FIRST LOOK!!! more new In Progress work....

SOLD

In My New Life There Will Be Gardens....



Oreo was in rescue, then the plan was foster care until that special "forever home" could be found...but the foster family fell in love with Oreo and now that SPECIAL home is found.

At the end of the long first day Oreo's new "mom" took a picture of him in the back seat of the car ...just wiped out, dozing.
That image inspired the painting above with permission to use it for my painting that will benefit WILLING HEARTS DALMATIAN RESCUE.

While it is not a dead on portrait of Oreo the idea was in the pose. He will have beautiful dreams now that he is loved forever!

STAY TUNED...when it is finished I will post it for sale with all the details. For now I will dream of gardens with him.
UPDATE: this painting was reserved and SOLD. Donation has been made to Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue.

Work In Progress - Retrievers

Two new seascapes with two different Retrievers...started today you are seeing the first pass in these oils. It is the foundation of the painting and it helps get it started. With all the rain and cold we have had in New England this spring I have been drawn to create sunny scapes. Drying times for my oils have been extremely slow with the near 100% humidity. I need to keep starting new work while waiting for drying time between layers. What I like about that is that it gives me something to work on while I wait. Shipping times are lengthened when sold, however.

STAY TUNED for the finish and eventual listing of these for our Art Helping Animals rescues.

LABRADOR ZEN

HAPPINESS IS A DAY AT THE BEACH
***

Thanks for looking!

Work in Progress - Jersey Girl

10x10

oil

CAROL CHRETIEN

Greyhound at the shore will be available soon for

Greyhound Friends of New Jersey

stay tuned.

FIRST LOOK! homeless dog art...

SOLD

I challenged myself today to paint one of the homeless dogs at

OLD DOG HAVEN...meet ZEKE

he is 12 yrs old and his family traded him in for a new puppy ...can you imagine giving up your best friend, a family member just like that?

He is perfectly healthy just a little experienced.

He is in foster home care waiting for his own new family to love him for the rest of his life.

"I'M AVAILABLE, CALL ME "

10x10

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

****

painting is for SOLD

20% went to the rescue!

thanks for helping homeless animals.

The Little Dipper by Carol Chretien

SOLD

12x12
oil on canvas




Meet Cole Edward he inspired the painting of a Dal puppy out exploring the environment and putting his paws into a little pond. Actually his beautiful blue eyes are the real treasure.

Blue eyes in some animals, and often in Dalmatians, may signify deafness.
Cole Edward was recently adopted and his foster/ rescuer shared the story with me. He was originally named "Spike" by his first family and has been renamed for his new life:

"Spike's background is that he was given up to our local shelter due the family not having enough time for him, saying he was hyper and not trainable. After a few days in the shelter, he came to us for socialization and training so he could be an adoptable loving pet.
After about an hour at our home, we found out he was deaf.
He also came with demodex mange that took one month of treatments to get rid of.
Smartie pants that he is, he learned signs very quickly and loved being around people, kids and other dogs.
Before being adopted, we also found out he has a genetic problem with the formation of his teeth which will eventually cause them to fall out.
Luckily, the adoptive family regardless of his flaws still wanted him as a pet of their own. He is very happy and healthy and should live out a great life in his new forever home."

Cole Edward will be living in a family with other Dalmatians so his new family is experienced with Dals.
However this is their first deaf puppy, I do believe, and they are eager to make it a successful adoption so he is in training.

I would venture a guess that he was a "pet shop pup" or in other words a "puppy mill puppy. That is just an educated guess.
Responsible Dalmatian breeders have hearing tests performed on their puppy litters.
BAER testing is done on dalmatian puppies at 4 weeks of age. Many times a breeder will have a unilaterally deaf puppy ( deaf in one ear) and those pups do quite well in life. They will be spayed or neutered so as not to continue the deaf trait and will make wonderful pets. People would not even be aware of their hearing deficit.
Deaf pups have special needs for training with hand signals, vibration, flashing lights. Dals are very smart, they learn quickly with a patient and consistant teacher, they do very well with time and attention. Living with hearing dogs and being one of the pack helps too.
A secure fenced yard is mandatory (and in my opinion should be for all dogs) and supervision is essential.
In the case of dogs we have had in our lives (dals of course) they do not like being left out alone and would rather be with you for company anyway.
They are loving dogs who are natural born entertainers.

