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

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 has been SOLD

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!

Chow Chow Dog Art

AKC Show in Des Moines, Part 2

Chow Chow

Sold

The Chow Chow is often compared to a lion, because of the way the fur grows around his neck - it resembles a lion's mane. They do sometimes have a ferocious look about them, but this one, at the Des Moines Kennel Club Show, was a real sweetheart. He had finished showing, had done his job very well, and was enjoying a well deserved rest. Even so he was kind enough to pose for a photo, and also gave me a good view of his blue-black tongue, typical of the breed. He was described to me as a "Gentle Giant" and he certainly looked the part. One of the great things about dog shows is the opportunity to meet breeds that you might not see otherwise. Another is the attitude of the dogs and their people. All the dogs are friendly and most of the people are very pleasant, they love to talk to you about their dogs, show them off, don't mind at all if you want to photograph them. They are caring, loving people. Probably they learned that from their dogs. We need more people like that in the world!!!!

Chow Chow is an acrylic painting on canvas, 11 x 14. All the edges of the canvas have been painted and no staples show on the sides, so that the painting may be displayed with or without a frame. 20% of the sale of this painting will be donated to Old Dog Haven.

Equine Art Horses White Arabian Horse at Sunset

"With the Sun and the Wind in My Mane"

This painting is now SOLD. Please see my website or Art Helping Animals blog for more great art.

One of my favorite subjects, well known to those who are familiar with my work. White horses speak to me of freedom and strength, and I find myself returning to them as painting subjects again and again. Whenever life seems overwhelming, hopeless or just plain dull, painting white horses is good therapy. Whenever I am exceptionally happy or excited, I paint white horses to celebrate. The loose, free style used in this painting matched my mood as well as the horse's - playful, joyful and spontaneous.

My prayer for you today is that you find something you love to do, and do it with all your might. That is passion, and it is the happiest way to live your life!

Oil on Stretched, Wrapped Canvas
14 x 18 x .75
All edges painted, no staples showing.
Display with or without a frame

Canine Art Dogs Shih-Tzu Dog Painting

Pure Elegance

by Della Burgus
Acrylic on Stretched, Wrapped Canvas
9 x 12

Sold

You know how it is, you see someone across a crowded room, your eyes meet, and the joybells begin to ring in your heart. This delightful creature was at the AKC dog show in Des Moines recently. I first saw him in a show ring with other Shih-Tzu dogs - they were wonderful, but there was something about him, I knew he had to be a painting. His beautiful coloring, his royal bearing, the understated adornment - somehow more elegant in its simplicity and absence of "frou-frou." I "happened' to be standing outside the ring after he had shown, and his person graciously allowed me to take a photo. In fact, she brushed him again and arranged his fur so that he would look just right.

Dog shows are fun, and most of the people I meet there are fun also, because they are almost all dog lovers just like me. They love talking dogs, don't care that I am a total stranger, they love sharing about their wonderful friends. And the dogs seem to have a good time also. To me it seems the Golden Retrievers are having the best time of anybody, but then, they do have a knack for enjoyment that is somewhat beyond most of us on this planet.

Everybody seems to have a favorite breed but I have never met a dog I didn't like, and the more I see of them the more I like them. What is that old saying, "The more I see of men, the more I like my dog."? Well, I won't go that far, but there are a few people who might learn some manners from them, as well as compassion, patience and faithfulness.

Pictured below are two sweeties who might have felt a little overwhelmed about the whole competition thing, but they did find a safe place to be, with someone who loved them. That is the best thing that could happen to any of us. And that is my prayer for all of us today.

Sweet Spaniel finds protection between the tennies.

"I feel safe being on Daddy's lap with my toy duck."

Boats in the Harbor, Maine Scene

I traveled to Maine last month for my son's wedding and saw some spectacular scenery. The light there is unlike any I have encountered in my other travels. It is hard to describe in words, so I will just have to paint it! There was no time for plein-air painting, so I took lots of photos. When I saw these boats tied to a floating dock, I knew it would be my first Maine painting. You can't imagine the impact the scene made upon this formerly land-locked Midwesterner. The reflections on the water, the way the light hits the boat - everything about it - said we aren't in Iowa any more.

Watch for this painting on EBay and next week on Art Helping Animals and Daily Painters. 20% of the sale will be donated to Old Dog Haven. Click to see EBay listing. Or email me for more information

Split Rock Lighthouse, Lake Superior

Going "Home"
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
11 x 14

Split Rock Lighthouse on the Shores of Lake Superior. A bold, intense lake in a wild, untamed area. Superior can be boisterous, even to the point of violence. It can also be serene and somewhat introspective. But it is never, ever timid or soft spoken, never dull or colorless. It always makes its presence known. And it is timeless in its beauty and power.

