This weeks “Your Pets Painted Portrait” is Ashie the Golden. I wish I could share a few things about Ashie, other then just how adorable s/he is….but I cannot. Hopefully Ashie’s person will write a little something. For those that would like to see their (just click on the link for more info) Pets Painted Portrait Here.

Life has been very hectic and I have been a bad girl by not posting ;-( Yep…I have an excuse…first I was sick for what seemed like weeks…..PC trouble….big time. So, a new one was purchased and now time must be made to load the software…oh, and I am redoing the office so before the pc can find it’s home on my oh so very crowded desk, painted and new blinds must be installed. Does not sound like much….just needing the time to get it all done. Ohhhh and did I mention the DOGS….very cute but soooo very demanding.

Is so very easy and the above portrait of a lovely and might I also add….so very lively Corgi named Scarlet shows just how easy painting fur is. This was a commissioned portrait and I actually was the one that photographed her while she and her person were visiting to help Scarlet socialize with other dogs…the original images had several dogs in the image. I copped the image below to show Scarlet alone.

 The entire portrait was created using the pastels in Corel Painter…and of course the blenders…even the background. You can paint as traditional and or  as photo realistic as you or your client prefer, or as colorful.  A special fur brush is not at all needed….although you could adjust the setting to any brush to give it a more tapered look at the end. Be creative and Never be afraid to just paint

Today finds it well below freezing here in the Atlanta area…a bit chilly. Of course my”pack” does not at all mind the chilly temps, they enjoy running and romping, going for walks, etc. Before the cold front came through earlier in the week Bailey and I were out wandering around when I spied buds on the Bradury Trees…and I mean all three were covered. I hope todays painting gives you warm thoughts of spring…its on it’s way

I am at the moment sitting in my very cozy, warm studio working on several paintings. I hope to finish the Beagle portrait from yesterday later today…hopefully I will be posting it tomorrow.

The last few days I have received numerous inquires from several in regards to Corel Painter Seminars and Workshops….for it seems there are soooo many being offered scattered about the country. Sadly, I have not ever attended any. I am not at all sure I could actually sit through one. As I type that I am smiling for there is one…. I would more then love to visit San Fransisco. I would of course have to make the time and schedule it just so that I can attend one of Jeremy Sutton’s workshops. He seems to be fun, creative and very original and it appears he leads the way for others to follow. In my Pawfect Pet Portraits, and Digitally Painting Animals online courses I recommend as a must have one of his books for he offers a wonderful collection of brushes that should be in everyones brush collection. In visiting his site for a few links I notice he has something new coming this month!! The next few weeks I’ll do my best to mention a few others that are offering Workshops and Seminars that if I had the time and thought I could actually sit through…I would attend.

Today finds me with several things on my Digital Easel…a Golden, Beagle and Horse, and on my pastel easel another golden. The above painting is still very much it’s early stages…I hope to complete it sometime tomorrow. Something about a Beagle…you cannot help but fall in love with their eyes…oh and that nose. The many things they can sniff out….such a wonderful breed.

Poor golden pup, waiting for someone to play with him. I love painting puppies…their expressions are priceless….and oh my, they grow and change so very fast.

The “Pawfect Pet Portrait” will be starting the end of the month. This is a small group course held in our forum, $45.00 per student.  It will be in the shopping cart by the end of the week. Also, for those that prefer learning at their own pace you can purchase the Digiatlly Painting Animals and the course is e-mailed to one lesson per week within a 24 hour period of purchasing.

Like many Americans, I sat in the comfort of my home this morning and watched our 44th President get sworn in. It was a lovely ceremony and I must say the musicians did a wonderful job with the music that was written for the occasion…the poem that was read, outstanding. The speech, yes in deed, very eloquently written and read. Sadly for this President….well, things are a mess and so many looking to him to fix all of our countries ailments, which he cannot. Things will no doubt improve….in time.

To those inquiring as to where I had disappeared to since the Holidays. Thank You so much for asking about me….I am still here….still photographing animals, and of course painting them. I have been very busy with the new pup….and then this terrible cough, cold that  just cannot seem to shake….and then…PC troubles.

A new year is beginning to peak through
softly beautiful and different like new falling snow,
each day unique and shaped just for you.
Your life adding something as each day does grow.
My wish for your new year is beauty
and softness with surprises thrown in for delight.
Love for each day bringing happiness to you,
making your life a scene of sparkle and shining sunlight.

Life with Bailey is going great…almost a full week with us and I swear he has grown.

 He joined our pack one week ago and just fits in. Due to his puppy energy I have been using a puppy pen so that the adult dogs (and me) can have a little break several times through out the day.

When we decided to add to the pack it was done for several reasons…one of them being Rocky so needed a play buddy. The two females do not enjoy tugging, wrestling….romping…he needed another golden

They have made me laugh several times this week during their romps together. Rocky has turned into a great big puppy and is in heaven. Sit back and enjoy the images…I bet one or two of them will just make you smile…for that is what they make me do!!! The relationship is just flourishing. For those of you raising a pup….get your camera out….they grow way too fast!!!

Yes indeed…it really is. When our Golden Phoenix died over a year ago…well our little pack of three was just not the same. While Phoenix can never be replaced it was time to add another Golden to our pack….bringing our three pack, up to a four pack.

While only with us a couple of days…he has made himself right at home.

After the meet and greet it was time to explore the new surroundings…everything had to be taken in, smelled…rolled in

Just look at that face…oh how he just melts our hearts!!!

Looking up at the A-Frame….just maybe one day he will be an agility dog??

And yes….Puppy Breath

He plays hard, and nap time….he sleeps soundly. Now, before you all run out for no doubt I have so enticed a few of you to get yourselves a pup…it is hard work. They need you there to potty train, crate train and of course teach them to have a soft mouth, what not to chew on. Just like with our children the most precious thing you can give is your time.

Rocky finally has a brother…Bailey (Baileys Irish Cream…yum) and yes…a little R & B is indeed good for your soul. Check back once in a while to se how Bailey is growing….oh and look for his training puppy training video’s which will be posted on occasion.

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A close up view of something started long ago and for whatever reason was placed a side….sometimes it is as simple as the fact I have lost my ability to focus on it….at other times it is because I have deadlines to meet and I just never find my way back. Until that day when I rediscover it and…for lack of a better phrase….it haunts me. Still very much in the early stages I have once again been adding some details here and there as I also have commission work that is a bit more pressing as far as a deadline….I am looking forward to completing this by the New Year.

This painting is all about that very first love….so pure and innocent and those feeling of anguish….what if he/she does not like me back?

Do you remember your very first love?

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