So, I have had the chance to do some really unusual things in the last few months, how exciting! I have discovered a new medium, quite by accident. A cherished client wanted something unusual for a friend whose beloved dog, Potion, had passed away, unexpectedly at the too young age of seven. I know nothing of agility titles but Potion had a string of them. We wanted to commemorate him in a special way. The inspiration for making a pillow was born. We started with the titles and wanted to do scenes that would reflect these. We chose these 2 photos.

The friend loves bright colors so we found some beautiful fabric for the back which had a wave design.

I figured unprimed canvas would act like fabric, right? My husband thought I was crazy because unprimed canvas is not smooth and does not accept paint well. I would not be deterred and found a way to make it work, you know me! This was the preview for her approval.

The finished product turned out better than I could ever have hoped for!! If you’re looking for a unique gift, maybe we can find another exciting project to work on!

I do so many artworks in memoriam. Sometimes it breaks my heart but I am humbled to create what, I hope, will always bring a special memory. This story starts with a client and 2 special Springer Spaniel brothers, Harley and Moe, who were very much alive when we started this project and celebrating their 10th birthday.

Moe had some health issues and Harley was diagnosed with lymphoma and was being treated so we had no idea how much time was left. Sadly, Harley died in February and Moe in July, both before I could start this painting so once again, painting in memoriam.

Harley and Moe are missed so much but their painting is hanging in a special place where it can be seen many times a day. I hope it will always bring very special memories!

It’s been a long time since I made a blog post! Thanks for hanging with me. I just finished my statue for Dog Art for Old Friends 2016 to benefit Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, www.ofsds.org. This statue and many others will be auctioned off as an annual fundraiser for this wonderful organization. Please visit https://www.32auctions.com/dogartforoldfriends2016 and make a bid for some unbelievable items!

Here’s the making of “All you need is LOVE and a bellyrub!”

2015 has started off with a bang! Usually things slow down after the Christmas rush. This year was different! I fell in love with the red couch she was reclining on. I’m sure the rest of my clients for the year will be equally as beautiful and I’m looking forward to a fantastic year! Bonnie (in memoriam), 8×10, Oil on Gessobord.

It’s been a very thought provoking week, the death of Robin Williams had a very profound effect on me. I know a bit what it’s like to struggle with depression. As an artist, and I am but a blip in the art world compared to Robin Williams, I know what it’s like to always be “on”.  We are always thinking about the next work, trying to please a client, we live for the kudos we get and feel so let down by the world when we don’t get them. We put our heart and soul into every performance we put into the world. Something as simple  a I think artists are extra sensitive people. There are exceptions, those artists that only perform for themselves and could care less what others think, I envy them. I live to make others happy and find my joy when I do. With all the work that Robin Williams put out, making so many of us happy for so many years, I can only imagine that he could not find his joy. It is heartbreaking to lose such a special person but my wish is that he will find his joy now.

WOW! I have been inundated with Christmas ornament orders already this year. Normally the insanity starts in late August or September. This year it started in January! They have come in groups as well.  I just finished 7!! Shih Tzus for a fantastic customer. Whew! Here are some of the cuties I’ve already painted.