In the Pink

IN THE PINK...a work in progress...

...new piece on the easel that is part of an artist challenge at

Art Helping Animals. We are painting this whole month for all our favorite rescues.

This will be done and offered soon to help homeless animals.

Studio time...Paintings in the works.

The end of the day....

my corner above... and below, is Emmi's spot, my little companion cat!

Just a quick note to tell you that the studio will be hoping next week!

Many new things are coming for Autumn and the holidays.
Stay tuned....it is all good!
***
Special thanks...
Thanks so much to the collectors of the recent paintings sold this week...
you help me help animals waiting their turn for
a wonder life!

Beach Combers - FIRST LOOK! from the easel

A little preview of the next dalmatian painting that sits on the easel awaiting some finishing touches.
This painting will be offered soon for Save the Dals rescue, an Art Helping Animals supported
rescue.
This is a bright little oil with two inquisitive young dals combing the beach for treasures.

Stay Tuned!

And...

on the way is another Rainbow Bridge piece that is coming soon.

thanks for visiting.

Cat & Toy Mouse Tales: The Story Teller

FIRST LOOK!!!

just coming off the easel...

What fun!

Emmi has a toy mouse that is so cute...it sparked a plan to paint a little story

"Cat & Mouse-toy Tales: The Story Teller"

8x10 on canvas

coming soon to Ebay for

Malibu Pet Companions

rescue.

more to come

Stay tuned!

September once again....

The light of Autumn is coming fast!

( Detail)

PUMPKIN TIME

20x24

oil

Carol Chretien

***

About the Painting:

I painted this in glowing light of high noon of my front porch pumpkin.

I was capitvated by the glowing light and sharp detail.

It is a large painting and it is offered unframed.

It remains one of my favorite to paint works.

This painting is offered for the very first time ever, painted several years ago

the painting will be listed Thursday on

The

DAILY PAINTERS GALLERY

and the

Art Helping Animals Art Blog.

As always, it will have a percentage offered to rescue.

If interested just email.

Jumping off the deep end....

...and hoping you can swim!

well at least in a pool you don't have far to go to reach the side or the ladder.

New just off the easel is this little abstract. I wasn't sure where I was going with the piece but then it told me the title and I'm sticking with it.

"Stormy Weather" is now listed on Ebay with 20% to the Northern Rockies Regional branch of the Humane Society.Stormy Weather abstract new CHRETIEN HSUS NRRO oil - eBay (item 110282316768 end time Aug-29-08 02:54:43 PDT)

Dave does the good heartfelt work there...you can read about his exploits on the ART HELPING ANIMALS news Blog.Art Helping Animals News

I recently "stepped back" from the edge of the pool, so to speak, to take a little time from the harried pace of painting I had whipped myself into.

It feels good. "Vacation" does not ever seem to exist in my vocabulary or daily life. And even the words "stepping back" just don't seem to pack a full punch...I have 6 pieces of new work in various stages of completion in the studio. That is like an inside joke among my brushes. I think they are laughing at me.

Anyway... my pace is more leisurely as I work on some new things and dream of what is to come out of the end of this "laid back" period.

Sometimes even the artist is the spectator too.

Stay tuned...more to come.

Tribute to a Lady

Always a Lady...
well not exactly in the beginning.
Lady was brought home to my Mother-in-law as a 6 months old puppy.
She was now going to be in her second "forever" home, taken from an adoption of a "shelter pets event" by my M-I-L's niece Eleanor as a birthday "gift"to her ...although, truth be told, she was really adding life to a home where my M-I-L was living alone after the passing of her husband and the more recent loss of her dog, Brandy.
Lady was a lanky mixed breed and we think a little bit kangaroo as she could spring straight up in the air and land on the back of the sofa. She was a wild child...and ALWAYS on the move.
She really filled the house with energy and was to become a real and true companion to my Mother-in-law.