The reference image was provided by his foster mom and a donation was given to the Montgomery County Humane Shelter as my thanks.
http://www.mchumane.org/

The painting will provide a donation to our ART HELPING ANIMALS supported rescue
WILLING HEARTS DALMATIAN RESCUE. 20% donation goes to the org.
The sale is pending.

The Gardeners - for BONES!

SOLD

12x12

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

****

20% goes directly to the rescue ....sold!

150.00

contact me: carolchretien@aol.com

to visit the rescue...

http://www.bonesbeagles.org/

Work in Progress - The Gardeners

This new beagle painting will be the second recent oil that I am working on to benefit

BEAGLES OF NEW ENGLAND STATES

(BONES)

rescue.

This is the very beginning of the piece.

With our very damp weather lately I have to have a few different things to work on as drying times are so slow.

What better way to work than to visit our rescues and get inspired by their dogs!

The 3 models here are all rescued BEAGLES the youngest being "Percy" who I had the pleasure of painting some months ago before his adoption!

Inspired by the idea of 3 beagles running around together in their yard I thought it funny that of all the places to play they have to be right IN the middle of the plants.

it is a fun piece with a dramatic background and bright sun on our subjects in the foreground.

STAY TUNED!

Anchor's Aweigh ...First Look

NEWEST work for BONES RESCUE... painting animals awaiting adoption for

ART HELPING ANIMALS

ANCHOR'S AWEIGH!

8x10

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

20% goes right to BONES to help with his fostering.

"ANCHOR" was my model...he is a 4 yr old beagle boy waiting for that home of his own. The painting is painted in a fresh style of wet-in-wet oils

there is a thickness and movement to the paint.

It is not just a copy of a photo. The painting is inspired by the animal in need and the setting is my own fabrication (and years of first hand beach study from many happy summers!) a place where a dog loves to be...beagles are no exception and you just can't take the New Englander out of me!

About Anchor:

He is AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

He is Good with dogs

Good with kids over 6, not sure with cats
His Favorite Things: Squeaky toys and playing ball.

***

visit http://www.bonesbeagles.org/ to learn about adoption or sponsor a beagle in rescue.

****

99.99

free shipping
To purchase this painting in support of BONES 20% goes to rescue!

email me: carolchretien@aol.com

Written in the stars...

"LITTLE DIPPER"

FIRST LOOK...A Work In Progress

Newest Oil for Rescue In Progress

12x12

on canvas

This blue eyed boy is an amazingly gorgeous Dalmatian

and the inspiration for this new painting that will help

Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue

is previewed for you here.

As fast as June is flying by us I am so aware of how much the rescues need help.

they are being bombarded with turn-ins.

The challenges of this economy are impacting pets who are being given up to rescues when familes that have loved them can no longer keep them.

We are more committed than ever to help as much as we can.

STAY TUNED!

questions: email me.

***

Our Differences....now at auction

"OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US WHO WE ARE"

for BRISTOL ANIMAL SHELTER a Rhode Island rescue. SOLD!

YOU WILL DO MY BIDDING.... UPDATE

The very focused, very willful stare down of the Dal...my own dal is VERY adept at it...and in the case of my model Rigby... absolutely makes you an offer you just can't refuse.
Below is the start and this pic is the finish. The painting is SOLD!

This bottom image is the first pass or rough beginning.

FIRST LOOK! Just Another Day In Paradise

SOLD

12x12

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

I can't begin to tell you how vibrant this is in real life. But...the white tones it right down.

The title tells the story...this dal is living life large...she knows the rest of the Dalmatian Population might not be so lucky so she advocates to help homeless Dalmatians everywhere.

Lizzie has been loved desperately since before she was born. You don't get luckier than that in this life.

Inspired by Lizzie on her lounge chair.

****

BUYER's CHOICE of 20% donation to help the charity helping dals.

DONATION WENT TO

WILLING HEARTS DAL RESCUE!

150.00

free shipping

gallery wrapped sides 3/4 in can be left unframed

You've Been Served - FIRST LOOK

SOLD

...is the subtitle of this piece the latest and possibly the greatest in the Big Cat series.
I saved the King of the Cats for last. The canvas is 12 x 12 with staple free sides.
I will tell you painting is riveting and I am the one painting it! It has this hypnotic elemental feeling that you are just drawn into.
This is one painting that if it doesn't sell to help homeless animals I will keep happily and I will make a donation to a rescue.

It is a WORK IN PROGRESS and not yet completed but I was so happy with it I thought I would share.

It is amazing being an artist! even to me...stay tuned.

