The Golden Illustrations Blog!

The Pacifier

2010-06-08T20:38:00.003-04:00

This handsome dude loves his favorite toy! Hershey first encountered his ball about a month after we adopted him. Its high- pitched squeak used to drive us crazy. We hid the ball for periods of time to save our sanity. Eventually, Hershey chewed his ball so much that the squeaker broke.

I've named this piece "The Pacifier", because my lab continues to chew on his favorite rubber ball. Whether he's resting our running through our home, there is always a hint of blue hanging from the corner of his mouth. The ball seems to soothe his spirit.

This drawing is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. It is 11 x 14" in size and available for sale.

Green Frog

2010-05-07T16:29:00.003-04:00

Jeremiah was a bullfrog. Was a good friend of mine. This fella is not a bullfrog, but he sure is handsome!

I took the reference photo at my friend Nancy Down's destination garden in Langdon, NH. She has a small pond in her garden that was lined with tadpoles. This frog was perched on a rock on the edge of the pool. He didn't budge as I photographed him from every angle. I don't know what it is with frogs, but they become relaxed around me. I find them quite easy to photograph.

I have finally gotten around to drawing this frog in pastels. The drawing is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. It is 8 x 10" in size.

Grey Squirrel

2010-02-24T09:33:00.003-05:00

I absolutely love grey squirrels. They sort of resemble cartoonish characters. There is always a rolly-polly grey squirrel in every yard that I've owned. They are perpetually scavenging for nuts and then bouncing across the lawn with their treats. It's amazing how such a chubby critter can remain acrobatic.

When I was young, I had a stuffed grey squirrel toy. He was a special surprise after I underwent surgery on my adnoids and had tubes placed in my ears. I always found him very comforting and I used to give him to my brother for comfort when he needed a plush, fuzzy toy to hug.

In honor of my plump, fuzzy squirrel friends, I have created this drawing. It is 8 x 10" in size and drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. I hope that he brings you much joy in the midst of the current snowy weather!

Northen Cardinal

2010-02-16T07:47:00.002-05:00

When I was young, my grandparents' home was one of my favorite places to spend time. It was cozy and my grandfather always invented creative projects to calm my energy. One of our special activities was birdwatching. My grandfather had a birdfeeder in his yard, and we would sneak peeks at the feeding birds through the curtains.

One of his favorite birds was the cardinal. I always thought that the Bluejays were equally fascinating with their bright blue feathers and crested head. Dziedz, my grandfather, would remind me that the Bluejays are the bullies of the feeder. They use their size to intimidate the other birds and keep the food to themselves. The cardinals were equally beautiful, but gentler in nature. It was then that I began to appreciate the Northern Cardinal.

In honor of Dziedz, I drew this Northern Cardinal female. I also researched the traits of this beautiful bird. They are known for their song, which can sound like they are saying, "purdy, purdy, purdy". If you want to attract them to your yard, make sure that you have winter and fall fruits on your property, as well as plants, vines, and shrubs. They prefer American Bittersweet, Sumac, and Conifers for cover and food. (Information provided by wikipedia.org)

This drawing is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. It is 8 x 10" in size and available for sale.

Red Spotted Newt

2010-02-03T15:45:00.004-05:00

The idea of drawing a newt has been on my mind since the summer of 2009. I tend to want to draw wildlife that I have an attachment to, and newts certainly have a special place in my heart. When we were little, my brother and I would walk along the dirt roads in Alstead hunting for newts. We would carry a plastic bucket & slowly check the roads for the orange beauties after a rainstorm. Newts always seem to come out after it rains.

I have to admit that I did not take the reference photo for this drawing. I did try to photograph newts during the summer, but I could never zoom close enough to capture the perfect picture. In my head, I kept seeing the newt face-on, crawling on rocks. So, I scoured morguefile.com and found reference that ended up fulfilling the composition in my head. Photoshop helped me fuse background and subject photos together to create the best reference.

The drawing is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. It is 8 x 10" in size.

There's No Place Like Home!

2009-11-25T09:51:00.004-05:00

With Thanksgiving arriving tomorrow, I've continued to think about what I'm thankful for. There are so many moments that warm my heart. Without them, my days would be dull. I am thankful for my family, which includes my pets.

Hershey, our newest addition, can be a handful. He is very high energy, yet the happiest chocolate lab that you will ever meet. One of his bad habits includes jumping on the windowsill to observe our neighbors passing by. He also will wait by the window when one of us leaves. After all, there's no place like home. Especially when it's filled with cuddly dogs and a cat.

This 8 x 10" drawing is completed in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. I have been working on this piece in between work shifts since September. It probably took me about 2 hours total to complete. Lately, I've only had a few minutes at a time to draw. I'd like to change that!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

: )

Mia

Custom Portraits Notice

2009-09-22T18:36:00.002-04:00

Since I haven't gotten a chance to update my site, I figured I would post this notice to my blog. I am taking a break from doing custom pet portraits for a while. I've just received a promotion at my day job & am adjusting to a new schedule. This makes it very difficult for me to devote the time needed to my custom work.

I will still be selling original pastel drawings, exhibiting in shows, and selling my giftware. My Etsy store will remain open as well. When I am ready to begin working on custom projects again, I will post to my blog & site.

: )

Mia

Art In The Park 2009

2009-09-03T09:46:00.003-04:00

I will have a booth at Art In The Park at Ashuelot River Park in Keene, NH this weekend. This is one of the area's largest art festivals for fine artists. There is always a diverse selection of work to view! Please stop by my booth to say hello. I will be selling original pastel drawings, as well as greeting cards, nightlights, and jewelry featuring my artwork. Hope to see you there!

Information can be found at http://www.monadnockareaartists.org/

Chesterfield Library Exhibit

2009-07-16T15:11:00.005-04:00

On July 20th, I am hanging a new art exhibit at the Chesterfield Library in Chesterfield, NH. I've named the exhibit, "It's Raining Cats, Dogs, and Frogs". This seems appropriate, considering the wet weather that we have been tolerating lately. I would much rather experience a shower of dogs than rain any day!

The exhibit will feature my charcoal and pastel drawings of cats, dogs, frogs, and other critters. I hope that you can find time to view the exhibit and purchase a drawing or two... or more. Each drawing in the exhibit is available for sale and a price sheet is included at the library if you are interested in buying a piece (yes, yes you are!).

The address of the Chesterfield Library is:

524 Rt. 63,
Chesterfield, New Hampshire 03443

The Ace Of Hearts

2009-07-06T12:58:00.002-04:00

This handsome fellow is Ace, an adorable boxer. Ace belongs to the mother of one of my classmates from high school. Erica commissioned me to draw her mum's dog for Mother's Day. I'm quite pleased with the result. Who can resist those boxer eyes!

Ace's portrait is 8x10" in size and drawn in pastels on smooth, white vellum.

Taking The Leap In The Current Economy

2009-07-01T12:07:00.004-04:00

Every once in a while, I'll be in a conversation with someone when the topic of how I took the leap into art will come up. It seems that there are many people out there that feel imprisoned by their 9-5 jobs & fantasize about pursuing art or another passion full time. The current state of the economy also makes this transition even more of a challenge.

I am not an authority on the matter, but can only relay my own personal experience. I would never have been able to take the leap into art full-time without another line of income. I am fortunate that my husband has a steady full-time job and supported me in my decision. It was a tougher leap than I anticipated. Because I was working from a bare-bones budget, I had to really research marketing and promotion to grow my business. There are many helpful books to help you get started. I will write about them in a future post.

Everyone's situation is different. I have found that adding a steady office job to my daily routine has helped me grow my art business substantially in the current economic climate. When I left my previous job, I never really thought about returning to work for a company, but it has been the greatest blessing. Having a steady source of income has helped me buy better materials and afford more promotional events than before.

My operating budget (pre-day job) was on a shoestring. I could afford basic materials, but found that I was having trouble affording adequate promotion and marketing tools. I took advantage of every free and low-cost marketing tool that I could think of, word of mouth being the best tool for reaching custom portrait clients.

With my day job, I can now contribute more to my family income and also afford to take part in more art shows. The more art shows that I have attended, the more local patrons that I have been able to reach and networking connections that I have been able to make. Art shows boost word of mouth advertising exponentially.

To get back to the point of this post... Do not underestimate the value of additional income. I encourage anyone who is interested in pursuing an art career not to wait. Start researching the business of art while working a day job. Build your art portfolio in your free time. Don't wait until the right moments come together to start pursuing your passion. You can take the leap at any time. The choice is not black and white in nature.

Bugsy

2009-06-29T09:25:00.002-04:00

This adorable boy is Bugsy, who may be part Maine Coon cat. According to his owner, Jane, Bugsy has a large, very fluffy tail, and tufts of fur on his feet which make them very soft. He's also a love bug. He's got great long whiskers. He is part dog as he likes to fetch things and bring them back so you can throw them again!

Bugsy is drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. This portrait is 8 x 10" in size.

What's New, Pussycat?

2009-06-24T11:20:00.004-04:00

I love the Tom Jones song, "What's New Pussycat?" In fact, I love singing it to my own cat, who cringes when she hears my terrible singing voice. Enough of my babbling about my lack of singing ability. The purpose of this post is about what's new in my studio.

The blog has been stale lately. I apologize for that. I'm in the process of balancing my day job & drawing. It is an interesting challenge. I have been able to complete my custom portrait orders without a problem. I will be posting my latest work soon.

I'm also working on vintage-inspired jewelry, featuring my artwork. This probably sounds confusing, but I actually am making custom cabachons, featuring my drawings and mounting them on brooches and pendants. I found that I love vintage jewelry and would love some pieces that resemble cameos with animal artwork in them.

I've also decided to upgrade my custom magnets. Currently, I slide prints of my artwork into plastic photo-holding magnets that are already assembled. They are cute, but I would like to use better materials. I ordered some glass tiles on etsy.com and magnets. The plan is to glue my prints to the glass tiles & mount rare earth magnets on the back. The result will be a cleaner, upscale look and a better hold on your fridge!

I will also be using the same tiles and process to create keychains featuring my art. All in all, I'm working on expanding my options and ways of creating prints of my work. In doing so, I'm trying to think out of the box a bit, beyond your traditional matted art prints.

I also want to add more designs, because it's always good to freshen things up. I'm ready for some new portraits!

Artisans @ Mt. Monadnock, NH Made Show

2009-04-20T12:15:00.002-04:00

Saturday's arts & craft show was a huge success! I met so many wonderful animal lovers and fellow craftspeople! My booth was at the Artisans @ Mt. Monadnock show, which I advertised in my previous post. The show ran from 10 am - 4 pm.

I would like to thank everyone who stopped by my booth! I even saw my high school art teacher, Mrs. Smith. It was nice to show her that I am still drawing and thank her for her guidance in high school.

