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!

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.

Soulful Studios Pet Portraits Almost Ready for Business

I can't believe how much we've accomplished since my last post. During the last week of January I started making arrangements for our wedding. Even though we are keeping it small, simple and mostly family, there was more work involved than I realized. Thinking I was a smart woman, I put my house up for sale at the beginning of March so that by the end of summer it would be sold and my wedding would have been over and the new studio would be finished. This way nobody would be rushed, or so I thought. The dear Lord smiled on us and my house/studio sold in a matter of days to the first person that saw it, after being on the internet for only 2 hours. This was great news however, part of the deal required me to be out of there in 3 weeks. Again, the new Soulful Studios was not finished and I would be without the ability to paint or upload to Blogger for many weeks. In this crazy housing market, we didn't think twice and got my stuff out of there and let our crackerjack real estate agent handle the rest. So, since February, we've built a new studio, organized a beautiful wedding and moved an entire house and workspace. Wow.

This is more than amazing to me because this time last year I would not have been able to meet these physical and emotional challenges. My body was not nearly healed enough and it still has a long way to go even now. Yet, every morning that I wake up, I see steady improvement. I doubt I will ever be able to run 13 miles on a Sunday morning again but that doesn't matter. My life and my world has different challenges and better rewards now. For the first time since 2006, I look far into the future with excitement and the knowledge that no matter what, I have a strong support system. To say this feels like a rebirth is an understatement.

By Wednesday of next week I will be painting again. New business cards will be made and regular updates to my website and blog will be published. Business as usual can be expected at Soulful Studios but better than ever. Still to be finished is the back wall gallery, the stone path and shrubs, the proper light bulbs installed and the front signage made. All of this must be in place for the Arts in Bloom Open House Studio Tour on May 30th and 31st. Please visit the main site for more information about this special event. I will be posting more updates after the wedding. Until then please enjoy the photos above as a little hint of the peacefulness and beauty that you will find here when you visit.

Also, please visit Canine Partners for Life's site and view the videos about their fabulous work. Watching these clips will help you better understand why this is the organization I support the most.

Finally, Woodstown will be starting their farmers market on May 8th. Please visit their site for more information. As things get rolling there, I will be creating a series of paintings featuring the Woodstown Farmers' Market much as I painted for the one in Salem.

So much to say and yet so little time. Thank you all for being so patient. I'm glad to be back.

Going Home

"Going Home"
5x7
acrylic on panel
Sold

The grip of winter is fading. I can feel spring coming despite the icy wind. This is my last winter painting for the season. There are 3 more sketches of similar horse art pieces but they will wait for another time. My mind is on beginnings and growth not hibernation.

Again and again I mention how I am looking forward to being back to work on a more steady basis. The lighting is in the new Soulful Studios and all that is needed before I can move in is flooring. These few months off have served me well. My ideas are fresh and my excitement grows like the little daffodils outside my window, trying to poke through the covering earth.

Fame is not something I'm after by any means. My motivation is much more personal. Often people mention how someday I'll be in museums with big price tags hanging from my work. Though that would be nice, surprisingly that is not my goal. I have a vision of what direction my work should take. It gets closer all the time but I have yet to really paint it. Honestly, I think I will always be reaching and striving for something I don't see in my work but a little closer I would like to be. I will get there. I know this because for the first time I feel right about other parts of my life. The rest is surely to follow.

A college professor once told me to "do what you love and the rest will follow." I'm doing it. Wait and see.

Future Paradise

11'x22' of paradise. That's what I call it. The above photos represent the current progress of the new Soulful Studios. I know it doesn't look like a lot of planning and work but trust me it was. Lighting fixtures are to be installed soon and I'm trying to work something out with Mannington Mills in terms of flooring. Special considerations had to be made for the unique structural issues of this building like baseboards and trim around the doors. Our drywall guy did an amazing job of turning something ugly into something beautiful. If you look closely at the photo of the front door you can see my finished work and canvas storage loft. That was Joel's great idea for the use of space. I'm not sure if you can see it but the rafters were left showing so the area doesn't feel like a box but rather very open. That's another fancy idea ala Joel. To say I'm excited is an understatement. This will be my safe haven and my sanctuary. All this time I've spent planning my wedding and this studio really makes me appreciate how important my art is to me.

