THE ART OF GAIL DOLPHIN

New Home

2011-12-13T17:10:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those lucky days for an artist when you have a sale you aren't expecting! I recently joined Etsy, an online selling gallery for artists and craftsmen. I sold this little watercolor painting of a Shih Tzu to a collector in Virginia, whom I have never met. It's always a great feeling to sell a painting, especially when I work on commission most of the time. This little guy was just so cute, I had to paint him! I find it difficult sometimes to balance what I want to paint for myself with my client's portrait requests. I joined Etsy at the suggestion of a gallery owner, and it looks like it is proving to be a great outlet and I feel energized to add more new work to the online gallery.

A Dog for Christmas

2011-12-10T15:34:00.000-05:00

As Christmas nears, I am usually painting away till the last minute. This year, I didn't take on too many painting commissions so I could be a little more relaxed during the holidays. I just delivered this watercolor portrait of "Nelson" to a wonderful couple who have also become great friends. This little guy seemed to be full of spunk when I first went to meet him, but his owners later learned he was in pain due to cancer and not really himself. He had to be put to sleep only a month after I first saw him. When I showed them the finished painting, they both commented that they could almost see just a touch of that pain by the look in his eyes. They were both so happy with it and I loved doing it for them. Now I am planning on painting a little something for myself, the possibilities are endless! I will keep it a surprise till my next post.

Times have Changed

2011-07-28T07:09:00.000-04:00

I had an appointment yesterday with a local art gallery owner. I have spent the last few years doing almost all commission work but have also had the ongoing problem that many artist's have. Where do you market your originals? As much as I love doing commissions, I also enjoy doing art for "myself". In the 80's, I would bring along originals to galleries, but also my various portfolios of work. These consist of photographs and original tearsheets from magazines and companies I did illustration work for. In 2011, I brought along my trusty portfolio, but also my computer. I have all my work available and it can be brought up to see in the blink of an eye! When getting my originals together, I realized that I still have the big portfolios that I have had for 30 years. They have gone with me to more galleries and art shows than I can count. I have done many outdoor shows where my watercolors literally started dripping inside the glass from the heat, or storm winds blew my art off the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ. I clearly remember trudging through almost a foot of snow one Friday evening to set up an indoor show in PA. Needless to say, it didn't get the best turnout! So, what is an artist to do?

I learned yesterday, that technology has developed in leaps and bounds for artists and the "virtual" art gallery of today. I got my first laptop in 2003 and since then have developed my own website and tried to learn as much as I can. The gallery owner suggested various web based ideas for me to pursue. I left there not feeling "shot down", but energized and positive. He is a terrific business person and I am so thankful he took so much time to educate me in other marketing concepts that may work for me in these changing times.

Horses in your Blood

2011-07-08T05:21:00.001-04:00

I recently completed a Pastel and Pencil commission for an old high school friend who found me through Facebook. The family I did the drawing for now have a son who owns a beautiful hunter. In high school, I was lucky to have a horse and walked to the barn every day after school. I never participated in high school sports for that reason, horses were my love and still are. My parents would pick me up from the barn, smelling of horses, manure and very happy. There were also those days I was sad and dejected from falling off in a lesson. A few other girls in high school also had horses, and Lori contacted me when she wanted to surprise another friend's family at his graduation. They all have continued the tradition of riding and showing horses. Once horses are in your blood, they are there forever.

Little Dogs

2011-01-30T15:33:00.001-05:00

I have to say I am partial to big dogs, but these little yorkies are so cute and were really fun to paint. An artist friend asked me to put her dogs all together in the watercolor painting. I decided on a garden setting to add some additional interest and a few soft colors to the background. I'm not sure what's next, I am feeling the itch to paint something for myself and take a break from the commissions for a bit. As much as I love painting the portraits, I love the creative freedom of "doing my own thing".

Making Customers Happy

2010-12-22T07:29:00.000-05:00

I met up with a customer to deliver a long awaited commission of her cats as a Christmas surprise for her husband. I always have a little anxiety when showing finished paintings. I worry if it really captures the spirit and vision of the animal that the person has in their mind. Many artists refuse to do commissions for this very reason. There is always a chance that when you reveal the painting after all your hard work, they may not be happy with the results. It has to produce that instant recognition of what they remember as their cherished pet. For me as an artist, there is nothing like that first rush of emotion I see in their eyes when I show them the painting. It is such a feeling of accomplishment, and all the anxiety vanishes when I see the tears in their eyes.

