times of Christmas Past.

Happy times, lots of family, great food, the toys from Santa...my brother's trains and race cars and games, my dolls, their clothes and carriages. Snowy winter vacations with sledding and snow forts...bundling up and playing all day.

VERY lucky, we have been.

Life goes on, we grow up, time flies by and we start losing the family members we've loved all our lives.

It IS life, it is inevitable....it isn't easy. This time of year connects us to our Ghosts and the memories come alive as we rediscover old ornaments and trinkets collected...as we keep some of the old traditions that certain missing members of the family enjoyed. Even shopping can be difficult when you see items that those loved ones would have been crazy about.
They may still be on the Christmas card list, and you still wish you could dial their numbers still in your phone's memory.

I find I have many visits from my own Ghosts as I go through these days. The signs of the seasons call them to you. They may have been gone for many years or just a few...it doesn't matter...they return as vibrant as ever, you see the smiles, you hear the laughs, you feel the emotion of the happy days and sometimes the twinges of discomfort of their leaving.

Welcome them in for a visit...cherish the happy memories. Give thanks that you can say you had them then and can remember them now.


Then do something to really honor them...make a donation or two where it will do others some good...the ones who may not be collecting the memories you still enjoy in your own heart...give to children, give to homeless pets, give to the elderly, give to the ill, .....give time, give items, give money, give blood!

Make the Spirit of Christmas Present one of the good Ghosts you can recall in Christmases to come.

FOR LOVE OF A FRIEND...

Sometimes in life you are REALLY lucky and you meet people who become like family in your heart.

A very LONGGGGGG time ago I met a girl named Kathy who was one of the funniest, upbeat, energized characters you just had to become good friends with.

We became part of a larger group of friends and we named ourselves "The Breakfast Club"...but we never did breakfast as a group! No matter where the paths of life took us we kept in touch, getting together several times a year and especially at Christmas time.
We meet for a Holiday Celebration every year at a restaurant called BENJAMIN's that is a beautiful old victorian house that is decorated to the nines and so festive for Christmas.

Tonight is our first gathering without our friend Kathy (the life of every party she was ever at!)...we lost her this past year to breast cancer although she gave it a hard fisted fight and was Kathy right to the last.

I just want to send out a thought about friends and the meaning they hold in our lives...we may not see each other everyday but we hold them dear.
Treasure your friends, keep in touch, time is always much shorter than we think it's going to be.
This Holiday Season I will be remembering my good friend with a donation to a charity in her memory. I am happy to honor her memory, it will be her helping others...but I wish I could hug her really tight once again.

Forever Paws

One of my local animal shelters is called FOREVER PAWS located in Fall River, Massachusetts (visit www.foreverpaws.com ) they survive on donations only.

Like every shelter they are full to capacity, and like every shelter in winter they need help.

Recently my cousin Deborah and myself made a pact not to exchange gifts with each other. We always buy things neither of us really needs but want them to show our love at Christmas time. It's what people do.


THIS year we are making donations to honor each other to FOREVER PAWS. It is a WONDERFUL GIFT to give and receive. And the BEST PART...
...THIS MONTH IF YOU DONATE TO FOREVER PAWS YOUR DONATION IS MATCHED BY THE FEINSTEIN FOUNDATION.


Your gift will REALLY make an impact!


PLEASE give what you can...it will help those homeless animals that wait for their Forever Home.
~Spay and Neuter, encourage others to do the same with their pets.
~Give what you can, money, time, foster if possible, give items that will help the shelter (check their needs list!)
~Help the rescue of your choice in YOUR own area.


Make your holidays MERRIER by what you can do...it makes such a difference when it is all added together.

Every penny counts.