Waiting for the Sunshine

Waiting for the Sunshine

White Cat in the Window

Pastel 9 x 12

There are things to do,  people to see, money to spend and here we are stuck behind a window on a dreary, windy day. Lately it seems all we do is wait for the sun. Even indoor kitties like to have a little sunshine now and then.

We have been waiting for new flooring for the studio in our new home, and now it seems we must wait a little longer.  While removing the old carpet, the installers discovered a very soggy board in the sub flooring. They traced the problem to a leak between the siding and the window trim. Freaky, but fixable. Of course the new floor can't go in until everything is repaired, so a little more delay.  But I am grateful for this one - grateful we chose this larger room for our studio, grateful we decided that laminate hardwood flooring would be better for a studio than carpeting, grateful the heavy rain caused this problem to show up before things really deteriorated.  So there is a silver lining of sorts to these dark clouds, but I am still praying for sunshine.

Waiting for a floor

This and other paintings available through my online Gallery

The Creative Spirit Gallery Art by Della Burgus

Good-bye, Hello

A New Thing

Having a new home is an exciting and wonderful experience. Being able to live life on one level is a dream come true and I love our spacious, open floor plan. No more going upstairs to bed, or down stairs to do laundry. Yes, there is a finished, walk-out basement,  but I am not required to go there on  a daily basis. Only when I feel like it.  On the other hand, there are things I will miss about Woodward.  It is never easy to say good-bye to long time friends and good neighbors, but it is not as if we are moving to the other side of the world - or even the other side of the state. When the dust settles a little, I hope I will still be getting together with my painting partner Avis now and then.  No matter how tough or chaotic life becomes, painting and good fellowship always makes it better

I will miss my studio squirrel friend. He lives in the large tree outside my window and has become the subject of many drawings and paintings. He is also very good company and something of a comedian, often providing a much needed break from very intense work.

"Tiger Cat on A Red Chair," Pastel

Another furry friend,  the neighborhood cat, Maow.  I am sure he goes by other names aw well, but when I asked him "What is your name?" he said, "Maow,"  so that is how I always address him, and he always answers. He has become quite adept at squeezing through the door whenever it is opened, even just a crack.  I will miss him, but he has a home of his own, so he is OK. Not homeless, just sociable.

It hasn't been easy to leave our studio - so many good memories! But, I am also excited about setting up new creative spaces in our new home.  For our studio/office we chose the largest of the two guest bedrooms on the main floor. I felt a little guilty about this at first until we compared the number of days we expect to have overnight guests to the amount of time I will spend in the studio. No contest. If we ever decide to open a bed and breakfast (NOT on my bucket list. BTW) that might change, but for now this is the new Creative Spirit Studios. Of course it will require a few alterations. The carpet must go. Pencil and colored pencil artists and some who work in collage or acrylic may be trusted to work in a carpeted room, but I don't even want to try, especially not with pastel.  It has a mind of its own and a life of its own. Sometimes all I can do is get out of its way and watch it fly. Right now this does not look like much of a studio,  but imagine it with hardwood laminate flooring,  drawing tables, easels and special lighting.  It will take a while - two weeks just to have the flooring installed; the rest will follow in its own good time. I am learning a lot of patience with this move, especially with myself.  More photos will come.

Waiting Dog Pastel

Your Best Friend is Waiting for You

Pastel, Image size 8 x 10

Mounted on foam core, matted to 12 x 14
Ready to Frame
Frame not included

 I don't know why they have to stay away so long, but there must be a really good reason. It will be wonderful to see them again when they come home.  I will wag my tail, run around in circles and maybe even bark, but only just a little.  Joy, joy, joy! It will be so exciting! Maybe they will bring me a new toy or give me a treat. I know they will scratch my ears and tell me what a good dog I am. That always makes me feel so happy. I know that they love me and they will always take care of me. But I still miss them when they go away. It always seems like forever, whenever we are apart...

