Soulful Studios - Horse Portrait - Ibbie

"Ibbie"
16 x 20
graphite on paper
private commission

Monday morning I packaged this drawing and shipped it off to Pennsylvania. This horse portrait was a challenge because the photos were poor and the information given to me was minimal. I agreed to do this piece because I was so touched by the person that contacted me, I did not want to let him down. The graphite drawing is a gift to his future bride for their wedding day. If you've ever loved an animal you know how touching this gift truly is. The future groom explained to me how his lady has had some serious trials in her life and that it is her horse that brings her solace. Ibbie can be considered difficult to others but to her he is purely refuge. Nobody better understands this than I do, so I made it happen. My hope is that you can see in his face what I see. Graphite never photographs well, so all I can say is tha,t in person, this piece is dramatic.

I have more paintings and pet portraits on the horizon but first I want to share a little fun news. Christine of Websketching was kind enough to make a little video for the Woodstown website , featuring Alex Alampi and yours truly during the Arts in Bloom event. On the Visit Salem County website, Alex is again famous by being included in what I understand will be a television commercial to promote tourism to Salem County. A couple of years ago I was told that if I want to take my art seriously I would have to move out of Salem County because nothing "goes on" there. Well, I can tell you that I am starting to be a big fish in a small pond that it turning into one heck of a lake! Who knows what’s next?!

Bunny Brave Paintings

"Bunny Brave Looks to Home"
5"x7"
acrylic on panel
Sold

"Bunny Brave"
5"x7"
acrylic on panel
Email to purchase.

"Flee Bunny Brave Flee"

5"x7"

acrylic on panel

Email to purchase.

Bunny Brave has brought me much joy. I may continue working with this format and perhaps expand his story. You can read previous posts to read the meaning behind these works. This Friday at First Impressions Gallery in Salem you can see these paintings at the show opening.

I've been so busy with finishing the horse portrait. It is one of the more difficult pieces of done in a while as the photograph does not hold much information and I must create detail and drama from my own experience and anatomy knowledge. Luckily I am surrounded by horse farms and constantly photograph other horses to help me fill in the blanks. Work like this really pushes me with my pet portraits and makes me a much better artist. I think this may be one of my best horse commissions because of the stretch I've made. Photos will be provided next post. I know Soulful Studios has kept you waiting!

Soulful Studios Open House Was A Success

I thought I would share a few photos of the studio with you in case you couldn't make it to the Arts in Bloom Art Studio Tour this past Saturday and Sunday. These photos were taken before the crowds came and all the goodies were eaten. Joel and I had an opportunity to sit under the canopy of the tree before the busy days began.

We had beautiful weather and so many great people stopped by. The event was a success for the artists of Salem County because most people mentioned that they had no idea so much talent lived in this area. Personally the event was excellent because I not only got to share my new studio and work but I also now have new students, commissions and less work hanging on the walls. It always feels good to see my work find a new home. Blank spaces on the walls push me to paint more and faster.

I want to thank everyone that took the time to visit and enjoy my art. Big hugs and thanks are sent out to the friends and family that stopped by to support me. More thanks is given to my new patrons and friends as well. Finally, I am very grateful for my friendship with fellow artist, Alex Alampi, because he has taught me so much and never holds back. He is an amazing artist and a good friend. His wife, Dot, keeps me in stitches and always is there to help me "hold it together". If you didn't get the chance to see either of our studios you will have another chance the first weekend of December when Alex and I will both open our studios to the public and show new work.

If you look closely at one of the photos you can see the horse portrait in progress on my drawing table. Also to be there is a new pet portrait of a fine service dog. Soulful Studios is very busy. Next post I will share the 3 bunny paintings that will next be shown at First Impressions Art Gallery on Friday, June 12th in Salem. Stay tuned!