I wanted to share this wonderful letter from one of my clients with all of you, because it symbolizes the reason and the inspiration of why I paint my portraits. It really is a gift to me when I receive such compliments. This gentleman saw the Jack Russell portrait on my Website and emailed me wanting to know “if this was an appropriate gift to give to a grieving couple who just lost their Dog?” I said “I think the couple you will give this print to would be extremely touched by your thoughtful gift.” He placed the order, he wanted it matted and framed and I told him I would gift wrap it in a special way. This is what happened next;

“Hi Maggie. I received a call last nite around 9 pm from Roger. He kept saying you don’t know what you did….you don’t know what you did. Anyway he said (more…)

   On Oct. 10, I had the privilege to be invited as guest speaker for the Girl Scout Troop 486. They were working on their Art merit badge and the theme was “Women who paint”.

   I spoke about how I became involved in the arts and what I had to do to achieve my success. I brought in some samples from my Shoebox Greeting Cards, some original paintings, and lots of my dog and cat prints which the girls shrieked with excitement as they hugged them with love. It was so much fun to see how much joy my happy little Angels brought to these girls. They asked many terrific questions and I even saw some future artists in the making.

   After my presentation, the girls learned about Primary and Secondary colors, the use of different lines and techniques, values, shapes and color moods. Then they all were handed out three pictures, that were identical, and they had to paint them using three different mediums while applying the information they just learned. I gave out some pointers and watched them use their wonderful creativity.

   Lastly, the girls hung their finished works on long clothes lines for an art show and review. We discussed the variety of mediums used, the line work, borders and colors that each girl expressed. It was great fun and it was an honor to be there.

Here we are in my studio where I’m creating a new portrait of a Jack Russell named Madeline. I wanted to show you my new set up. I’ve decided to video tape the process of painting a portrait using the time lapse setting of my camera. It is a bit bizarre painting with a camera hovering over me, but as I watch the video, I love to see the portrait unfold. I just wish I could paint as fast as the movie shows. Hope you stop by to watch it!

I‘m currently working on a group of paintings, and while I was working I thought that you might be interested in the process. So I created this short video to show you all the work that goes into preparing my 8″ x 8″ wood canvases.

I like cutting the boards myself, and since my husband is very handy with the power tools it works out well. We buy a huge 3/4″ thick wood board, and measure the 8″ x 8″ and 12″ x 12″ squares. It takes the two of us to balance and accomplish all these cuts on the table saw. Once the canvases are cut to size, we bring out the router and create a slot so you can hang the painting from.

I then sand the top, back and all the sides of the canvases and wipe them clean.

I set up my studio similar to an assembly line and start Gessoing all the sides of the wood. I prefer Liquitex Gesso because (more…)

Greeting Cards have always been a big part of my life, not only in buying and sending them out, but also writing and Illustrating them. I used to work for Shoebox Greetings ( a tiny division of Hallmark Cards), in Kansas City, Mo., and then as a freelanced artist & writer for different Greeting Card Companies.  I am often commissioned to do one of a kind greeting cards for (more…)

This summer we had a Grand Adventure. My husband and I am fortunate enough to work from home, so we have the freedom to travel when our boys have vacation time. I usually bring sketchbooks, art materials and tons of ideas to work on while we are on the road, but I never seem to find the time to get things done, but I keep bringing them hoping I will someday. This year we traveled, in our RV from Ocala all the way to Arches National Park in Utah. We stopped in designated National Parks along the way like Colorado Springs, Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon, The Petroglyph National Monument, Vicksburg National Military Memorial, and many things in between. We woke up ready to (more…)

   My company is based on the experience of creating a one of a kind portrait of your pet. It is the experience of creating the piece of art that my clients seem to love the most. The portrait not only is the vision of their little Angel, but it also reminds them of journey in creating the piece. I wanted to share with you a sample of what one of my Gift Cards look like.

   They are all hand made with beautiful papers, ribbons & charms all wrapped up in a very special way. Each one is as unique as the people who receive them. They are the perfect gift for anyone that loves their Pet. By giving a Gift Card to your loved one, you are giving them a unique experience of creating a piece of art of someone they love very much. There are no additional cost in creating these Gift Cards, it is all included in the price of the piece and the experience.

                       

I had the pleasure of being commissioned to create a portrait of the cutest Schnoodle you have ever seen by a wonderful couple. Bailey and her parents came to visit me with a request to paint a 12″ square tile, for a puppy shower for Bailey. We decided to use Cement Board instead of tile, because of the Acrylics. Each time they came to my studio Bailey and my two dogs, Angel & Sky, played, ran and became great friends. They would all get so excited to see each other. It was fun for all of us, because I had as much fun with her parents as Bailey had with my dogs. They finished Bailey’s shower and added her friend’s names and paw prints on tiles surrounding the portrait. What a wonderful idea, it turned out so great. Look at how fantastic Bailey looks in her “Spa”. I love it!

Thanks for the picture Carolyn!