Siamese Cat, Close Up Acrylic Painting

When I Look in Your Eyes, II

Acrylic on Stretched Canvas

9 x 6 x .75

$75 

Sold

 

Another painting inspired by the song, When I Look in Your Eyes, from the Dr. Dolittle musical.  This is a close up of the unmistakable face of a Siamese Cat, with the beautiful, intense blue eyes.  This is number two in a series of "face paintings," which focus especially on the eyes. You can see different things in the eyes of different animals - wisdom, patience, playfulness, sadness, joy... I know they know more than we think they do, I suspect they know a whole lot more than we do.

This painting is on stretched, studio wrapped canvas. All the edges are painted and no staples show. It may be displayed with or without a frame.

This painting is dedicated to the memory of my husband's cousin, Alex Fulmer.  In his honor we will be donating $50 to Tabby's Place - A Cat Sanctuary.

Equine Art Western Horses Palomino Horse

"When I Look In Your Eyes"
by Della Burgus
Acrylic on Studio Wrapped Canvas 
8 x 10 x .75
This painting is Sold, 
 

This painting was inspired by the song from the movie musical, Dr. Dolittle, the 1967 version starring Rex Harrison.  While the production itself was somewhat forgettable, I will always remember the song written by Leslie Bricusse.  The lyrics are haunting, and they speak to anyone who has ever loved and been loved by an animal...

When I look in your eyes, I see the wonder of the world in your eyes,

And it is no surprise, to see the softness of the moon in your eyes
The gentle sparkle of the stars in your eyes,When I look in your eyes
In your eyes, I see the deepness of the sea
I see the deepness of the love
The love I feel you feel for me...

As you are giving thanks for all God's gifts this holiday season, please remember to be thankful for the wonderful creatures who share our planet. They love us, serve us with devotion, give us laughter and tears, sometimes they are the only ones who understand us.  They ask nothing in return but our love - and once in a while, maybe a treat. My dogs told me to say that.

I hope that you will remember all those, both human and animal, who do not have the comforts that we enjoy,  pray for them and find a way to bless them if you can.

The complete lyrics to this song are printed below. Be sure you have a Kleenex handy!

Song Lyrics

Equine Art Horse Amish Style Buggy Horses

 Simple Gifts

There is something peaceful and comforting about the sight of an Amish style horse and buggy traveling down the road.  It takes me back in my imagination to another time, a gentler, simpler time when community and family were the core of life, and when faith was real and solid.   These two horses were drawing a buggy through the town where my husband's late parents had lived.  The owner was a very kind man who graciously allowed my husband to photograph his horses and buggy, and even chatted for a while.   It isn't often you see two horses with a buggy; usually it is a single horse. But the man said they had been working together for eleven years and seemed to prefer it that way.

Recently I read a book entitled Think No Evil, by Jonas Belier, who had been raised Amish and was still close to the community. The author tells the story of the Amish schoolhouse shootings from the point of view of the Amish themselves, but goes beyond that by giving us a glimpse into their community and way of life.  He explains how generations of Bible teaching had enabled the Amish to forgive the person who so violently attacked their precious little ones.  He describes their concern for the shooter's family and their refusal to seek any sort of vengeance or retribution. The more I learn about the people who are a part of the Amish and similar communities, the more I admire them.

This pastel was done on Wallis Pastel Paper, and will be available through EBay, Art Helping Animals and Daily Painters on Tuesday. 20% of the sale will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue.

For more information at this time, please email me.

Email Della

Animal Art Cats White Cat with Teddy Bear by Della Burgus

"That's What Friends Are For"

Animals often develop strong emotional attachments, just like we do. Sometimes it is with other animals, either one of their own species or someone entirely different. A few weeks ago, I wrote about a friendship between and elephant and a dog. You can find all sorts of stories like that in the bookstore or on TV or the Internet. But sometimes a favorite toy becomes a best friend. Our little poodle had a toy lamb when he was a pup. We called it "Buddy." He knew it by name. It played with him, slept with him, was his constant companion until he loved it to death. We replaced it, of course - twice - with another just like it. Now he has a somewhat sturdier toy, a long blue dog, which seems to be able to endure the kind of "tough love" that Button gives it. Cats, being more independent, seldom become attached to inanimate objects, but this one does like her Teddy Bear. Actually, I believe the Teddy Bear belonged to one of the children in her family before he became her special friend. She can and does spend a lot of time away from him, but enjoys having him around, especially for her afternoon naps. She gets a little cranky when he does not occupy his regular spot on the couch.

We all need friends. To find one who is loyal, caring, loving and accepting, visit your local animal rescue or shelter. They give a lot and don't ask much in return, just your heart.

20% of this sale will be donated to
Tabby's Place - A Cat Sanctuary

Friends
Pastel by Della Burgus
12 x 19 image size
Matted and ready to frame

For more information, email the artist.
Email Della

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

Sold

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.