A Dog's Purpose

For all of the animal lovers out there, especially dogs, I wanted to share with you an amazing book. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron has to be one of my top 10 favorite books. The story is engaging, touching, and gives an amazing insight into a dog's mind. I loved this book from front to back and haven't been touched by a book like this in so long. I 100% recommend this book!

3 New Pieces

I've been busy this week trying to finish up on some artwork. First is a commission of two adorable Dachshunds named Pete and Porsche.
Medium: Pastel Pencil
Size: 5x7
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Since my gallery show is only a month away I've been trying to work on "generic" pet portraits. My first is a Pug. There are so many Pug owners out there and I thought I'd create a piece to honor them. This certain Pug is doing the classic "head tilt".
Medium: Scratchboard with a watercolor wash

And last but not least...I wanted to add more cat scratchboard to my portfolio. This adorable cat is catching snowflakes. This is one of the few scratchboards I think looks best completely black and white.

Medium: Scratchboard

Size: 5x7

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Mixed Media Adventures

This summer I am taking two community art classes at Summit Art Center in NJ. Great place. One of the classes is a mixed media class. Our first project is collage. Students were supplied with various items: stamps, textured papers, old books, magazine clippings, oil pastels, and gold foil. Using these materials we were told to make a collage. Of course mine centered around what animals I could find. I ended up making a bird collage. It was a lot of fun! I think my favorite part was putting the gold foil on. It is just so pretty and adds to the collage.
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Size: 5x7

Shaney & Marlow Complete

I finally finished my largest pastel commission to date. Yay! It was a challenge but I think I did pretty well. The owners, two dentists, are going to frame it and put it up in their office. I'm going to have them take a picture for me once it's up to show.
Medium: Pastel Pencils
Size: 14x16
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Baby Blue Eye

My obsession with cat eyes continues. This reference was of an adorable foster kitty named Cappy with the most dazzling blue eyes or in this case...one. I think this is my best eye experiment to date. I'm thinking of doing a small series of 4 cat eyes to display in a square format in my gallery show. Oh, yes, if I did not mention earlier and am too lazy to go back and check I have finally found a place to display my artwork! It'll be some time in early September so keep checking for updates.

Anyway, I really like this eyes especially because I seem to be having an easier time getting the surrounding fur to look realistic. Further experimenting shall come...now on to the drawing!

Medium: Pastel Pencils
Size: 5 x 5 1/2
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And in further news...I have started selling prints and original artwork on ebay! After being accepted to Art for Critters [yay!] you are required to sell a drawing on ebay with a portion of the proceeds going to a rescue. I usually do that anyway but now it'll be even better because it's part of a well known group! So check me out on ebay for what I have in stock.

Blue Eyed Beauty

I'm proud to announce that I will be having my first gallery show this September. It will take place in a cozy studio/gallery called Artist Endeavors. I have a solid month to work on pieces I'd like to display and sell. I want to have more original pieces to sell rather then a lot of prints. The piece below is something I hope to be selling at the show.
Medium: Pastel Pencils
Size: 10x12
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Two WIPs

Shaney and Marlow are getting there. I need to put in a background and some finishing touches.
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After I learned the "secret" to cat eyes using pastels I have been experimenting. This cat has to die for blue eyes and I wanted to capture them. I hope to give her the rest of her head soon.
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Baby Ocelot

I would have posted an update on my current WIP but by the time I found the digital camera it was dark out. So, instead I did a fun/experimental piece of a baby ocelot! Such a cutie. I'm actually thinking of selling this [the original piece] and donating a portion of the profits to The Defenders of Wildlife. Selling for $200. If anyone is interested drop me an email!
Medium: Pastel Pencil
Size: 9x12
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Voting Time

The Canine Art Guild is hosting another art exhibit featuring cats, hence titled "Here Kitty, Kitty". I have entered 3 pieces. They can be found on pages 1, 4, & 5. Please take the time to vote for one of my pieces in the show. Thank you!