Best in America Pastel Artists

It's not the Magic Bunny...

Recently I shared the news that two of my paintings have been selected for Volume 2 of Best in America Pastel Artists, and left it up to you to figure out which paintings were selected. Well, here is a hint for you - it isn't the Magic Bunny...

I heard from my publisher today, (I have always wanted to say something like that!!!) and was informed that there has been a delay in printing so the books will not be delivered until mid-December. This is somewhat disappointing because I was getting really excited about seeing it this month, but I will just have to wait. Several weeks ago they sent me the "proofs" of my two page spread, so I do know what is coming. The printing and layout are beautiful. I also saw a "flip version" of the book online and I am really impressed with the other artists and their work. I am in very good company. It is a great honor and very humbling to be included.

I have to tell you that this is a dream come true for me - winning a spot in a book with such talented artists! Don't ever give up on your dreams - if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.

Pastel, Maine Coon Cat, "Tiger"

Tiger
by Della Burgus
Pastel on Wallis Pastel Paper

It is funny how the smallest things have tremendous impact on our lives. One day a tiny kitten showed up at the home of my husband's parents, Jesse and Zella. Jesse told Zella not to feed it, or "we'll never get rid of it," which, of course meant, "if you feed it we will have ourselves a nice cat." My mother-in-law would never dream of sending anyone away hungry, not even a kitten, so it seems that Jesse's prophecy came true. The kitten moved in and eventually had the run of the house. Zella continued to feed him and he grew into a very large cat. They called him Tiger. He loved to play in boxes and paper bags, to hide behind things and jump out at anyone passing by. He was a great cat, very friendly and fun, with just a little bit of an attitude. After my father-in-law passed away, he became Zella's close companion and caretaker. He took care of her by giving her someone to take care of. He was with her through her own final illness. He has a new home now, with someone who had known and admired him, and asked the family if Tiger could come live with him. It seems God still has a plan for his life.

Albert Einstein once said, "There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." To me, Tiger is one of God's special little miracles, a gift given at just the right time. He had a job to do and he did it well. I don't know what sort of job he has now, but whatever it is, I am sure he is doing it equally as well.

This painting is a pastel on Wallis Pastel Paper, the image size is 13.5 x 17.5, matted to size 18 x 22. It is mounted on foam core board and comes ready to frame. Frame is not included.

It will be available through the Daily Painters and the Art Helping Animals blog, and also through eBay. 20% of the sale will be donated to Tabby's Place - A Cat Sanctuary.

International Artist Day

You probably aren't aware of this, but Sunday, October 25 is International Artist Day. We have a DAY! Isn't that great? It is wonderful to be recognized for our contributions. Everyone needs a little appreciation now and then.


Marilyn Hurst says it so well in her article on this website:

October 25th is International Artists Day and it's gaining support worldwide. This grassroots movement is not mainstream as yet but artists and galleries in communities everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon. Perhaps an overview is needed to explain the concept.

Artists are a much ignored group although almost anything you use day to day has an artistic design at its root. Throughout history art has been the most important defining characterization of a culture or people. Art survives personalities, dynasties, movements and civilizations. Artists are pioneers and are usually at the forefront of changing times and events. We might well ask why.

True art is timeless and universal and recognizable to all. Where does the inspiration for art come from? What makes some art priceless and other art mediocre? The artist themselves are the lynch pins. Art that is inspired comes from the “unexplainable” and is translated by the artist. If the artist is “tuned into” this area of consciousness, masterpiece works in painting, sculpture, music or prose can manifest. There are thousands in the arts over the centuries of this magnitude, they are natural conduits and are household names because of the recognition of their contribution to culture and humanity.

In another article, she suggest ways to observe this great day:

1.Visit a gallery and explain why you're there.

2.Purchase a piece of art to support an artist. This is a good one!

3.Visit an artist studio.

4.Take an artist to lunch and explore their world. I like this one, too!

5.Come up with your own ideas to participate.

This Blog brought to you only partially tongue-in-cheek by an artist who is tired of her relatives asking, "What do you do all day?"

P.S. I didn't make up any of this - both the website and image are legitimate, and so are the articles.