Also, one of my fellow vendors has posted a link to my site on her blog. Golden Illustrations is featured on ClothPaperStitches blog. Please check out the fabulous work of Missy Blanchard at http://www.ClothPaperStitches.com & http://www.ClothPaperStitches.blogspot.com. It was nice to meet a fellow NH Etsy seller!

Artisans At Mt. Monadnock Show!

2009-04-06T09:18:00.003-04:00

I will have a table at the show above with my fine art greeting cards, magnets, nightlights, and prints. This is a fantastic opportunity to support your local artisans and find a unique piece of country craftsmanship. I hope to see you there!

Truffle

2009-03-11T09:48:00.004-04:00

The portrait above is a very special drawing. This lovely chocolate lab is Truffle, who belongs to my friends, Mike & Kira. I've known Truffle since she was an adolescent and she quickly became my golden retriever's doggy girlfriend. Sunny and Truffle loved to saunter together on walks. They were gentle friends.

A few months ago, I snapped some reference pictures of Truffle (and Belle, her black lab companion) while I was visiting Mike & Kira. Truffle has this favorite spot on the brown leather recliner. It's just the right spot in the sun & she looks like she is in absolute heaven when she's napping in this natural spotlight. I found my favorite picture and drew the portrait above from the reference photo.

Truffle's portrait is 11 x 14" and drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum paper.

Introducing... Hershey (and other new news)!

2009-03-03T10:12:00.004-05:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted artwork or random musings on my blog. In the time that I've been away, life has sort of completed a 180 degree turn. A month ago, all was quiet on the art front. I was a bit unsure of which direction to follow in my downtime. I was offered a fantastic job at MoCo Arts in Keene, NH. MoCo is a performing and visual arts company that holds fun & inspiring classes. I am a Front Desk person part-time and absolutely love my day job.

I am still working on portraits and giftware. It is my passion and is not going anywhere. I will be printing a new design for spring in the coming weeks. My bunny portrait will appear on cards and magnets. It's the perfect time, with Easter on it's way!

Also... we have a new addition to our family. We adopted a 22 month old chocolate lab named Hershey! Hershey found us through a co-worker of my father's who was fostering him. He is absolutely sweet and gets along perfectly with Sasha. We are still working on introducing him to the cat slowly. He's absolutely polite and ignores her when we are holding her. However, once she is loose, he is very interested in placing the chase game. We've read up on how to introduce a new dog to the family cat and are taking our introduction slow and with patience. Molly, in the meantime, is enjoying her vacation on the top floor of the house and is spoiled with extra kisses and love.

I've posted some pictures of Hershey above. There will be more posted in the future (and of course lots of portraits)! Hershey is my first labrador retriever and I am loving every bit of his personality!

: )

Mia

Letting Go

2009-02-10T15:24:00.005-05:00

Do you ever find the same messages repeating themselves in your life? I have noticed the theme of "letting go" popping up in various places. I've been having trouble falling asleep and decided to listen to some meditation podcasts on my ipod to help me drift off peacefully. The "Letting Go" meditation seemed to say, "Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!"

Then, we had take-out Chinese for dinner and I ended up getting one of those preachy fortunes. This was the kind of message that teaches a lesson, instead of describing the fabulous period of abundance that you will soon be entering. Once again, the "Letting Go" message popped up on my fortune cookie. I ate the cookie and didn't think about the message.

Today, I received a forward about a "Thought For The Day" from a friend. Can you guess what the theme was? Of course, it was about "letting go".

Since this theme keeps popping up over and over again, I've decided to reflect on what this means. I think that my meditation podcast sums it up well. Letting go isn't always about letting go of a feeling. It can be about releasing a thought that is occurring over and over again in our head. Sometimes, our minds start playing the same soundtrack on repeat. We want to relax and we keep worrying about our job interview or the laundry that needs to be done. Letting go sometimes means releasing an experience that we keep holding on to. Some of us may keep replaying a happy memory over and over again until it is an obsession. If we could just let go of the experience, we would open ourselves up to more cool experiences.

The same thing applies for the dreams that we really want to live. We may really want to travel to Peru. If we wish it and then release it, we leave the experience an open possibility. If we worry about how the trip will manifest or our crummy finances, we create a roadblock for realizing our dream.

Gracie

2009-02-04T10:25:00.003-05:00

The drawing above was a holiday commission for my lovely friend, Nancy Downs. This adorable girl is Gracie, the Miniature Schnauzer. We decided to draw Gracie on her favorite chair in charcoal. The wicker of the chair proved to be a challenging texture, but I honestly love a new drawing challenge. It helps me grow and I feel confident drawing wicker texture now! The pattern of the upholstery was very fun to draw. Floral prints translate very well in black & white.

Gracie is drawn in Conte brand pressed charcoal crayon on smooth, white vellum. The drawing is 8 x 10" in size.

Goofy

2009-01-26T17:45:00.003-05:00

This adorable fellow is Goofy, a black and tan coonhound mix. Goofy's portrait was one of my Christmas commissions. This portrait was a delightful distraction from the December ice storms! I finished drawing Goofy just before power was restored to my studio in Jaffrey. I had taken my portrait commissions on the road with me to NY, which was a savvy decision. Had I left them to work on in NH, it would have been days before I could finish them (due to the power outage).

Goofy is drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. The finished portrait is 11x14" in size.

The Brightest Bulbs

2009-01-12T11:37:00.004-05:00

I hope that everyone had relaxing holidays. I've been offline for a while, spending time with my hubby and family. Now that the holidays have passed, I can post some of my commissions that were presented as gifts!

I'll start with this pastel portrait that was given as a gift to my in-laws for Christmas. This particular piece has meaning to them, as they belong to a hunting and fishing club in Pennsylvania. The club has a few tame rabbits that wander the grounds and children are offered 5 dollars teasingly if they can catch one. The rabbits are released if they are caught, of course. I thought it would be fun if I captured three of the rabbits in a portrait. I think that the club owners owe my in-laws 15 dollars!

This drawing is 11x14" in size and drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum.

Merry Christmas From Golden Illustrations!

2008-12-29T14:25:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone out in cyberspace! I apologize for once again not updating my blog in an efficient manner. We had a huge ice storm a few weeks ago, and our town, Jaffrey, was hit especially hard. We were fortunate to have power within a few days, but a live wire lay across our driveway. The power company accidentally cut our cable when they fixed the live wire, so we went without phone and internet through the holidays. It was a bummer, but we honestly didn't have circumstances as bad as many in the area.

Now that my internet capabilities are restored, it's time to get back to business! It's time for postings of my most recent work! Yeay!

The piece above was my holiday card design for this year. The dog featured was my beloved boy, Sunny, who passed away last February. Sunny loved the snow and would spend most of his outdoor time eating it and wearing it on his whiskers afterward. He had the most kissable snow nose. I love his expression in this drawing. He looks so debonaire.

The drawing is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. It is 8 x 10" in size.

On The Drawing Board - Holiday Card

2008-12-02T16:42:00.002-05:00

Phew! The holidays are certainly moving along quickly. I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving weekend. I was in Pennsylvania, visiting my in-laws and attending my hubby's ten year high school reunion. The weekend was the calm before the storm. Now, I am up to my eyeballs in artwork and loving every minute of it!

The drawing above is my current project. There are other portraits being created simultaneously, though. I can't post their pictures, since they are holiday gifts. I can, however, show you my holiday card design. This year, I decided to create a golden retriever holiday card to send to friends and family. The golden in the drawing is my dear boy, Sunny, who passed away last February. He looked so adorable in the snow and is the perfect holiday mascot for Golden Illustrations. I'll post another photo once the portrait is complete!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T16:32:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my blog readers! May your travels be safe and your holiday filled with memories and yummy food!

I took the photographs above in my yard this fall. My hubby and I returned from a shopping trip to find a couple of turkeys poking around our lawn. The amazing thing was that later that evening, we were visited by four deer. It was a super day for wildlife-viewing!

Happy Holidays From The Checchi Retrievers!

2008-11-21T12:21:00.005-05:00

The piece above is my latest drawing in pastels. My parents commissioned me to draw their two golden retrievers for the holidays and print custom holiday cards. These two fellas are Shadow (on the left) and Buddy (on the right). Both were rescued from Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue in Massachusetts. My family has raised rescue golden retrievers since I was in high school and it makes sense that these two boys are the family's holiday card mascots.

The pastel drawing is 8x10" in size and drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum.

Alstead PTO Christmas Bazaar Recap

2008-11-18T15:26:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, I had a booth at the Parent Teach Organization Holiday Bazaar. The event was held in Alstead, NH (my hometown). This was a trip down memory lane for me, since the show was held in my junior high gymnasium. A lot of my former teachers stopped by my booth to show support. It was wonderful seeing such important figures from my childhood.

All in all, the day was a success! I met a lot of new people and reconnected with familiar faces. There was even a charity raffle and an adorable young girl went home with one of my framed prints.

I've posted some pictures of my booth above. This was the first event where I tested out new packaging for my magnets and nightlights. I was pleased with the end result.

: )

Mia

Alstead Christmas Bazaar

2008-11-12T09:49:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will have a booth at the Parent/Teacher Organization Holiday Bazaar in Alstead, NH on Saturday. The event begins at 10:00 am and will be held in the Vilas School gymnasium. This event features holiday and every day crafts, food, and a charity auction to benefit the Parent/Teacher Organization. I encourage you to stop by and consider buying handmade items for your friends & family this holiday season. I look forward to seeing you there!

: )

Mia

Mother & Child

2008-11-04T15:11:00.002-05:00

There is a magical bond between a mother and her newborn child. It's a connection that is instinctual, primitive, and beautiful. These were the emotions that I attempted to capture in the portrait above, which is my latest commission. The drawing is completed in charcoal on smooth, white vellum. It is 11x14" in size.

The Ellis Bunch!

2008-10-23T14:42:00.003-04:00

The picture above is my latest commission. These adorable poodles are snuggling up in a festive fall orchard. It's the perfect piece for fall. You can almost smell the leaves and apples...

The drawing is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. It is 11x14" in size.

Where's My Dinner?

2008-10-13T08:05:00.003-04:00

The piece above is my latest pastel. I felt that it was time to satisfy my interest in drawing a Persian cat. I took a lot of reference pictures of Persians at a cat show in Nashua this past spring. There was something about their cute, up-turned noses that gave me the giggles. Their expressions are priceless and their coats are absolutely stunning.

I decided to call this piece, "Where's My Dinner?" in honor of the high-maintenance cat. To this cat, it's owners are the "staff". Dinner will be served promptly every evening in a crystal bowl with a brocade tablecloth underneath. The high-maintenance cat lives to luxuriate. This particular cat is on the verge of a feline tantrum. Dinner is late and that is unacceptable.

This drawing is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. It is 11x14" in size and available for sale.

