During our mid morning break the pups managed a good romping around the yard and then, just relaxed. Lovely, cool fall morning…leaves falling all around us, nice breeze…and the dogs just enjoying taking everything in. Then…as I turned, camera in hand I noticed Niki sharing a few secrets with Rocky It was soon time for us to head back inside for me to resume work…I did so with a smile, thinking about how the three dogs so enjoy one another’s company.

Lately I have been looking at a few dogs to add one to the pack, another Golden. I am not at all in any rush as I want the right dog that can fit into the pack….also, would like to get past Thanksgiving before adding. I have been visiting a couple of the local rescue organization….several wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes. Always tough when you have so many to choose from….so stay tuned to see if we actually find another pack member!

Only a few more photography days left so if interested in a photo session now is when you want to make your appointment. Also, those wanting a painted portrait…only another two weeks or so to get your orders in to me Please know gift certificates available throughout the holiday season (for photo sessions, painted portrait, online classes).

As promised to a couple of students I agreed to post a painting from a couple of years ago. It almost looks as though it would glow in the dark:-) Pretty busy…you really have to start somewhere! Do not be afraid to show your work!!!

Today I spent several hours on the Internet looking for photo nightlights. I would prefer nice, decorative ones however time is short and these are needed for Goldenrama. In my search I came across two artists sites….both were selling plastic nightlights. Contacted both and I am so very appreciative for both having taken the time to respond, after all this is a pretty busy time of year for many of us. One would not share her source (I fully understood), the other shared. The artist that shared it was the very same type I had found during my search, however I found them for less….so I took the time to send a few sites to her that had them at better prices…Thanks Susan, your a doll (let me know if all right to post your site here on mine….your work is wonderful). After the Holidays I will have to visit the Mart in Atlanta during a few of the shows and see if I cannot find specialty items such as the decorative photo nightlights rather then the plastic. These make such wonderful little gifts, or sale promo…and rescues lovvve them.

To those in the Atlanta area…the gas prices have fallen…and we can actually get some….yippppeee

I love the water….the sound, smells…so relaxing

I like to watch those that hang out with their furry friends. Just makes me smile. So often we just do not make the time for them….always saying tomorrow…sadly, their life spans are short…too short. Make every moment count, have some fun…play laugh enjoy the many moments you have to share together

In this day and age…we all are so very busy…still we must make time to just play…in my case  I love to scribble (for those more sensitive to my choice of wording…simply put…Doodle). With my memories of the beach, the dogs and of course the fun we had I took the opportunity during a short break this afternoon to just scribble. Not a care in the world, no worries about exact likeness….just scribbling away…all the while I was smiling. Like so many of my scribbles, this one is not yet completed for it was time to get back to work….still, I had fun

When was the last time you took a little break to just play?

Today found me in front of the PC finishing off a few portraits. Then it was time to turn my attention to the dogs, out for some fun…yippee. I brought my camera with me for the hawk has been hanging around and I would love to get a decent shot of him. Today was not to be that day for it seems the dogs are camera hogs. I mean really….why oh why would I photograph anything else but them

No matter where I went, or how I positioned myself…there they were front and center….just waiting for me to photograph them.

It always amazes me just how easy the pups make me smile… a good laugh is always had when we are just hanging out. I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon…can you

Nikon D300 and Sigma wide angle lens.

As for the hawk…tomorrow is another day!

What can I say about Jin…to look into her eyes you just fall in love with her. She is a beauty and so true to her breed…fun, lively and oh so very curious about everything. Just look at those legs….she just makes me smile Converted the above file to a B/W file for the family to view for tee shirts and coffee mugs (available in sepia, color and B/W).

Took a close look at my calender today…can you believe the Holiday season starts in just a couple of weeks. Well…mine does anyway….remember to all those that will be wanting a photo session and or a Painting….be it a gift for someone special, or a gift for yourself…now is the time you want to get this done. It takes about six weeks during this time…and if I am verrry busy it could be longer to get something for the Holidays…add to that an early cut off date (will post more on that a little later). Gift Certificates are always available.

This lovely portrait is of my sweet little Nik-Nak. I did a quick sketch (every once ina while they will actually let me do a live sketch) then quickly filled in with color….created in Painter X. Classes starting again in Sept.

What is it about sunflowers I adore… So very fragile looking with their long stems and large flowers…. Swaying in the breeze… hues of gold, yellow, brown and green. Standing so tall and proud… Always turning their heads towards the sun.

Taking a break and doing something fun. Hung out with the puppies earlier then sat and painted a few things…just because I felt like it and the fact I am not feeling well…Lupus…sometimes just has to rear it’s ugly head. I often think it does that just as a way to get me to pay attention on the “good” days….take in all you can, when you can

Add to the fact that while I so enjoy painting portraits, often times I have to do what the client wants for they want what they want and the fact the artist wants to be creative, well sometimes you just have to paint in a way that is more appealing to the one that will be viewing the painting on a daily basis It takes me a while to wrap my mind around making the changes that were requested…best to walk away for a day or so and then start with fresh eyes, and a fresh mind.

Managed a few shots of the puppies…very hot here in the Atlanta area and bad air as well….so early morning is the best times for us to explore for a little while.

I have never been into Sports all that much. As a young girl….well let me just say I was usually the one sitting on the sides. I do enjoy every once in a while watching the youngsters play, that is if the parents are not so very driven. It should be about fun and sometimes, well some people (the adults) tend to get a tad bit carried away

I am still here, although a little busy as of late. The Tee Shirt Give Away is coming along fine and I will be posting info on it very soon!!!

I love creating the above sketch type portraits. Just a simple sketch on a colored background with a few highlights and the faint bit of coloring added here and there to the background. Always printed on art paper where splashes of oil pastel is added throughout making it a Mixed Media print!

Coming Soon…I have been asked enough times about creating sketches in Corel Painter, enough so I have decided to offer this as a class. New classes will be starting again in September. Check back for the dates and times of all classes.