My husband and I used to spend at least a part of every summer along the North Shore of Lake Superior, seeing the sights and painting the scenery. We would travel up Highway 61 (think I have that number right) all the way to Canada, sometimes venturing over the border. It was bliss. We haven't been able to travel for the past few years, but this summer we took a short sentimental journey to Duluth, and made it up to Split Rock for one afternoon. Not enough time to paint, but we took lots of photos. Going back was like going home, a feeling that this is where we belonged. I had the same feeling when I did this painting from the photos. The first touch of paintbrush to canvas literally took my breath away.

Of course, I have never traveled there at any time except summer. Winter would probably cool my enthusiasm, forgive the pun, but memories of the North Shore have carried me through some difficult times in the past, and the more time I spend there, the more I fall in love with it.

This is an acrylic on stretched canvas, 11 x 14. All edges have been painted and no staples show, so that it may be displayed either as is, or in the frame of your choice.

Click to view auction

Maine Wedding: The best laid plans...

The photo above is Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on Friday night at Aaron and Keegan's wedding rehearsal: a spectacular sunset, cool but very pleasant breeze, lots of people.

The photo below was taken Saturday morning at the wedding. A tropical storm had blown up the coast and met something that had come down from Canada. But when you are young and in love, that is all that matters, who cares about the weather?



It had been such a romantic plan, to be married on Cadillac Mountain at the first light of day, the first place the sun rises anywhere in the United States. The bride had been out there early the day before to check out the timing so that it would be just perfect. And it was - some of us were certain we had seen just a glimmer of light at the very edge of the horizon. According to Aaron, Plan B was "slickers and umbrellas," so that is what we did. And, yes, it was a very beautiful wedding. Later that day I came across a plaque and couldn't resist buying it for Keegan. It said, "Even on a cloudy day, the sun still rises."

Below is a wedding picture taken along the shore when it finally stopped raining, and a photo of the breakfast muffin they shared, courtesy of the hotel that served us breakfast. We love them and wish them a wonderful, happy life together.

Thanks for my husband for the use of these photos!

Lesson I learned from this day: In the midst of even the most terrible storms of life, when everything is going wrong and there seems no way out, God, like the sun, still rises. I may not be able to see Him through the clouds, or understand what He is doing, but I have lived long enough to realize that He is still there and He will always take care of me.

Off to Maine for a wedding!!

Going to Maine for the wedding of son Aaron and his beautiful bride-to-be, Keegan. They will be married in a very small ceremony on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. Early in the morning. EARLY, EARLY in the morning.
This photo was sent to us via my husband's computer and then he sent it to me. It is a low resolution and didn't enlarge well, but I hope that you can see the happy couple in the beautiful surroundings. We couldn't be happier for Aaron, because he has never been happier. I can't wait to see them and to take my own photos of them and of the wonderful state of Maine. I am sure that Maine and Acadia will appear in the artwork I produce this fall. In the meantime, if you would like to see better photos of Aaron and Keegan and Maine also, check out Larry's site.

I did find photos of their dogs, Penney and Hannah in the snow last winter:



They are also beautiful, and I can't wait to meet them!

A Porkestra, Popcorn Art, and Noah's Ark

State Fair Part 2

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so this should let me off the hook for a while. We spent quite some time at the Cultural Center at the fair. Besides being a good place to go to get out of the rain, there was some great art, wonderful photography and amazing woodcarving. Of course, I didn't agree with all the judging, no one ever does, but I enjoyed seeing everything. Here are just a few highlights. Unfortunately I have the artist's name for only one of them, so if you are or know the artist responsible for any of these delights, just let me know and I will be glad to give credit where credit is due. Be sure to click on each picture for a larger view.

Porkestra, carving by Judith Veeder

Click on the photo for a larger image. It is amazing.

Beautiful painting of the state fair. Incredible detail. Should have won more than a yellow ribbon.

These artworks were made of popcorn. Only in Iowa!

And my favorite - Noah's Ark...

There were some lovely, realistic, delicately painted wood carvings. Birds and ducks and a tiger, all sorts of elegant and beautiful works. And I loved them all - well, almost all of them, but this is the one that grabbed my heart. The imagination, the joy, the attention to detail - I just couldn't tear myself away from it.

Hope it brightens up your day, too.

Iowa State Fair, Part 1

One man's art is another man's butter...