Art In The Park Award

2008-10-07T14:11:00.002-04:00

I just received the latest newsletter in the mail from the Monadnock Area Artists Association (formerly the Keene Artists Association). There was a write-up on the Art In The Park festival with a list of award winners. After browsing through the list of winners, I was surprised to see that I won an Honorable Mention in Category Three (pastel, colored pencil, charcoal, pen & ink, and original printmaking). I was standing at the main tent when the awards were announced and didn't hear my name announced. I thought that I hadn't won anything. It was a fun surprise to see that I won an honorable mention in my first year of participation. The piece that won is posted above.

Piccadilly Pooches

2008-10-01T15:38:00.002-04:00

The piece above is my latest commission. The three pooches above were very special to the owners of Piccadilly Hutch. This drawing is in memory of three very special dogs. One of the awesome things about portraiture is that our pets and people that have passed away can come alive on the canvas. While the actual pet may not be visible to us anymore, their portrait serves as a reminder of their adorable eyes and personality.

"Piccadilly Pooches" is rendered in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. The dimensions are 11x14".

Piccadilly Hutch

2008-09-22T09:21:00.004-04:00

The kind owners at Piccadilly Hutch Antiques & Art Gallery in Woodford, Vermont have taken an interest in my original artwork. They are now selling my originals in the art gallery, which is absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't have found a more perfect place to sell my work. The gallery is filled with beautiful antiques, jewelry, art, and country giftware. It's location is on Route 9, just before Bennington (the main route between Vermont and New York). I hope that if you're driving through the area, that you stop by and take a look at this unique gallery. I promise you that it's friendly and comfortable and not at all stuffy. Items are reasonably priced as well, which is a breath of fresh air in the current economy.

Art In The Park Pictures/Recap

2008-09-02T10:14:00.002-04:00

Art In The Park was a success! This past weekend, I participated in the Art In The Park event in Keene, NH. I had a sizable booth to display both my original drawings and giftware. I also advertised fine art classes, which I will be holding in my studio on an ongoing basis.

Saturday and Sunday were both very busy, with a constant flow of people visiting the various booths at the event. Throughout the day, I worked on a study of a duck in pastels at an art table in my booth. I think that it was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate my pastel techniques.

All in all, it was a fun event. It was an excellent opportunity to introduce myself to the area as a professional artist and meet other artists. I was able to show my giftware to a large amount of people who may not have come across it in area gift shops. I sold some cards and magnets, which is always a good thing : )

Above, I posted some pictures of the event : )

Deep Meditation

2008-08-28T10:56:00.002-04:00

The piece above is my latest pastel drawing of my own dog, Sasha. I've drawn Sasha several times, but I wanted to draw her in a peaceful, spiritual way. She often naps in the sunlight and I love how the light plays upon her coat. She's a girly girl, so I captured her napping on iridescent tulle. I snapped several photos of her sleeping and then drew this portrait using my favorite photo as reference.

"Deep Meditation" is 11x14" in size. It is drawn in pastels on smooth, white vellum paper.

Art In The Park

2008-08-25T09:28:00.002-04:00

Hello! The latest news is that I'll be at Art In The Park in Keene, NH this coming weekend! Art In The Park is an exhibition of New England artists and also a juried competition. It's the perfect place to find a new painting if your walls could use some sprucing up. I will have a booth at the event with framed original pastels, as well as magnets and greeting cards. If you're in New Hampshire, please stop by!

Art In The Park
Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31
10 am - 4 pm

Ashuelot River Park,
West St.
Keene, NH

Chicken With Attitude

2008-08-11T17:05:00.002-04:00

Here is my latest pastel, called "Chicken With Attitude". I met this particularly grumpy hen at the Cheshire County Fair in Swanzey, NH. I was snapping reference photos in the agricultural area and put the lens of my camera through the chicken wire to snap some pics of the chickens. Most of the chickens were happily pecking at their food. This chicken, however, moved closer and closer to my camera with its head cocked to the side. She wanted to attack and I wanted to move my camera as fast as possible. The photo that I snapped during this moment was the inspiration and reference for the drawing above.

"Chicken With Attitude" is 8x10" in size. It is drawn with soft pastels on smooth, white vellum.

Froggy

2008-07-29T11:40:00.002-04:00

The piece above is my latest pastel, titled "Froggy". The inspiration for this drawing came from Fireside Gardens in Langdon, NH. I was exploring Nancy's garden about a month ago, and zoomed in on a bullfrog in her pond. He didn't move while I snapped several photos of him from different angles. I think it's amazing how frogs are so patient with me when I photograph them. I'm able to get some great reference shots.

The piece is drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. "Froggy" is 8 x 10" in size.

Jaffrey Riverfest!

2008-07-28T11:52:00.002-04:00

Saturday was an amazing day! I was a vendor at Jaffrey Riverfest in Jaffrey, NH. Riverfest is a town celebration, featuring artisans, historical town tours, an art rescue, hot air balloon rides, good food, and musical performances. Above, I've included some pictures of my booth at the event.

All in all, it was a successful day! I sold many of my giftware products, which was fantastic. Given the state of the economy, I was unsure if it would be a lucrative day. It was interesting to see which images were popular and to get feedback in person from my fellow townsfolk.

I also brought Sasha and my family along for the day. Sasha proved to be the perfect mascot. Many people stopped by just to get a look at her up close. She's blowing her coat right now, so she really is quite a sight. She has these cotton ball wisps of hair that fall off of her like dust bunnies.

I want to thank Tom and my family members for keeping me company in the booth. Also, thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth to view my work. You made the day a success!

Cheshire Medical Center Art Exhibit

2008-07-18T14:58:00.004-04:00

I just hung my work at the Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH for a solo exhibition. My pastels are on display on the 5th floor of the hospital (the Farnum Rehabilitation Floor) until September 11th. I'm really proud of this exhibit, since it will be viewed not only by visitors, but patients who are in the healing process. I included pieces that I created during my own period of healing to spread some positive, hopeful energy.

If you're in the area, feel free to stop by and view the artwork in person!

Lakeside Buddy

2008-07-13T18:56:00.002-04:00

The portrait above is of a special golden named Buddy. I call him Bud and sometimes "Big Guy". He's also known as Buddha Bud, because he has gigantic ears like the Buddha. I swear that if you rub his ears, he'll warm your soul and your face with a series of kisses.

Mr. Bud is reclining next to Dublin Lake in this picture. He wasn't actually there, but I wanted to draw a summery golden retriever portrait. I combined reference from my own landscape photos and some reference photos of Buddy. Then, I tried to create a serene rendition in pastels. The result is the portrait above.

"Lakeside Buddy" is 8x10" in size. It is drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum.

Just Ducky

2008-06-30T16:09:00.003-04:00

Here is my latest pastel, titled "Just Ducky". I'm not sure what I think of the piece just yet. The thought of creating a pastel painting with baby ducks was irresistible to me. It seems like there are baby geese and ducks everywhere in the countryside currently. Yesterday, I had to stop the car to allow baby turkeys to cross the road. They sort of hobbled and attempted to fly, although they were quite bad at it.

The drawing is 8 x 10" in size. It is drawn on smooth, white vellum with soft pastels.

Dziadzio's Friends

2008-06-05T11:43:00.004-04:00

Here is my latest commission, a special landscape/wildlife portrait called "Dziadzio's Friends". The commission was for a Maine landscape scene, so I chose a section of the Nubble Light lighthouse site in Maine. This particular spot is very special to me, as I used to travel here with my family when I was little.

My grandfather was especially fond of Maine and Nubble Light. I can remember feeding the gulls french fries with him. He thought that seagulls were magnificent and I am reminded of him whenever I see them. This piece recreates a scene that I would've experienced with my grandfather when I was young.

The title comes from his nickname, Dziadzio, which is the Polish word for grandfather. Whenever we go to Maine and watch the gulls, we say, "There are Dziadzio's friends!"

The portrait itself is drawn with Dziadzio's pastel set that he used while he was alive. It's drawn on sabretooth pastel paper to create texture and is 8x10" in size.

Norman

2008-05-29T14:24:00.003-04:00

This adorable pup is Norman. He is my latest commission and was a pleasure to capture. I wanted this portrait to be reminiscent of the classic dog portraits of the 19th century. During this time, outdoor dog portraits often featured a simple foreground with a tree-line background and a blue sky. I brightened up the colors a bit and gave this theme a try.

Norman's portrait is 8x10" and drawn with pastels on smooth, white vellum.

Waiting For The Rain

2008-05-15T18:03:00.002-04:00

The piece above is part of a series of pastels that I am working on for Fireside Gardens. The gardens are owned by my friend, Nancy, and I sell my artistic wares in her gift shop. I thought it would be a neat idea to start a series of animal portraits set in Nancy's gardens. The location is so colorful and lively. I couldn't think of a better background for my work.

Last week, I visited the gardens and snapped several pictures. I also took several pictures of Nancy's schnauzers, Whitney and Ida. For fun, I super-imposed one of the girls on a work bench area of Nancy's garden on my computer and printed out the reference. Then, I drew the scene in pastels. The piece above is the result!

I plan on creating more Fireside drawings in the near future. The pastels will feature Nancy's dogs, as well as a few cats, relaxing around her gardens. If you are in New England, I recommend making a trip to visit Nancy's gardens and gift shop. It is the perfect place to find just the right plants, flowers, and country gifts.

Clawing Her Way To The Top

2008-05-06T15:55:00.003-04:00

Here is my latest portrait, called "Clawing Her Way To The Top." While I've never been the type to viciously climb my way to the top, I thought that this title puts a funny spin on a kitten portrait. I'm more of the type to work like a mule while being fed morsels of success here and there.

This kitten, however, operates differently. She is a show kitten that I photographed at a Cat Fancier's Association confirmation show. I believe that she is a Maine Coon kitten, but it is hard for me to tell with the low lighting. I snapped the reference photo just as she was climbing a raffia scratching post to impress the judges.

The portrait above is drawn in pastels on textured pastel paper. It is 8 x 10" in size. I hope that you enjoy this depiction of ruthless competition. Meow!

New Look

2008-05-06T15:50:00.002-04:00

You may have noticed that this blog looks a little different, along with the Golden Illustrations website. I decided that it's time for a new look. The black background of the old blog and web page was kind of depressing. Now that I'm living in NH and am happy with my surroundings, it's time to have a web page and blog that reflect that.

I hope that you enjoy the new look. There is even a new gallery on my web page to browse through. We used a new gallery program that presents my artwork simply, without a lot of text clutter. To me, simplicity is best.

Dreams of Mice and Everything Nice

2008-04-14T11:04:00.002-04:00

My new studio is a bit unconventional. I work on an antique table with a wrought iron base and a set of chairs with mustard/golden colored cushions. The chairs have seen better days, but it's good to work on worn furniture since my pastels tend to cling to the wood.

