Duchhess

Duchess is done! I am pleased with the results. I hope that Bobbie, (yup, her name is Bobbie too!!) loves it too. I am looking forward to the second portrait!! Pastels on suede mattboard is such a wonderful combination. You can create a soft and realistic painting.

Tomorrow it is back to work. The hospital is always there waiting for me to come back. For the next 4 days it is highly unlikely that I will be doing much artwork. I am just so wiped out after work. However, the yoga I have been doing on a regular basis has helped me have more balance and energy. Yeah! Now, if I can just get some weight off!!! My forever battle!

Until the next painting....Will check back with you all soon!

Here is a progress report on my current commissioned portrait. I would like to introduce you
to Duchess. She is a beautiful, bloodbay ,Warmblood mare. I feel very fortunate to paint her!! There will be another portrait of her with Ryan riding her. She is a lovely mover!!

This piece is a 16 x 20 Pastel on suede matt board. There is still much to do with both her and the background. Just wanted to get this out there for you all to see.

Having my day off. I have gone back to working Thursday through Sunday. This way I will have Monday through Wednesday off on a regular basis. Hopefully it will help me to get back in a better, more productive routine.

I have also taken the step --I have asked for help. Not something I do easily. In trying to keep my energy up for doing my artwork, and having only limited time I came to the realization that I can't do it all (well). Big surprise! I have met someone who will help me to keep the homefront a little cleaner and dog hair free so that I can free up my energy to keep up with my art work. Yeah!! Thank you Angela!

The finished piece will follow!!

Just a little note to let you all know what I am up to. I am starting a new comission of a beautiful Warmblood mare named Duchess. The first will be a more traditional portrait of her head. The second will be with the owner riding her. I have been waiting to get started and now is the time!! She is a lovely large bay mare with beautiful movement!

The second rough sketch is from my trip to North Carolina. I fell madly in love with my friends Donna's dogs and their friend. Her girls are Cloe and Bella
their friend is Moses. They all wanted that stick!! What a fun picture!! another one I can't wait to start.
Sigh....Too many pictures, too little time!
Much love till next time!

all is not lost

I was able to finish this picture of Marauder today. I was feeling sick this morning and couldn't make it to work, and feeling a little down about that. When I finally woke up I decided that I needed to finish this painting. It had been waiting for me since before my trip to N.C. I am happy it is done now! I hope my client likes it. He was such a handsome boy!!

My trip to Greensboro was so enjoyable and relaxing! I met and got reacquainted with so many nice people. I cant forget the animals!! Chloe and Bella are the most charming young Golden Retrievers!! LOVE THEM!! I am so excited to be doing a couple of portraits of them for my dear friend Donna. Moses is a young, black, tri-color ed Australian Shepherd. He belongs to Lizzie's dad Harold. Then, the cutest Corgis ever!! Oliver and Yoda!! I am so excited to have the privilege of creating portraits of these wonderful animals and also, last but not least, a portrait of a special Wedding day with a beautiful Bride!!

Thank You Donna for your hospitality!! I look forward to returning in June!!

New Work In Progress

Finally back in the studio!! Feels good, feels right!
This work in progress is of a young Golden Retriever named Marauder that left this earth way too early. My coworker, Tammy, was his owner. I have a ways to go with it yet but will be done soon. I hope she likes it!!

Getting geared up for my trip to Greensboro, North Carlina! The ticket is bought, arraingements are being made. Trying to decide what to bring and what not to bring. It will be so good to see my friend Donna again!! It has been too many years.

Emily--clean!!

Just returned from the groomer. Emily looks so beautiful! She is too much dog for me to bathe and groom my self--and they do so a great job (Vanity Fur)!! Now if she can only stay this way!!

I have been praying that my muse would come and inspire me. Being on Facebook and seeing all the beautiful artwork has been medicine for my soul. I have some commissions calling and am hoping to make a visit to North Carolina in a couple of weeks to meet some potential new clients. I love so much to create and especially to create something that really speaks to people. My challenge has been having to increase my hours at the hospital and watching my beloved Jake become ill and passing. It is now a time of deciding what is important. Digging down deep and acknowledging what is of value to me. Continual self evaluation, renewal and reinvention. Here is to the Journey!!