On The Easel ... coming soon for Bristol Animal Shelter

"Our Differences Make Us Who We Are"

8x10

oil on canvas

This is a new piece that I have started for Bristol Animal Shelter in Bristol RI. http://www.friendsofthebristolanimalshelter.org/About-Us/

This was one of their beautiful cats named Duet. I was given permission to use some of their adoptible pet images for paintings that will help the shelter. As I was scrolling through my reference files today I came across the image that suggested the painting. A white cat with one yellow and one blue eye. The title came to me before the paint was on the canvas....Stay tuned for the finish...

and support your local shelter!

White Tiger - Big Cat Series #5 - Carol Chretien

SOLD!

WHITE TIGER

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

#5 in the series. All previous paintings have sold to help rescue.

I had the pleasure of seeing these animals in Miami's Metro Zoo. Amazing cats.

This painting will benefit TABBY's PLACE CAT SANCTUARY when sold

20% goes to the rescue.

120.00


THANKS FOR SUPPORTING RESCUES WITH ART!

First Look! Sun Catcher - white rose

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

Sun Catcher

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Best Time of My Day - FIRST LOOK!

SOLD

BEST TIME OF MY DAY

8x10

oil on canvas

Carol Chretien

***

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

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

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

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

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

it will help DRTB when it is sold

They Rock!

****

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

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay

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

Stay tuned!

BEST FRIENDS FOREVER - - -

"BEST FRIENDS FOREVER"

Featured 5-21-09

on the DAILY PAINTER's GALLERY representing

ART HELPING ANIMALS

listed for sale with a portion donated to rescue.

UPDATE: decided this one was for

TRUE BLUE RESCUE

20% to the charity

here is the auction link!

BUY NOW:

http://carolchretien.com/large-view/New%20or%20Available/223856-1-0-1927/Painting/Oil/Realism.html

Twit, Tweet, Type, Chat, Chatter, Blog

ON THE EASEL ... FIRST LOOK!

So many people with so many things to say...who is reading? who is Listening? I never know...we just send it off into the ether.

I am not so found of hearing myself blather and enjoy reading interesting things others want to share...but I will be honest...I love looking at art better!

It speaks for itself. It is what it can be...to me...to you.

Sometimes it has a lot to communicate and sometimes not.

I try to find some emotion in the making of art. I admit it doesn't matter to me what the subject is...there have been times making a piece of work is about the challenge of the mechanics...to see if I can pull off a representational feat.

I can. I have the ability to produce an effect, be it water, glass, human, animal, vegetable, mineral......an effect.

Ok, that being done, the object of my deep affection for the medium of oils brings me to find the emotional aspect of the stroke, the color, value, tones, passages, serendipity, lines, form, construction, juxtapositions, inconsistancies, spaces, memories, old news, innovations, questions, answers, yadda yadda. A reason to paint beyond what the medium teaches me, beyond trying to create something from tubes of color smeared around on cloth.

And in the end the hope of a connection made from me to you...from the two dimensional paint, cloth, and ideas that I call my art, that will carry you someplace for a moment or longer maybe. A connection that will have a life of its own.

Stay tuned....

Listings and Musings

A week of May is already gone...so hard to keep up. I have relisted a few pieces on Ebay as
FIXED Price listings...NO BIDDING ...if you see it and you want it...buy it.

I have maintained my 20% donations in my listings...it is difficult to let go of that when it goes to the animals. I pay out fees and more fees but the donations remain the same.

I hope to keep that level of helping up and as anyone who can do the math can figure my profits are modest at best. I don't even want to think about what supplies cost etc...
So if you are supporting rescue and still want to have a nice piece of original art at more than reasonable prices KNOWING your collecting is actually helping ...please view and purchase what you are drawn to.
I am going to keep painting regardless of sales ...it is what I NEED to do...it is wonderful when the work helps others...that is my passion and purpose in life.

Remember my site when you are thinking about those hard to get gifts for your family and friends if they have an interest in oil paintings or art and enjoy some of the subject matter of mine which I try to keep varied.
thanks for looking and all your support of homeless animals.
(Below is the latest piece for rescue!)

Sometimes it is just fun!

ON THE EASEL....

I am closing in on the finish and will be offering this painting to help rescue soon.

What a week I have had in the studio....all sorts of paintings started and that is always great for me because one idea usually breeds many others.


This painting is maybe the start of a little series. It has been suggested to me that this might be a fun little nursery piece of art. Well my dalmatian Lizzie has a nice cache of toys to choose from...I may have to find some colorful stuffies to paint.