The Sweetheart Reception at First Impressions Gallery in Salem was packed with art lovers. Many folks took the time to chat and wish me well on my upcoming marriage. What surprised me the most was the overwhelming support of my work and how many people made a point to tell me how much it meant to them. One woman that has purchased many pieces of mine commented on how important my Salem Farmers Market series are to her. Another man pulled me aside to tell me that he feels like my paintings of horses actually breathe and fill him with such joy. Sometimes I don't feel like meeting with the public, as by the evening I tend to be tired. However, it is so important because it is moments with the kind people that appreciate my work that make me feel that the little things we all do matter.

I have another painting I need to post. It is my last winter scene of the year. It is time to start painting spring so that I will be ready for the open studio tour in May. The truth is I've just been so busy with life's little details that I'm very behind in posting. What details you ask? Well, I had my hair done the other day (almost 3 hours sitting in that chair) only to go home very unhappy and far too blonde for a bride, forcing me to return the next day to have it fixed. Such worries right? To think only 2 years ago I would have killed to have hair to complain about. That little thought gave me such a chuckle. I hope you find it amusing too.

On a final note, if you are on Facebook please add me as a friend. I just added a profile and I seriously need more friends!

Have a great weekend!

Getting Closer to Going Home

"Going Home"
sketch in moleskine

I was driving home to Pilesgrove when suddenly I saw a beautiful snowy sunset in the field next to Cowtown Rodeo. Grant's big rough-stock horses were out finding little blades of grass peaking through the white covering to nibble on. In the distance there were two horses lit by the setting sun walking away from the rest. Watching them leave together made me think they might be heading home. Let me remind you that I always relate human emotions and events to my animal subjects. Somehow I felt connected to these two. Quickly I took my pictures and jumped back into the safety of my car and drove home to my family. It was a good feeling.

Much of my time now is spent moving and planning a studio and a little wedding. It may happen that the studio will be finished in March and I will be able to paint from my new Pilesgrove location. As I look at my sketches, I see a theme of partnership and grounding that I have not witnessed before in my work. You can only draw what you know. The future is exciting but I stay firmly fixed on the present. The past has taught me that. We have now. Now is wonderful.

Next post I will share photos of the studio progress. I cannot believe how beautiful it is becoming. I've never had a space to work in as special as this. Every detail has been considered. Who could want for more?

Don't forget the next reception at First Impressions Gallery in Salem on Friday February 13th from 6-9pm. I will be there so please come in and say hello. Don't forget to ask me about Soulful Studios new home.

Sketching Salem County

"January Afternoon"
sketch in moleskine

"That Guy's Tree"

sketch in moleskine

Trying to build a studio yourself is a slow process. It is sucking up much of our free time. The electric is now in and drywall is next. There is talk of a studio tour through Salem County in May. I hope I am ready. There will be another reception at First Impressions Art Gallery in Salem on Friday, February 13th. My recent small works will be available there.

I've been seeking new places in Salem County to sketch. Now that I no longer live near the water I am looking for that perfect place that I can paint over and over again. The above sketches were done as part of my quest for my new favorite haunt. I have a feeling when the studio is done I will mostly want to paint the view outside the window but until then I'm looking for something new.

Every time I sit in the car with my moleskine and sketch it is always like a special event. While I drew the barn scene, a man in a truck pulled over twice to make sure I was ok. The first time was on his way to the store and the second was on his way back. It is nice to know chivalry is not dead. Then when I was parked across the street from the old tree, a man ran out from his home over to my car with a look of suspicion on his face. Perhaps he thought I was staking out the joint. I rolled down the window and showed him my sketchbook and he exclaimed, "That's my tree! That is so beautiful!" Then suddenly his 5 dogs ran out into the middle of the road with a big truck barreling towards them. I gasped and he raced in time to shoo them away. I can see the headline now. "Pet Portrait Artist Kills 5 Dogs, Owner Suing." Life is certainly not dull even if I'm not painting pet portraits.

Soulful Studios would like to give a "shout out" to Canine Partners for Life for yet another great evening. Joel and I attended the wine tasting event at the Hilton Garden Inn last week and had a blast. There was food, music and of course wine. We had the opportunity to see our friends Jennifer and Janie as well as give some love to great dogs in training. Don't forget to check out the website to find out about the wine auction. It is an amazing time that shouldn't be missed!

