My art was used for the reception card! How exciting is that?! Will I be seeing you there?

"Family 1"

acrylic on panel

6x9

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"Family 2"

Acrylic on panel

6x12

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"Family 3"

acrylic on panel

6x12

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This Friday, August 14th from 6-9 PM, First Impressions Art Studio and Gallery will be hosting another artists' reception. I will have 5 new pieces there on display and it should be a good time. Please come out and see these pieces in person as I don't think the web does them justice.

I loved working on these geese paintings. While I did them I researched geese and their behaviors and habits. Who needs television when there is such drama in the animal kingdom! I know a lot about dogs and horses but now I think I can tell a duck from a goose! Just kidding, I was never that bad. However, I learn a lot from my work and it keeps it all very exciting.

I have so much more to say but right now I must get to my next dog portrait and a couple of custom commissions. Somewhere in there I must squeeze in time for my entry into the next Gallery 50 juried exhibition. I am running out of time so I musn't daudle! Come back soon and check out my progress.

Where Is Your Garden of Eden?

"Bunny Brave's Garden of Eden"
5x7
acrylic on panel
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A farmer's field is practically our backyard. Hawks frequent our property because mice in the field make for a nice snack. Being mindful of this, I try to feed my sweet rabbits and birds under the protection of the tree that shades my studio. The squirrels are on their own and frankly, I could use less of those.

I notice the rabbits love to sit under the lilac bush and relax or munch. Obviously this is a safer place to be than running in the open space. All creatures seem to have their favorite spots that provide food, shelter and sometimes just a place to breathe without threat.

I try to create places like this for myself but often life gets in the way. A quiet corner with a good book gets interrupted by the phone or family need. To combat that, I drive or walk and find a place in someone else's paradise to rest. My new found hideout is by the pond on the property owned by our local veterinarian. Their backyard is like the Garden of Eden. Sheep, birds, fish and turtles of many types flourish here. Always I am awestruck by the serenity and beauty of it all. That leaves me wondering. Do the people that live there feel as if it is paradise or do they have to escape Eden for some peace?

Bunny Brave Paintings

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

5"x7"

acrylic on panel

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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!

All About Rabbits

"Flee Bunny Flee"

sketch in moleskine

Sometimes Bunny Brave just has to flee. Maybe the danger isn't clear or even present but a smart bunny follows his instinct. The trees watch his escape, unmoving. They know that tomorrow Bunny Brave will return.

Bunny Brave now lives in full color. I just finished three paintings based off of these sketches. I am consumed by the small animal world around my studio.

It has been mentioned to me in the past that the animals I draw and paint look pensive, serious and rarely joyful. Though I do believe animals experience happiness, I focus on what I see in their eyes in terms of survival. I see it in humans as well. Only when we recognize it in each other do we have a sense of compassion. I create keeping that message in mind. So if you are looking for happy trees and paintings of light, go check out the Thomas Kinkade galleries. That is understandable. If you want to feel something deeper, visit Soulful Studios during the Arts in Bloom tour of studios. I will be here to share my work with you on Saturday May 30th from 10-5 and on Sunday the 31st from 12-5. Another fine artist with an important message as he is preserving our rural heritage is Alex Alampi. His studio will be open and is only 1 mile from mine so you can truly enjoy a special day.

Stay tuned for the horse portrait and the full color versions of Bunny Brave.

Birds and Rabbits

"Bunny Brave Looks to Home"

graphite sketch in moleskine

Sometimes Bunny Brave knows he must go but remains still all the same. The sun sets through the trees inviting him home into the glow and splendor. Yet, even with a destination so beautiful, the journey can still be frightening.

I know, I know, you are waiting to see the horse portrait. Well, if it weren't for the wonderful sightings of an Indigo Bunting again and a Bluebird, all in one day, I would have photographed my progress to share. Sometimes my birds are a priority. They feed my work. That's how I stay soulful at Soulful Studios.

My World According to the Rabbit

"Bunny Brave"

graphite sketch in moleskine

As the sun sets Bunny Brave gets in his evening meal. He senses me near but only keeps track with one ear. The world is so big and the journey long but Bunny Brave continues on. This is the way life goes in the big backyard.

Updates on the horse portrait and Arts in Bloom Open House at Soulful Studios next post.