Art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. One of the great things about the Iowa State Fair is the "Butter Cow" It has been a staple at the state fair since the early 1900's but it was Norma "Duffy" Lyons, who began sculpting in 1960, that brought it to the center stage. She created not only cows, but a Butter Elvis, a butter country school house, American Gothic and The Last Supper in butter, among other things. She retired in 2006 and was followed by Sarah Pratt, who had worked with her for 15 years. We in Iowa take our butter sculpture very seriously. When it was suggested earlier this year that a Butter Michael Jackson might be in order, it created such a furor that the state fair board decided to let the people of Iowa decide between the King of Pop and the First Man on the Moon. As you can see good taste prevailed and the Astronaut won.




All the art at the fair was not in the refrigerator, however, as they have a great art and photography show every year. Seeing creative efforts always inspires me to let myself go, push myself farther, higher, to try a new medium or a new subject. I will write about the non-refrigerated art on another day.

So many other things to see and do at the fair. My favorite was, of course, the horses, and the other animals. Bunnies, chickens, goats, and sheep. No dogs or cats, though, if they do show them, it happened on another day. I got lots of photos, and you will probably see some of their inspirations in drawings and paintings during the weeks and months to come.

The food at the fair is amazing. They put everything on a stick - corn dog on a stick, pork chop on a stick, chicken on a stick, fried Twinkies on a stick for Pete's sake, chicken lips - whatever that is - and even egg on a stick. I didn't try any of those, but I did see on the news that a woman was trying to eat everything that came on a stick - all 55 different foods!

We waited until today, Friday, to visit the fair in part because the weather forecaster promised us a good day. As we sat shivering in a tent outside the pork pavilion, with the rain pouring down and the wind blowing, we wondered why we ever listen to them. But the funnel cakes were good, the ice cream was great, the horses were out of this world, and the bunnies were adorable.

Child's Portrait

Click on image for larger view

"Joyful Spirit"
Pastel by Della Burgus
Image size 9 x 14
Commissions accepted

This joyful little darling is a commissioned piece that has just been finished. To me the expression on her face says "Childhood," that beautiful, innocent time of life when the world is a wonderful place full of love and happiness, before our lives become overtaken with cares and worries.

The painting is being listed on Daily Painters and Art Helping Animals as an example of my commissioned portraits. For many years my primary work was in portraiture, and that influence is still evident in my art to this day. I love to do intimate little paintings that show the spirit and character of my subjects.

A limited number of pastel portrait commissions from photos will be accepted before Christmas. In order to purchase a portrait as a Christmas gift, it must be ordered by September 8. Image sizes range from 8 x 10 for a head and shoulders pose, up to 12 x 16 for a three quarter pose, as shown above. Prices range from $120 to $170. All pastel paintings are matted to a standard frame size and ready for you to frame. Email me for more information.

10% of the sale of this particular painting is being donated to Old Dog Haven. When you commission a portrait, I will donate 10% of the sale to the Art Helping Animals charity of your choice. Those are listed on the Art Helping Animals blog. Please click the link for more information.

Since there are so many children in this world who do not have the happy childhood depicted in this painting, I will donate an additional 10% of the sale to Children's Cup - International Relief. Please click the link for more information.

Peacock by Della Burgus

A Living Jewel
Acrylic on Canvas
6 x 9 on Stretched, wrapped canvas

This little gem was sitting on a fencepost preening himself at a local zoo I visited recently. As there was no hen in sight, we weren't treated to a display of his breath-taking tail feathers, but he seemed to be aware of his audience and did strike a lovely pose. I snapped about four disappointing pictures and one good one. He was a great model and seemed to enjoy all the attention.

We, in our culture, are bedazzled by the jewels and precious stones buried deep beneath the earth. Billions of dollars are spent digging them out, cutting them and fashioning them into jewelry. (There is probably a parable in that, too, but I will let you work that one out.) Many of the colors that I used to paint this picture were originally made of these stones, or at least inspired by them, and they still carry their names - emerald green, ultramarine, alizarin crimson. And this gorgeous creature is more wonderful than any of them, because he is alive and breathing and able to interact with others of his kind, as well as the people who appreciate him. I had to just stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of this little jewel. He was an original, made by a true Master Artist.

This painting is available on Art Helping Animals. 20% of the sale will be donated to Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center.

In the Misty Moonlight

I love painting horses, and I love creating a mood. White horses lend themselves well to mood-making because their beautiful white coats reflect the colors of the light. And light is what sets a mood. I think of this painting as a lyrical one, poetry in line and color, and I hope that it brings the viewer into a place of peace and harmony. When I need a sense of peace, I can find it in nature - animals, flowers, the sea - someplace untouched and unaffected by the stress and pressure of human existence. I learn from nature to be exactly what God created me to be, nothing more and nothing less, to cease from striving, competing, achieving, and simply to be, and to enjoy.

