New Pieces

I'm proud to announce that I have conquered a challenge for myself. I am trying to go bigger because alot of art shows require larger work...haven't exactly figured out why but anyway...I decided to challenge myself by doing an 11x14 scratchboard. I'm very pleased with the results and it gives me confidence that I may be able to go even bigger one day!
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Size: 11x14
Medium: Scratchboard
Amazing Reference: Matt (http://www.flickr.com/photos/furlined/)

I'll be making prints available to those that are interested. Contact me or check out my Artfire store within the next few days.

Updates

I've been a bad blogger...I haven't posted in awhile. So, here we go! I finished a pastel drawing of 3 fox kits. It took me a long time and not just because it was a 12x19''...I don't have as much expertise in backgrounds as I'd like [been practicing!]. The background for this painting took awhile to make it look believable. Especially the tree trunk. In the end I'm pleased with the results.
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Medium: soft pastels & pastel pencils
Size: 12x19

Next... finished a commission from a repeat customer. I love repeat customers because it means they really liked their pet portraits. Also, they get a good deal for being a repeat.

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Medium: Scratchboard and Ink wash

Size: 8x10

Our county has a magazine of all the happenings in my area. I sometimes read the magazine to see if there is anything I would go to. I happened to open up this months and I was so excited that I did!

CLICK TO VIEW AND READ

Well, that is all the news for the moment. Have a happy 4th of July! I promise to update the blog more!

I've been published!

The amazing Feline Conservation Federation put in an article about me and my artwork!
CLICK TO VIEW FULL SIZE TO READ!

Societies and Shows

I am beyond please to announce I was accepted into the Pastel Society of America as an Associate Member! Getting into this society is amazing to me because any art society [animal, watercolor, illustration,etc.] of america is the top society for an artist practicing in that medium to be accepted into. It feels so great and a reassuring that all of the practice I have done and how hard I work is paying off!

Another huge deal for my career as an artist; I was accepted into a prestigious NJ art show called the Twelfth Annual Gaelen Juried Art Show. A few months back I entered 2 scratchboards and a charcoal for first jury. My 2 scratchboards were accepted into the show! Which was a major accomplishment in itself. The show opening was May21. All the work was amazing. There were category awards [1st place and honorable mention] for each category [photo,pastel,sculpture,mixed media]. 


I won Honorable Mentioned in the mixed media category for "Morning Light"!

Last was an awesome week!

The Serval Twins & Pet Products

I finished the Serval scratchboard. I'm happy with the results and can't wait to see it featured in the FCF journal! Prints are available and a portion of the proceeds will go to the FCF. You can purchase via my artfire store or directly from the FCF store.

Title: The Serval Twins

Medium: Scratchboard with watercolor wash

Size: 8x10

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Other then art I occasionally like to share books, clothing, etc. that I love that are based on animals. One of my favorite websites to purchase animal related products is Bradford Exchange. I have purchased this adorable wallet with German Shepherd because GSDs look very similar to my Ellie. I'm continuously getting comments whenever I take out my wallet. It's great quality! I've had it a year and it still is in great condition.

I also have this beautiful necklace. It was a birthday gift. Beautifully crafted. Now Bradford Exchange has come out with these adorable tote bags! I'll have to save up! Yes, their products aren't cheap but the quality and clever items are worth it. Certainly a place I love to splurge when I can!

A Quick Update

With the holidays these past few days I haven't had time to update on things. I did more work on the Serval cubs. I started adding some color that I'm not happy with yet. I'll be experimenting on color with this one. 

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Busy...busy!

This year I feel my artwork is starting to get recognized...I only wish I had practiced as hard on my artwork in my younger years as I do now. I'd usually stick to drawing in my school art classes and private classes. I wouldn't really practice at home on my own. Now I practice at least 3 times a week, either working on artwork for my private collection, working on commissions, or working on show pieces.

Going back to show pieces...I've received numerous recognition in online juried shows. From "Peaceful Slumber" winning Best in Show at Little Strokes Gallery and being accepted in to the Twelfth Annual Gaelen Juried Art Show and Sale. I have received Special Recognition in the Light Space and Time online juried Animal show. And one of the best is having my wildlife artwork for sale at the Federation for Conservation Online Store. All of this has been a strong "pat on the back". I must be doing something right!

I'm excited for the next few months, which, will involve...submitting for more online juried shows, participating in three animal adoption events with a vendor booth, maybe trying out for the Society of Animal Artists again...that's a big "if" as I only have a few new pieces of work I would consider and the due date is the end of April. I may wait for the September submission.

I'm sure I'm forgetting things but I will keep my blog updated for those that read it ;) If you have read my rambles this far you can be rewarded with a new WIP for the Serval Twins.