My cat could care less about the distress of my chairs. To her, the fluffy golden cushions provide the perfect napping place in the sun. Rays of warm sunlight filter through my studio windows every afternoon. Any toasty spot entices my kitty. I snapped the reference photo for this piece while she was napping on a studio chair and tried to imagine the images floating through her head. She looked so content, she must have finally caught a mouse or her bird toy.

This piece is 11x14" in size and drawn in soft pastels on smooth, white vellum paper. With luck, I will manage to cover the piece with tracing paper for protection before my cat decides to nap on the drawing. She has been known to nap on drawings of herself. The drawings of other animals don't intrigue her as much as her own portraits. I'm not sure if all of this artistic attention is going to her head. Or... Maybe I just have an active imagination. It's probably both.

Creature Comforts

2008-04-02T17:38:00.003-04:00

There are times when nothing is more soothing than a pile of pillows and a stuffed animal. The portrait above shows how my beloved furball, Sasha, finds comfort. If Sasha is looking to blow off some steam, she'll jump on our futon and chew on her stuffed goose. I think she enjoys the stacks of cushions on the futon and the furry texture of her goose toy. Furry toys are pretty much the only toys, besides rodents, that she enjoys playing with.

I thought it would be cute to take a picture of Sash with a stuffed toy in her mouth. This portrait is a bit different then many of my portraits, since I set up the scene. I lured Sash onto the futon with her goose toy and snapped away as she chewed on the faux fur. Yum.

The background was created in my imagination. I didn't like the cushions that were in the reference photo, so I drew some sari-like cushions in the background. I thought that a little color would spice the portrait up.

The portrait is 11x14" in size and is drawn with soft pastels on smooth, white vellum. I used a kneaded eraser for blending and texture. The kneaded eraser is excellent for creating stuffed animal fur texture. Hope that you enjoy this new piece.

: )

Mia

The Fabric Softener

2008-03-26T11:32:00.002-04:00

Yeay! I'm finally managing to keep up with my blog. In between making prints, cards, and magnets, I've found time to work on some new artwork for my portfolio. Since I enjoyed drawing the previous long-haired cat so much in charcoal, I decided to create another black and white cat drawing.

I'm not sure how I feel about this one, but I gave it a clever name. It may be a bit corny, but it makes me giggle. The "Fabric Softener" is my own kitty, Molly. Do your cats like to nap on laundry? Mine does. If I have a pile of clean laundry spread on my bed, ready to fold, she will curl up in a nest of clothes that smell like Morning Fresh scent. I don't enjoy little black cat hairs on my fresh light clothes, but it happens. And, it's cute.

I snapped a pic of my kitty caught in the act of filling my clothes with cat hair. Then, I drew a piece based on the photographic image. The drawing is 11x14" landscape in size. It's drawn in pressed charcoal sticks on smooth, white vellum.

Suncatcher

2008-03-24T18:55:00.001-04:00

Here is my latest pastel drawing, "Suncatcher". I've been in the mood to draw wildlife lately. It's not a surprise, considering that I am surrounded by beautiful trees and nature in my studio. I'm tired of snow, though, and drawing summer animals helps me look forward to warmer weather.

The reference photos for this piece were taken at the Beaver Lake Nature Center in NY. There is a group of turtles that likes to sun themselves on a log on the "Bog Trail". On a sunny afternoon, I felt inspired to photograph these fellows. They were posed in such unique positions.

The drawing itself is 11x14" on smooth, white vellum. It is drawn with soft pastels. I've been using different brands of pastels lately, but most of the piece is completed using my grandfather's set of pastels.

Enjoy!

Kermit

2008-03-17T17:27:00.004-04:00

I've been steadily working and am in the process of opening Golden Illustrations in NH. While I am waiting for my registration to be accepted, I've had some downtime to draw. The piece above is my latest pastel drawing.

The piece is titled "Kermit", because Kermit The Frog holds a special place in my heart. I thought that this lovely guy deserved a name fitting of his easy-going personality. I took the reference photo for this piece at the Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, NY. Beaver Lake is a park that I loved to frequent for some quiet time in nature.

I visited Beaver Lake on this particular day, because I wanted to release some sadness over the passing of my godfather. There's nothing like nature and cute critters to pull a person out of a difficult time in their lives. As my husband and I walked on the wooden pathway on the "Bog Trail", we came upon this fellow. He was basking in the sun and allowed me to walk right up to his webbed feet to take close pictures with my new digital camera.

I was so amazed that he didn't hop away. It was as if he didn't even sense me. Either that, or he wanted to show off for the camera : ) I took several photos and decided to create a drawing based on this photo shoot.

"Kermit" is 11 x 14" landscape. He is drawn in pastels on smooth, white vellum paper. I'm sure that he finds it not easy being green.... with brown spots.

Art Show At The Dog Show Results

2008-03-07T15:29:00.003-05:00

Best Entry Depicting A Golden Retriever

Fourth Place, Drawing Category

Last night, I received news that I won two awards in the 2008 Art Show At The Dog Show. I received a Fourth Place award in the Drawing category. Also, I received the "Best Entry Depicting A Golden Retriever" award for the second year in a row! The portrait that won in the Golden Retriever category featured my beloved Sunny and the award is a wonderful tribute in his memory. I couldn't be happier!

The winning pieces are featured above. For more information on the Art Show At The Dog Show, click on the link on the right side of my blog. The Art Show At The Dog Show is a national juried competition of dog art held every year in Kansas.

In Memory of Sunny

2008-03-03T10:58:00.004-05:00

Sunny, my beautiful golden friend, died on Friday. He was the first golden retriever that I have owned myself. I grew up with goldens and as each passed in my family, they were just gone one day. I wasn't with them as they passed. Sunny was in my arms as he passed from a long bout of illness.

I think he was the oldest golden retriever that I have ever seen, let alone owned. The vet in NH estimated his age at between 15-17 years old. In golden years, that is an astronomical age.

He was a happy gentleman, always willing to flirt with the ladies. I think he was the only dog that I have come across that actually liked going to the vet. He would nuzzle against the female techs and give them gentle kisses. They would fuss over him and cuddle him with every visit. He would just lay on the floor of the exam room and never complained. What a ladies man.

He was a happy gent that liked to chew on toys and let them hang out of his mouth like a cigar. It was as if he was saying, "Hey Toots, would you like to snuggle?". He was the kind of guy who would call a woman "Toots". And he would crawl right into your lap if you were sitting on the floor.

He was Sasha's best friend and that's saying a lot. Sash doesn't care much for other dogs. She's perfectly obedient and likes to play with little, spunky dogs. Big dogs make her nervous. At first, she and Sunny had some minor territorial tiffs. In time, they shared their space well. They sort of resembled Kermit and Miss Piggy, with Sasha being the flamboyant diva.

Sunny is very missed. The house feels empty and it's hard to imagine life without him. The last year was quite a struggle and you can probably tell through my portraits that he was not feeling well. I cared for him like a child and documented the peaceful moments in pastel. Two pastel drawings of Sunny are hanging in this year's Art Show At The Dog Show. The show opens this week, a perfect memorial to my favorite gentleman. I love you, Sunny.

When Are You Coming Home?

2008-02-22T15:33:00.003-05:00

It's been ages since I've posted a new drawing on my blog. My art supplies had been sitting in boxes for about a month or so, making drawing impossible. Regardless, I have unpacked most of my studio and already finished a new piece! Voila!

I thought it would be fun to name this piece, "When Are You Coming Home?", since the kitty looks like it's anxiously awaiting it's owner from behind a window. The reference photo was taken on one of my trips to NH, before we moved here. I happened to catch this cat in a window, thinking it was perfectly unique for a portrait.

The drawing is 11 x 14" landscape and drawn in charcoal on smooth, white vellum paper.

P.S. You may have noticed that the title of the blog and description have changed. This is the beginning of some layout changes. I wanted to update the blog to reflect my new surroundings. My website will also have a new look and updates soon!

: )

Mia

Art Show at the Dog Show

2008-02-13T14:13:00.004-05:00

Hello, bloggers! Yes, I have decided to ambitiously write two blogs in one day. It helps me feel like I am actually accomplishing work while things are still in boxes.

I have exciting news... Three of my drawings were accepted into the 2008 Art Show At The Dog Show. The Art Show At The Dog Show is a national exhibition of canine art held in Kansas every spring. It is a juried show and I feel very fortunate to be selected to participate for a second year in a row!

Two of my accepted drawings are pastels, "Would You Like To Snuggle?" and "Blanket Buddy". The third accepted piece is the charcoal drawing, "Boris Reclines". I finished framing all three pieces last week with the help of a frame shop. Each piece looks fantastic and I am hoping to have them shipped to Kansas this week.

Wish me luck with the show! My pieces are eligible for awards and I should find out results by the month of April. I've posted pics of the accepted pieces above.

: )

Mia

New Beginnings

2008-02-13T14:04:00.002-05:00

Hello, bloggers! In a month's time, I have packed up my life belongings and moved to the beautiful state of New Hampshire. My husband and I just moved into our new home in Jaffrey this past weekend.

I've already started setting up my new art studio! It's painted a golden yellow and my golden retriever has already decided that my studio carpet is his favorite place to nap. He's actually at my feet right now, curled up in an adorable ball.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do any new artwork, because my supplies are currently in boxes. I now have internet, but no printer, scanner, or camera hook-ups. My mantra has been to remember that great things do not happen instantly. So... I will be patient and slowly set my studio up to be a happy, comfortable place.

I will write soon with more updates and progress. My goal is to set my studio up for classes and portrait creation. In the meantime, have a happy Valentine's Day!

: )

Mia

Golden Illustrations Is Moving!

2008-01-07T10:09:00.000-05:00

With the new year comes new beginnings... My husband and I will be moving to NH this weekend. We've had an offer accepted on a house in Jaffrey, NH and are scheduled to move in at the end of January.

This means that Golden Illustrations will be moving to NH and is temporarily closed until we are settled in Jaffrey. I will be open for business in February, just in time for Valentine's Day! It's the perfect time to order a portrait for your sweetheart : )

Our new house will have a studio where I have plenty of space to create! I also plan on offering art classes to NH residents from my home studio. I've always wanted to teach art and am looking forward to sharing the healing energy of creating with my students.

To all of my friends and family... Happy New Year! I wish you a healthy new year full of possibilities! I will catch up with you in February!

: )

Mia

Golden Illustrations at the Santa's Workshop Event

2008-01-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

I hope that everyone had a happy holiday season! I certainly was a busy bee over the holidays! Before Christmas, I took part in the Syracuse Research Corporation's Santa's Workshop event. Local businesses related to employees could sell their wares at a holiday arts & crafts event.

I set up a table with cards & framed prints for sale. Business cards, brochures, and gift certificates were available for those interested in custom portraits. All in all, it was a busy day and I met many kind people.

