Georgia's Pub - Memorial Portrait

Georgias Pub 

16" x 20"

Oil on Wooden Panel

I completed this "Pub" portrait a few months ago. I'm so far behind on posting!  I got a wonderful note from Georgia's owner when he received it:

"Our beloved Golden Retriever Georgia passed away after a full life and I was looking for a way to remember her. I saw Liz's website and sent her a few photos. Liz captured her physical look and in an uncanny way was able to capture her personality also. I put this pub sign up outside of our  games room and it is almost like Georgia says hello every time I walk in. This is a great way to memorialize a beloved pet."

The portrait was actually composed from two different photos - one of her face, and one of her body.

I am on the last phases of completing another pub sign which I will eventually post :)

Thanks for your interest in my artwork, and emails. Please feel free to comment.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Cougar II (Mountain Lion)

I painted from this reference photo a few years ago and it is one of my most popular paintings. I thought I'd give it another whirl and see what I did differently.

Mountain Lion II

4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
SOLD

I'm very happy with the way this turned out. I like it a lot better than the first one :)

I'm working on a pub sign that I'll show you soon.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Bano - K9 with Portland Police Dept.

BANO - Donated K9 Portrait

4"x6" Oil on Panel

Portland Police Bureau

From his partner:

Bano is a German Shepherd trained to trail and alert on fresh human scent. We have worked together about 7 years and he is currently 8 1/2 years old. He is a powerful and sweet dog who really enjoys work. Throughout our time together, he has apprehended approximately 180 "bad guys." Bano has also located multiple articles such as firearms, knives, drugs, ETC. during his course of duties.

Thank you Officer Elias and Bano for all you do to keep us safe :)

If you are a member of K9 or Mounted patrols, please send me a photo of your animal so that I can donate a portrait to your Department. I also donate paintings to Search & Rescue handlers & Military dogs. There is absolutely no charge, so get in touch with me, or forward this to someone you know who would like a painting.

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Today, I received an interesting email from Jasmine Murray asking questions about my work. I thought I'd post them here.

The problem is that I truly love all kinds of art and all kinds of painting mediums, so most of my answers are pretty generic. I did go through and pick out a few examples, though, do I get points for that?

Here are the questions from the email:

What media do you like to use the best and why?

I have painted in just about all media at some time or another. I love them all, they are like people, each with their strong points and drawbacks. I love anything creative! Besides fine art, I make artisan jewelry & stained glass (WackyPup on Etsy) recently got a kiln so I can try my hand at some small sculptures, quilting, woodworking and even a vinyl cutter. Obviously hard for me to narrow down my choices for being creative :)

I don't use watercolor very often, but I love the way that the colors intermingle with each other of their own accord. This is the only medium that does this, and it's beautiful. Unfortunately, because of this, things don't always go the way you planned. Watercolor is the least forgiving medium.

English Bulldog in Watercolor - NFS - Privately Commissioned Portrait

Pastels are strong and bright and offer immediate gratification, but they're more difficult to frame, and more fragile if you leave them laying around :)

Tiger in Pastel - Ruby @ Roanoke, VA Zoo

Portrait in Pastel - NFS - Private Commission

Quick Plein Air Pastel Study - 5x7 or so - if you'd like to add it to your collection it's yours for $50

Occasionally, I use gouache, mostly when I travel. It is more durable and less variable than watercolor, and easier to travel with than oils. Some of my absolute favorite paintings are gouache.

Little China Doll

4" x 5.5"
Gouache on Illus Board
Sold

Orange Spice Tea

6" x 4" Gouache on Paper

Sold - Private Collection

I like acrylic, and I like the bright paintings that I create with them, but I'm terribly allergic to them, so I don't use them very often. Which is too bad because Chroma acrylics was going to sponsor my site, but I can't use their wonderful paints without being very careful.

Texas Spring

4" x 6" Acrylic on Panel

$100

This painting is unframed. If you would like it framed in a nice gold easel back frame, let me know and I will add it to your order for $25.

I guess my favorite medium is oil, mostly because it's totally forgiving. If things aren't going your way, you can just keep going until it submits LOL. Or even wipe it down completely and start over. Most of my portraits and paintings these days are in oils. It's also easy to frame. The drawback is that they're more expensive, and harder to travel with.

Bird on the Table

4" x 6" ~ Original Oil on Panel ~$100

What aspects of nature are your favourite to draw?

Faces without a doubt. I love faces of people and animals. There is so much in a face, memories, dreams, past experience, or hope for the future.