20% of the sale of this painting will be given to AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue and Transport, who save "furry lives one carload at a time."  They are doing a wonderful work and if even you don't buy a painting, I hope you will consider making a donation. Or better yet, adopt a new furry friend. There are many pets just waiting for some people to love. You can read about AHeinz57 here: http://www.aheinz57.com/

email me to purchase
or for more information

dellartist@yahoo.com

Portrait of a Woman, A Thankful Heart

A Thankful Heart

Is a Heart at Peace

It is no secret that peace is a by-product of gratitude. It is also true that often the most thankful people are those who do not exhibit an abundance of material possessions. It may not make any sense to the rest of us, but it is true, nevertheless. They tend to treasure the simple things in life, the things we all take for granted - love, friendship, beauty, and the joy of living.

That is why, at this time of year, we all can take time out from making and spending money, running here and there, and trying to have a good time, just to say, "Thank you."  I wish I had said thank you more often to my parents, but I can still say it to my husband, my children, my friends and neighbors, my pastors, the UPS man, rhe Schwan man, the guy who reads my gas meter! Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for all the threads you have sewn into my tapestry of living.  Thank you that the world is a better, more interesting place because of you.

A thankful heart is a heart at peace. For that reason, I thank God, for the peace that passes all understanding, for His unfailing love, for the abundant life He has given me.  A teacher of mine used to say, "God's prosperity is when all your needs are met and there is still enough left over to meet the needs of others."
Have a blessed and prosperous Thanksgiving!

Persian Beauty Cat Portrait

Perfection

Persian Cat

Pastel

A small pastel portrait of an elegant and beautiful cat. This one was begun in black and white charcoal pencils and finished in pastel for more depth. The serene green eyes and soft fur, with subtle blue and lavender tones in its shadows,  were a delight to render. Persians have always been a favorite of mine, not only for their beautiful appearance but also for the sense of serenity and regal bearing. And I have learned from people who have lived with them that they are also playful, they can be a bit willful, and most of them are very affectionate.

Canson MiTientes is still my favorite surface for pastels.  I like the soft side of the paper, which some artists believe is the "wrong" side. It has just enough texture to hold the pastels without the regular weave pattern that seems distracting for me.  Having said that, I also occasionally like to experiment with other papers,  especially those that are "sanded" and some really nice ones with the feel of suede. Variety and experimenting keeps my passion for art alive.

This and other paintings are available through my online gallery, The Creative Spirit Gallery, Art by Della Burgus

Or email me at dellartist@yahoo.com

Red Fox in a Snowdrift

Red Fox in a Snowdrift

Pastel, 8.5 x 11

One last look at winter. It was a cold one this year in most of the country, not the most pleasant memory for any of us. And yet, even on the coldest, most dreary day, you can find moments of beauty and pure joy. This is one of my most favorite subjects in one of its most perfect settings. I can not think of anything more stunning than a brilliant red-gold fox bounding through the pristine white snow.  Snow and foxes, they seem to have been made for each other. And they serve to remind us to always look for the beautiful, even in a snowstorm.

I love using pastel because of the spontaneity and versatility of the medium.  With the sides of the pastel sticks I can lay down broad strokes of color for fur, and with the edges I can draw tiny hairs or whiskers - and for the fox I need them both.  They come in a wide range of colors, which is good because they aren't really that mixable. But they are messy and fun to use and in a way they take me back to the crayons I loved as a child.

May you see beauty in this day, and something to do that brings you as much joy as your happiest childhood memory.

Wolf in Wolf's Clothing

Wolf in Wolf's Clothing

Taking a little break from commissions and portraits to do something different. Painting wildlife is a way of escape for me. It takes me away from the ordinary ups and downs of everyday living into another world, where for a while at least I can experience life from the viewpoint of another creature.  For centuries the wolf has been the subject of stories and folklore. He is  worshipped by some, hated by others and respected by a few. In truth, he neither god nor devil, but simply the wild animal he was created to be. He lives in a community for protection and companionship and hunts for food to survive.  Not really so different from us...