A few more touches and this one is done. I am taking it a little slower to add the details I enjoy
painting.
My Happy Pig painting and the Bunny in the Hosta painting are up on eBay...My Emmi painting is still available "Catching Butterflies" but I am in no hurry to part with it. In fact, it may become part of my permanent collection...the more I look at it in my studio the more I want to keep that one.
Much more to come....Finishing up my White Tiger...new in-progress oil, a Rainbow Bridge series painting and another chapter in the Cat & Mouse-Toy Tales series that is swirling around trying to take form in my imagination.


Stay tuned....

Busy Days...Studio Time.

Two new works in progress....Sneak Peek at What's On the Easel.

Life is GOOD!

I have been at the easel and loving it. The best day is the day I get in there early and lose track of time. If it wasn't for my dalmatian, Lizzie, I would never know what time it was. She is busy most of the day reminding me when it is time to eat.

The new things on the easel are fun pieces... one is the next in the BIG CAT series...White Tiger, this will be the 5th painting in 10x10 format in the series.

The second oil here is one I have for a painting challenge with the Artist Colony ...the topic for May is Daffy Dolls.

Seeing that the only toys we have here are Lizzie's I am painting her Lion and Funny Bunny. She has a great selection of colorful toys to choose from.

Stay tuned!

Out From Under

almost done and totally a fun piece for me to do...soon to be offered for one of our rescues.

Stay tuned.

Feeling grateful for my life...

People tell me all the time the time that they wish they could paint...
I guess I wish I could play the piano....I would play all the the time if I knew how.

Painting is a weird thing for me in that I would have to LEARN how to play piano but I feel as though I was born with this ability to translate what I am thinking about into a painting.

Sometimes, many times, I am just holding the brush and a painting appears.
I am so thankful for the chance to do this work.

Below are 2 new pieces I am working on...the first one is done for all intents and purposes. The second one is in progress.

"HAPPY AS A PIG..." is a loving and heartfelt remembrance of my Mother-in-law ...one Christmas I gave her this planter in the still life above. I found it in that July while shopping and got the biggest kick out of it it had such an infectious grin that it made me laugh. Who would appreciate it more than her? She got a charge out of it. Her gardening was reduced to planting all sorts of containers on her patio and this was an addition that started me finding pig planters for her.
I miss her so much it is indescribable. She was a huge part of my life and heart and still is. I know she would love this painting.

***

Work in Progress: "Out From Under" is on the easel and is a loose and spontaneous moment caught in time. My Husband has hosta gardens all around our yard and we have a running joke about our plants being a salad bar for the local rabbit population...My husband's response to seeing this painting was "Are you busting me?" and a big laugh... it did cross my mind! LOL


both paintings will assist rescue when offered for sale.
contact me if you are interested before they go up for auction or on the Art Helping Animals or Daily Painter's Gallery sites.

Work in Progress...Phase II ...for Falmouth.

Phase II of the Work in Progress for Falmouth Animal Rescue...almost there
one more pass for the finish. (See Below! and scroll down for the first pass)

Some might wonder why it seems some of my paintings are finished faster than others. A few reasons:
1. excellent references given to me to use (or any of my own refs do make life easier!)
2. small simple layouts or ideas...sometimes less is more. Editing is crucial as I work.
3. totally inspired by the subject or sometimes the cause...then I just follow the brush.
4. my Muse is chattering in my ear, hanging out with me in the studio, keeping me awake with ideas I can't let go of....just to name a few reasons.

Here is Phase II

A Passion for Painting ...award...

AWARD

What a lovely gesture and surprise to receive this compliment from a fellow artist!

Recognition from one's peers is one of the greatest compliments ever, and I have been recognized by friend and artist Vernita with the "Passion for Painting Award." Thank you, Nita!

Vernita Bridges-Hoyt

is a wonderful artist who paints beautifully rich oils and uses other mediums to express her own point of view of her world and Texas among other topics.

She generously supports homeless animals with her artwork.

Check out her blog to see images of her beautiful artwork site.

http://www.vbridgeshoyt.com/

For receiving this award I am asked to list seven things I love and then to pass the award on to seven other deserving artists.