Misty Moonlight

Original Acrylic
On Stretched, wrapped canvas
14 x 11 x .75 inches
All edges painted, no staples showing. Can be displayed with or without a frame.

Sold

Sorry, this painting has been sold, but please visit my website for other work still available.

20% of the sale of this painting will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue.

The North Shore - A Sentimental Journey

I have been away. Did you miss me? Larry, Button and I took a quick trip to Duluth. Barney stayed at Whimsy Park with Vicky and all the dogs, so he had his own vacation. She is a very nice lady and he likes her a lot.


We used to spend hours along the North Shore of Lake Superior, painting pictures and enjoying the peace and serenity of the place, but haven't been able to visit for a few years. This was a sort of sentimental journey for us, remembering those good times, taking pictures, and making plans to return and STAY LONGER! Next time we will make time to sit along the shore and paint, if only for an afternoon. There is a timelessness about the lake that takes me to a place of peace and tranquility. It was there long before I was born, and hopefully will still be here long after I am gone. It is easier for me to experience God's presence here, away from all the stress and busyness of everyday life.

Split Rock is one of my favorite places in the world. I love the birch trees, the wildlife, the flowers and, of course, the lighthouse. I have painted that lighthouse so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep. As a matter of fact, I did dream about it last night, but woke up before finishing the painting!

There is a lovely rose garden in Duluth that seems like a corner of Heaven. Lief Erickson Park, but I probably messed up the spelling. Anyway, it is close to the lakeshore and right on top of the freeway. If you get there at the right time of day, it is pretty quiet also.
All of these photos and more will probably be used to create paintings of my "Sentimental Journey," so look for them in future blogs.

Portrait of Lily by Della Burgus

This is a painting of a day lily from our garden. We have lots of them - we are always finding some new color or variety. This one has been around for so long I have forgotten her name, so I just call this Portrait of Lily. I am a portrait painter by nature. I think God made me that way. For years I painted and drew portraits of people, then I branched out into animals and flowers, but, as you see, it still has a portrait "feeling" to it. I tend to focus in on a subject, to capture its nature, its essence, the core of its being. (Well, that may be a little too deep, even for me.) I do enjoy painting landscapes and seascapes occasionally, but more often than not, I find myself focusing in on the one thing that captures my attention.

So here is Portrait of Lily. As with many of my paintings, a portion of this sale will be donated to an animal charity. I have chosen Tabby's Place, a Cat Sanctuary, in memory of my kitty Nala, who loved flowers. I miss her very much.


Portrait of Lily is available through eBay.
and Art Helping Animals.

Sketch, Dog Daze of Summer

Today I am sharing a page from my sketchbook, the preliminary drawing for a painting of a golden lab. I have decided to let you see this, with all its problems and rough edges, before I do a painting in pastel. For me a sketch is a plan, a map, of the finished artwork, so I can see what it will look like, and if it is really going to work. In my mind's eye (don't you love that phrase?) I see the finished painting, with color, value and line all working together to create a composition. Probably all anyone else can see is a rather weak, unfinished drawing that needs a lot of work! Sometimes I think my life is like this drawing: full of promise, but needing a lot of work. I am glad that God sees me as a beautiful painting, all the elements pulled together in a perfect composition. I still need a lot of work, but He is the Master Artist and I trust He can pull it all together.

Sad News

Like everyone, I was horrified by the story of the largest dog fighting ring in the history of the United States. Over 400 dogs were seized and rescued. Many others were not so fortunate. There are no words to express my anger at the monsters who abused and tortured these innocent creatures. I have friends with Pit Bulls. They are gentle, loving dogs with the same loyal dispositions that other dogs have. They have been raised with love and give love in return. Although the dogs are not to blame, as is often the case, they are the ones who have to pay the price. This has become a more personal sorrow for me, because some of the people involved come from central Iowa, one even from my small town. Thankfully, I do not know these people, nor do I want to, but I feel somehow our town has been diminished by their having lived here.
I hope and pray that many of the rescued dogs can be rehabilitated and find loving and understanding people to care for them.

You can read more about the raid and rescue on the Humane Society of Missouri. Currently these dedicated people are taking care of their physical needs. Please consider sending a donation for this good cause. Click on the link below for more information.

Humane Society of Missouri

“We are committed to giving dogs who have come from such horrible abuse the absolute best chance for a good life,” said Debbie Hill, vice president of Operations for the Humane Society of Missouri and director of the temporary shelter. “It is a tragedy that because of mistreatment by humans for financial gain and so-called sport, many dogs used in animal fighting may not ever be able to be placed in a home situation.”