Here is a picture of my booth:

Cat In A Box

2008-01-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Here is my latest portrait, a Christmas present for my in-laws! This is their cute kitty, Kiwi. When I was visiting them in Pennsylvania this summer, Kiwi crawled into an empty box and gazed up at me. Her eyes were just so vibrant and she looked so playful, I had to snap a picture. I took the reference picture and later drew a pastel portrait from the reference.

This drawing is 11 x 14" in size. It is drawn in pastels on smooth, white vellum paper.

Sasha Claus!

2007-12-13T11:22:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays, bloggers! The piece above is titled "Sasha Claus" and is the image for our holiday cards this year. My beloved mix, Sasha, is the dog featured in the portrait. I have been drawing my cat and golden retriever so much that I felt it was time for Sasha to be a part of a portrait.

The portrait is drawn in pastels on white smooth vellum paper and is 8x10" in size. I printed digital scans of the piece on my home printer and placed them into frame cards. AC Moore carries a set of frame cards and envelopes, where the image can slide right into a fine paper frame on the front of the card. The frame cards can also be placed into a permanent frame and the card works as an excellent mat with the printed image inside.

Boris Finds A Comfy Spot

2007-11-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

The picture above is my latest charcoal drawing. The subject is a shetland sheepdog puppy named Boris. I took several pics of this pup while I was visiting my in-laws in Pennsylvania. The reference pic had blades of grass in the background, which I found a bit boring to draw. So, I added a background of comfy blankets to the drawing to enhance his snuggly position. The drawing is 11x14" in size and is rendered in charcoal sticks on smooth, vellum paper.

Would You Like To Snuggle?

2007-11-03T08:46:00.001-04:00

Here is yet another golden retriever pastel drawing. Lately, I've been inspired to draw goldens. Of course, they have always had a special place in my heart. This piece was therapy for me. Most of my close friends and family know that the dog depicted here, Sunny, has been ill for a while. In the past few days, he began seizuring again.

Instead of biting my nails and pacing the house like a nervous wreck, I sought solace in my studio. I watched Sunny through the French doors as I drew this piece. I had snapped the reference photo while he was healthier, a few weeks ago. He was napping in the sunlight and looking as if he wanted to snuggle up with me in his cozy spot. Sunny loves snuggling : )

The piece itself is 11 x 14" landscape on smooth white vellum. He is drawn in soft pastel sticks. Hope that you enjoy this cuddly boy!

Houdini Reclines

2007-10-16T15:04:00.000-04:00

The dog above is named Shadow, but also affectionately called "Houdini". This mysterious nickname was earned from his ability to slink through or jump over many gates, fences, and barriers. He'll leave you scratching your head, wondering how he managed to escape a fence that is both padlocked and high in height. It's part of the mystery of the magical "Houdini".

In all seriousness, Shadow was drawn in pastels on smooth white vellum. He is 11 x 14" landscape. The reference picture was taken during my trip to NH. Shadow belongs to my parents and was mischievously lounging on the couch. I snapped a picture of him quickly before he tried to escape from my camera lens. He would turn his head in irritation as I focused in on his face. Poor guy. He was just trying to nap and there's an annoying object following his head.

Blanket Buddy

2007-10-10T16:16:00.000-04:00

It's been about a month since I've worked on a piece of art. Sometimes, we find ourselves needing to recharge our batteries. When I was in NH, I took several pictures of golden retrievers. The picture above was drawn from one of the reference photos taken in NH. The subject is my senior golden retriever, Sunny. Poor Sunny had quite a flare up of hot spots and needed to have his belly shaved. We covered him in blankets, because the fellow was a bit nude without his usual crops of golden waves.

The drawing is done in pastels on smooth white vellum paper. It is 11 x 14" landscape in size.

I'm just happy to be back in the swing of things and inspired to draw!

In Memory of David DeTore

2007-10-04T13:10:00.000-04:00

The portrait above is especially meaningful to me. About a month ago, my godfather, Dave DeTore, passed away. To me, he was "Uncle Dave". His family were not connected to me by biological blood, but he was still a part of my family. Uncle Dave was there for every milestone in my life. Our families hunted for Christmas trees together, celebrated holidays and birthdays, attended each other's graduations, and eventually he was there to see me marry my husband.

Uncle Dave was the life of the party. I was a shy child and he helped me relax and laugh at big family parties. He always had a witty story to lighten the mood. If you were around him, you were having a good time.

He loved Maine, golf, and Jeopardy. We took Mocha on walks with his "cadre stick", a walking stick. He showed us how to enjoy life and was affectionately called "Coach". He was a coach to middle schoolers in the classroom and on the sports field. Uncle Dave has touched so many people that there isn't enough space to write all of my favorite stories.

It seems surreal that he is gone. I often admire the strength of my clients that approach me to draw a family member or pet that has recently passed away. Portraits can be extremely healing, but also serve as a visual reminder of their loved one. When a loss is fresh, it is painful, a blur, and sometimes unbelievable.

When I heard that Uncle Dave had passed, it seemed like I was a part of a tragic movie. I couldn't imagine him not being at my future milestones. I wanted to soothe the hurt that I was feeling and found a way to heal through my art.

I had been in the middle of a "funk" with my artwork and was taking a break from drawing. I didn't know how I was going to be able to draw accurately while I was so gloomy. This wasn't about accuracy, though. It was about drawing for me, to get the feelings out on paper. It was time to heal.

The result is the portrait above. I had found a reference photo that captured the essence of "The Coach". Uncle Dave is wearing his coach hat and windbreaker. Most of all, he is experiencing a proud moment. The reference photo was taken at his daughter's college graduation from Ithaca College.

The portrait was given to his family at the memorial services. Drawing Uncle Dave healed me so much that I wanted to share the healing energy with his family. There is healing energy in portraits that are created with love.

I love Uncle Dave with all of my heart, as well as Aunt Debbie and Nicole. You have been a second family to me and I am so greatful to have you in my life.

Where Have I Been?

2007-10-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's been ages since I have blogged. For the past month, I have been traveling between NH and Syracuse. It's been an amazing experience and I took lots of pictures that I will post soon.

Adorable Schnauzer

2007-09-04T10:38:00.000-04:00

The portrait above is my latest commission. She is a schnauzer, rendered in pastels. This portrait is 11 x 14", drawn on white smooth vellum.

NY State Wildlife Art Competition Results

2007-08-16T09:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally received my results from the NY State Wildlife Art Competition. My swan drawing was accepted! Yeay!!!!!

Accepted artwork is due next week, so I am scrambling to frame my drawing and get it ready for shipment. I picked out a mat and frame last night and am pleased with the results. The frame shop had a 50 percent off sale, so I got a great deal on the frame itself.

Hopefully, I will be able to ship the artwork this afternoon and then my work is in the hands of the people. The NY State Fair-goers vote on the artwork to receive prizes. There are cash rewards for the first, second, and third place entries.

If you are planning on attending the NY State Fair, I encourage you to vote for your favorite piece. The Wildlife Art exhibit will be on display in the Horticulture Building in a glass exhibit area. The show features wildlife paintings, drawings, and sculpture.

The Latest

2007-07-31T12:27:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's been a whole week since my last post. Shame on me! In my own defense, I have had a ridiculously busy week.

First of all, I finished a collage commission. I cannot post the picture, because it is a gift. So... The client and recipient will remain anonymous for now. Actually, I probably won't post the collage, unless the client suggests a posting. It's a very personal piece.

I'm also working on a portrait of a dog. This commission is also a gift, so once again, the client and recipient will remain anonymous. With the client's approval, the finish will be posted, though.

I also will be beginning on another commission soon. I need to call the recipient to set up a photo shoot, which is an option for those of you looking for a portrait, but don't feel that you have the right reference photo. I will be taking my own reference photos for this piece, which is exciting.

I still have not heard from the Wildlife Art competition, but that is to be expected. The judging of entries is occurring now. Results will be mailed on August 4. So, I should know how my pieces were judged in the next few weeks! I am keeping my fingers crossed for a positive outcome.

Well, I cannot supply any cool art pictures for you, because all of my current projects are top-secret. However, I have provided visual stimulation above with an adorable photo of my golden retriever, Sunny. Golden retrievers somehow find the cutest napping positions. Sigh.

Hunts Pond Camping Trip

2007-07-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

So.... Tom and I decided to go camping this weekend to test out all of the new camping gear that we bought. We took a half day on Friday and drove through the countryside to Hunt's Pond Campground in New Berlin, NY. The directions were pretty complicated and we took a few wrong turns into the countryside. I have to say that I really enjoyed the drive to and from the campground, despite getting lost at times.

The drive to New Berlin was very similar to the area where I grew up, except there were occasional Caution! Horse and Buggy signs for the Menonites in the community. We passed one farm that had about 5 or 6 Amish-style buggies parked near the barn. I loved peaking at the farms as we passed by. Sometimes, a border collie would run toward our car. We even saw a Great Pyranees dog guarding a chicken coop.

We finally got to the campground just before it turned dark. Luckily, I have a very smart husband who bought easy-to-assemble camping gear. It didn't take us long to set up our tent and gear. We even cooked up some delicious hot dogs from the local food co-op. They were a bit pricey, but they tasted like gourmet meat from a special smokehouse. Mmmmm....

Which reminds me, one of my favorite things about camping is the food. We bought lots of special treats. We woke every morning and cooked up local farm eggs and fresh bacon. We snacked on trail mix with peanut M & M's and ate protein bars. For dinner, we ate the yummy hot dogs and canned veggies. For dessert, there were S'mores and toasted marshmallows. Tom has perfected the s'mores building process. He managed to get the chocolate to melt just right.

During the day, we relaxed in a hammock and read some books that we brought along. We probably would have gone swimming, but we were not familiar with the area and the pond that we were camping next to is not safe for swimming. The bathrooms were also quite far and there were no showers. So, we took care of business in the woods. I had forgotten how to pee in the woods. I was completely paranoid that one of the high-schoolers at the next site would travel through the woods and catch me with my jeans down. Scary!

The first night, we couldn't figure out how to get the camp fire to catch. We spent the evening in the dark with a couple of jar candles. We got to the site rather late, so we went to sleep early. I sat in the dark while Tom left to get drinking water. The dogs were so spooked that Sasha lifted her paw to hold my hand. She was shaking. So was I. Hee, hee.

That reminds me. This experience was fun for the dogs. Sasha has a prey drive and spent a good amount of time stalking a chipmunk whose sole mission was to taunt her. She would be sleeping and it would run in front of her like a cartoon character. She would tangle herself in the trees attempting to chase the little critter and he would chatter to her from the tree.