Seven things I love...aside from my Husband & family including our pets Lizzie & Emmi & painting in oils to help homeless animals ....of course :o) ...my seven are:
1. The scent of a summer morning before the heat rises & Crisp Autumn Days

2. Possibilities

3. Egoless Goodness
4. Humor

5. Enchanting Tales

6. Simplicity
7. The first sip of Drambuie over ice (my occasional indulgence)

And now, A Passion for Painting award goes to:

STELLA VIOLANO http://paintingaday.blogspot.com/

TANYA AMBERSON http://ambersonart.blogspot.com/

MICKIE ACIERNO http://www.mickie.ca/

TRACY HALL http://www.watercolour-artist.co.uk/

CHUCK LAW http://www.chucklaw.blogspot.com/

CATHERIN McMILLAN http://www.animalarthouse.com/

BURT PURMELL http://arthelpinganimals.blogspot.com/search/label/Artist:%20%20Burt%20Purmell

These artists inspire me to paint just by looking at their work.

I hope you will visit all their sites as their art is so varied in style. I am sure you will enjoy their art very much.

New Friends and a Work In Progress

I was given the opportunity to paint to help a Local rescue .... Friends of Falmouth Dog Rescue (Massachusetts) ...read about them here:
http://friendsoffalmouthdogs.org/aboutus.html
They have some beautiful dogs in foster care waiting for adoption and one of them is TYSON...a gorgeous black and white American Staffordshire Terrier aka "Pit Bull" who is waiting for the right family to love him and give him the security of a forever home.
As many people have come to know these dogs by the unfortunate circumstance of their abuse and improper handling there are many others who know the true essence of the breed. Tyson is a baby really...just under a year and learning to become a best friend and family pet. He is beautiful and has a loving nature.

I am proud to do a portrayal of him at the beach looking handsome and daydreaming of that forever home each companion animal deserves! I will have more about his story in the next installment.

Here is the FIRST LOOK at a work in progress and there will be more to come. It is the first pass of an 8x10 oil on canvas.
I will offer this painting to help the rescue....Stay tuned!

The Series Continues....

collage of the previous paintings in the series....all have sold helping rescues!

Introducing the lastest in the Cat & Mouse-toy Tales Series...Emmi and her toy mouse Bartholomew continue their adventures...

Get up, Nap Time is Over!

8x10

oil on canvas

just off the easel and will be ready to go soon.

this painting will help homeless animals with a portion to a non-profit rescue.

One of the best things about living with animals is learning so much about them...and then there are the entertainers like Emmi who make life fun.

thanks for looking!

Where Did April go?

CROWS NEST

I have been playing catch up with all my work and now let me share the very latest!

Hot off the easel today....

This old tree is still standing in my town...I love it every time I pass it... in the spring before it blooms it looks dead...you would guess the old boy died over the winter...but it has such nice lines and sparkles in the sun...so here is where the crows nest.

Soon to available.

Oil on Panel 8x10.

Mercy, Mercy Me....

"Mercy Me"

8x10

oil on canvas

SOLD

***

Brand new and listed just now on Ebay to help

BEAGLES OF NEW ENGLAND STATES

Percy the latest rescue puppy was the inspiration for this painting.

He is the most adorable puppy who waits in foster care for the family ready to take on a new baby...full of energy and spirit!

please contact: http://www.bonesbeagles.org/ for his info.

Lady In the Footlights ... FIRST LOOK

On the easel today...

Lady In the Footlights

8x10

oil in progress

Carol Chretien

SOLD

***

New work in a favorite topic that will be offered to assist one of my favorite rescues.

stay tuned.

EVOLUTION...my way

How the series evolved....

Big Cat Collage

It started with the painting in the upper left...

"Lineage" was a painting of a tiny cat in rescue in Bristol RI

I designed a painting around her and needed some BIG CAT refs to weave into the background of the story.

Then as I researched I went nuts over the Great Cats and Big Cats and Knew there was a nice segue into a series of 10x10 square formatted oils that bring the viewer face to face with the cat.

The eyes are so incredible to look into ... you are just pulled in...not as prey thank goodness!

LOL

***

A new one is swirling around in my mind for next month...the link will bring you to the auction with 20% to NARA the National Airedale Rescue we support with art sales

Art Helping Animals.

