Lost in the Labyrynth...so it would seem.

"Like a Spiral in a Spiral..."

(sold oil painting)

~~~

Just an illustration of where the rest of this month has driven me.

Funny I should say "driven" as I have one dead car sitting in my driveway just as I was in the final stages of replacing it with another one.

(Annoyed.)

But...I keep asking myself as I resolve this little matter ...What is the Universe telling me. Last week I was under the weather and rested. Then I wasn't going ANYWHERE literally!

I am not a person who believes in randomness. I do believe there is meaning to be had from life's experiences. So is it telling me to go slower? To stop and look around at what I am doing?

To be more deliberate? WHAT?

I am in the middle of 10 things and the last two weeks keeps sending me to the bench.

So I have to step back yet again and try to sort this.

I will do it. It will be all resolved.

I am asking for the powers that be to lend a hand, toss me a rope, give me a boost up...Patience?

maybe that is the lesson.

I will ponder that as I go through the day.

Wishing everyone smooth sailing today!

(Hopeful.)

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

Labor of Love...

The Call Home

12x12

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

This is the updated version of the work in progress.

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

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

~~~

This painting is available

150.00

with 25% of the sale going to

Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter

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

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

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

email me.

carolchretien@aol.com

Art Helping Animals

The Call Home - a work in progress

The Call Home

new work on the easel

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

The latest work in my continuing theme of Angels and Animals.

This painting is at its start and will help support the work of

FRIENDS OF BRISTOL ANIMALS

with 25% of the sale going to the rescue.

If you would like to reserve this painting before it is listed for sale at the finish

just email me.

150.00

carolchretien@aol.com

25 % to rescue!

free domestic shipping

~~~

The style of the painting will be soft and luminous with a serenity that is part and parcel of

the Rainbow Bridge

where all our pets wait patiently for us.

~~~

On this day of 9/11

wishing all a day of reflection for us and prayers for our fallen

and support of our heroic citizens and soldiers who fight insidious evils for the good of our country.
God Bless America

A Latte ~ A Life... ANNOUNCEMENT!

"WAIT, LOVE, PRAY...FOR A HOME"

original oil

by

CAROL CHRETIEN

ART TELLING A STORY... ARTWORK SAVING A LIFE

ART HELPING ANIMALS

In the truest sense...

Most every artist (in their chosen sense of self expression )has their own reasons for sharing what they create with those who will make a judgement of the value of their work.

I have spent the better part of the last 10 years using my skills with oils to help rescues save animals. I have done this work with love and dedication.


Mostly I have been in awe of the great hearts and souls of the frontline rescuers and have gotten to know some very hard working and hard loving people who I can now call friends because of this work.


It takes a lot of hands and invested humanity to pull a discarded pet from a kill shelter, provide a safe haven, medical treatment, transportation, forstering in a real home and them finding the right family to match the pet.


It also takes CASH, lots of DOLLARS, plenty of MONEY and most of the time the one saved pet is replaced in that same Kill-Shelter by 10 more just like him...yet we must keep trying to win.
~~~


DALMATIAN RESCUE OF TAMPA BAY
is hosting its yearly

DALLOWEEN event on OCTOBER 23rd

details will be found very soon on their site
http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org/
this painting is part of the fundraising effort.



FOR THE COST OF A COFFEE

you can support the rescue and WIN this original Oil Painting
inspired by Dusty, a Dal-mix, painted by yours truly with
100% of the proceeds helping this wonderful rescue.

***

My work is all about how fine art can help impact a life in a real way.


I am very fortunate that I can create a piece of artwork that lets me be able to donate real money to save homeless animals so that rescuers can continue their work.

My contention is that each life should get a chance to thrive.
We can help one at a time but when we all pull together we can multiply the odds of doing so much more!
~~~

This painting is stunning in person...the eyes will draw you right in.
It will compliment your dalmatian or canine art collection
It is 12x12 on canvas that does not require a frame.