In landscape, the most interesting thing to me is shadows, especially the way tree shadows fall onto buildings.

Do you incorporate different media together in your work?

I don't do many mixed media pieces. Sometimes I underpaint in acrylic because it dries quickly, but usually, I like everything to run together and soften up a bit.

Where's your favourite place to create your artwork?

Hmm, I love camping, but I don't do much painting when I'm there. If I could make myself get out of the kayak and actually open up my art supply bag, I think I'd love it. At this point, most of my paintings are done in my beautiful (messy) studio that has just had two large skylights installed. My studio also has a small kiln, a bunch of clay, tons of stained glass, and oh yes, canvases, oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, panels, easels and my desk & files. Yup, it's a mess, and FULL!

Oddly enough, green is not one of my favorite colors, but going over paintings to see what to include in this post made me realize, I paint a lot of green!

Now, I must get off this computer and get some real creative work done! I'm working on Christmas quilts (plus a few portrait commissions)

Don't forget to LIVE CREATIVELY!

Liz

Please become a fan of my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-van-der-Werff/136309593758

Mrs. Lola's Kitchen

Mrs. Lola

16" x 20"

Oil On Canvas

Private Collector

Allow me to introduce Mrs. Lola. This is a recent commission for a client that will be opening a restaurant in Oklahoma City. The restaurant will be named in honor of his grandmother, Mrs. Lola and the portrait will be displayed there.  I'll let you know when it's open for business!

I've been busy and have a lot of other portraits and paintings to share, but especially wanted to show you this one.

As always - Live Creatively!

Liz

Bluebonnet Shadows

Bluebonnet Shadows

4" x 5"
Acrylic on Panel

This year has been a fantastic year for bluebonnets, even in the woods. This is a painting of the bluebonnets in the evening in Meridian State Park.

This painting is framed in a vintage gold frame. If you would like it unframed, it is available for $99, just let me know..

Your satisfaction is guaranteed! My paintings hang in homes all over the world.

If you have any special requests or questions, please contact me.

Thank you for your interest in my artwork. 

Live Creatively!

Liz

Texas Spring Bluebonnet Painting

Texas Spring 

4" x 6"

Acrylic on Panel

This year has been a fantastic year for bluebonnets here in Texas. This is a scene of a live oak in a field full of flowers near my home.

This painting is unframed. If you would like it framed in a nice gold frame, let me know and I will add it to your order for $25. 

Your satisfaction is guaranteed! My paintings hang in homes all over the world. If you have any special requests or questions, please contact me. Thank you for your interest in my artwork. 

Remember to Live Creatively!

Liz

Sophie the Adorable Corgi

This is Sophie, an adorable Welsh Pembroke Corgi.

I've been busy, but staying away from the computer. I have a lot to show you, hopefully I'll get some more photos up! I just finished this commission and Sophie was just so cute, I had to post her :)

Here are the comments from her people when the portrait arrived:

"Sophie is beautiful Liz. I knew I would love her, but the photo hadn't done her justice. I'm sure you probably hear this all the time from others who have their pets captured on canvas as you have our two, but I don't know how you could have made her any more lifelike. Thank you, thank you! Just one more thing that could have made her painting more complete was a top hat with little slits for her ears. I think spats might have been a bit much, but, maybe for the next painting I'll give it some thought! :)"

I love to paint dogs & cats in human settings, remember the "Library Cat" and "Mastiff Masterpiece"



Thanks for visiting - Live Creatively!

Liz

Texas Mountain Lion

This small painting is a study for a larger painting I am planning. It is under 4" square, but you can feel the power of this beautiful Texas mountain lion.

Texas Mountain Lion Study I
3.75" x 3.75"
$100
SOLD

Contact me to see what other wildlife painting are availbale.

I have decided to start focusing on some of the wonderful Texas wildlife. There is such an abundance of creatures in this state. I am interested in becoming the resident artist at some of the state and national parks, so I am working toward building up a portfolio of wildlife art.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Berry Picking

This is a painting of my oldest son when he was about 18 months old. We were berry picking and he ate the whole container LOL (It wasn't very full) This is when he was walking up looking for more :)

Berry Picking

8" x 10"
Oil on Panel
Collection of the Artist NFS

Again, just a quick note, been very busy today - I will have lots to show you soon!!

Live Creatively!

Liz

Whoo Hooo Painting Live finally!!