Lady at 2 yrs

When my husband and I got our dalmatian puppy Lizzie, Lady was almost 2. She had grown tall and muscular. We always wondered what breed she was mixed with but there was never a clear answer looking at her.
My husband and I brought our 4 month old puppy to meet Lady who was completely thrilled to see Lizzie but it would take 2 visits before Lizzie was thrilled right back at her.
This is where Lady really shined. She was a very, very generous dog. As you can see in the photo below...Lizzie would take Lady's chewy bone right out of her mouth and lay down under her and munch away.
Lady never ever cared...she was just loving having dog company!
They ran through the house and roughed it up indoors and out until they were exhausted.
Lady could have Lizzie's whole head in her mouth and was as gentle as could be.
We visited with my husband's family always bringing Lizzie with us every other Saturday and for these dog buddies it was always great time.

When Lizzie was 2 yrs and Lady 4 a new friend was added to this pack. My husband's cousin Eleanor got a chocolate lab pup named Pebbles. She brought her to the visits every other Saturday and Lady was thrilled. Lizzie, not so much.
The dynamic of the 3 dog pack on these visiting weekends was Lizzie thought she was BOSS, Lady let her think so, Pebbles was the low man on the totem pole to Lizzie.
Lady would step in if she needed to break up Lizzie's bossiness. All in All...it really worked out. They did get along well and it was good for them to have these dog days together.

Lady & Lizzie

This photo below was in 2004 at my Mother-In-Law's yard. When my M-I-L passed away unexpectedly 3 years ago Lady lived with my Brother-in-law and his wife (my M-I-L had her own apt with Lady at their house) and they gave her the comfort of staying in the place she knew and loved. It was such a hard loss for us all. Lady too. She was her loving constant companion.

Lady had a great life moving from "shelter dog" rescued from being homeless and unwanted to having a family and friends that made her life loving and fun. It was such a wonderful gift from Eleanor that helped a bit to fill the void in my M-I-L's life.

Below is a picture of the 3 Amigos in action.

This image below was a painting I did of Lady that was in an exhibit of Animal Art at the Fall River Art Association. I have painted her several times for charity.

Last weekend Lady went to the Rainbow Bridge and hopefully she was reunited with her most beloved...my M-I-L ... because the best of the best waits for us there, that is my belief.

It was my great pleasure to know her and love "Lady Bug."

The Daily Painter...Art that helps animals...

...does not have to be only "animal art" as you can see if you have been following along with this blog and the work posted for sale on ART HELPING ANIMALS and my own site.

I also post my artwork twice weekly on The Daily Painter's Gallery site and the work is not always animal themed...but if and when sold, homeless animals will benefit by a donated percentage of every sale of my work.
Most of my pieces sold to help rescues are very small pieces painted as quicker studies and made available for animal art collectors.
Many affordable small pieces have been painted and sold in the last few years with great success.

I have painted some larger and more involved oils that have hung in shows and exhibitions in galleries. The prices of those oils are reflective of the time that has gone into painting them, sometimes over weeks on the easel. They are painted on hand-stretched canvas with many layers of glazing to obtain the light that I aim to acheive that comes from within the painting.

Below is a painting that was done a few years ago, it is framed and has been hung in a regional art exhibit. It received an honorable mention in its category.

A Gathering in the Square

12x16

oil on canvas

It remains one of my favorite paintings for light and atmosphere and the way non-human objects can suggest their own story of what might be happening in their secret world.
At least that is my take on things or my point of view.

I have several paintings that I have rarely made public, this is one of them. It is available framed.
Please feel free to email me if interested. Visit my site for other work that is available. Links are found to the left.

Small works of Art ...new series

My ORIGINAL SMALL WORKS of ART...

as listed below in the blog.... I have started the new series of small 5x7 oils that are painted in simple quiet palettes that offer a reflective feel to bring the viewer, and hopefully the collector, into that space where a connection is made to the work presented.