YOUR ENTRY of $5.00
can be gifted to

DRTB via Paypal
or by Check to their address
details on their site soon.
~~~
Thanks for helping rescue with fine art!
http://www.carolchretien.com/


I am a proud founding member artist of
ART HELPING ANIMALS
http://www.arthelpinganimals.com/

Updates!

SOLD!

Donation has been made to:

Cascade Beagle Rescue (east)

please visit their site to see who is ready for adoption!

http://www.cascaderescue.org/east.html

*****

The painting in progress below is shown updated but only hints at luminosity in this digital image! More to do, spots to paint.

THIS PAINTING HAS BEEN RESERVED!

donation will go to

DALMATIAN RESCUE TAMPA BAY

they have inspired this painting.

Please visit their site to see which dogs are ready to go to their forever home!

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org

*****

Please scroll down to see other still available work on the easel...

OH SO MUCH MORE TO COME

so much more work to do to help rescue with fine art!

Please...

STAY TUNED!

What's On The Easel? Variety!

Sharing some work in progress is always fun for me...these are in varying stages of completion and all currently on the easel. Thanks so much for looking!

Under the Autumn Moon

is a doggy noire for Fall...the story of two friends wandering under a rising moon at the farm.

In a state of near completion this will soon be offered to assist

Cascades Beagle Rescue.

***

Early in the Morning

This oil is in a very early stage and my plan for it is to convey the promise of sunrise with my favorite breed (Spots have yet to be placed) catching the early rays. Enjoying the different colors

for this seascape from my usual blues and greens. Like Dalmatians waiting for adoption there is something about the colors of morning that convey hope.

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay inspired this one.

****

A Gift for the Season

Ah yes...Oscar my little Muse (Pam A's Boy) has the most expressive eyes...I love the light in his and his winsome expression...can he be resisted?

The colors of the season will surround him.

He will be helping Coast To Coast Dachshund Rescue.
***

Store Up Your Treasures

A new oil still life in one of my favorite subjects that I just enjoy painting.

It is for my pleasure of working through the puzzle of patterns, reflection, transparency, light and shadow.

This is play time for me.

***

Thinking about a special gift? Considering a Commission?

email me!

All of the above will be available soon.

If you have a desire to purchase and want to reserve in advance

and wish to know more about them

Please just email me.

carolchretien@aol.com

All my work will benefit a charity.

***

Stay Tuned!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

thanks for following!

New Work In Progress - Dacshund Art

This new oil will be offered to assist dachshund rescue. It is my first holiday themed piece of the season. Pam's Oscar is my model and her images of him are used with permission to help inspire me with ideas to assist raising funds for rescue groups.

In this piece I am concentrating on the eyes and the reflected light.

Thanks for looking and comeback and see the finish soon!

*****

Painting to help homeless animals with all the passion I can paint with.

Inqueries welcome anytime and commissions accepted.

carolchretien@aol.com

Portrait in Oils

MONIQUE & PATRICK

14x18

oil portrait on canvas

***

In a recent commission I was asked about doing a portrait of a Bichon named Monique who had passed on a few years ago. They now have Patrick in their lives.

After some discussion they decided to have them together in a painting as one keepsake piece of fine art.

The oil portrait above is the result of the commission.

Monique was a sweetie with a loving personality and is greatly missed. They always adorned her with ribbons or flowers and she was the light of their lives.

Patrick is a lively youngster with a large personality and penchant for letting you know he is the Prince of their castle.

My goal in this piece was to try to distinguish the difference between the two and this was achieved by placing Monique behind Patrick, using her sweet expression and open look in her face while giving Patrick the spotlight, the side glance of mischief that might be brewing and a jaunty tie.

***

There is a challenge in painting solid colored pets. It is a matter of looking for colors and definition to their coats and to making the most of their eyes to convey life. It is one of the best parts of painting animals for me.

***

If you are thinking about gifting art this holiday season or wish to consult me about a commission for yourself of your own pet...

please contact me at

carolchretien@aol.com

All my commissions also provide donations to rescue.

Thanks for supporting the work of non-profit rescues with a purchase of fine art that helps animals.

A Gracious Welcome Home

SOLD

A Gracious Welcome

10x10

Carol Chretien

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

***

You know from previous paintings and previous posts that this expresses my vision of the welcome home once they have crossed the Bridge.

I believe in the Divine Benevolence that animals must be received with when they cross the Rainbow Bridge.