The Winter Cold and Andrew Wyeth

"Distant Barn"
acrylic on panel
5x7
Sold

The cold of the winter has finally set in. It will be only 8 degrees tonight. Perhaps that is a heat wave if you live in Minnesota but not here in New Jersey. I'm not a big fan of winter. One or two good snows I find beautiful and cozy. After that I'm left feeling rather bleak and ready for spring or a good vacation. This painting was done from the sketch in my last post. It speaks of my general feelings about this season.

As I painted, I was thinking about my last trip to the Brandywine River Museum. That is one of my favorite haunts. During my college years I was very influenced by the works of N.C. Wyeth. As I get older I am more influenced by Andrew and Jamie. Andrew Wyeth passed away today at the age of 91.

I feel it appropriate to mention his work in this post because often his art represented the starkness of winter. As often as I can, I read up on the Wyeth family because I learn so much from them. Andrew painted to sort things out in his own life. He had much to deal with if you read about his upbringing and family betrayals. It seems so many artists draw from difficult times in their lives to fuel their art. I relate to the desire to distill one's work down to its essence. More and more I want to take the less is more approach. Andrew Wyeth certainly had that well worked out.

What I find interesting is that the art community hasn't always been kind to the Wyeth family. Many critics have commented that his work was not fine art but mere illustration. I'm not sure if I've ever understood the difference and take offense to the statement as I was an illustration major in college. I've come to peace with criticisms like that by telling myself that the people that do all the talking don't do the painting. Critics don't create value they create words.

The passing of Andrew Wyeth gives me much to think about. Don't get me wrong, Soulful Studios is not abandoning pet portraits. Currently I'm working with clients getting their ideas together. I'm trying to hold off on new pet portraits until the new studio is finshed so my flow isn't interrupted as I find that so frustrating. Lately I have been focusing on narrowing my vision and getting to the bones of my subjects. Take time to read up on the Wyeths. Have a glass of wine as you do because their lives read like a major movie drama.

Settling Into 2009

"Distant Barn"
graphite sketch in moleskine

This sketch is the view from the French doors of my soon to be new studio. If I sit quietly there, I see so many different types of birds, many squirrels and even the occasional buck sneaking by. I am so excited about having this very special space. It is being built with such love and care and that feeling will carry into my work for certain. Much of the holiday was spent working on the studio when we were not with family and friends or of course eating.

So much has happened in the past two years that I am basically just trying to settle into 2009. I'm trying to take it easy and just catch up to myself. This week I have to get back to working on the many pet portrait jobs and commissions I have waiting. I feel more refreshed and focused and this will help with my art.

I wish everyone peace and good health in 2009.

Holiday Card Horse Painting

"Distant Light"
5x7
acrylic on panel
framed
Sold

Holiday time is fast approaching. Despite last year's resolution, I am once again behind on everything. I vowed to have my holiday card painting finished in October so that I wasn't running around last minute like a chicken with my head cut off. Well, Frank Perdue will be looking for me because I'm a big old hen. Yesterday I completed this year's image so if you don't get your card until after New Year's Eve don't think you were put last.

So many life changes have happened in the past 2 years and especially in the most recent 6 months. I'm finally starting to catch up to myself and now I feel the flow with my art coming back. Last week I celebrated my 39th birthday. Making up for lost time, the festivities went from Thursday until late Sunday night. There are still a few people that I need to meet up with and share some of the joy. Dinners out, gifts of love, a winter walk through Longwood Gardens and moments spent just enjoying the day were some of the things I enjoyed.

Perhaps you are wondering why I'm mentioning all of this and have yet to comment on the painting above. Well, as I become more settled in my life and feel secure with the wonderful changes, I see my palette becoming more subdued. It is as if the confidence I have in my personal life is now apparent in my art as I don't feel the need to impress anyone with my ability to use many colors. Instead, I feel free to create a painting with only 4 or 5 hues and with less "showmanship". My quiet insides are showing in my personal rainbow.

This post cannot be complete without giving a big thank you to Jennifer K. of Canine Partners for Life for taking the original photo that inspired this painting. She is a dear friend and has provided so many images that have helped me make beautiful paintings. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Jennifer!