By the second night, Tom had read his camping book and figured out how to feed a camp fire. We had an awesome fire to build s'mores. As the sun went down, we read books, ate snacks, and played some Friends trivia until it was dark. At sundown, we let the fire go out and climbed into our tent. I forgot to bring a pillow, so I propped my soft suitcase up under my sleeping bag. It helped with my comfort level a lot. In the middle of the night, I woke to Sunny vomiting several times in the tent. He had eaten bark scarps off of the ground and it caused him to vomit. He's ok and we cleaned up the mess.

The next morning, we made our farm breakfast and packed up. By 11 am, we had all of our gear loaded in the car. We chatted with the warden before we left and told him that we had a great time. Then, we headed back to Syracuse. I enjoyed the trip back so much. We passed the same farms and the sun was out full force in the sky. The people who lived in the rural towns were out and about doing farm chores and going for walks on the dirt roads. Most people waved when we passed in our car.

Living in the countryside is awesome. The pace is so much slower and people seem so much happier. There are no grouchy jerks in SUVs honking their horns at the farm animals in the road. This trip totally recharged my batteries. When I came back to my house, I felt lighter and more refreshed. Tom and I plan on camping more often. This was an awesome experience!

NY State Wildlife Art Competition Entries

2007-07-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

Posted above are the two pieces that I entered in the 2007 NY State Wildlife Art Competition. The competition is held annually and accepted entries are displayed in the Horticulture Building at the NY State Fair. A jury reviews my printed samples of artwork. In two weeks, I should find out if my work was accepted.

Last year, one of my sepia wildlife sketches was accepted into the competition. After seeing my work on display, I learned a couple of lessons... My piece was 8 x 10", so it was barely visible next to the 11x14" and 16 x 20" color paintings surrounding it. This year, I entered larger color drawings. Color will tend to pop more on the wall than a sepia drawing. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the jury approves.

NY State Wildlife Art Competition

2007-07-20T13:13:00.000-04:00

This morning, I casually was surfing the internet. I figured that I would check out the NY State Wildlife Art Competition website, since I knew that the entries should be due soon. Since I have been on vacation, I had completely forgotten about the looming deadline.

Low and behold, I discovered that the deadline is....gulp... today. Oh my goodness! I scrambled to fill out the entry forms and fill out mailing envelopes. I glanced over at my printer and... gasp! The printer ink light is blinking! It appears to be out of ink and I do not have any refills. Crap.

I decide to attempt to print anyway. The contest requires a printed entry form and large digital images of your entered work for judging. I don't know how this happened, but the printer managed to print two, 8x10" digital prints on matt paper. The images were clear and not streaked. Yet, the printer preferences still state that the ink is low. Normally, the printer would turn my images blue or another strange color in this state. Thank goodness that things worked out.

I ended up sealing my entry and rushing to the UPS in my back yard. I cannot even begin to tell you what a lifesaver it is to have a UPS store within walking distance of your yard. Of course, we were out of stamps in our home, so the UPS trip was a necessity. When I got to the store, the clerk commented on my handwriting. She thought it was a font. Ha! I get that a lot. I had a very thorough second grade teacher who expected perfection in handwriting. Always the overachiever, I delivered with penmanship that looks like type.

I had ended up using a return envelope that was pre-paid for another contest. I had never used the pre-paid envelope. When I paid for my current mailing, I realized that the price of postage has increased. Unfortunately, my package was sealed, so it was too late to fix the postage on the return envelope. I am keeping my fingers crossed and am praying that the return envelope will make it back safely. I will have to email the contest director just to make sure. I am praying that the package will return with two big acceptances!

More Progress on the Cat In A Box

2007-07-20T13:08:00.000-04:00

I've been working slowly but surely on the "Cat In A Box" portrait. Right now, I'm refining the details in the background. More detail has been added to the wood floor and the cardboard shipping box. So far... I am pleased.

I've been working on a collage commission, which I cannot post (it is a gift) and am still trying to organize my house and catch up with business. Next week, I plan on posting even more progress on the "Cat In A Box".

On The Drawing Board - Cat In A Box

2007-07-18T14:25:00.001-04:00

Yes! I have finally posted actual artwork. The piece above is called "Cat In A Box", because... well... it's the wittiest title that I can come up with at the moment. The kitty is named Kiwi and belongs to my in-laws. She is a silver tabby and the reference photo was taken when she decided that a mailing box looked like a comfortable location for scoping out the kitchen.

The drawing is rendered in pastels and right now is in the beginning stages. I am laying down the "undercoat" of color. Things won't begin to look realistic until I can add more dark and light values. At least, I am keeping my fingers crossed that things will look realistic. You never can tell what will happen with a drawing until you jump in.

It's been a few weeks since I have worked on pastels. This piece is a fun piece for me to get my feet wet with. I'll post my progress as the piece comes along...

Updates Coming Soon! In The Meantime... News.

2007-07-18T12:04:00.000-04:00

Sasha in PA. She is such a beacon of light : )

Lately, I think my golden retriever has one facial expression... tired. The poor guy is older and hasn't been doing so well health-wise, so I can't blame him at all.

I didn't want to neglect my blog, so I thought I would inform everyone that there will be updates on projects soon! Since the pet expo, I have been busy with upcoming projects and attempting to get my house into a semi-clean state. Between travel and vacation, my house looks like a filthy swamp. Rest assured, it is starting to look better.

I'm also working on a collage project. I haven't collaged in years but have always found it therapeutic. When I was in the SU Illustration program, most of my work was actually in collage. What happened? Why did I give up on collage? I'm not sure. I think I felt like I neglected my painting skills in school and wanted to fine-tune my drawing and painting abilities. I had a nagging obsession to draw photo-realistically. I channeled my obsession into my livelihood and can finally say that I am happy in my job. Yeay!

To get back on topic, a relative has asked me to help with a collage project and I jumped at the chance. I had begun scrap-booking over the past few weeks and was filling a photo album with collages of friends and animals who have meant a lot to me. This project is perfect for my obsessive collage hobby. I am seriously considering adding collage as a permanent portrait option. I work digitally and by hand. So... The reason why you haven't heard form me in a few days is because I have been gathering collaging materials. Most are buried in my attic.

I also am going to begin a portrait of a silver tabby. It's on my studio desk, I just need to start drawing. Once I finish the drawing, I will post an "On The Easel" picture to give a preview of the work to come. Gosh, it's been ages since I've posted new work. I really need to start working on new drawings.

There's more to come and I promise that I will post pictures! In the meantime, I have posted pics of my dogs in Pennsylvania. I was in Pennsylvania, visiting my in-laws last week.

: )

Mia

Pet Expo Recap

2007-07-16T09:45:00.000-04:00

What a weekend! Saturday, I ran a promotional booth at the NatureTyme Dog Days of Summer Pet Expo. I couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. After a week of intense heat and humidity, it was refreshing to sit under a tent with mild temperatures and a cool breeze. We even managed to escape a rain shower!

The pet expo was held from 10 am to 3 pm. I kept my booth very simple. I set up framed samples of black and white, sepia, and color portraits. One of my portraits was laying flat on the table. The frames were quite heavy and were toppling over in the wind. I didn't want to risk breaking the frame by standing it up. I also provided plenty of business cards and brochures.

I received a lot of friendly visitors and provided a sign-up sheet for my mailing list. Most of my visitors were of the canine variety. I was in dog heaven, seeing as many different breeds as an AKC dog show. Of course, there were several golden retrievers visiting my booth (and reducing me to a gushing mush).

This reminds me, if any of my blog readers would like to sign up for my mailing list, please feel free to send me an email at mia@goldenillustrations.com. It doesn't need to be elaborate. You can just say that you want to sign up for the mailing list. I do not share your information with third parties. The purpose of the mailing list is to provide email notification of upcoming shows, news, and discounts. I haven't run many sales in the past, but this year I will be running seasonal promotions. There will be a discount for people who order their Christmas commissions early.

Speaking of discounts, any person who attended the Pet Expo will receive a 20 percent discount on a commissioned portrait. This is my way of saying thank you for visiting my booth. Nature Tyme employees will also receive a discount. The Nature Tyme employees were kind and very helpful throughout the event. I encourage anyone in the Syracuse area to visit the store. The staff helped me set up my booth and checked to make sure everything was running smoothly. They are very professional and carry top holistic products.

I've posted a picture of my booth above. It was a simple set-up, but it allowed me to interact freely with visitors. To everyone who attended, thank you for supporting local holistic pet businesses. I hope to work with you soon! To the NatureTyme employees, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.

: )

Mia

Pet Expo

2007-07-12T14:33:00.000-04:00

Wow. It's been a while. I don't have a decent excuse as to why I haven't blogged in weeks. I was hit with nasty spell of illness. I'm still recovering.

Enough of my horrible excuses, though. Back to business. This Saturday, Nature Tyme in Syracuse is holding their annual Dog Days of Summer Pet Expo. The expo runs from 10 am to 3 pm at the Nature Tyme store in Syracuse. It will be outdoors with a tent. Bring your pets and say hello. I will have a table with some brochures, business cards, and samples of my work. All attendees that commission a piece will receive a 20 percent discount. Nature Tyme employees will also receive a discount.

Also, I mentioned above that I will be bringing printed promotional materials. I finally splurged and had professional business cards and brochures printed. I am quite happy with the end result. For the past few years, I have printed my own promotional materials and always felt that they were missing a professional polish. I still designed the cards and brochures, but now I don't have to be conservative with colors, ink, or the amount printed. Yeay!

I promise to blog more frequently over the next few weeks. I plan on throwing myself back into my artwork full force. Hopefully, I will have some adorable animals to draw from the pet expo!

The View Discusses Women And Business

2007-06-25T15:25:00.001-04:00

I don't know if any of you in the blogsphere watch The View, but it is one of the few shows that I enjoy. I often watch the show from my studio while I am drawing. Lately, I've found the episodes a bit boring. Today's episode, however, sparked my interest.

The show featured three guest segments; the entrepreneur who invented Spanx, a group of women who formed an investment club, and the president of Hearst Publications. The president of Hearst Publications reminded me of my former life in the corporate world. She brought up some interesting suggestions about climbing the corporate ladder. Actually, it was the intense pressure of climbing the corporate ladder that inspired me to start my portrait business.

It's not that I choked under pressure. Actually, I thrive when I am busy and faced with an upcoming deadline. I just was not happy with what I was working on and the environment in which I was working. I think that the hosts tried to question the guest about the cutthroat nature of women in business. Some are ruthless in their climb for success. It indicates passion. For me, I was making steady pay, but I was bored out of my skull.

The woman who invented Spanx also had an interesting story to share. She found success in solving the problem of visible panty lines. I say, it's important to follow your heart and intuition. It makes hard work worthwhile, even during the times of struggle. Although, they didn't really tap into that subject much. The guest blamed some of her struggle on the fact that she was pitching a women's hosery idea to an audience of men. After one executive believed in her, she was off to the land of the wealthy.

