Kentucky Crafted

I will be representing Tamarack as one of the exhibitors at the Kentucky Crafted 2009, Trade Dates Feb 19-20, Public Dates Feb 21-22. If you are in the area or know someone that lives in the area, please invite them out to see us.

Little Pumpkins

A previous client of mine contacted me about a new commission. It seems that she had drawn her fathers name for Christmas and did not have a clue what to give a man that has everything he wants. Her solution, a painting of her daughter and nephew together for Grandpa.

"Little Pumpkins" 16 x 20 pastel on sanded paper, commission

Harley

I received a call from Mr. Pettis a week a before Christmas asking about a commission for his wife. Meet Harley. It's hard to express the feeling that comes over me when I am asked to paint someones pet that has passed away. I do the best to capture the spirit that the owner must have seen in their pet during it's life. I know that Harley was precious and loved. That is the best we can do for our little four legged friends is love them while we have them.

"Harley" 11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper, commission

Rita

Please meet Rita of Charleston. This was a Christmas commission for Mr. and Mrs. Halverson.

"Rita" 11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper. commission

Harley

Harley was a commission that I received during the weekend of demoing at Tamarack. This cat had the most beautiful color greenish blue eyes.

"Harley" 11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper, commission

It Was An Accident

This was another demo completed during the Tamarack weekend. I had lots of folks come by and tell me that was their puppy. Haven't we all had one of those accidents. You just can't help but laugh to yourself when you see the pitiful look of "I'm Sorry".

"It Was An Accident" 16 x 20 pastel on sanded paper. $200

Maggie

Meet Maggie! Maggie is owned by Karen and Jay Lilly. A beautiful Jack Russell, Jay tells me she is a sweet girl.

Karen is the director of the fine art gallery at Tamarack.

"Maggie" 11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper, commission

A Bad Hair Day

It has been a very busy season kicked off with a 3 day demonstration at Tamarack in Beckley. The painting "A Bad Hair Day" was a fun painting. This dog has a lot of character and looks a lot like my Phoebe. I bet there are more of the same out there. Enjoy your pets cause they love you

"A Bad Hair Day" 11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper, $135

Phoebe in Watercolor

I decided, after watching my friend Pamela paint some beauties in watercolor, that it was time for me to give it a try again. I have been painting in pastels for quite some time now and needed the encouragement. Pamela was the vehicle, visit her blog at pamelagatens.blogspot.com

Phoebe, watercolor, 16 x 20

One more for the weekend

Please say hello to JJ. He is a shy fellow and it took a while for his owner to get a photo that would do for the portrait. JJ resides in Florida.

11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper

Lucy the Pound Puppy

This is Lucy. She lives in the Carolina's. Isn't she precious.

11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper

More Weekend Work

Grand-daughters of Dennis and Linda Bailey

16 x 20 Pastel on sanded paper

Busy week and weekend

It has been an unbelievable week and weekend. Very productive.

Reproduction of damaged photo. Pencil on canson 8 x 10

We Three Kings

Aren't these some beauties? This was a commission I finished today. Busy little beaver. I started the white shepherd first to keep from contaminating the paper and it was to be in the center position. Although difficult, I do enjoy painting black and white dogs. Oh the colors that you can add to make them interesting. The tan was a pleasure to work on as well.

"We Three Kings" 16 x 20 pastel on sanded paper.

November 14, 15 & 16 Demonstration at Tamarack the Best of West Virginia

I will be demonstrating portraiture work at Tamarack in November. Please stop by and see how I start with a photo and end with a beautiful portrait of your pet that you would be proud to hang in a place of prominence in your home. Be sure to bring a photo of that loved one and we can discuss the process.

www.tamarackwv.com

Riggs

Please say hello to Riggs. He is such a majestic dog. His owner, Vicky G, stopped by to see me at Jubilee, the last show of the season for me. I had painted her dog when he was a pup and Vicky wanted me to see how much he had grown. As soon as I saw the photo, I had to paint it. Riggs was quite a draw for me at the show. The whole show was really great. I met a lot of new people and had some return customers as well. I am looking forward to next year.

