Two Bulldogs in progress

Two Bulldogs in progress

No rest for the weary :)
Sprayed the first portrait with fixative and while waiting for it to dry, I started on another one.

(originally posted 12/14/13 6:45 PM)

More progress on bulldogs

More progress on bulldogs

(Originally posted 12/15/13 10:49 AM)

Dragonfly ornaments

I've finally finished the last of the Christmas pet portraits. I'll post them all after Christmas. Resting this afternoon, then will tackle my own Christmas.

A couple weeks ago I did a little experimenting with rubber stamp carving making little ornaments. I carved a dragonfly in stamping rubber with lino carving tools and used it as a basis for my ornaments, stamping cardstock or heavy watercolor paper, then paint the cards individually.  The little stars/snowflakes I carved into an eraser on the end of a pencil with an exacto knife. I had to get permenant stamping ink because the regular ink kept smudging when I tried to paint them. I used metallic ink to border them. Then I added eyelets, ribbon and fancy swirl hooks. Each are 2 1/2 inches square. These are personal gifts, so I script Christmas messages on the back.  I may make a version of these next year to sell at shows. 

Let me know what you think.

2 more beautiful cats

I stopped posting the paintings I'm working on the past few days, since one of my clients was concerned about the recipient might see it and ruin the surprise.

Delivered this painting today - she said I could share it since the recipient won't see it.  :)

3 dogs finished

Finished the 3 dogs this morning. Soft pastel 10x8

Hard at work on another portrait - 3 doggies :)

Pair of cuties finished

This one was a little challenging, but finally finished. 
Working on these pet portraits for clients who are giving them as Christmas gifts kinda makes me feel like a Santa's elf.

advice from Vonnegut

Working on another Pet Portrait - two kitty buddies

working on another pet portrait - these guys are just too cute.

Discovery Publications

I work with a great group of people for Discovery Publications as a graphic designer. Our updated website will put you in the Christmas mood :)
Plus you can read the December issues online.

www.discoverypubs.com

December Gift

A new desktop calendar you may download and use. 

JAR Desktop Calendar link

Pet Portrait today - black & white cat

Pet Portrait completed today.  :)

Upcoming Shows Nov 23 & Dec 1

I have 2 shows coming up:

November 23: Santa's Village, Fauquier High School, Warrenton, VA 9am - 3pm

December 1: Holiday Shopping Frenzy, Evergreen Fire Station, Haymarket, VA, 1-6pm

Holiday Shopping Frenzy

Foggy Day

Another gray day here in Virginia inspired me to create this typographic design

November Gift

One way to show thankfulness is to give a gift. So here is a free calendar for your computer desktop for the month of November   :-)