Wildlife Art Elephant Walk by Della Burgus

I absolutely love elephants - love reading about them, watching them on TV, sketching and photographing them in zoos, and above all, I love to paint them. They are large, slow moving tough-looking animals, with tender spirits and hearts of gold. Well, most of them are, anyway. This painting was inspired by a CBS story by my favorite reporter, Steve Hartman. It is the story of a most unlikely friendship between an elephant named Tarra and a little dog named Bella who live in the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. I won't try to retell the tale, because Steve does it so beautifully, but if you want to read it for yourself, just click on this link: Bella and Tarra.


Note: This painting is NOT a picture of Bella, though I was inspired by her story. As I mentioned earlier, I love elephants, love to paint them and I use my own photos and sketches for my work.


If you would like to visit the sanctuary website, click this link: The Elephant Sanctuary. You can read all about their work, see photos of the elephants, and even watch a video. It would be great if you would also donate to their work.


The painting is 10 x 10 inches, acrylic on stretched canvas, all edges are painting, so it may be displayed with or without a frame. It is available through Art Helping Animals, as well as through this blog.


10% of the sale will be donated to Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center, through Art Helping Animals.

I will donate an additional 10% to the Elephant Sanctuary.

Elephant Walk
Acrylic on stretched canvas
10 x 10 x .75 inches
$100

Quote from Steve Hartman: "Take good look at this couple, America. Take a good look world. If they can do it - what's our excuse?"

Buddies Dog Portrait by Della Burgus

Buds
Sold

This is a commissioned portrait of two dogs who obviously enjoy life and each other. It was taken from a photo, and I had to make a few little adjustments in order to get a good composition. There is a difference between commissioned portraits and my regular work. A great likeness is the major element in a portrait, but the goal is a little different in my regular work. While it is important to portray the special qualities of the breed, the painting is more about composition, lighting, design and color. Of course, the "spirit" of the subject is always crucial. I love painting portraits of people and/or their pets, even though it is quite exacting and somewhat tense for me. But the rewards are well worth the effort - nearly always joy and a little laughter, sometimes tears and hugs. What really matters is that I "got them" and created something that will be treasured for years to come.
While there is much more freedom in my regular work, it seldom evokes the same reaction. Unless, of course it reminds someone of a loved one, either two or four-legged!

With the slow economy, I hope you will remember the needs of all our furry and feathered friends. A portion of the sale of this painting will be donated to Old Dog Haven. It is a great organization, so if you get a chance, click on the link below and check out their work. And, hug your best buds today, whether two- or four-legged!

Old Dog Haven

Black Horse

Beauty
Sorry, this one is sold

This is an oil painting on stretched canvas, 10 x 10 x 1.5 inches thick. I listed it on Art Helping Animals and eBay last night, and scheduled it for Daily Painters today, but it sold before I could blog about it here. Certain breeds of dogs and horses seem to inspire loyalty in their people, and the Friesian Horse is one of them. I get requests for paintings of them, and the paintings never last long. They are beautiful animals, usually gentle despite their strength, and they move so gracefully.

Most artists I know would agree with me that "black" animals are the most difficult to paint, because they aren't really black at all. There are warm colors in the shadows - browns or rusts, even reds in the right light. And the highlights aren't white, they are blues or lavender. Or sometimes it is the reverse, depending on the source of light. I have been working on a commissioned portrait of a black lab and it seems to be taking forever. It seems that way to my client also, I am sure. But it has to be just right. The temptation is to paint them black, but if you do that, the painting looks flat and the animal looks artificial, not alive. I work hard to put life in all my paintings.

One of the nicest things about selling art online is getting to know great people from all over the world. Since many of my subjects are animals, most of my collectors are animal lovers like me. This painting was sold to a wonderful lady who has lots and lots of animals, she actually raises Friesian Horses, takes in dogs to foster for the humane society and ends up keeping them.

If you haven't visited Art Helping Animals, please do so. You will find the work of many artists who donate a portion of their sales to animal charities.

Distinguished Dachshund by Della Burgus

Distinguished Dachshund

Pastel on Sennelier Pastel Card
Image size about 8.25 x 9
Mounted on foam core board
Matted and ready to frame.

Click to view eBay listing

20% will be donated to DARE Dachshund Rescue and Education

----------
A pastel painting of one of my favorite breeds. They are loving, loyal, intelligent, sensitive, as well as independent and stubborn. For many years my brother and his wife shared their lives with a wonderful dachshund. He was a great pet and quite a character. Neighborhood children would ring the doorbell and ask if "Oscar" could come out and play. Later one of them explained that he would sometimes escape from the back yard and run to the school across the street to play with the children at recess, so he had made friends with all of them.