"Riggs" 16 x 20 pastel on sanded paper.

"Max" Ori Pei a Pug/Sharpei Crossbreed

This is Max and what a beautiful baby. Max belongs to my friend Norma's daughter. I am very grateful to Norma for furnishing the photos of Max.

"Max" 11 x 14 pastel on sanded paper, not for sale

You Talking to Me?

This beauty was completed at the fair as well. He was on display and drew a lot of attention. He was also a big attention getter when I attended the Southern Governor's Conference held at the Greenbrier Resort and Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, Sunday, August 11th.

"You Talking to Me?" pastel on sanded paper, 16 x 20, $500. Email me for more information about this painting.

Miss Congeniality

This little girl also caught the eye of many folks attending the fair at Ripley.

"Miss Congeniality" pastel on sanded paper, 16 x 20, $375. Email me for more information about this painting.

I Didn't Do It!

I was recently at the Mountain Arts and Craft Fair in Ripley. I did demonstrations during the show most of the weekend. One of the babies I painted was this little Boston Terrier. He has such a look about him. Hope you enjoy.

"I Didn't Do It!" pastel on sanded paper 16 x 20, $450. Email me for more information.

2008 Summer Show Schedule

Festivall in Charleston, WV - June 28-29
Mountain State Arts & Crafts Festival in Ripley, WV at Cedar Lakes - July 3-6
Stonewall Jackson Heritage Arts & Crafts Jubilee in Weston, WV - Aug 29 - Sept 1
Farmers/Art Market, Lewisburg, Wv - Saturday's 9-1, June - Sept

Prince of the Barnyard, watercolor 11 x 15

SOLD
Prince of the Barnyard, watercolor, 11 x 15, $200. Additionally notecards and prints available.
email: paintyourmemory@gmail.com

This is the latest addition to my paintings of roosters. It was loads of fun to paint and very colorful.

Hula Mae

Precious little Hula Mae a French Bull dog was a doll of a commission.

Baxter

This is Baxter. I was commissioned to do the painting of the beloved boxer that the client had recently had to put to sleep. Baxter was the only dog that her children had ever known and was very special to them.

2009 DELIGHTFUL DOGS Calendar now available!

This is a special calendar for me because I have included some very special dogs. The months of May and November mean a lot to me. I hope that you enjoy the calendar as much as I do. The calendar is printed on heavy linen stock, 11" x 17". Each month's print is suitable for framing. Now available at $15.00 + 3.00 shipping. Please email paintyourmemory@gmail.com for details or comments.

Skipper

Skipper was a commission to hang in my clients husband's office. When she received the painting it instead made it homes in her livingroom for all to see. Her husband received a framed card of the painting to hang in his office.

pastel on sanded paper, 20 x 28

Greenbrier Artists 24th Annual Exhibit at Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg, WV, May 2nd - June 29th

Beautiful Bird in Blue, pastel on sanded paper 18 x 24, $500.

SOLD "Looking for Trouble" pastel on sanded paper 16 x 20, $400. Email for details paintyourmemory@gmail.com

Jesse James

I recently met a very special person, Bonnie V. Bonnie had experienced the loss of her daughter from cancer and was now selling some of her daughter's many art supplies. While I was visiting with Bonnie, she introduced me to her beautiful Boston Terrier, Jesse James. I took some shots of Jesse and painted a picture of him. Jesse will be featured on my 2009 calendar as Mr. March.

Toulouse

Here is a close up of Tony's Jack Russell. He will be featured in my 2009 calendar of dogs which will be available for viewing and purchase June 1. Prints and notecards are also available upon request.

Watch for more images!

Workshop with Tony Van Hasselt

This has been an incredible week with five days of instruction from the internationally known watercolorist Tony Van Hasselt. The Greenbrier Artists were lucky to have Tony come to Lewisburg and share his wonderful skills. In return I presented Tony with a portrait in pastel of his beloved "Toulouse" a beautiful Jack Russell. Touslouse is no longer with us and it was a very emotional event for all.