It's a positive message and encouraging to women who would like to start their own business. However, I think that success depends on the nature of your field. In the field of illustration, for instance, success depends on a subjective opinion of your skill set. Plus, you are competing in a huge pool of talent with fewer openings. There can be a lot of downtime, rejection, and disappointment. It certainly isn't as lucrative as a salaried position in the beginning. Of course, there are exceptions.

The other issue that bothers me is that the emphasis of this episode was money. I agree that people should not be scared of money. Owning a business has provided me with a crash course in basic accounting and marketing. I almost gave up in the beginning, because I found the paperwork and licensing daunting. My passion for drawing helped me work through the fear.

Working in a satisfying field is what is important to me. The fact that I am not a millionaire does not indicate laziness. I have a passion inside of me to succeed. To me, success is about satisfying pet owners and families. In some cases, portraits help people heal from a loss. Yes, it is important to stay afloat and ask for a fair wage. However, the show failed to touch on the beauty of following your passion. In some cases, following your dream feeds the business owner more than monetary compensation.

Zoo Amnesia

2007-06-22T14:26:00.000-04:00

If you were wandering in the wild and happened to catch sight of a lion, you would probably feel some fear. A lion's stare is intense. He is probably cranky, guarding his territory, and planning his next meal. Hopefully, you are not the main course.

During my zoo visit last week, I found myself in a rather uncomfortable staring contest with a lioness. I was watching her through my camera viewfinder and trying to find the correct angle. How surreal. I am feet away from a lioness. In the wild, my safety would be questioned. Yet, I smiled and began snapping away with my camera. It's amazing how safe a piece of glass will make you feel.

I often wonder if the lions have become accustomed to the company of humans. What are they thinking while being stared at by throngs of people behind glass? I wonder if they have always lived behind glass and assume that this is normal life. Perhaps, they were bred in zoos and assume that their life consists of heated rocks, pools, and the occasional enrichment ball. Perhaps they think the people are supposed to be there. The staring contest is harmless gazing from boredom. I am not lunch, I am just a strange animal behind a camera.

This would not be possible in the wild.

The happy couple is enjoying the spa-like benefits of heated rocks.

I'm being stared down as if I am offensive paparazzi.

Nocturnal

2007-06-21T12:07:00.000-04:00

Here is the completed pastel portrait of a sleeping fox. I posted the work-in-progress photo yesterday. After working diligently this morning, I feel like the piece is completed.

This portrait is a bit different, in the fact that it is dark, shadowy, cuddly, yet somewhat creepy. I came across this little guy at the zoo, sleeping under a warm heat lamp. He looked so comfortable and content. When I brought the reference photo into Photoshop and played around with the contrast, I noticed that the photo took on a night-vision effect.

The idea for this portrait was born from the altered reference. I imagined a person camping in the deep woods. The sun is setting and the person decides to take an evening hike to view wildlife. Guided by only a flashlight, the person shines the light on a set of rocks. The light rests on a sleeping fox. This is the moment captured in the picture. Of course, a true fox would be just waking as the sun set. This picture would have to convey early evening, as foxes are nocturnal animals.

The portrait is 11x14" landscape. It is drawn in soft pastels on white, smooth vellum paper.

Upcoming Pet Show

2007-06-21T09:33:00.000-04:00

I want to give readers a heads-up on an upcoming pet show that I will be participating in. Nature-Tyme, a large, holistic business in Syracuse, is hosting their annual Dog Days of Summer Pet Health Fair on Saturday, July 14th from 10am-3pm. I am very appreciative of the invitation to participate in this show.

I will post more information as soon as Nature Tyme releases their upcoming newletter with more details. I do know that my portrait business is listed on the cover of the mailer, along with my website! Here's hoping that the show day has beautiful weather and is not too humid : )

On The Drawing Board - Sleeping Fox

2007-06-20T12:03:00.000-04:00

It's time for another work-in-progress photo! I started this pastel painting yesterday. Right now, I am in the process of laying down layers of color that will help the finish "pop".

The reference photo for this picture was taken during my zoo excursion/adventure last week. I came upon the sleeping fox in one of the indoor exhibits. He was curled up in a ball under the heat lamp, which produced an interesting lighting effect and Adobe Photoshop enhanced the effect. I want the image to appear as if the viewer is discovering a sleeping fox on a camping trip with their flashlight. It's something different and I hope that the end result looks good.

Finished Golden Retriever Pastel

2007-06-18T12:01:00.000-04:00

I decided that I wasn't completely satisfied with the golden retriever portrait that I posted a few days ago. I felt like the proportions in the head were a bit off and that it needed more detail in the floor. I worked on the drawing this morning and finally feel as if it is completely finished. At least, for now....

In case you didn't catch the drawing specifics below... This piece is an 11x14" landscape. Sunny, the subject, is drawn in pastels on smooth, white vellum paper. I have re-named this piece "Post-Dinner Nap". The title isn't very snappy, but it's the most creative title that my tired mind could imagine in the morning. Perhaps, after lunch, my mind will come up with a more witty title. If you have any good ideas, leave me a comment!

Rosamond Gifford Zoo Pictures & Vacation

2007-06-15T17:31:00.000-04:00

I have been neglecting my blog for the past few days. Shame on me! I am taking a vacation right now and have been away from my computer more than usual. It's not a fancy vacation with tropical climate and a plane trip. Mostly, I've been reclining at home and catching up on some rest. Yesterday, however, I went to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo with my hubby.

I thought I would share some of my favorite pics from the trip. I travel to the zoo a few times a year to take reference pictures for my wildlife art. There are always a few animals that are obscured from view because of their lush habitats. For instance, I have never seen the wolves. They usually hide in the tall grass. Yesterday, I saw three members of the pack and it was incredible to witness. The alpha was cautiously eyeing the perimeter of the habitat. I took a few pictures but few came through clearly.

This trip also made me realize that it is time for a new camera. My camera is not very steady and blurs easily. I was disappointed with many pictures, but have shared a few of the fun, clear compositions below. Enjoy!!!

Old Gentleman

2007-06-08T16:45:00.000-04:00

Here is my latest portrait. The work-in-progress/"ugly stage" was posted in yesterday's entry. This portrait features my golden retriever, Sunny. The reference photo was taken as Sunny napped on my kitchen floor, with his ear hanging into his water dish. Although this isn't the most interesting composition, I think it conveys the feeling of the moment. It also shows the typical senior golden napping position.

Here are the details of the piece... It is 11x14" landscape on smooth, white vellum paper. The piece is drawn with soft pastel sticks (traditional soft pastels).

I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. I guess I wanted more detail in the foreground. It's difficult to photograph Sunny with life in his eyes. He's very old and appears tired in almost every picture.

On The Drawing Board

2007-06-07T13:20:00.001-04:00

I am working on a new golden retriever drawing. It is in the "ugly stage", which is a rather embarrassing stage where the piece is "not quite ready". The proportions are not exact, the colors are not perfect, and sometimes I wonder if my golden retriever could finish the piece more precisely. He probably could provide some interesting textures with his paw.

I will go back to the drawing board after this post. I just wanted to give you a peek at what I am working on.

Oh! I think my cat is jealous that I am not drawing her right now. I've caught her sitting on my studio chair and staring at my drawing desk. It appears that she is saying, "Where is my drawing?" My last three drawings have been of Molly and I think that this focus is going to her head. Before you know it, she will have an agent.

Goodbye, Mr. Mouse : (

2007-06-06T11:27:00.000-04:00

It's been 24 hours since my frightening encounter with the wounded mouse. Since the blog, I sealed the door to the guest bedroom and allowed the mouse to die peacefully without interruption from my prey-driven dog and lazy cat. The cat meowed to be let into the room, but I think it was mainly to bat the mouse around like a toy.

This morning, I figured enough time had passed to allow the mouse a peaceful recovery or death. I opened the door, hoping that the mouse was alive and had disappeared into the walls. Unfortunately, it was on the dogbed and appeared to be dead. I was terrified to even look at the poor creature.

One might say, "Come on! It's just a mouse!" Well, my heart goes out to all animals, even snakes. I severely dislike snakes. If there was a dead snake, I would mourn the poor critter. Thank goodness, that this was a mouse and not a snake.

I squirmed for a few minutes and then swallowed my discomfort. I'm an adult and a strong woman. I can handle this. Quickly, I placed the mouse into a paper bag. Don't worry, I used a broom and dustpan. I didn't want to catch any weird bacterial diseases. You never know with wildlife.

Mr. Mouse received a dignified burial in the bushes of my yard. He is with nature. My guest room is now usable. I will thoroughly clean it and life will go on.

Who Needs A Mousetrap?

2007-06-05T11:51:00.000-04:00

I want to preface this entry by saying that I never believed in mousetraps. They've always seemed inhumane to me. It would be like someone luring me with a chocolate bar. Come on, Mia. Get the chocolate. Then... smack! I'm ensnared for following the delicious treat.

I didn't sleep well last night. At an ungodly hour, I was awakened by an intense scratching and fumbling noise in the guest bedroom. My dog sleeps in that room and I could hear a commotion and her collar jingling. I tried to ignore it, but then I thought she may be having a seizure.

So, I got up and checked to see if she was ok. She was walking in circles and then madly pawing at the curtain across the room. It was as if she was out of her mind. She was insanely focused on something.

My first thought was that she had a brain tumor and was in a crazy stage. I heard about a dog that had a brain tumor and one day, it just started walking in circles. That seemed plausible in my tired mind, until I saw my dog walking toward me with a tuft of black fur in her mouth. I thought that maybe she had been attacking a toy.

I turned on the light (because it was an ungodly hour in the morning and still dark outside). When I turned on the light, there was a mouse laying on her dogbed. I screamed. It didn't move. I ran into my bedroom and figured my dog would eat the mouse.

I tried to return to sleep, but I couldn't. Tossing and turning, I thought of the dogs that kill rodents and leave them as presents on their owner's doorstep. And the cat. Oh my God! The cat. Once she gets a hold of this thing, she could carry it onto my bed.

I shreaked and ran downstairs. Where is the cat during this whole debacle? Aren't cats supposed to hunt mice? Shouldn't she have at least been in the room, lured by the delicious rodent smell?

The cat ran upstairs, went into the room, and walked away. How lazy can you get? Of course, I know this, because I nervously observed her behavior from a safe spot in the hallway.

I thought about moving the mouse, because I would have to return upstairs and sleep. I didn't want to worry about a mouse in my bed. So, I grabbed a broom, a dustpan, and a plastic bag. I was going to be brave. Tom is away and I normally scream and allow him to take care of any wildlife problems.

I have to move this mouse or it will smell like dead animal upstairs. I inch toward the rodent and it appears to be alive and staring at me. I scream and decide to wait.

A while later, I try again. The mouse is now on the dogbed, on its back, with its legs in the air. Clearly, the animal is dead. Clearly. I squirm and attempt to sweep it directly into the plastic bag. This is no joke. The mouse gets up and moves across the room!