I have been reading a book called, Angel Dogs, by Allen and Linda Anderson, and I am looking forward to reading about Angel Cats, Angel Horses, and I think, Angel Animals as well. We will have to leave it to the theologians to debate whether or not our four legged friends can meet the criteria required to be classified as an angel, but I do know that God speaks to us through all of His creation, and that certainly includes all the big and little animals. The one theme running through most of His conversations, and the most important lesson He wants us to learn is LOVE. From our pets we learn to give love and to receive love, we learn all about unconditional love, which seems pretty rare within the human race. We learn that it is in giving that we receive, and that it is the little, honest things in life that really matter. Things like the wag of a tail, a nice warm purr and the look that comes from those warm, loving eyes. We learn to allow our hearts to break and when we have said good-bye to our very best friend, we learn that it has all been worth it. We learn that love, true love, never really dies.


Hug your furry friends today, and give them an extra hug from me. They are all gifts from God, you know, and we need to treasure all his gifts.

Little Cocker Spaniel

Beautiful, Beautiful Brown Eyes.

by Della Burgus

The title of this painting is from a very old song. The big, expressive, brown eyes of this little Spaniel can speak volumes and totally melt my heart. I seldom see a little dog that I don't just long to cuddle or a larger dog that I can resist petting.

I have come to realize that God speaks to us through almost everything in life, and animals are no exception. In fact, I believe they are among His most willing messengers. "Love" is the lesson He wants most for us to learn, and that seems to be something they all know a lot about. Look into those eyes, and that is what you see: unconditional love. If this little creature understands it so well, why is it so hard for us humans to understand - us, with our "superior" brain power, our sophistication, our "evolutionary development"? Why is it that we continue to gossip, shift blame, hold grudges, and just generally treat each other badly? We all need to take a lesson from our long-suffering pets, who love us no matter what stupid thing we did this time, who never find fault, never put us down, never try to show us up. They just keep on loving, keep on believing, keep on wanting the best for us. That is what love is all about.

Pastel on Wallis Sanded Paper
Image size 8 x 10
Mounted on foam core board
Matted and ready to frame.

To purchase, or if there are questions email the artist
Email Della

Available through
Art Helping Animals

20% will be donated to
Old Dog Haven

Equine Art Horses White Arabian Horse Out of the Shadows

Out of the Shadows

Those of you who have been following my work for a while know that I love painting horses, and that white horses hold a special fascination for me. There is some sort of spiritual connection that is beyond my understanding. To me the horse is a metaphor for life, and if I can't quite explain it, that is because I am not sure I understand it. "Out of the Shadows" is particularly metaphoric, because that describes the events of my life over the last twelve months. It has been a year of grief and loss, of rapid change and upheaval, of long hours of introspection and self-discovery.

Many years ago I learned the futility of asking, "Why?" "Why me?" "Why now?" Whatever answers may exist are so far beyond my experience that I would never understand, even if God were to show me His master plan. No, the question I have learned to ask is "What now?" - Where do I go from here? What road do I take? And, most important, if I am not who I used to be, or if I have never been who I thought I was, who am I?

Yet, even in the darkest shadows, there is always a glimmer of light. Sometimes just a tiny glimmer, just the thinnest little shaft of light coming through the crack somewhere. But it is enough. You can see the light hitting the horse's face, highlighting individual hairs in its mane. That light is hope for tomorrow. The hope that we can all get up and get moving one more day, and find ourselves one day closer to the Light.

Out of the Shadows is a pastel on Canson Paper, 10.5 x 13. It is matted and ready for you to frame. $85 includes shipping within the US. 20% of the sale will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue. It has not yet been listed on Ebay.

For information or to purchase email me:
Email Della

What is sweeter than a sleeping baby?

Pure Gold

There is an old saying, "Let sleeping dogs lie." Ah, but what of puppies? Can anyone resist a sleeping puppy? Don't you just want to rub its little ears, scratch its head or maybe tickle its nose? It may not be such a good idea. You will probably wake the little darling and then he/she will want to play, roll over for a good tummy rub, or have a tug of war. Maybe even decide it's time to go outside, or else not and then you will be really unhappy. So you better leave this sleeping puppy to dream the wonderful, joy-filled dreams of puppyhood. But maybe, just one little tickle...

This little puppy has been blessed with a home and a person who loves her, but many dogs, cats, horses, and other animals are not so fortunate. It is my desire to use my art to speak for animals who have no voice. I am a member of Art Helping Animals, a fellowship of professional artists who donate a portion of our sales to animal charities. To date, our organization has raised over $60,000 to help the animals.

