I get soooo many inquires as to if I work with people…most artists become known for photographing, or painting particular subjects. I happen to work very well with animals….interesting for it is something not all can do very well.

Photographing and painting children is another “subject” that one must develop a talent for. For me, when working on a portrait it is all about the eyes. One must have the ability to tell the story, capture the true personality…..all through the eyes.

The high key image to the right was completed using chalks and will be placed on a tee shirt and coffee mug for “Mother’s Day”.

This second version…a colorful background was added, along with a bit more color through out. This has been printed on canvas and stretched over a wood frame (Gallery Wrapped Canvas).

Yeah….I have been working on putting together a training DVD that covers not only teaching commands but also demonstrates applying them to every day situations (such as sitting at the door, remaining in a down position during dogs food preparation, when family is eating, how grooming will go so much easier while incorporating commands such as sit, down, stand, etc).
You will be able to purchase the DVD alone, or with the training package that includes DVD, canvas bag, martingale style collar, 20 ft. long line and treats.

As many of you know in recent months many of the dogs foods available on the market have been recalled. I have since gotten numerous questions about just what food I am feeding my dogs….I feed them Flint River and have done so for many years. Phoenix at the moment is being fed the Fish and Potato food, Rocky and the “girls” are being fed Lamb Meal, Millet and Rice. Please know that I am also a distributor so if any of you have any interests in feeding this food just contact me and I will send further info.

Thanks!!!

Support your local artists and small businesses!

This afternoon after an agility session and good play with the dogs I sat in the yard and just watched them for a little while as I was sketching a cardinal at the Bird feeder.

All were resting comfortably when along comes a lovely Butterfly. It fluttered around so very care free….the adult dogs all noticed it….no interest. Rocky suddenly spied it and he took off after it….big goofy grin…running and jumping in the air…..the butterfly fluttered here and there and when s/he was gone….poor Rocky looked as though he lost his best friend. Still very much a puppy regardless of his size.

Only had a few minutes to do something quick so did a quick muck up and will continue with this during the course of the week in between the other paintings. He will be a year old next week and soon, like the other it will not be as much fun to have a little dance with a butterfly.

Starting this weekend we will have at the flea market lovely hand crafted Tiffany night lights….a beautiful parrot, kittie, sailboat. Along with beautiful hand crafted Tiffany night lights are the wind chimes in large and small sizes. …these will make great little gifts for Mom. Don’t forget, Mothers Day is Sunday May 13th.
I ordered a small quantity only….so if interested come visit us, or contact me. I will be more then happy to ship.

Also….anyone wanting to order Pampered Chef items I will be posting a website a little later to do so….lets have the first virtual party.

Above right: Parrot Night Light $15.99 (Several fun and lovely designs)
Left: Small Wind Chimes $19.99
Below….my favorite: Cat Bird Feeder $34.99
Questions??? Contact me @ dee59@aol.com

Took a few minutes to paint something colorful and cheerful.

I have been working on a lovely portrait of this beautiful dog that has recently died. When I am given images of such beloved family members it is only natural that I also get to know the dog. Each has their own personality and their person is always so willing to tell me stories. During the course of painting I tend to get a little sad knowing the dog is no longer with us….so I take a break and work on something else for a little while.

This was today’s little break.

On the Easel….”The Coyote” a WIP.

In the news as of late have been reports of an increase in the number of coyotes…..pretty silly if you ask me. It is the fact that these animals have no where to set up dens for there is little land left in so many of the counties surrounding Atlanta. The spring is when these animals are looking for a safe den to raise thier pups….this is when you will have the most conflicts.
MOST of the counties in the Atlanta area have leash laws….that is right….leash laws. Do not allow your pets to roam….keep them on leash. Know the weight of a coyote is about 35 lbs. Many of the small breed dogs, and cats are considered prey….keep them on leash (yep, leash law applies to your kitties as well).
We can share what little land is left with these animals with safety in mind…

**Do not feed coyotes
**If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior – make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones.
**Do not allow pets to run free.
**Do not feed pets outside.
**Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
**Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you do feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.
**Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level.
**Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes
**Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
**Regulated hunting and trapping increases the “fear” coyotes have towards people.
**Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.