A Sammy Jr. portrait

This little fellow was one of my "babies"- all grown up now. He looks almost like his daddy, just in a new color- especially his body- it is a carbon copy of my Sammie who died before he was born (the baby!) The folks who bought him didn't know about Daddy, nor his name. I was SHOCKED when they emailed "hello from Sammy"!!! Just a different spelling. Gave me goose bumps.

At any rate, they've decided to have his portrait done, so I've been working away at it. I'm loving every minute I spend with this special boy.

This was the pose they chose. I had gone over and photographed him one day before it got too cold.




Here's an "in progress" photo.

I can't believe the holidays are upon us! Time to get ready for the Christmas season. I hope it's a wonderful one for all my readers. :-)

I'm BACK!!!!

I've been MIA for quite awhile now. Life isn't always kind, gentle, or undemanding! We managed a trip to Ohio and TN in May- attended a harp gathering and then spent alot of time in the Great Smokies enjoying the scenery, the people, motorcycing, etc. Also got to enjoy dinner and conversation with friends and fellow miniature artists Wes and Rachelle Siegrist while in Townsend. Our garden was in late, and then cool weather, so now it has been keeping me busy freezing and canning, while I also try to help my dad out with my mom 3 days a week (alzheimers). That has eaten up a huge amount of my time- thus no blogging...
We did get to have a quick family campout which was a wonderful time.

I hope to get back on track, posting weekly or so again. I promise to have more art to post soon. The harp and the art have taken quite a beating this summer, sadly.

Our family campout in Aug. Love our time together.
I absolutely love this photo...
Toenail polish?







This was the miniature show at Brio gallery in Galena, IL in Aug.



I am fascinated by all things nature... this is a TN beetle.





A few IL cattle. I love cattle- their faces are so cute!



A harp "tasting" (you get to listen to a bunch of them!)

Twins!With our harp twins...

Great fun at the harp gathering.



Dinner and good company with our friends, Wes and Rachelle Siegrist in TN.








Robert- relaxing, waiting, waiting for me to finish photographing - he does this alot with great patience. :-)

On one of our bike rides in the Great Smokies...

Best of Worldwide Animal and Wildlife Artists Book

A few months ago I was surprised to learn I had been accepted and pre-juried into an upcoming book, with all my fees paid by a sponsor (I believe Dick Blick- I was not told who, but I know they were a sponsor). All I had to do was submit up to 9 pieces and up to 4 would be chosen. After checking to see that this wasn't just a "vanity" book I did submit. I was lucky enough to have the total of 4 accepted.

I can't seem to link here, but if you click on the title of this post it will take you to the book.

Then Sat. came the BIG shocker- one of my pieces made the COVER!!!!! There are a total of 101 artists in the book with somewhere around 350-375 works of art, so to be one of 7 to make the cover (and the front cover as well) is truely a HUGE honor. (My piece is the Great Blue Heron at the top under the title). I was walking on air all day. :-) If you click the link you will not only be able to see the cover but also by clicking the arrows you can see all of the artists and their work. It will be a gorgeous book and needless to say I am really looking forward to seeing it.

The Latest Minis

I've been working on a couple of very dark background pieces, hoping to bring out the light on these white birds. I find working this way intriguing.

I've also been working on a couple of scratch art miniatures.

This one has been completed and will soon be going off to a show.
Now for the hard part- titles!

Puppy update

This fellow is a bit younger in this photo, need to get an updated one.

I'm a bit slow at updating since I'm so lost on this new computer, but... they're worth waiting for!!! Here they are at 4 wks old. They are getting to be little lovers, licky, licky! 2 are long coats, my very first ones. The personalities are coming out now, and the tails, they are a-waggin'. SO CUTE...

There's a painting in here somewhere- I just know it!

This last puppy is also a bit younger, again need to update. It's difficult to get a good photo sometimes, they just WON'T hold still!

I also finished the garden scene a few days ago. Again, color isn't quite correct. The rocks are a bit darker in the shadow areas, and appear "brighter" along the sunlit tops. It is actually prettier than this, but this will have to do...

New puppies and art

I have a very difficult time getting photos of this miniature in focus. I did the best I could for now. I will have to try again and will repost/redo these if I get better ones. For now though, at least you can see the results of alot of hours. The feet always give me fits. They are about the size of a small flat pea to give you some idea of size. I plan to send him off to a show, just not sure yet which one. :-) He is sculpted in tupelo, painted in acrylics. Unfortunately the colors are washed out as well. I have a new computer and just have no idea how to "fix" things at all.
(I've reposted, they are somewhat better photos.) :-)



We've also had some excitement the past 2 weeks. Snuggles had puppies and they are so much fun to watch growing. She had FIVE!!! What a shock that was! Mama and babies are all doing well so far and I am having fun watching them grow.

New Puppies!!!

2 weeks old- well fed and comfy. :-D