Remembrance III

"Remembrance III" Pastel Painting, Size 5 by 7

 

Starting with the 10th anniversary of 9 -11, I have completed a "Remembrance" painting each year. I barely made it, but I was able to complete another one this year. I don't know about you, but the anniversary of 9 -11 is always a somber day for me. I can't help but go back to where I was when I heard the news (in my senior year of high school, in advanced biology class). My heart also aches for all of those who lost loved ones, or even survived the attack. I couldn't help but notice how little news coverage is being given to the ceremonies today. The more time that goes by, the less people seem to reflect on that day that changed our country in such a significant way. They will all be in my prayers today.



Charitable Item of the Month for April

Here is my new charitable item of the month for April. 100% of this sale will be donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). As you probably know the ASPCA is very active in fighting against cruelty to animals including puppy mills. If you're as passionate as I am about protecting animals, or know someone who is, please spread the word.

 I'm a bit disappointed that my last charitable item did not sell, but maybe I'll have better luck with this one.

I hope you're having a great weekend!

Looking Back

Taking a look back today at some of my first pastel paintings. It's hard to believe that only 2 years have gone by since I began painting in pastel. I was quite intimidated by the medium when I first began but I'm pretty comfortable with it now.

"End of Day" - My first pastel painting
"A Day Away" - My second pastel painting

It's kind of fun to look back and see how far you've come. I haven't been working on my painting skills nearly as much as I'd like, because the sewing part of my business has been growing. But growing as an artist is still very important to me. I tend to be very hard on myself, but I can honestly say that I'm happy with my growth so far.

I can't wait to see where I'm at in 10 years! :)

Dance Of Shadows

"Dance of Shadows" 8 by 10, Pastel Painting

Available Here

If you're thinking that this scene looks familiar, you would be correct. I painted it about 3 years ago in watercolor. In fact it was one of the first watercolor paintings I ever did, and it now hangs in my kitchen. Well, I had been wanting to try the scene in pastel so I finally did. It was great fun to do, and a lot more work in pastel, that's for sure. But the color pay off was worth it.

Scanning this painting certainly did not do it justice. The painting is so much prettier in person. I'm quite happy with it and it's available for purchase on Etsy.

I hope you have a nice night!

Item of the Week

"A New England Lighthouse" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

This week is painting week, so I've chosen a pastel painting as my item-of-the-week on Etsy. It's on sale for $45 and will ship for free! I have to say that I just love this little painting. I've even entertained the thought of keeping it for myself, but I don't have a place for it at the moment. I think it would look adorable in a kitchen or bathroom.

For a bit of good news, I just sold "Contentment" at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery! It's a recent pug painting that I did. Hopefully it's a sign of many more sales to come!

Have a wonderful week!

Goals

"A New England Lighthouse" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

It's that time of year again - time to start thinking about setting goals for the new year. I recently found my list of art goals that I'd set for 2011. There are many that I didn't meet (such as the number of paintings that I wanted to accomplish) and some that I did (such as my financial goals related to my art). Even though I didn't meet many of my goals, I still believe in setting them. Goals give you something to strive for and even if you don't achieve them, you're still moving forward.

For this year I'm not going to set a goal for a certain number of paintings that I want to do. Instead, I've made a resolution to find a better balance for my art and quilting. I think I've come up with something that will work. Instead of trying to paint one day and quilt the next, I'm going to alternate weeks. One week I'll paint, and the next I'll quilt. It should work rather well.

I'd love to hear your art related goals for the new year!

New Quilting Machine

So, I've been talking recently about a huge investment that I've made in my business... Well, here it is! I've bought a long arm quilting machine. I'm so super excited about getting it but nervous as well. And I say "nervous" because I could have bought a small car for the amount of money I paid for this thing! Yikes!

It's a Tin Lizzie 18, and I purchased the 10 foot wooden frame seen in the picture. It's being delivered tomorrow and it will be going out in my sunroom. It's just the perfect place for it and I'm excited to try it out. The men delivering it are even going to give me a training session so I won't have to worry about figuring that all out on my own.

The purpose of purchasing this machine is first and foremost so I can branch out and quilt larger items. Every table runner and baby blanket I've made has been quilted on my sewing machine. And that works just fine for small projects but makes quilting a larger blanket next to impossible. I also plan to offer quilting services once I become proficient enough. I don't imagine it will take long since I have been quilting on my sewing machine and understand the concept. I plan to offer long arm quilting through my Etsy page and perhaps even through the gallery who represents me (The Stillwater Art Guild Gallery), as I have some quilted items there.

I'm discovering that growth is so scary and exciting at the same time. But I think I'm more excited and optimistic that I can really create something.