Before the year is out I will have a few more updates for Soulful Studios. This weekend the new studio will receive some love. The horse painting was created in my fiance's office which I have recently taken over and will be a place I work sometimes for a few months. New and exciting things will happen in 2009. I feel like I've only just begun my art career. The best is yet to come.

Golden Retriever Dog Portrait - Buster - Finished

"Buster"

11x14

graphite on paper

Never has a pet portrait that has gone so well from beginning to end taken so long to complete. I'm pleased with the finish and I enjoyed every moment working on this piece. Above is the original photo provided so you can judge for yourself how successful it is. As I mature I find that I want to stylize these more and push the parts of the image that stand out as the key characteristics of the dog portrait. With each piece I get closer to the ideal for which I'm striving. Since my 39th birthday is only a week away, I figure another 30 years of doing this I'll be getting good. That would make 60 years of art coming from my hands. From my mouth to God's ears it should be true.

One reader mentioned to me she appreciated that I include the process in my blog. Sometimes I've questioned that decision but I wanted to make it clear why art costs what it does. Often folks think it is by magic that a beautiful piece of art appears. Nothing could be farther from the truth, at least not here at Soulful Studios. Let's just say I love what I do but I have to do my homework and put my time in.

My good friend Alex Alampi asked me a question on the day we were both doing demos for the public. He asked how I knew when a piece was done? This is such a good question because so often knowing when to stop is the key to success. Pencil is something that I find gets very stale looking easily. Some may think it forgiving because you can erase it but I disagree. Pencil marks change the integrity of the paper and in order to keep it fresh one has to make a mark and be sure of it and leave it alone. Only gently lifting the graphite from the paper is recommended, fully erasing is not. Perhaps that is very similar to his water color process. If you are not familiar with his work, this weekend is a good time to check it out. Saturday and Sunday he is holding an open house at his studio. His wife Dot always has goodies on the table so make sure you don't miss it. I know I won't.

I just want to take time to thank everyone for the kind condolences about Gracie. There is no doubt that my readers know me well and know when I need a little cyber-hug. Thank you again, it really helped.

See you next week with what should be the beginnings of my holiday card. I'm running out of time. Oops.

Beginnings and Endings and Pet Portraits On Hold

I hope all my readers in the U.S. had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We enjoyed an 18lb turkey with a total of 14 loved ones at the table and everything was beyond yummy and joyful. However I'm sure you've noticed that in the time I've been on Blogger I've not gone this long without a post. Usually I can write and work through anything but this time I was at a loss.

Often my clients come to me after their beloved furry companion has passed away for their pet portrait. As we go over photos, they usually cry a little and we share pet stories. The process is very cathartic for most and they leave happy to have shared. It has occurred to me that perhaps my bigger talent is not the art but my ability to empathize with my clients. Sometimes people just need to be heard to feel a little better. I am always happy to be there and listen.

This time I'm the one crying over the loss of a pet. Sadly, despite all efforts otherwise, I had to have Miss Gracie put to sleep a few weeks ago. It was agonizing to make that decision but it had to be made nonetheless. I learned that sometimes the right choice doesn't always feel good. There isn't a day that goes by that I wish it didn't have to be that way. She was such a good dog in so many ways. She was my canine companion and the studio mascot. Nothing seems the same without her and I miss her brindle butt so much. This is the first time in my adult life that I am without a pet. It feels unnatural and cold.

My only hope is that this makes me a better pet portrait artist. I've worked on Buster's portrait a little and I do see an improvement in my vision and decision making. However, my work has stopped temporarily because looking into another dog's eyes and trying to render "his soul" is far too excruciating at the moment. My work usually brings me pleasure but right now it only makes me cry. Writing this is difficult and probably reading it is no joy either. So, for the moment I'm taking a break. I will have Buster's dog portrait finished by the end of the week most likely and will post it then. Other than that I am focusing on beginnings instead of endings to help me gather myself.