***

It was difficult to get the accurate colors in the images...They are a bit more vibrant with much depth and texture. I added extra images to try to show the detail.

If this painting resonates with you and you want to add it to your collection then please contact me at

carolchretien@aol.com to purchase.

SORRY THIS PAINTING IS SOLD!

donation to

Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay.

http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org/

to see the Dalmatians available and the great work being done there.

***

Thanks for supporting the work of rescue.

The way it all works...

....Inspiration....your names are Annie and Oscar!

Annie (above) photo by Pam

Oscar (photo by Pam)

Yesterday afternoon after painting all day (on a commission and a piece for rescue) I sat and thought ....What will I work on next?

I stared at a blank canvas, I went through some of my old photos for inspiration and that just brought me to a trip down memory lane.

I spent over an hour totally lost in time. I looked back 20 or 30 yrs at people I love who have passed, at people who have aged...even my husband...I looked at images of our former pets and our current two, Lizzie and Emmi who are 12 and 17 respectively. Lizzie turns officially 12 in less than 2 weeks! Where does all the time go?

When I put the cover back on the box and realized I was back in 2010 it was such a sad feeling. I smothered our Lizzie with hugs and kisses (because she really loves this) and went off to make tea and cookies...we shared a cookie "party" and I felt resigned and better. I even added it to my facebook status. If that doesn't smack you with "2010" what will? LOL!

But then came today and the Muse was just waiting...I was working online and I stopped by Facebook and see my friend Pam's photos of her fabulous dachshund Oscar and one of Annie the beagle and I am instantly INSPIRED!

Pam always generously allows me to use her wonderful images to inspire paintings that help rescue and I am so anxious to work up the immediate visions I see when looking at these two faces.

They will be my first Christmas paintings for rescue this year.

A shout out to Pam for being such a great rescue worker.

She has helped get many beagles and others into good homes matching up families with the right pet. Pam has inspired some of my favorite paintings with the loan of her terrific photography.

Thanks Again ...PAM!

***
Come back in a little while and see where this inspiration takes us!

Inspired by Dusty ...Wait, Love, Pray...For a Home!

" WAIT, LOVE, PRAY...FOR A HOME"
12x12
oil on canvas
CAROL CHRETIEN
***
Painting for
DALMATIAN RESCUE OF TAMPA BAY
where you can adopt the inspiration for this painting!
20% of the sale goes directly to the rescue.
125.00

Dusty is in foster care and is available !!!!
http://www.dalrescuetampabay.org
for information.

***
and if you want to purchase the painting email me:
carolchretien@aol.com
a lovely way to add fine art to your collection of dalmatian art while helping rescue!

Rainbow Bridge Art...WIP

New

WORK IN PROGRESS

This close crop view of the newest painting on the easel is my vision of HOW our beloveds are greeted when they cross the Bridge.

This new piece will benefit Dalmatian Rescue when sold, 20% of the sale will go directly to the charity.

***

If you would like to reserve this painting before it is offered online in a

Gallery, please email me for details and how to purchase.

carolchretien@aol.com

I will mark the painting RESERVED

.

It will be posted as SOLD when the finished piece is shown online.

***

Thanks for following along and helping homeless animals with fine art.

And the Winner Is.....

ABE

This year's winning custom portrait for charity was

painted to help raise funds for the

Lincoln D Lynch Memorial Scholarship Fund.

***

Abe spends his time with his family between MA and FLA

He is a lovable and well loved little Scottie and it was my pleasure to paint him for this worthy cause.

***

The scholarship serves students from the Middleboro MA school system where Mr. Lynch was an educator and the Superintendent of schools for many years.

This was the second annual Charity Golf Event for the scholarship fundraiser in his name. Allendale Country Club held the event in Dartmouth Ma.

Back to Basics

In the beginning I painted Dalmatians to help Dals in need and today I am beginning the return to help Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay.

This new painting just started today is a work in progress (WIP) inspired by one of their Dal Mixes named Dusty.

Sharing a couple of images in close crop format.

I start with basic lines to place the composition, I go right to the eyes to begin the connection to the painting for myself.

It seems more than a two dimensional exercise when the subjects eyes are watching you paint.

More to come and thanks for looking.

Please support your favorite rescues with a donation if you can. Many animals are being needlessly destroyed in this economy.

Wild Woman ...Completed

WILD WOMAN

10x10

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

The sides of this canvas are painted for a contemporary feel

and can be displayed without frame.

***

Painted in my own realistic style with a touch of impressionism for flow.

I enjoyed painting the light in this piece and when sold it will give 20% of the sale to