On a side note, I recently marked some paintings down on Etsy to $1!! There is absolutely nothing wrong with them, I'm just trying to make room for new work.

Hope you're having a great week!

Huge Art Sale!

I'm having a crazy sale on Etsy right now. I just significantly marked down paintings that were already at a reduced price. All of the paintings are original and most of them are $20 with free shipping! I know what you're thinking, "have I lost my mind?!" Not quite, but I'd like to make some room for some new work. I'm only offering this sale for a few days. See some of the paintings below. Check out my "Reduced Art" section to see more.

"Pink Sky" 5 by 7 Pastel
"Apple and Pears" 5 by 7 Pastel

"Grow" 5 by 7 Pastel

"Christmas Poinsettia" 5 by 7 Pastel

These paintings will only be available for a short time and whatever doesn't sell on Etsy will be going to the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery to be a part of the November and December trunk show. I know it seems a bit early to be thinking about Christmas gifts but this might be a fabulous way to start your holiday shopping. You can't beat these prices!

Have a lovely weekend!

Item of the Week & Special Offer

"In The Garden" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I brought this kitty back from the gallery this weekend and he's now available in my Etsy shop. As this week's item-of-the-week this painting is being offered at a discount price of $45 with free shipping.

I have a few collectors of my original cat paintings, and at $45-$55 they're very reasonably priced. I have a few other original kitties available on my website too.

I'm also having a cigar box sale. If you purchase any box you will receive a reduced price box for free. Also, if you "like" my art page on Facebook I will send you a free hand painted cigar box with any purchase. These offers are supposed to end this Sunday, but I may extend it.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

New Paintings For Sale

Well okay maybe they're not "new" but I did just list them for sale on Etsy. I did these paintings last year and I liked them so much that I decided to keep them for myself. They were in my studio until I brought in some new art, and I decided that I'm ready to let them go. I've sold 6 paintings in the last 6 days and it's like watching my children leave. I become so attached to my work.

"When Life Gives You Lemons" 5 by 7, Pastel "Fruit Tea" 5 by 7, Pastel

Just click on the paintings and it will bring you to the listing on Etsy. They're $55 each with free shipping.

I hope you're experiencing Spring-like weather wherever you are! We hit 62 degrees today and I had my yoga practice outside. :)

A Visitor

"A Visitor" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Another little kitty today. Actually it's the same cat as in my last painting. Once again, thank you to Nancy Rose for allowing me to use your great photo for this painting. This one was a lot of fun. It was nice to spend an equal amount of time on the background as on the cat.

I haven't listed this painting on Etsy yet, but I plan on doing so within the next week or so. I have some collectors of my little cat paintings and I'm waiting to list a few of them at the same time.

Also, if you're interested in a custom pet portrait, I am taking orders. I was thinking of what a great Mother's Day or Father's Day gift that would make! For more information on custom pet portraits, click here. I also have listings available for different sizes in my Etsy shop.

Have a wonderful day!

Hiding Spot

"Hiding Spot" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

This kitty was so much fun to paint. I have to thank Nancy Rose again for allowing me to use her photo as a reference. I'm not sure I did the photo justice, but it was fun trying. :)

This painting was completed on pastelbord with mostly pastel pencils. It is available in my Etsy shop for $50 and free shipping.

Update

The above painting, "An Apple A Day" is an 8 by 10 pastel painting. I had originally painted it for a window piece for the gallery. I delivered some new work yesterday and brought this one home. It's now available in my Etsy shop for purchase. I also relisted "Shell On The Shore," "Summer Pond," and "Summer Cherries."
Here is a photo of two of the little watercolor paintings that I framed and hung in the gallery. I really like the way these look framed like this.

I spent the day at the gallery yesterday and I am feeling very inspired. Now that my hand is healed I'm looking forward to spending more time in the studio painting.

I hope you had a nice weekend.

Bird Watching

"Bird Watching" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I have to start out this post by thanking Nancy Rose again for allowing me to use one of her beautiful photographs as a reference. Thank you Nancy!

I've been going back and forth between pastels and watercolors and I'm really enjoying it. I definitely want to dedicate some more time to painting animals in pastel so I have a pile of photos ready.

This sweet little kitty was painted on pastelbord with pastel sticks and pencils. It's available in my Etsy shop if you're interested.

Don't forget about the "Painting a Day" event that Laura Trevey is hosting on her blog this month. It's almost over! Click here if you're interested in sharing your work.

Custom Pet Portraits

I'm officially offering custom pet portraits. I so enjoy painting animals and would be happy to create a lasting memory of your beloved pet.