Above are photos of the beginnings of my new studio in Pilesgrove. The little garage is being converted into my work place. Originally it had a regular garage door until Joel installed the new French doors. The wood will be painted white with trim added when it becomes warmer. Also, a porch will be added onto the front so that I can enjoy the lovely view even more. The second photo is the view that I speak of. It is where the sun sets and the sky is just gorgeous there in the evenings. Joel and his good friend Dave are seen in the third photo installing one of my three windows. It was so good of Dave to sacrifice his Saturday for my benefit. I was truly touched. Those windows will allow the precious Northern light to illuminate my work. Outside those windows the bushes have been trimmed down and bird feeders and a bird bath will be put in because we have an amazing array of different birds that come to visit. Don't be surprised it you see me starting to paint cardinals and warblers since they are always in view. The new studio should be finished by spring and I cannot wait. It will be celebrated with an open house event and lots of work for sale. Stay tuned for more photos of the progress.

Speaking of events, make sure you check out the Open House at Alex Alampi's studio this Sat. and Sun. December 6th and 7th. Alex and Dot create a real holiday feel with their lovely home and the goodies on the table. Alex's art is amazing and it is very informative to see where he works. This is a great opportunity to invest in his watercolors as he is offering work at 10% off for this event. His paintings are highly collected with many repeat buyers making it a good bet that owning an "Alampi" is a worthy investment.

Finally, thank you to my family and friends who have been there for me during this difficult time. I couldn't have made it through without you. The healing has begun I do believe and I look forward to being productive again very soon. Please stop back shortly to see the finish of Buster's pet portrait. Thank you all for your understanding.

Golden Retriever Dog Portrait - Buster - Getting Closer

"Buster"
progress of graphite drawing

Slowly but surely I'm moving along on Buster's pet portrait. During the Business Expo last Saturday I worked on this piece so the public could watch my progress. Frankly, I'm certain people thought it was as much fun as watching paint dry. Many folks stopped to tell me how beautiful it was and how I captured the soulfulness in his eyes. One woman was kind enough to say that my drawing was more alive than the photo. That is probably the best compliment I've ever received.

Now that I'm looking at the photo of my drawing I see I need to go into the right side of it and calm down the hair on that side. That area is starting to look like he has hair extensions. I thought I would share that so you can understand how the process requires constant reassessment and revision. This is relatively easy to fix and it will give me something simple to start with on Monday morning.

So here goes another Halloween. I'm so excited with all the changes in my little world. Tonight and tomorrow I will be celebrating my special anniversary. I've made it and now it is time to enjoy everything. Movies, dinners and a little wine await me for the weekend. Monday I look forward to stealing peanut butter cups from the kids. It's all sweet.

A Pet Portrait Break

I thought I would take a break from showing you my pet portrait work and share with you how I plan out a landscape piece. Last week I went out to Oxford, PA to photograph cows in landscape for two large commissioned oil paintings that I will be doing in the next year. Late afternoon light was what I was after. My client is very specific about what he is looking for, so I will ride out that way a few more times. Though I enjoy being paid to sit outside looking at God's glory through a lens, it is hard work and I look forward to getting back to the studio once I find my inspiration. There is always a surprise on these adventures and this time was no exception.

During my hours of taking bovine pictures two interesting happened. The top photo shows a blue heron that flew by my precious cows. Sure, if I were a great photographer like Joe Pulcinella I would have gotten a few good shots of the bird. No, I'm just a painter and a camera in my hands is merely a rough tool. When the heron flew by, I was busy looking elsewhere not realizing I had my camera set to a mode that was unfriendly to action photography. That's right people, I can't use the manual settings. I let the camera think for me. My brain power is saved for the painting. Unfortunately this was one of the best photos I took. That's ok, it is a good memory for me and my client has no interest in flying things in his cow painting. How did I know the bird was there? Of course the cows told me. Seriously, they did.

The second photo shows a crafty critter running across the street with his treasure of the day. Corn and the husks seem to be very popular with the woodland creatures. Every morning the squirrels rip apart the farmer's corn in the field behind us and litter our lawn with it. Gracie rather enjoys looking for the cause of the mess though she is never successful. Hope springs eternal.

So on this glorious Friday I look forward to a martini with my name on it and quiet time with Joel. I have to admit I enjoyed just that very thing on Monday after my oncology appointment. Though I have not had my CT just yet, the blood tests are good. Nobody expected anything bad but we had reason to celebrate all the same. Thank you everyone that emailed me well wishes for good news.