I started troubleshooting the video camera - Ustream problem at 10 a.m. today. Working at it on and off until 3:30 I finally got it fixed! We had a successful session tonight! Yay! It's nice to have visitors back in my studio while I paint. I'll be painting again tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Central / 8 p.m. Eastern time. I might be on during the day as well. Hope to see you there!

Tonight's painting was Tumbleweed, the flyball Corgi. He was only a baby in this painting, 5 months old. He is so cute!

Tumbleweed
4" x 6"
Commissioned Portrait
Oil on Panel

Hope to see you tomorrow.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Mekky & Two More Paintings

It has been far too long since I posted. I have some Christmas commissions that I hope to get around to putting up, so maybe I'll post more often :) The first painting tonight is a donated K9 portrait that I couldn't post until after Christmas. Tonight I also blocked in two paintings, and I'll take you along on the process.

First here's Mekky - - -

Donation #26 - Mekky
Granbury TX Police Dept
4" x 6"
Donated Oil Portrait
Oil on Panel

This was given by the Officer's wife as a Christmas gift. Her description follows:

My husband's name is Jeremy Ballew and his "partner's" name is Mekky.

Mekky is 4 years old and they have been together 2 years this last September. Im sorry but I cant remember where Mekky is from (Finland?? something crazy like that but dont quote me). He was trained as a puppy in another country and sent to San Antonio, Texas as one of two dogs to be trained further to meet the requests of the Granbury Police Department. Mekky is trained for drug searches of all types and for tracking humans. He does not use what is called a scent item when tracking (like the persons shirt or something like that), he has to have a starting place or last known location of the person he is looking for so that he can pick up the scent. He is one of few dogs that can keep a scent across different types of ground (grass, gravel, dirt, concrete, etc). Which is very impressive!!

I would have to say my proudest moment of them both is about 6 mos to a year ago. They were tracking a man with a gun. The man had run from officers on scene and they called Jeremy out to assist. One of those call outs I didnt get the story on unitl after it was over. (it scares me to think about those - I was in law enforcement for 5 years and know how easy things can go way wrong!) Anyway, they tracked the scent from a local hotel through an area of storage sheds (a business and concrete groud with privacy fence along one side) and up to a chainlink fence fence to find out the suspect had jumped the fence at a "T". So they had to go back out and around buildings to get to the other side of the chian link fence. Now they are on the same side as before of a privacy fence but around the chian link fence to continue the sniff. Jeremy has one "rookie" officer with him as back up and while doing a track is unable to have his gun out of his holster, just has Mekky on a leash. Well, Mekky comes to a spot on the privacy fence and starts to paw at the groud as though he wants to get through and then sits (which is his sign to Jeremy that he has located what he is after). Very quickly after this as they are attempting to get behind a truck parked close by and transmit this information to other officers, while doing so on the other side of the fence they hear a gunshot!!! Im sure their hearts jumped out of their chest and Jeremy said all Mekky was doing was pulling to go toward the fence and barking while he was trying to get him behind the truck. Ends up they located the subject and he had shot himself but all officers went home safe. It was a very tense night and their first "successful" track in the line of duty. Everything worked in their/our favor and they carried out what they do time after time in training. I was proud mostly because they came home, but because Mekky and Jeremy were able to locate the subject and end the harm being done to others.

We love our family and it just wouldnt be the same without Mekky!

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Thank you to Officer Ballew and Mekky and all the others out there who work so hard to keep us all safe. If you are, or know a K9 officer, or Mounted Patrol or Search & Rescue, please contact me to receive a free oil portrait at absolutely no cost or obligation to you.

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After quite a few technical glitches and a lot of frustration, I was finally back on http://UStream.tv tonight. I started a commission of Tumbleweed - an adorable Corgi. The photo that I am working from is great - he's sitting on a chair, I think it's going to be a wonderful portrait. This is a 4"x6" portrait, the same size that I donate to K9 and Search & Rescue dogs.

Dragon Lady
16" x 20"
Oil on Canvas

Finally, I blocked in the beginnings of a painting that I think will be rather interesting. It is an oil painting of a woman with dragon tatoos. I am not sure exactly what my plans are, but it is the first of the paintings that I am starting for my upcoming solo show in Stephenville, Texas in May. I'll post the progress on the painting in the blog as it continues. I'll also be painting live on UStream.tv/PaintyLiz so join me and we'll visit awhile while I paint! If you're interested in how I go about it, I share all my tips, techniques & colors while I'm painting.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Mastiff Masterpiece on the Easel