The portrait will be done from your photograph(s). So you will need to find your favorite photo or take one that captures your pets personality and character. Photos are very important to this process. The quality of the portrait depends on the quality of the photo. Here are a few tips for capturing a good image of your pet:

- Take the photo at the eye level of your pet. Don't take it from above or below.

-Light is important. Try taking the photo with your pet near a window with light coming in, if indoors, or outdoors. Natural light is best.

- Don't take the photo too close.

- Take a bunch of photos so you will have several to choose from.

After you have chosen the photographs you can email them to me or send them by mail (they will be returned to you) along with any requirements that you have.

Your pet portrait will be painted in pastel on acid free and archival paper or board with the finest quality pastels. Pastels on archival surfaces will hold their color for centuries without fading, cracking, or yellowing as other mediums do.

To purchase you can either view my Etsy shop, or contact me via email (angela292@hotmail.com).

Prices:

5 by 7 Pet Portrait - $75 + shipping

8 by 10 Pet Portrait - $100 + shipping

11 by 14 Pet Portrait - $125 + shipping

If you're interested a different size than listed above, contact me for a quote.

Please note that these prices are for one pet. If you wish to have multiple pets in one painting there will be an additional charge.

I will ask for 2-3 weeks to complete your painting.

Also note that framing isn't included, but available at an additional cost if you're interested.

You are certainly not obligated to purchase the final painting if you are unhappy with it.

Payment is due when the painting is complete. I may ask for a nonrefundable deposit before I begin.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

Maverick Update 1

This is Maverick. He's the sweetie that I've been commissioned to paint. The customer requested progress photos so I thought I would also share them with you.

This is the original photograph. I decided to keep the background because I like the sunlight.
This isn't the greatest photo, but you get the idea. I started the background today and I probably won't do too much more to it. A lot of it will be covered with his wispy hairs off his face. I feel so terrible for Maverick and his owners because he has a brain tumor and suffers from seizures (and he's 14 years old). As a "mom" of two puppies of my own, this just breaks my heart. But I am happy that I can create this lasting memory for his owners.

Pears On Deck - WIP

I don't generally post works in progress, but I thought I would today. The picture isn't that great, but you get the idea. I'm working on my first "painting of the month." It was a goal of mine this year to begin doing a painting of month, which is just a larger more detailed piece. This painting is only an 8 by 10, which isn't too large, but I'm low on large pastelbords.

I'm quite happy with the way this painting is progressing so far. I couldn't wait to get to the pears. I used masking fluid around the edges so that I wouldn't completely lose the lines when I did the background. Removing the masking fluid was a nightmare.

I'm going to continue working on this today, but wanted to show you what I have so far.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Lucky

"Lucky" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

"Lucky" is my latest painting. With the holidays literally around the corner, I wanted to make sure I fit in some painting today. I've been waiting to paint this dog and tried it on this new board. Well, it's Ampersand Pastelbord, but it's in the color "sand" which I have never used before. I ordered it by mistake but thought it would make a great neutral background for pet portraits. I think I was right. I like the way it turned out.

I tried to be a little more loose and expressive with this portrait. I used mostly pastel sticks and pencils just for small details. I also painted standing up again, and I'm really enjoying that. The only problem I have with standing up and painting is that I tend to dance to the music I have playing while trying to paint. :) On the up side, I'm burning calories!

I probably won't be painting the next couple days, but I will be posting my list of goals for 2011.

I hope you all have a very happy holiday!!

Apple & Pears

"Apple & Pears" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

I set up my very first still life today and painted from it. I can't tell you how much the thought of painting a still life (not from a photograph) has intimidated me. But as I become a little more comfortable with my paintings, I'm willing to challenge myself more. I bought this fruit the other day, just for painting. I can see a few things that I wish I would have done differently, but overall I'm happy with it. And most importantly... it was fun! I can certainly see a lot of possibilities coming out of this! It would definitely be nice not to have to be restricted to using photographs all the time.

Well, I hope where ever you are today that you're warm! We're under another winter storm warning, and I think we've gotten 1 1/2 to 2 feet of snow already. I haven't stepped foot outside and I don't plan to. It's nice to have days like this once in a while. :)

Have a great weekend!

In The Garden

"In the Garden" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

Well I'm back to cats! At least for today. I was going to start a painting challenge for myself and paint 30 animals, but I don't think I really want to do it. At least I don't want to paint the 30 animals in a row, but I think I'll start working one in here and there.

"In the Garden" was completed with pastel sticks and pastel pencils, on pastelbord. I particularly like the background and had a lot of fun with the colors. Actually the cat was a lot of fun too, but I just love layering and blending colors.