The subjects are also kept to a minimal number and arrangement to allow a larger space in a smaller format.

The first two, WISHING ON THE MOON and CRYSTAL VISIONS are now listed on Ebay with 20% to the designated charity (as always) and they are either up for auction or at a buy now price.

A new piece in the series is coming soon....stay tuned.

With a Crystal Vision

Just coming off the easel.

"Crystal Visions"

This is one of those little 5x7 simple pieces that hope to make you smile.

It will be offered for sale soon.

Point of View...with a Twist.

New England Curiosity Shoppe

Quiet Contemplation Sakonnet Point, Late Winter

POV....Everyone has their own when it comes to speaking about art. What is good art? What is bad art? The experts are always willing to tell you their point of view.

"Bad Art" itself has a following. There is a site somewhere in this online universe that is dedicated to Bad Art. "Good Art" or, maybe even, art that does some good is another point of view and probably encompasses both. Art is in the eye of the beholder when it is something you want to live with everyday.


I have written in the past of what success is to me and how people measure their successes.


I paint to express my interests in my own way, to tell a story or share a memory and... I paint hoping to sell my work to those who enjoy it. The "twist" is the where-with-all to do it on my own terms. That is where I feel most successful. I can make a 100% donation from the sale if my own heart feels the urge to do it for a particular cause. There have been some great causes and great sales that I have not profitted from other than to know it was the right thing to do at the time. I listen to my heart.

Recently I offered a cocker spaniel painting inspired by Dolly the blind cocker for the Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England. It didn't sell...twice! ... even though it was offered at 100% donation. But all is not lost! It will be framed and shipped to the rescue as part of their annual fund raiser sale. It still becomes a win. Those who attend the yearly event will be on the lookout for art to purchase and the proceeds will definately help a cocker with medical issues and medical bills in the care of that rescue.

I feel blessed to have an ability to communicate with art and that when sold the work makes others a beneficiary of my time and creativity. Even small steps complete long journeys.



Small pieces and studies that I paint to help animals are naturally the ones that sell the easiest.

The twist is that ALL my work has a % donated to help animals waiting for their forever home.



Currently I have 50 paintings available on my web site ( examples above) some are big oils in frames some are very little pieces on board or canvas. The prices vary. The subjects vary. The buyers find what they like. The animals benefit.

My point of view on success as an artist is one continual doing.

You paint your heart on a canvas and hope someone falls for your vision. Your vision supports the good work of rescuers. You feel humbled and happy. It keeps you moving forward.

In the Winner's Circle

( detail )

NEW OIL ON CANVAS!

INSIDE THE WINNER'S CIRCLE

8x10

The latest piece of art that will soon be listed to assist an

ART HELPING ANIMALS

supported rescue.

soon to be auctioned on Ebay.

Wishing on the Moon

COMING SOON!

this little 5x7 oil is on the easel along with several new pieces of still life.

visit carolchretien.com for all available work.

thanks for looking in!

If you could read my mind......

My web site www.carolchretien.com has new and older work available for sale ...over 45 paintings in a variety of sizes, subjects and price range, framed and unframed are listed there. Some are gallery paintings that were exhibited in juried shows and some have won awards for painting excellence.

Rescues caring for the ever increasing population of homeless pets are facing the same struggles with the economy as the rest of us. We will all be digging deeper this year with the cost of living rising every week. Buying art from ART HELPING ANIMALS artists is one way to be sure rescue gets a donation but... you can also directly help at your own local shelter!

As an artist, I am happy to help through art. My donations range from 20% to 100% with every sale and also include donations of art and prints of past work for charity auctions.

ART HELPING ANIMALS artists have donated over $ 50,000.00 to rescue in 2.5 yrs!

If you are planning to purchase animal art or other pieces of art and my work interests you...please feel confident that a homeless animal will also benefit from the sale.
Thanks for all the support in the past and I look forward to providing new pieces for rescue in the future as well.

NEW!