20% of the sale of this pastel painting will be donated to Old Dog Haven. Please click the link below to learn more about this wonderful network of animal lovers with a special heart for senior dogs.

Pure Gold

by Della Burgus

Pastel on Sennelier Pastel Card,
Image Size 9 x 8
Matted, mounted on foam core board,
Ready to frame

$75

Shipping included

20% will be donated to
Old Dog Haven.

To purchase, or for comments or questions, email the artist
Email Della

Spring is here - or is it?

Has it stopped snowing yet? I mean, really, for good? Or at least until next fall? Is it really over, the long, hard winter that won't allow you to even stick your nose out of the door without it being bitten off by frost? Or is it just hiding, lying in wait until we all get comfortable with the sunshine and green grass, ready to hit us again with one last blast of icy storms. It seems to be over, but I am not taking anything for granted...

One of the great joys of spring is planting flowers. Spring is later here in Iowa than almost everywhere else in the world, but at last the annuals are ready to be planted. So I stopped by the garden center today just to see what was available, and came home with all this. Most of them will be planted by the sign in front of the studio. This year, because it was a long, cold winter, and a whole year of sadness and loss, I felt the need for color in my gray life, so the flowers will be bright and splashy with no particular color scheme.



This is the location where they will be planted. Pathetic, isn't it? Sort of like a neglected pet. But that is what happens during a long Midwest winter. In a day or two, if this rain ever lets up for a little while, I will show you how good it can look.

In the meantime, Happy Spring!

Equine Art New Little Chestnut Arabian Colt

There is something irresistible about new colts gazing at the world in awe and wonder. Everything is new and exciting to them and they can hardly wait to begin to explore, to run, to dance across the meadows, chasing butterflies, bees, the wind. We were all "new colts" once. I hope you haven't lost that sense of wonder - if you have, please try to find it again. Everyone should be as happy as this new little colt.

One way to find that joy again is by helping someone else, and no one needs our help any more than abused, abandoned and neglected animals. I hope to use my art to speak for those who have no voice of their own. As a member of Art Helping Animals I donate a portion of my sales to various animal charities. To date, our organization has raised over $60,000 to help the animals.

20% of the sale of "Little Red" will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue.

"Little Red"
by Della Burgus

Pastel, Image size: 8 x 11
Mounted on foam core, with a double mat
Ready to frame

Check out the listing on
EBay

Or to purchase. or if you have any questions, email the artist
Email Della

Cavalier King Charles

(Sorry, this painting is no longer available., but I promise to paint another CKC soon)

I love all dogs and over the years have painted many different breeds, as well as mixed breeds. I have come to believe that all dog people are certain that their favorite breed is the very best. And I am sure they are all right about that. Because they are all the best.

One of the breeds that commands the most loyalty from its people is the Cavalier King Charles. And the reasons are obvious - the regal appearance, the large, loving eyes and the gentle manner, combined with a happy disposition and friendly spirit. Their fur is soft and silky, and I defy anyone to resist petting them. Usually they don't mind.

This particular painting was sold this week, but I will paint others, because they are fun and challenging to do, and because I get lots of requests for them. As with all of my paintings, a portion of the sale is donated to an animal charity. For the CKC paintings, the charity is Old Dog Haven, a wonderful organization with a heart for senior dogs. Last week I received an email from Judith at ODH, telling me that their newest Cavalier, who is blind and suffers from heart disease, delivered two puppies just ten days after moving in. She is a wonderful mom.

If you don't know about Old Dog Haven, please check out their website.
And also the website of Art Helping Animals, a group of professional artists who donate a portion of their sales to animal charities. I am a proud member of this group which has raised over $60,000 for animal charities.

Old Dog Haven

Art Helping Animals

Oh, by the way, I share my life with a Toy Poodle and a Border Collie - and they are ALSO the best dogs in the world. Because all dogs are...

Sunshine

My Place in the Sun
Pastel, 8.5 x 10

Nearly every cat I have ever known loves the sunshine. They will lie down any place that sunlight streams through a window, and when the patch of sun moves, they move with it. Cats are amazing creatures, I have never been sure they weren't transplanted here from another world. One minute they are rolling around on the floor, playing with a soft fuzzy toy, the next they are seriously stalking some invisible menace. They take a flying leap from the highest point in the room landing on their feet and walk away as if nothing extraordinary has just happened. Their mood can swing from cuddly and full of love to completely indifferent and superior in the flick of a tail.