This has been a hectic week - I'm leaving tomorrow for an Einstein vacation (it's all relative) my favorite kind - I had a rush commission for a repeat client and just finished it last night. I have a number of other commissions jostling for a place on the easel. I've been working on the Mastiff Masterpiece and have quite a bit done, but no photos ready to go except the very first one - so here is a look at the first step I took on the painting -

I refined the position of the female and got started on the skirt. It looks great, but even the skirt is a long way from finished :)

Be sure that you enlarge it -


Gotta get back to work -

Live Creatively!
Liz

Bloodhound K9 & Canine Masterpiece

Bloodhound
whose name I can't find :)
Oil on Panel
4" x 6"

You may remember when I blocked in this painting MONTHS ago - it's finally gotten back on the easel and I've just about finished the dog portion of the painting. The background will be the police car, and that should be painted Monday. I really wish I had the video camera set up for this piece, there were quite a few 'learning opportunities' as I worked on getting the perspective right. These dogs have such amazing heads.

I should be doing some still lifes - I am scheduled to take a workshop from an artist whose still lives I admire greatly - Qiang Huang. I'm fortunate that he is located within a few hours of me. I'm really looking forward to his class and hopefully getting enthused about painting still lifes!

I've got some very interesting commissions going right now - another 'canine masterpiece' - this time interpreting a Renoir painting with Mastiffs. To whet your appetite, here is the painting that I will be adapting - Alfred Sisley and his Wife by Renoir.


I'll bring you along step by step as it progresses. It looks like it will be a lot of fun.

Live Creatively!

Liz

Holley in Her Natural Habitat

This is Holley - she is a couch potato - so I painted her portrait in her normal position :)

HOLLEY
Rottweiler Mix
8" x 16"
Sold

I'm not very talkative tonight, so I'll make this brief. I am getting ready for my first show on Saturday, hope some of you can make it out there. I think I am listed in the program as either A Portrait For You or Wacky Pup - so look for me! I'll have some of my paintings with me and you will be able to see how much better they look in real life.

As a self-taught artist, I appreciate the following quote, even though I have no idea who the guy is that said it :)

“It is better to create than to be learned, creating is the true essence of life” Barthold Georg Niebuhr

Live Creatively!
Liz

Roxey's Story & Pico Finished

(click to see larger)

ROXEY
Belgian Malinois
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel

First let me introduce you to Roxey. Her partner, Officer Douglas R. Beckman of the University of Illinois Police Dept. tells about her:

Roxey was our departments first Police Dog. She was a Belgian Malinois from Holland. I was blessed in her picking me out at the kennel by placing her paw upon my shoulder as we walked through the kennels looking at 100's of dogs before we made our selection. Then for over 9 years we worked together as friends and partners. Roxey had over 1600 calls for service and recovered over 400 lbs of illegal drugs. She was responsible for seizing thousands of dollars of drug money and vehicles. Roxey was also responsible for recovering 17 handguns and assisting in the arrest of 100's of felony and misdemeanor suspects. Roxey retired on Aug 4, 2008.

On Sept 27th 2008 I lost my partner and friend. Roxey had been injured 3 years prior looking for a home invasion suspect and had been on some very strong medication so she would be comfortable after her back injury. Roxey never slowed down. The day of the 27th I was able to have my daughter tell Roxey to catch the bad guys one last time and my wife to be with me as she passed. It was truly the hardest thing I have every done. Roxey is always with me and has made me a better person as well as an Officer. When I got my new partner I new I had to get someone with a different look and personality so I wouldn't be able to compare just by looking at them. Now more than ever, I'm gratefull I was able to do that with my new Partner Quinty. Thank you very much for everything you do it does mean alot to the Officers and family we spend so much of our lives with them it is hard to put in words. Roxey was truly my family's Hero.

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Thank you Officer Beckman and your new partner Quinty.

Portrait Notes: After I finished the initial sketch, it was obvious to me that I had her a bit fatter than she was, so I modified that as I painted. Although I often change the backgrounds of portraits, I really liked the bold graphic of the Police car behind Roxey, and thought it made a great background, so I left it that way. This is one of the portraits that doesn't photograph very well. I might be able to get a better photo in the daylight.

(click to see larger)

Pico
German Shepherd
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel

Here is the final version of Pico's portrait. I tweaked his ears a bit, added more color to his coat and filled in the background. I'm very happy with both these portraits, and very grateful to the Officers that work so hard for us.