Painting Dogs

2010-08-16T06:25:00.000-04:00

I delivered a long awaited portrait commission yesterday of a Scottish Deerhound to a wonderful couple. When I knocked on the door, I knew they had lost not only "Ellie", but also another older Deerhound while waiting for the portrait. They had gotten a new puppy about 7 months ago and also had one other 12 year old dog. I was immediately greeted by what appeared to be an adult. It is unusual for a deerhound to be so exuberant with strangers, so I realized it was their new puppy "Penelope". The couple then told me they had to put their older dog to sleep last week. They had lost three of their beloved dogs in less than a year. The sadness of that was replaced by the new puppy who captured your heart right away. After lots of kisses she quickly retired to the couch in typical Deerhound style.

When I unwrapped the painting, I had my usual nervousness as to whether it would capture the essence of the dog they loved so much. They looked in silence then both expressed how much they loved it. I think they were holding back tears because of the flood of memories it brought back. The daily walks on the beach and how she would love sleeping on their bed. Anyone that has dogs in their lives knows the feeling well when we lose them. We lose a part of our own heart and vow never to go through it again. Yet, we shortly welcome another puppy or rescue into our lives to once again give us the unconditional love that only a dog can give. They decided to "hide" the painting from puppy Penelope so she would not decide it was an early Christmas gift to unwrap. She had once again filled their hearts with love and the joy of owning a dog.

A Simple Life

2010-01-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

I recently completed this commission of a beautiful restored farmhouse in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was once the home of a wonderful woman I know who is now 91. She spent her childhood there, living a simple life. My husbands parents and his childhood were also spent on beautiful farm properties such as this one. His early childhood and teen years were spent working on a 90 acre dairy farm in Coopersburg, Pa. His father also owned a 60 acre farm where they farmed corn, hay, soybean, and wheat. Eventually, development took over the farms in the area and it made more sense to sell property to home builders. Most of the old stone farmhouses are now owned by people who have the means to maintain and restore them. I believe that is what an old stone farmhouse deserves, but it is still sad to see the area and the simple way of life changed so dramatically.

Life with Dogs

2009-11-05T08:03:00.000-05:00

I am always amazed at how dogs approach life. From the moment they wake up they are enjoying every moment, taking time for play and bonding. Then giving themselves the much needed rest they require. My dogs are my "fur kids" and the love they give me is unconditional. Yesterday, a friend told me she had decided to put her dog "Bo" to sleep. I have been in that same position with my dear dog Dante. After a wonderful life together, he could no longer get up and come to me and had lost the quality of life he deserved so much. When I looked into his eyes that last day, he told me to let him go. It was one of the hardest things to do in my life. I could never replace him, but soon I got Socks, then Ty. Now I am almost whole again...though a tiny piece of my heart is always with all my dogs. I cherish their memories and know they are over the Rainbow Bridge.

Slowly but surely

2009-10-17T13:32:00.000-04:00

I finally finished a long awaited commission of a cute Pomeranian for a wonderful woman who is disabled. She has had numerous back operations throughout her life and has also suffered two strokes. When I meet people like Francis, I realize how lucky I am to have another income and also to have my health and the ability to create art. I am thrilled to be able to share my art with people, though I am also frustrated when I can't do it as much as I would like right now. I am on vacation from Lowes for a few days and so happy to be a fulltime artist! I spent today checking out a new art gallery and hope to get a little more fishing in before I am back to my regular schedule. I caught a big flounder surf fishing the other day which I returned to the surf, I just didn't have the heart to keep him!

Distractions

2009-06-08T12:19:00.000-04:00

I am not a faithful "blogger", I guess I am easily distracted! The latest are the baby sparrows all making the leap from the nesting box I have outside my art studio window. They have been making such a racket encouraging each other to make their first flight into the real world of a bird. I can't seem to stop watching them. My biggest worry is my dog Ty gobbling one up if they happen to land near him! He loves chasing birds out of the yard.

I finally completed my Rottweiler oil portrait and am waiting for the frame to arrive. The client loved the painting and is patiently waiting to for it. I have decided to stay working at Lowes fulltime for now, I can't manage giving up all the benefits these days with the economy. So, on to the next painting of a Pomeranian. I am happy to have commission work.

