Pomeranian

Cute Little Pom

Acrylic, 11 x 14

Stretched, Wrapped Canvas

Every now and then I run into a face that I just can't resist. Pomeranian dogs remind me either of Teddy Bears or little foxes.  They look like foxes but cuddle like Teddy Bears. I lived next door to one named "Teddy" who used to bark at me through the fence all the time. But it was only an act - he was really sweet and friendly.  This painting was listed on  both Art Helping Animals and Daily Painters last week. I still haven't decided if I will list it on Ebay or Etsy.

I haven't been around as much lately and must apologise to all my friends for neglecting you. Not only have I failed to blog, but I haven't been reading or leaving comments on your blogs.  Even that takes energy,  and brain power, neither of which have been in great supply.
Responsibilities with a capital R have been rearing their ugly heads.  Still working on remodeling the house that belonged to Hubby's parents. The house was in worse shape that we had thought when we started, so it is taking a long time. Not to mention the hour plus drive down and back whenever we go.  I am not much of a carpenter, but I am pretty much all the help he has at this point. Poor guy. Yesterday I spilled some paint on the nice concrete patio floor. We cleaned it up before it stained, but he seemed to be fine with my staying home today. Hopefully I will work on a painting. Since I am obligated to list one painting a week on Daily Painters for the Art Helping Animals group, I hope to get something finished soon.  It didn't help that  I caught a nasty cold last week. To which most people would say "Oh, a cold," translates to "So what?" And normally I would agree with that assessment but I must have been run down already because this one hit me pretty hard. All I could do -  and all I wanted to do -  was curl up on the couch and sniffle. But I did get a lot of reading done. And watched some TV.  I learned so much about cooking and crafting, and of course building and  I traveled all over Europe with Rick Steves - just by watching the PBS television, "Create" channel.  Amazing what you can do without leaving your living room.  I am feeling better now, but even after the physical strength returns it takes a while to get going artistically.  Things are really bad when I don't even want to go into the studio and play. But I forced myself to work a little this morning, and though my "muse" has not yet completely recovered, she did at least show up and I am hoping to coax her to stick with me at least for a while. 

So you may or may not see the latest attempt next week, but I will try to drop in and say hello at least. Have a good week and stay healthy!

Little Burro Donkey Oil Painting by Della Burgus

This sweet little donkey was in a children's petting zoo and I just fell in love.  Such a sweet and unassuming creature!   Donkeys are among my favorite animals and God must like them, too, because they appear often in Scriptures.  Don't you just love the irony of Balaam and his donkey - how the animal spoke the words of the Lord, while the rebellious prophet tried to do things his own way?  And the equally ironic sight of the King of Kings riding into Jerusalem on a "beast of burden" rather than a mighty war horse.  It is a reminder that God can use even the most unlikely creature if its heart is humble and willing to serve.

This is an oil painting on 9 x 12 stretched canvas. All the edges are painted and no staples are showing. It is available through Daily Painters, Art Helping Animals and the Chisholm Trail.  I will also list it on Etsy. 10% of the sale will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue and 10% to Children's Cup International Relief. This painting is SOLD,

Looky Looky What I Got!

For years I have been trying to find a way to safely store my finished work, especially my pastels. so they won't get smudged, smeared or torn.  I have been keeping them in folders stacked against the wall in my studio, and so far so good, but it isn't an idea situation.  I found this lovely display case at The Art Store, my local art supply shop, for only $5!!!!  It is laminate-covered pressed board and the shelves are removable and adjustable.  Many, many shelves, probably more than I will ever be able to fill,  Perhaps I could build something else with the leftovers????  The store sold off some of its display furniture in order to fit into a smaller space.  I was sorry to hear they have to downsize, but glad they intend to stay in business, and very glad to be able to take this off their hands. My husband agreed that he couldn't build anything like this for the price.  Probably it would cost more than that for just one shelf. I am thrilled!

My husband and I have been trying to find ways to use our studio space more efficiently now that we decided to close the frame shop.  It was good for us for a while, brought people into our gallery who otherwise would never have come - and so we sold paintings to people who otherwise would never have purchased original art. But now  its time has passed and we need to move on.  Supplies and materials have just become too difficult to find and too expensive to purchase.   We put up a "Frame Shop Closed" sign in effect Oct. 1, and though we are still finishing some projects, we will not take in any more orders.  The frame shop will at last become the studio/gallery we originally planned so many years ago.  Which means more time for creativity and also  a smaller counter, less storage place for mats and glass and more room for us to work.  And my new paper storage fits perfectly with our new artistic lifestyle....

God and Dog

I read this wonderful book by Wendy Fransisco, wife of singer-songwriter Don Fransisco, and wondered how I was going to share it in a blog. Then I discovered that before it was a book, it had been a video on U-Tube. So, enjoy!

By the way, I also see God's imprint on cats, horses, birds, bunnies, and wildlife, but so far I haven't seen a book or video like this about any of them. When I do, you will see it here. 

Thanks to my two buddies,  and to all the dogs who have loved me unconditionally, as well as those that I have painted that loved their people just as much.

Button, our toy poodle who loves to pose for pictures.

Barnabas, our shelter Golden Border Collie, who has never liked my camera. Is that dog sticking his tongue out at me?

Have a great day and don't forget to hug your furry friend.