I chose to paint this guy looking a little scruffy because he lives in the wild and doesn't brush his hair. He probably doesn't even bathe regularly, so he won't look as well groomed as a contestant in a dog show.  Yet in his own way, he too is beautiful.  The pastel is on Uart sanded pastel paper, a new surface for me, though actually it has been around for quite a while. I love the surface - enough texture to hold on to the softest of pastels, but fine enough for detail work.  It is never too late to try something new.

For information on purchasing this or other paintings, visit my online gallery, The Creative Spirit Gallery

The Collector

Squirrel

The Collector

Pastel, 9 x 12

This little guy likes to hang out in the tree by the window in my studio.  Actually, lots of his friends hang out there as well. Maybe that is because my husband had built a squirrel feeder and attached it to the trunk.  The ear of corn it holds keeps them busy for a while, though occasionally they do have to stop and nap in the middle of a meal...

I enjoy watching them as go through their day, snacking on tidbits, chasing each other, teasing the dogs, and chattering incessantly. They remind of of the verse from Proverbs. "A merry heart does good like a medicine." Whether or not they have merry hearts may be up for discussion, as they do have tempers and squabbles often seem to break out among them, but they always bring a smile to my face. So it is medicine for me, at least.

This painting was done on a new (to me) pastel paper which I believe will become one of my favorites. It is UArt pastel paper, and is available in several different  grades from very fine to very rough. Actually it feels similar to sandpaper but is acid free for artists' use. I use their 500 grade, which is considered medium fine. It grips the pastels just like Wallis paper but the finer grade makes it easier to show detail. And those of you familiar with my work know how I love detail!  I didn't like that it came in only one color, a light buff, but you can use watercolor to tint or underpaint, which some artists prefer to do anyway. Of course, I will always love Canson, my old standby but every now and then it is a good thing to have some variety in life.

This and other paintings are available for sale through my online gallery, The Creative Spirit Gallery.
I have not been posting regularly for some time, but am hoping to remedy that. Thanks for your patience and understanding and thanks for stopping by!  Hope to see you again soon.

Calla Lilies, Philodendrons and Pig Lilies

Joy

Calla Lily
9 x 6 Pastel
Matted to 11 x 14

This small pastel with a horizontal format is available through my online gallery, The Creative Spirit Gallery. It is matted and ready for the frame of your choice.

With its simple yet elegant blooms and long, stately stems, it is no surprise that the calla lily takes its name from a Greek word for beauty. You might be surprised to know, however that this flower is not a true lily. It was mistakenly identified somewhere in its past and is actually more closely related to the philodendron. It its native land it is known as "trumpet lily" or "pig lily." That is probably more information than you needed, but it does tend to support the view that "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Faith, Hope, and Love

Calla Lily

Acrylic on Stretched Canvas  8 x 16

This painting was purchased by a lovely lady in New Zealand. To her, it represented herself and her two friends. She has also commissioned a companion piece of the same size to group with it. This will be a single calla lily, representing Jesus. Right now it is in the planning stage, but I will share it when it is finished.

Calla lilies traditionally represent faithfulness, joy, and rebirth and are often used in wedding bouquets as well as in Easter celebrations as a symbol of Christ's resurrection. For this painting I decided to use three of them simply because the composition fit the canvas,  but the the finished painting made me think of one of my favorite Bible verses,  1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now, these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." And so, the title, Faith, Hope and Love.  When everything else has disappeared and there seems to be nothing left, these three still remain. And when you have faith, hope and love, you have everything.

Today I pray that you have everything - Faith, Hope and Love!

Josh and Joey

Pastel

This is a portrait commissioned by a woman as a gift to her daughter, the mother of the two boys.  Children's portraits are always a delight to do. I did a few of my own kids as they were growing up, but of course they weren't really appreciated by the kids themselves. Still, I felt it important to keep my own artistic record of their lives. They grew up so fast. The last portraits were done about the time of high school graduation and they  both preferred photos. But I have discovered that portraits are most often made not for the subjects themselves but for the people who love them. There is something about the human touch and the expression of the soul inside the likeness that really speaks to their loved ones, and I am always working for that.

Portraits from photos of both pets and people are available.  I am pretty much booked up right now, but feel free to email me for information.

dellartist@yahoo.com