the non-profit rescue of your choice.

A wonderful gift of art for the gardener in your life while gifting to an animal in need!

Please pass this link on to anyone who may enjoy floral art.

email to purchase.

This painting will be featured in support of

ART HELPING ANIMALS

8/12/10

on

Daily Painters Gallery

I'm BAAAAACK!!!!! Oh happy day!

Well I am so very happy to make it official and say I am back to work again!

It has been an awesome weekend of painting for me. What a great start. I always wonder when I have been away from it for awhile how hard will it be to pick up again from where I left things. I used to be afraid I would forget "how" to paint. Each time I have come back better for taking the break. It always surprises me and humbles me when it works out.

First of all, the weather was perfect to have all the windows open, no fans or a/c needed and just great light all the way around.

Below is the second pass of this new painting:

"WILD WOMAN" is the title of this piece.

Very fluid piece of painting. All about the light as usual. It is so much fun painting the effects of light that create drama and hopefully draw you in.

100.00

WILD WOMAN

10x10

oil on canvas

email to reserve this painting.

carolchretien@aol.com

20% of the sale will help a rescue

I have several other things on the easel that are commissions and a very rough start to a Rainbow Bridge inspired painting. Will be posting updates soon.

SO GOOD TO BE BACK!

Thanks for looking.

And so it goes....

As the minutes tick by with me watching my hiatus from the studio fade off into the sunset,

the latest reference images for new work are arriving, as we speak, into my mail box.
***
Like the painting above...I feel wistful.
I have enjoyed the time I carved out to get our home refreshed and in order and that lead me to exploring many other areas that also needed to be simplified and downsized:
Menu planning, reviewing budgets and savings goals, just having time to know what the heck is in the pantry and freezers...
I have found the timesaving of "tweets" and Facebook status updates very helpful with online time management.
I'm finally doing responsible things like reviewing insurance policies and making wills and wrapping up "grown-up" issues that are overdue on our end.
This was definately the year to redefine my whole environment and personal growth goals and find time to reorganize the details of living that will make this last third of my (our) life a bit more manageable.
You find yourself just at that age when it is time to "take stock" and really do the work on what needs to be done.
So now, when I am back in the studio I am not letting all the other things I need to keep up with get lost in translation.

There had to be a better way to reign it all in, sort it out and have some sense of flow. I think I have achieved this ...not perfectly, but I can at least see it all.
***
I will be painting on a regular basis soon. I am sure at first it will feel funny being back on "the job" with purpose and structure.
Many new subjects waiting to be explored with oil paint. I am excited to get back to making art with passion. All the pieces of my life are moving into place for the next game to begin.
August is on the way.
***
I look lovingly to Fall...my very favorite time of the year.
see you soon!

Past Glories...Future Dreams

(this painting from last summer sold to help rescue)

***

I am still on self-imposed hiatus...incase you may have wondered. :-)

Seems like forever but I have been using my time, behind the scenes in my life, to get things in some kind of order as this decade of my life comes to a close. Ah yes....the 50's will soon be a faint memory.

...but don't fret...I will be kicking off the next one with style. LOL!

***

It has been long overdue. I had a lot of "stuff" to cull from my home and head.

I have wanted to spend more time with family and with my Lizzie who will be 12 yrs old next month.

She was the model for the painting above...by the way!

***

I have the studio all ready to be used ...Emmi, the little thug cat who rules the house has been keeping watch over the room and spending lots of quality cat-time energetically sleeping soundly in the rocker in there.

She is coming up on age 17 yrs in the fall. Cranky to Lizzie at times but adorable in my eyes.

***

Past Glories are the 300+ paintings that have sold to help homeless animals in need that I have created over the past few years...

Future Dreams are swirling about somewhere in the back recesses of my creative brain.

My Muse has been traveling abroad all these months and I am counting on her to bring back some new and fabulous ideas that will help me go forward in this decidedly punk economy when it comes time to donate my percentages to so many, many animals in need.

***

Currently I have promised 2 charities a 100% donation for fundraisers for the winners of a custom portrait and I will be fulfilling those promises as soon as said winners give me the images to work from.

In my heart I am hoping that it will give me the juice I need to get back to work with the passion that this kind of work takes to do well.

***

Hope you are having a wonderful summer so far and hope to be in touch with you soon.

ALL MY VERY BEST

Carol