Next week I will share with you the progress on "The Veil" and "Buster", the Golden Retriever dog portrait. Also, don't forget that on the 25th you can visit me at my booth at the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Business Expo. I will be demonstrating graphite pet portraits. If you need more information please check out my scheduling page. Finally, I've updated the "Inside the Studio" page so you may want to view that as well. Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the splendor of fall.

Golden Retriever Dog Portrait - Buster - Update

As you can see my latest pet portrait of a Golden Retriever named Buster is coming along. I'm working out the major darks and leaving the whites alone so as to build the structure of the dog. Basically I break the image down into three major tones to build a strong foundation and lay the detail on top later. At times this is a difficult task as the photos provided don't lend themselves to strong values or a three dimensional quality. They do provide a lot of information about the windblown locks of this pup but I must be careful not to depend on detail to hold this drawing together. So far I'm pleased but I take care not to become too impressed with myself until it is done.

Tonight I'll be at First Impressions Gallery in Salem, NJ for another show opening. Tonight's guest speaker is Bobbie Berg. She is an excellent speaker. I know she will provide great insight into her beautiful landscapes. My turn to speak will be in February so stay tuned.

I'd like to take a brief moment to mention another life marker. At the end of this month I will celebrate the 2nd anniversary of my lymphoma diagnosis. Yes, I will celebrate it. As long as next week's tests and the scan to follow come back clean I will have officially reached what the doctors call complete remission. It is a very rare occurrence to see this form of cancer come back if one makes it without relapse to the 2 year mark. Though I had a few scares that the beast had returned, it luckily never did. As I sat in synagogue during the High Holy Days I reflected on where my life has taken me and how quickly it can change. Two years ago I was on borrowed time if the chemo did not shrink the tumor suffocating me. Today I am planning a wedding and go home every night to a family that loves me and waits anxiously for me at the door. Two years ago I became friends with 2 other cancer patients and also helped one family member along with his own diagnosis of the disease. Of the 4 of us, only I remain in remission. Though I never asked "why me" when I was told I had cancer, I ask that question now. I ask why am I the one that gets to walk away? Though my body will never be the same and after the assault on it something had to give (thanks Liz), I am still healthy and strong. My life is busy with work, family and friends, not doctors and needles. In some ways it is scarier now as I feel pressure to make proper use of this second chance. In other ways I know it has nothing to do with me and that I was just lucky, so I relax and go for the ride.

Monday I'm off for that oncology appointment. This time it is just about a well visit and most importantly a romantic lunch with my dearest Joel who wouldn't think of letting me go through this alone. Actually, I never went to these appointments alone as my mother was always there if I allowed it. I wonder what she will do with all her free time now. Knowing her as I do, filling that time slot won't be difficult.

Sketching Subtleties - A Pencil Sketch

"Subtleties"
graphite sketch in moleskine

Sitting at our lovely kitchen table on Sunday morning I was fixed to my chair having the urge to once again capture the light filtering through the window. One lonely miniature pumpkin was my subject. My goal was to give it the importance I saw there. The light changed quickly. Every minute my subject seemed to transform. The shadow would shorten and reflected light would appear in new places. I had to focus on the big picture of mood, composition, value and structure. The subtleties that made this image beautiful had to be saved for the last strokes of my pencil.

So often I want everything done and perfect just as I see it in the moment that I see it. I crave instant gratification. Nothing in life works that way. As a matter of fact, the more I try to rush through things the more obstacles are put in my way to stop me in my tracks. The universe keeps telling me to see things as a whole and to save the details for last and savor them when I get there. Art and life cannot be separated. Will I ever learn?

What is happening in the studio you ask? Well, I'm about to learn how to update my site myself with the help of Christine from Websketching. That should be exciting. The pet portrait of Buster is going well and I will share updates soon. I am trying not to finish it too quickly as I will use it as my demo piece at the Business Expo at the end of the month. I photographed 3 dogs last week for a large commission and am off now to photograph cows in landscape for yet another commission. Right now I am playing with those pictures to develop my layout. Friday, I will be at First Impressions Gallery for another show opening. "The Freshmen" will be shown there for the first time. There are so many new things going on in my life and Soulful Studios. I certainly don't suffer from boredom.