Thanks for looking! Thanks for helping!

~~~~

Thanks also to my great friends at Morguefile.com who make ref images available to artists

that allows us to go wild when we need details or research.

Tiger, Tiger...phase 2

Phase 2 getting there and loving the fun painting this one....

Hope to get it done for Thursday's post on Daily Painter's Gallery.

The image is a little dark here but wait for the finish...

Whiskers go on last!

***

By the way...I just got a phone call from a local (to me ) animal rescue org that tells me 2 of my donated prints garnered 300.00 at auction

100% to the rescue!

Now that made my day.

The animals win again!

***

Blessings for the hard working rescuers and the animals they serve...life is GOOD!

WORK IN PROGRESS - It's Wild...

4th in the Big Cat series on the easel...

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Stay tuned for the finish!

this will soon be offered to help our rescue friends!

Can you not love the magic and majesty of the Tiger?

Nature leaves you breathless.

Thanks to Morguefile.com for the images that inspire artists ...

they give their generous permission to use the ideas their work provides us.

....questions about this upcoming piece just email me!

SPRING...like Georgia on My Mind.

A place where you want to be but have only gotten there in Spirit....

In other words...Spring is officially here but the temperature has not gotten the word to get here yet.

Here is the latest oil painting with a message of hope and light....like Spring time itself.

available on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110366760603 for the next 7 days....share the message with friends that the painting supports Northern Rockies Regional Office of the Humane Society. 20% of the sale will go to the rescue.

Happy Spring!

Lizzie as model...again.

(detail)

DALMATIAN MOON

now offered for

Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue

click the ebay link at right for details

That Face, That Face! That Cover-Dog face.

Bunter modeling for STOLA rescue.

new painting now available on Ebay!

***

Saluki's are sight hounds and they are lithe, lean and graceful and this piece is a more homey and adorable representation...those Eyes! those Ears!

sumpreme cuteness factor.

20% goes to the charity when sold.

tell your friends to visit

ART HELPING ANIMALS

and my links to the right...

thanks for helping homeless animals with art.

End of winter blues....

"Portal"

(private collection)

This has been a crazy period ... latest installment of life was the stomach bug hitting our house really hard!





Hope life has been better for everyone else. We are coming out of winter here in the Northeast but not soon enough for me...and I am not a big fan of summer the last few years, but it will be nice to feel the mildness of the air and the colors returning again...of the shades of green we all miss here that really chase the winter blues away.





Just sharing a painting from my past work that sold a little while ago... it has hope about it, as you sail through the gathered clouds to the clear blue and brighter days. Ahhhh.


Thanks for looking.
New work on the way!

In the works...The Snow Leopard

The Snow Leopard

New and second in the big cat series ...this one will help Tabby's Place Cat Sanctuary when it sells.

Still on the easel but will be finished soon. I LOVE big cats. It is amazing that these incredible and beautiful animals really exist! How gorgeous is nature?!

Snow Leopards are not one of the "Great Cats" because they do not roar. They are endangered and there are about 4000-7000 left on the planet. The literature says that they are closer to the lower estimate of that figure.

Many years ago I read the book "The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen (still have it and love it) about his journey to find this animal but really to find himself after a life changing loss.

Any way this piece is fun to paint...the ref image was from Morguefile.com and used with their generous permission to inspire the art.

Let's Hear It for The Boys....

Gunner & Bubba Gump

commission

***

These two magnificent Mastiffs were rescued to live their lives with love.

Time cut short by illness, they reside at the Rainbow Bridge but they live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

They also help other Mastiffs by being models of a wonderful Giant Breed.

I hope to use some of the reference images of them for future work for rescue.

Check out this rescue if you would like to help other Mastiffs in need or wish to know more about this majestic breed!

www.mastiffrescue.org

Halfway through February!

I can't believe how fast the time is flying. It goes faster every month. I have been working on a couple of different canine commissions and getting close to completion. And have several waiting for me to start. All have a donation to charity attached to the work.

Why does it take so long compared to work I do for rescues and charity?

It is such a different approach to painting when I am doing work that is specific and most important to match expectations from another's viewpoint. The goal is trying to find that "something" in a static refernence image(s) of someone's beloved animal that combines the artistic vision I have designing the work with the intimate knowledge about the pet that the client has. This needs to be a translation in oil paint to the one who knows them best.
In other words...trying to see the animal a bit through their eyes.

No two people see the same thing. It is very gratifying when I am told that I captured THEIR much loved or missed companion. It makes the slower approach to the work worth the time that goes into it.

I paint these oils in layers and while the layers are drying it gives me time to study what I have done and where I need to go next with the piece. Sending off updates when there is something to show helps me hone in on the finished work making changes if needed before it is signed off.

Below is a near finished piece currently on the easel, two Mastiffs now at the Bridge, who had the blessing of living their lives, once rescued, with love and dignity


Below in previous posts the work for charity sold to help the rescues they were listed for.
As always, thanks so much for helping homeless animals.