It wasn't dead. It was frozen in fear, pretending to be dead, so that my dog would leave it alone. It's face was mangled, fur wet, and still alive.

I screamed and ran downstairs. The next few hours, I had the kind of nausea where you sweat and feel desperate for fresh air. I was sure that I would throw up. For what reason, I do not know.

My dog and cat ran up into the bedroom and I heard commotion off and on over the next few hours. I got brave and checked on the carnage. The mouse appeared to be dead and on the dogbed. The cat was staring at it in the bedroom. I lured kitty out of the room and shut the door.

Now, I am waiting for the mouse to peacefully die from its injuries (or live and go back to its home). I'm not sure when I will finally be convinced that it will not run across the room when I try to remove it. I really don't want to look at it again. Does anyone have any ideas on how to proceed?

This reminds me of an episode of Sex and the City where Carrie is sleeping and a mouse crawls in her bed. It nibbles on her ear. Her boyfriend says where there is one, there will be more. Oh great. I may have an infestation on my hands... and a very lazy cat.

The Huntress

2007-05-30T11:03:00.000-04:00

Hmmm... Is huntress even a word? I should Google it. Ah, yes. A huntress is a female who engages in hunting. That is precisely what my tuxedo cat, Molly, is doing in the portrait above. The reference photo was taken as Molly stalked our birdfeeder from the edge of a dining room chair.

The portrait is 11 x 14" on white, smooth vellum paper. Molly is drawn in pastel sticks. The goal was a realistic portrait with a soft, Impressionistic edge. I don't want the picture to be completely photo-realistic. Otherwise, what's the point of even creating a drawing? It needs to look somewhat like a drawing.

I'm working on adding more of a background to my pictures. I think it's important for portraits to tell a story about their subjects. To capture a moment, much like a photograph. Yet, a drawing takes the moment further, with emotion in the strokes.

I apologize if this entry is a bit bland. I am battling a stomach bug and do not have much energy to write with humor : (

Strange Places Where My Cat Chooses To Nap

2007-05-29T17:45:00.001-04:00

Does your cat nap on the clean laundry pile? It's as if the clothes are the equivalent of a recliner in the sun.

Photography Tips For Awesome Portraits

2007-05-24T11:54:00.000-04:00

Whether you are taking pictures of your child's birthday party or reference for a potential portrait, there are a few tricks that will enhance your photo sessions. By making a few adjustments, you can turn general photos into frame-worthy portraits. I've listed a few tips that have helped me attain clear reference pictures for my portraits. These tricks have been priceless in achieving accurate portraits of people and animals.

1. Turn OFF the flash!

When cameras became equipped with the flash function, people began turning the flash on as a necessity. We feared that our pictures would turn out blurry, dark, or fuzzy if we didn't. I was guilty of this myself. When I started using a digital camera, I became frustrated with the quality of pictures with the flash. Then, I realized that my outdoor pictures without the flash were looking rather artistic and clear. I turned off the flash indoors and voila! My indoor pictures looked completely different.

Here is an example of the same picture subject. The first picture was taken with the flash function. The next picture was taken without the flash.

In the first picture, the eyes are washed out by the flash. If I were attempting to use this photo as a drawing reference, I would need separate reference to render the eyes. The background is also very dark and plain.

The second picture is taken without any special settings. I turned the flash function off and zoomed in on my subject. I also lowered my position so that I was taking the picture at the same height of the dog. This allows me to capture the reflection in my subject's eyes and to obtain a steady, clear shot. Notice that the background is softer, with more light. There is a gentle quality to the photo.

2. Use Natural Light As Much As Possible

The pictures above were taken next to a window. Sunlight poured onto my dog's coat. With the flash picture, the highlights from the sun are not visible. By using natural light, pools of highlights appear, creating a more interesting photograph. I highly recommend taking pictures outside or next to a window. Natural sunlight will light your subjects perfectly. I understand that this is not always possible. Position your subject as close to a light source as possible, whether it is a lit birthday cake, a lamp in your living room, or outdoors.

3. Photograph Your Subject From Interesting Angles

Every subject can be photographed from a number of angles. I find that crawling onto the floor with my dogs and shooting the photo from their height greatly increases the quality of the photo. However, you can also position yourself below your subject to create a distortion of scale. Play around with different angles to find the most flattering view of your subject.

News Flash

2007-05-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

It's time to put some excitement into this blog! It seems like lately, my posts have followed the same "vanilla" format.... Here is my latest artwork... Here is the story behind the artwork... Snore! Time to put some sprinkles on the vanilla.... and some hot fudge!

AKC Museum Of The Dog Registry

Did you know that there is a museum in the US, dedicated to dog art? The AKC Museum of the Dog holds juried exhibitions that showcase canine art and has an Artist Registry. Recently, I became an official member of the Museum of the Dog Artist Registry. Exhibitions are changed fairly regularly and the museum also has a permanent collection of classic canine paintings. The museum is located in St. Louis, Missouri in a historic estate. For more information, check out http://www.museumofthedog.org/.

Launching Into The World Of Illustration

I finally feel ready to start sending promotional packets to publishers. I've been working hard over the past year to build a strong portfolio of realistic animal drawings in color. A big part of the submission process is research. An illustrator needs to find their niche and pursue publishers that will support their subject matter and style. A big emphasis was placed on market research in my college studies. A lot of money and time can be wasted in sending samples to random publishers.

So, I began researching publishers through the Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market and through Google. The process is very complicated. I've found maybe a hand-full of publishers that are interested in realistic animal drawings. With computer technology, many illustrators are drawing on their computers in a whimsical style. Some publishers list a need for realistic animal drawings, but I am finding that the need is for colorful, digital work. Photo-realism is often substituted with photographs in books and magazines.

How do I work through this challenge? I will continue to research and discover magazines and books that feature animal subject matter and see if they buy realistic illustrations. I also am marketing my work to the poster and licensing markets. For this reason, I am trying to perfect a "style" and work on drawings in "series". My goal is to develop a soft, impressionistic style with a hint of realism (with a pinch of neurosis and attention to detail).

The Birdwatcher

2007-05-21T10:35:00.000-04:00

I'm on a bit of a cat-drawing frenzy lately. I've been inspired by my lovely tuxedo cat, Molly. She seems to love the camera and takes on the most ridiculous poses.

The portrait above is 8x10" landscape on white, smooth vellum paper. It is drawn in soft pastels with the whiskers rendered with white pastel pencil.

The goal of the portrait was to demonstrate the intense look of a cat in hunting mode. When the reference photo was taken, Molly was hunting a bird perched on my birdfeeder, through the window. Thank goodness for glass! No carnage resulted. Just a fun, pastel study. Enjoy!

New Artwork!

2007-05-17T13:56:00.000-04:00

I recently ran into a friend at the grocery store, who looked at me and exclamed, "You're alive!". That statement alone was motivation to move forward and produce some more artwork. This blog has been neglected over the past few weeks. It's not that I haven't been drawing, I just have been swamped with responsibilities.

Regardless, I am returning today with new work. The piece above is my latest pastel drawing. The subject is my beautiful tuxedo cat, Miss Molly. I took the reference photo this past weekend as my cat was luxuriating on my dining room table in a pool of sunlight.

The drawing is rendered with pastels entirely, with no use of the pastel pencils. I'm trying to "paint" with pastel sticks as much as possible for a smoother look. The drawing is 11 x 14" landscape in size on smooth vellum paper.

Lounging

2007-05-07T14:01:00.000-04:00

Wow! It's been almost two weeks since I posted new artwork. I have been busy working on the piece featured above and am sending my work to various children's market publishers (I'm hoping to illustrate children's books).

Back to the topic....

The golden retriever lounging above is my own golden, Sunny. One of his favorite napping spots happens to be on a floral futon in my studio/sunroom. The reference photo was taken while the sun showered him with light through the window. The finished artwork is drawn in pastels on smooth vellum paper and is 11 x 14".

I am working on a softer look in my pastel portraits. The end result may be a bit painterly in style. My new style is a work-in-progress... Hopefully, it will continue to grow in a positive direction.

Artifacts

2007-04-24T15:36:00.000-04:00

I never realized how much I missed my grandfather until I came across artifacts from his life. I called him Dziedz and he a special person in my life. When my mom went to work at school (before I went to school), he would take care of me with my grandmother. He taught me about birdwatching and came up with drawing exercises that made me think.

He would draw a line with a dip in it. I would turn his line into a complete drawing. Dziedz was patient and gentle. He had cancer for a good part of my life and lost his eyesight over time. When he was blind, he would still examine my drawings and somehow managed to point out parts that he liked. Maybe he could sense the emotions that went into the piece.

He died of cancer my senior year of college, shortly after my mom was diagnosed with cancer. When he died, my mom gave me his SU sweatshirt. He wore it in support of the college that I attended. It is a comfortable zip-up hoodie. When I first received it, there were still tissues in the pocket. Remnants from his life. I wish that I had saved them sometimes.

Yesterday, I came across his pastels. My grandmother had given me some of his old canvases and drawing supplies. I have the crayons and markers from our childhood drawing exercises and the sketchbooks with the drawings in them. I don't want to throw any object away, even the smelly markers that no longer work.

When I found the pastels, I had been working on a drawing of a swan. Something told me that they would be just right. The price sticker was still on the box. He had purchased them from a small store in Rutland, probably 20-30 years ago. They were cheap by today's standards. I didn't think that he had used them. Then I picked up a stick and it had been sanded into a point. Several of the pastel sticks had been sanded in this way. They felt like heaven on my fingertips. Smooth, buttery, and warm. The energy of my grandfather was imprinted on each stick like a fingerprint. I felt content and connected to him. It is a way that I can continue to draw with him.

Che

2007-04-16T14:06:00.000-04:00

My latest commissioned charcoal portrait features Che, an adorable mixed breed boy. Che is a sweet, older chap, who is quite tall. Reclining in the sun, he maintains a peaceful, thoughtful expression. He is drawn in black conte crayon on smooth vellum paper.

Golden Illustrations... The Prequel!

2007-04-12T17:30:00.000-04:00

The production above is a simple slideshow that showcases my work in charcoal, set to the music of Led Zeppelin. I figured that it was only fair to showcase my work in charcoal, since there's already two slideshows with my pastel work.

Chipmunk!

2007-04-05T15:41:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, I felt motivated to work on another wildlife drawing. I've been wanting to draw either a squirrel or chipmunk for a while. After digging through my photo reference files, I found a picture of an exotic chipmunk that lives in the "Mouse House" at a zoo. When I took the picture, he was darting up a tree in his little habitat. This little chap is a nocturnal animal, which is why the drawing is set at night.

The drawing was created with pastel pencils and is 8 x 10" in size. The blurriness of the picture is intentional, to show the motion of the animal.