It seems like all I've been doing for Daily Paintings (ok I know they're not daily) are dogs. I really plan on some other paintings, so hang in there and I'll get some still lives or landscapes on the easel soon. I dropped my favorite glass bluebird and broke her tail off, so I'm planning to paint a tragedy painting soon.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus (Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)

Live Creatively!! (and gratefully)

Liz

K9 Portrait - Pico - Donation #19

Portrait of Pico - K9 with Dallas Police Department

I juts got a note from the officer that handles Pico. He says Pico caught another bad guy hiding in some bushes early Wednesday morning. He's up to 5 bad guy catches now during his short 10 month career after finishing his training!

I've gotten the basic shape blocked in and will let it dry a few days before painting the actual portrait.

People have asked to see some of the photos that I am working from. The sketch is just that, a sketch - for basic placement. The details and accuracy will be worked in as I paint. I don't see much 'off' about Pico's painting so far, but give me time LOL . . .


In other news, I just got some software so that I can digitize artwork into designs to be sewn by an embroidery machine. I'm planning on drawing up a series of dog sketches that can be made into embroidery for kids and adults. I don't want to do the actual embroidery, just create the patterns and let others embroider it on their own items. What do you think? If you have any comments, suggestions, requests or ideas, let me know. Also, if you have an embroidery machine and would like to receive some free designs in exchange for test sewing them for me, I'd appreciate it, although it might be a while before I figure out how to do it. I have a Janome 350E and the software I got is the Pfaff Creative Digitizing v6 - I haven't gotten started with it at all yet, but I've read the instructions LOL . . .

Our car with 250,000 miles on it finally died and we're biting the bullet and getting a NEW Acadia - I'm all excited! We just have to find the perfect one - and the perfect price HAHAHAH my house cost less than this vehicle LOL

"Not what we have but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance." - John Petit-Senn

Live Creatively!

Liz

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a busy day - but for once, I am not the one cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I do have some homemade yeast rolls baking, cranberry sauce on the stove, and am trying to find an interesting recipe for a casserole from our garden's summer squash. As always, at this time of year, I reflect on all the reasons I have to be very thankful. First of all, I am glad that I was born in the greatest country on earth. Good health and talent wouldn't be worth much in some countries, where it is all you can do to survive. Right now, in 2008 - Albino people are being slaughtered in Tanzania and Barundi because it is believed their body parts are useful in "traditional medicine" Not all "traditions" are good ones.

I am thankful that God gave me talent to turn paint and cloth into portraits that keep loved ones close. I am thankful that after 50 years of looking, I found my soulmate. I am thankful that my kids are healthy, intelligent and self-supporting :) I am thankful that I do not have to wonder where my next meal is coming from or where I will sleep tonight. I am also thankful that I have a large and supportive group of people that write and encourage me and comment on my paintings! (That's you guys!) Thank you so much for being part of my world - and please feel free to write and comment on anything.

On a lesser note, I'm thankful that I have gotten a few Christmas commissions done, and am beginning to feel like there may be an end in sight :) and I got a good photo of the bulldog painting I posted yesterday. It still doesn't do justice to the actual painting.

NEW PHOTO - FINAL VERSION OF FINISHED PAINTING
(click on photo to see larger version)

CLICK HERE TO BID ON EBAY

Bulldog Charity Painting
11" x 14"
Oil on Canvas

Check back for link to auction - it should be starting this Sat/Sun

Close-ups of painting - click to see even larger!

NEW PHOTOS - FINAL VERSION OF FINISHED PAINTING
CLICK HERE TO BID ON EBAY


CLICK HERE TO BID ON EBAY

Congratulations to new collector Anne L. of Maine who is the happy owner of the Husky painting.
She wrote "The husky painting arrived today and it's even more beautiful than I anticipated! Thanks so much. It hasn't been out of my sight since it arrived!"
I'm glad you like it, Anne! And thanks so much for your emails.

Better go check those rolls . . .. .

Live Creatively!!! (and thankfully!)

Liz

Mimi - a beloved Yellow Lab

Mimi
8" x 10"
Oil on Panel

This is a Christmas present to someone who doesn't get on the internet, so I can share it with you ahead of time. You may have seen the beginning of this painting on UStream.tv - All the segments are recorded there, although I did a tiny bit of 'adjusting' after I signed off on the final video.

Jennifer, who commissioned the painting wrote me a sweet email saying:

"Liz, You've outdone yourself again! I can't stop myself from checking out Mimi's portrait online again and again and cannot wait to see the original. You've done a fantastic job capturing who she is: her spirit, her gentle and kind way and her focus, likely on her own shadow! :) The only downside is having to wait until Christmas to share it with my mom! She will be speechless! I cannot wait for you to paint my two black labs together."