2 U Missed

Chicago Lighthouse

No longer available

Two paintings that missed the blog because they left the house before I had the chance to talk about them. The above painting of a lighthouse in Chicago went to a missions auction at my church. It was an acrylic painting, 8 x 10, well, actually it still is an 8 x 10 acrylic but it is no longer in my studio. It was painted from a photo taken by our friend Steve, who is also a pastor there. Thanks, Steve.

The second painting, the cute little donkey below, was listed on Daily Painters, Art Helping Animals and sold through eBay before I wrote about it here. A 9 x 12 Acrylic painted from a photo I took at the children's area of the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. I loved his demeanor, his big brown eyes and his soft furry coat....

Cute Little Donkey
Sold

Before anybody asks, this is not a political statement of any kind. Whatever opinions I may or may not have in that regard are my own, and I will not inflict them upon you. This is a blog about art, exploring the wonder and joy of nature and reflections on the artistic life. If I ever get to the point that I need to let off a little steam, I will find another venue - and try to keep this a happy, peaceful place.

By the way, I did an elephant a few weeks ago. It is still available....



Click on the image above to see the blog,

Disturb us, Lord

A photo, rather than an artwork today, a lone sea gull gazing at the vast Atlantic Ocean, taken this summer on a trip to Maine. Along with it a prayer, written by Sir Francis Drake in 1577. We need it now, more than ever.



Disturb Us, Lord

"Disturb us, Lord,
When we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

"Disturb us, Lord,
When, with the abundance of things we possess,
We have lost our thirst for the waters of life;
and, having fallen in love with life as we know it,
We have ceased to dream of eternity;
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim.

"Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.

"We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push us into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
"Sir Francis Drake -1577

New Book

Best in America Pastel Artists

Two of my works have been accepted for a new book being published this fall. Best in America Pastel Artists (Catchy title, huh?) will be available in November. It features the work of 123 pastel artists throughout the country. According to the publishers, "The selection of artists work is based on numerous factors with the most important being style, innovation, and uniqueness." Each artist will receive a two page spread with two works plus contact information. I am thrilled, it is an amazing honor for me.

Can you guess which two of my paintings were chosen? I am not going to tell you now. You will have to keep guessing for a while.

More information as it becomes available. Watch this space for further development...

Hint: this is not one of them. This is a pastel painting, finished recently. It has been listed on Art Helping Animals , and Daily Painters, and is currently available through a fixed price listing on eBay.

Calico
Pastel on Canson
16 x 16
Matted, mounted on foam core, ready to frame
20% of the sales will be donated to
Tabby's Place, A Cat Sanctuary

To view eBay listing click here

White Standard Poodle

AKC Show Part 3

Sold

Poodles have always been among my favorite people. Intelligent and sensitive, with a highly developed sense of humor, just a tad stubborn, but at the same time desiring to please. They are loving, loyal and energetic. I happen to share my life with a white Toy Poodle named Button, but have known many different Poodles in many different colors and sizes - from teacup to standard, and they all share these characteristics.

This painting was done from a photo taken at the Des Moines AKC show. The handsome young subject was awaiting the "novice obedience trials." His person told me he had been a rescue dog, and had been nervous and fearful. She wasn't expecting a "win" but thought the trials would be good for his confidence. He was a delightful dog, friendly and very devoted to his person, and I wished them both well.

The event was simple: after performing a few exercises, the dogs would be told to "stay" and their owners would walk to the other end of the ring. A cute little dachshund followed his mommy as soon as she turned to walk away. A gorgeous young Burmese Mountain Dog got tired of waiting and went to his person after a few minutes. All the other dogs did as they were told.

And in the end, my elegant new friend went home with the prize.

The real winner, however, was the lucky lady who had found this wonderful dog, and had the kindness and patience to open her home and work with him. Now she has a devoted friend and he has a forever home.

This painting can be purchased through EBay and Art Helping Animals. 20% of the sale will be donated to Old Dog Haven.

Standard Poodle
Pastel, 9.5 x 12.5
Matted, ready to frame

By the way, I don't want to show favoritism. I also share my life with a tan and white Border Collie named Barney. I will tell you about him in a later blog!