Just off the easel and newly available on Ebay.

Emmi, my studio cat companion, models for

TABBY'S PLACE

20% to the rescue.

***

other new work is now on ebay!

and see all my listings while there

***

Cat in sunlight daily painter CHRETIEN new TPCR oil - eBay (item 110272655807 end time Jul-27-08 15:45:31 PDT)

Beauty Spots

UPDATE: SOLD

latest painting on the easel

a

work in progress

coming soon to Ebay for rescue.

***

Lizzie was the model for this new work.

stay tuned!

Hello Dolly - First Look on the easel!

Work In Progress

Dolly

for

Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England

^^^

This rescue recently contacted artists that help animals with art for their annual October Fund Raiser...The Joey Fund.

The idea is to help special needs cockers with their expensive medical care...thereby getting them healthy and rehabbed and ready for a new forever home.

the web site

Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England (CSRNE) - Home Page
explains it better than I can.

***

DOLLY inspired the painting ...she is blind due to untreated diabetes and is awaiting surgery to remove cataracts.

She is only 5 or 6 yrs old.

This painting when done will be offered to help with 20% to the charity.

ON EBAY through Mission Fish.

***

coming soon ...stay tuned!

***

The painting for their October Fund Raiser of one of their adoptable dogs will be auctioned as a

100% donation.

Two Eggs Short of a Dozen

just listed on Ebay

this is the latest completed still life

TWO EGGS SHORT OF A DOZEN

9x12

oil

a humorous title of a bright and light filled piece

the white eggs in sunlight made for a great glow.

***

follow the link on the right.

see what is available

on Ebay

and my site.

20% to rescue as always.

New On the Easel - July

On the easel:

"Eggs Are On The Menu"

new oil full of light

8x10

July 4th was a fun holiday hope everyone had a safe time.

Recently finished the intital paintings for the TABBY's PLACE promo for rescues in our Art Helping Animals fellowship.

They are listing on Ebay. We have a great selection of art for that rescue. It runs for 2months and the You Tube video is great. http://youtube.com/watch?v=kUy8KYWbq-A

I have some new still life almost ready to list for sale with a portion to rescue.

They are still life oils.

Hope to finish them soon.

Updating my web site with available work. Still playing catch up with work but I can see the light much better ....there are snow flakes in the forcast! HA HA HA!

Stay tuned!

I love New York.... to paint especially!

UPDATE!: this painting has sold

SHOWS, SHOES AND THE CITY

just off the easel...

This little 8x10 oil on board was inspired by one of my snap shots taken on a past trip to the big apple.

I find that I love painting city scenes...they are more impressionistic in style, looser for me and more fun to add bits and pieces of color and information.

This painting is offered to assist the Northern Rockies Regional Office of the Humane Society and can be found on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110266600138&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

When you paint this type of subject or any scene really you don't realize how you become part of the location while you are painting...I lose myself in the artwork as I paint ANYTHING but when it is a landscape or cityscape you really are inside the scene until you put the brush down. At least that is how it is for this artist. It makes traveling in the studio something defying time and space.

A new city scene is in the works and on the easel.

Coming Soon...stay tuned!

Cat & Roses - First Look - On the Easel

UPDATE! this painting has sold to help Tabby's Place!
This has been a busy painting weekend which is fine with
me.
After a strange week...the full moon probably helped that
out a bit...it got down to 2 days to concentrate on painting.

This new oil that sits on the easel is a work in progress that is inspired by the idea of "shabby chic"...the soft colors and the full blown roses...this painting comes from my muse to the canvas. One of those paintings that is swirling about in the back of your mind whispering to you to "paint me!"

So I did...I started it today. It was so enjoyable to watch it come out of my head and through the brush onto the canvas board.

It will be offered for sale soon with a percentage to charity.
There are a few other things coming along too, still life and some new Dalmatian paintings.

Check back later....and enjoy what is left of the weekend!
peace and cheers!