I read once that the Lord created the cat so that people might know the pleasure of petting a lion. That may be true - I know that inside every soft little kitten is the heart of a lion.

I hope you find your place in the sunshine today, that you stay there as long as you need to for warmth, for light and for inspiration. Find joy in the simple things in life: the sun shining through a window, the purr of a kitty, the laughter of a child. And remember to be grateful...

"Sunshine" is a pastel on Wallis paper, mounted, matted and ready to frame. It will be offered on Art Helping Animals and Daily Painters later this week. If you would like more information in the meantime, email me. Email Della

Just a Little Snack to Get Me By

A cute, friendly little guy like the those who show up when my husband and I travel to the North Shore of Lake Superior to paint. They are extremely industrious, even in the middle of summer, always looking for seeds to stuff into their little pouches to take to their favorite hiding places. Sometimes they stop their activity and actually eat some of the treasures they have found. Button, our toy poodle, usually travels with us and loves playing with them - first he chases them, then they chase him. Nobody ever catches anybody, and when Button thinks he is too close, he backs up and lets them run away. When he tires of the game and tries to rest, they come out of the bushes and scold him. One summer a friend who had parked his boat and covered it with a tarp, later found it filled with pine cones. It had looked like an ideal storage place to the chipmunks. To me, no trip would be complete without them.

This is an acrylic on canvas panel, 5 x 7 and is available through Art Helping Animals.

Or email me for more information.

Email Della

Passion for Painting Award

Good news! I have been presented with the prestigious Passion for Painting Award, by the internationally admired and respected artist, Vernita Bridges Hoyt. It is indeed an honor. Vernita is a wonderful animal artist, and her still lifes, landscapes, and portraits are simply fantastic. You can see her work on her blog, Texas Sauce Art Life or on Art Helping Animals.

Thank you, Nita. This is the best thing that has happened to me all day, well, I can safely say all month. As a matter of fact it is probably the best thing that has happened to me all year.

I have been asked to list seven things that I love and then pass the award on to seven other people.

Seven things I love, (aside from painting)
1. My family
2. My critters, in no particular order: Button, toy poodle, Barney, tan and white Border Collie, Yellow Kitty, a yellow and white kitty, lots of zebra finch and five cockatiels.
3. Reading mysteries
4. Lilacs in the spring
5. Painting vacations along the shores of Lake Superior
6. Horses
7. Cafe mochas

I need to collect some names, and will present the award to them as they occur to me. Very soon. One thing I forgot to mention is "naps," which I need right now.

Renewal

Colt in the Meadow

I must apologize for not posting lately. It has been a difficult time for my family as my father passed away two weeks ago. In a way it was expected, because he was 98 years old and had a bad heart for several years, but he had been feeling good and living well almost until the time of his passing. After a heart attack about 7 years ago, he moved in with my husband and me. His eyesight was failing and his hearing had almost gone, so he could no longer live alone on the farm as he had for many years. But his mind was just as sharp as ever, and his enthusiasm for living had never diminished. It was a life well lived. But we are missing him.

The new colt seemed an appropriate subject to return to painting. My dad loved horses and colts. Actually this is an older painting that I reworked a bit. I was never quite happy with it, but it took a while to figure out what to change. Sometimes I just put away work for a while and it helps me get a better perspective. I love the way he stands, a little uncertain, maybe a little shy, but curious about the world around him. To me it is a reminder that life is continually being renewed and those of us left behind must continue to live out our time on earth, whether it is long or short.

This painting is available on Ebay

Or send me an email
Email Della

Equine Art White Arabian Horse Close Up

A Beautiful Spirit

Pastel, 8.5 x 10

Matted, mounted on Foam Core board

Ready to frame

$80. shipping included

20% will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue

I love painting horses, they have such graceful forms, such expressive movements. This particular horse has a way of looking at you that is very direct and somewhat disconcerting. I decided to focus on the face, in order to express the soul and character of the animal. I always wonder what they are thinking.

I am a member of Art Helping Animals, a group of professional artists who sell their work online and donate a portion of the sales of our paintings to animal charities. Visit our blog by clicking on the link below, and you will find paintings and other art in a wide range of styles. subjects, and mediums. Cats, dogs, horses, chicken, pigs, wildlife, and just about any other animal you can imagine have benefited from our charities and graced our gallery.

The image size of this painting is 8.5 x 10, it is matted and mounted on foam core board. 20% of the sale will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue. You get to see this first, before it is listed on Daily Painters, Zibbet, or Art Helping Animals. I am not sure what the title of the painting should be, so I am mulling it over for a while.

Please check out our Art Helping Animals group.
Art Helping Animals