Congratulations to new collector Jennifer B. on her commission of Mimi - and I can't wait to paint her black labs either - although I already painted one of them, since they are Search & Rescue dogs - Thanks again for all your hard work and dedication!

If you are considering a portrait for Christmas, now is the time to get in touch with me so I can make sure that I incorporate you into my schedule.

Thank you for listening & looking - and
Live Creatively!

Liz

Police Officer Memorial Portrait Dedication

The Police Officer portrait that I painted a couple months ago was formally dedicated on Friday. I attended, but due to mis-communication and some glitches (plus the fact that I'm basically a hermit and am not always in my "assertive artist" mode) I ended up not being in the room at the time it was being dedicated. It was standing room only. I met the Dallas Chief of Police and a lot of great Police Officers, Lieutenants and others. I truly appreciate those who put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis for us!! (Especially those among us who are totally ditzy . . . . )

The ceremony was featured on the nightly news and here are some shots from the broadcast.

the screen says "Police Officer Remembered"

Unveiling the portrait

They thanked me for the donation, but it didn't say that on the news and I am really trying to get the word out that I will donate an oil on canvas portrait to the family of any Police Officer or Firefighter that is killed in the line of duty. I contacted the television station, and we'll see if they are interested. I'll keep you posted.

PAINTING LIVE - I will be painting live on USTREAM today starting about 7:30 p.m. Central Time (8:30 p.m. Eastern) I will be working on some commissioned portraits. One is a large 18"x 22" oil on canvas of a Scottish Terrier and one is a 4"x6" oil on panel of a Corgi.

This is the photo I will be painting the Corgi, Tulip from. I will probably paint Tulip in one session - start to finish tonight live on USTREAM, so join me. I will be taping the broadcast so you can watch at your convenience if you don't manage to get here tonight. I hope you do, though - I enjoy the company! Click here to see my USTREAM videos and to join me live tonight at 8:30 Eastern / 7:30 Central Time. Make sure you sign up and get a username so I can chat with you while I paint.

Hope to see you - and always - Live Creatively!!

Liz

Zia - Border Collie Search & Rescue Dog in the Snow

Zia - Border Collie Search & Rescue Dog

I never got the information about this dog, so all I can tell you is that her name is Zia and she is a beautiful Border Collie who has worked in Search & Rescue with Grand County Search and
Rescue Dogs (Colorado) for two years, and is very enthusiastic about avalanche work.


The Search & Rescue with Grand County Search and Rescue team has evolved over the years from an informal jeep posse under the wing of an authentic western sheriff to a well-trained crew of volunteers known for their professionalism. Within the ranks of the core Grand County SAR team, specialized units have been formed to tackle the diverse rescue challenges presented by the awesome canyon country surrounding Moab. The regular schedule of general SAR training, along with additional training for the specialized units, ensures that the volunteers of GCSAR are ready to do the best job during your worst times.

I am definitely doing the HAPPY DANCE today - I've been working on the angelic Rottweiler and it's looking great - I'll show you tomorrow! I've shipped out a few commissions this week, and things are getting back under control. I am so happy with this painting of Zia - it was so much fun to paint.

BIG NEWS - I've discovered UStream - I will be broadcasting LIVE while I paint in the next few days. I haven't gotten it completely set up, but if you're interested drop me a note with the time of day that would be best for you. If you're at all interested in my techniques and style, make sure you're signed up on my notification list so you can actually watch me paint when I get it set up. I will be narrating every move I make, along with the colors and any tips I think of during the sessions. Please join me - you will be able to chat with each other and with me. I can answer your questions as I paint. I will be painting some small daily paintings, and working on the equine mural painting. I have some commissions, but they are gifts so I can't show them as I paint. I might show the angelic Rottie, though. I still have a little bit more work to do on him. So, sign up on UStream and get ready to come into my studio!!


If you are a member of Search & Rescue, K-9 or Mounted Patrol, please allow me to paint a small portrait for you at no charge, in gratitude for your service.

~~~~~~~ UPDATE ON EQUINE MURAL ~~~~~~~~~~

My husband came up with a great idea for the equine painting, so I'm going to get it started tomorrow. I saw a white horse, but on what background? snow? water? - He said since we're in Texas, I should paint one of the horses from "Lonesome Dove". Turns out that Woodrow F. Call rode a white horse, as far as I can tell. So, now I have a plan . . . let's see how it turns out :)\

Thank you for your interest. I can't wait to be able to interact with you directly on UStream!

As always - live life creatively!!