Time Out

2009-05-02T07:32:00.001-04:00

Been a while since I have posted! I took the dogs to the beach on my day off...the weather was beautiful! Socks loves going to the beach, but Ty is always the first in the water. If I don't keep him on the leash, he would have no problem swimming out to sea! The riptides are really strong in this area called "The Point" on Emerald Isle, NC.

I finished my drawing of Aunt Lorraine and shipped it off for her 80th "Derby" themed party. I wish I could have gone, but couldn't swing it. She loved the drawing and now has it hanging over her fireplace. I have another portrait commission in the works of a Rottweiler. The client and I decided to portray the dog in different stages of his life in an oil montage. She lost him a few years ago, so I have to rely on her photographs. She did approve this layout, so I am planning on working all weekend on it.

Besides that, I have decided to go part time at Lowes to allow me more time to paint and complete commission work. It has been a tough decision because of the income and benefits, but my husband knows I always follow my heart and dreams. I am hoping all my recent advertising efforts and gallery exposure will bring on more work. The life of an artist is not an easy one!

Relatives

2009-04-08T10:40:00.000-04:00

As artists, we are often asked by friends and relatives to make use of our talents for gifts and surprises. I am a little pooped from working the night shift at my "other" job at Lowes, but am trying to keep at it here this morning by posting the start of a little 11 x 14 pencil drawing I am doing for my Aunt Lorraine's 80th birthday. She lives in Colorado and is my Dad's only sister. She is such a special person and I am very close to her, especially since my father passed away in 2005. I am so happy to surprise her with a little drawing of her when she attended a Penn State horse show, probably around 1949. My cousins found it and have organized a semi-surprise "Kentucky Derby" theme party for her in April. This is the start of it, I hope I can capture her face! I never seem to have problems with getting the likeness of an animal, but people are always a huge challenge for me!

I find it really interesting how both my grandparents had horses, my grandmother spent all her time riding the train up and down the east coast following the horse racing circuit. My Dad rode horses with my grandfather and my Aunt was obviously a better rider than she ever mentioned! I really do think that horses are "in your blood".

I also have a Rottweiler portrait commission in the works which I will post shortly. Tomorrow, I am meeting with an advertising rep from a local publication here to discuss some additional print advertising I may do to stimulate more commission work. My goal is to be full time at the art again soon....just keep plugging!

The Measure of Success

2009-03-28T07:43:00.000-04:00

When I decided to become an "artist" in high school, I was very serious from the start. I knew I was blessed with a talent and was lucky to have parents who supported and believed in me. I always remember my father's advice when I told him at 18 that I was going to paint animals and also wanted to be a forest ranger. He was concerned about my choices and we decided that Graphic Design would be the best decision in my chosen field. He said...."You can make a living with that and will have something to fall back on hon"....

I remember like it was yesterday one summer setting my work up at a local horse show out of the back of my hatchback. I think my parents were shocked that people were paying me to paint their animals! I struggled through the years though, and ended up working at many other careers to support my painting. My sisters joke about "Gail's resume" and the list goes on even today. I don't like to talk about "my other job" with other artists or clients because you are often judged as a successful artist by whether you are supporting yourself solely with your art. I have come to realize now, over thirty years later, that everything I have worked at and learned by trying to do my art has made me the artist I am today. I was employed as a Product Researcher at The Franklin Mint and also worked in Visual Merchandising and Display at a major department store for many years. I have worked as a Custom Picture Framer for years, worked at horse barns, run a boarding facility and broke my own horse.

We recently moved here to North Carolina over a year ago and I am joining art groups, exhibiting in shows, recently joined a co-op gallery, advertising, and have been able to obtain portrait clients. But, the reality of this economy and the need for affordable health care has forced me to again "expand" my resume. I have been working at Lowes Home Improvement in the Home Decor and Paint departments for almost a year now. I am often frustrated by the lack of time to paint and feel like I have signed my life away to the corporate world. This can lead to not believing I am an "artistic" success. But, I now realize that all these life experiences and knowledge not only makes me a better artist, but a better person. I am now learning about color trends and decorating, meeting interesting people, making contacts and more in touch with the economy. I am also not in a constant worry state about paying my bills and what will happen to me or my husband if we get sick.

So, the roller coaster life of an artist goes on....I think my Dad would be proud of me for not giving up!

The posted drawing was done in college and was one of the first pictures I sold as an artist. It sold at one of my first big shows on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ.

Barter for Dressage

2009-03-24T17:41:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful sunny day today! I had a dressage lesson this morning on "good old Ben", nothing like a 22 year old schoolmaster who really knows his job! I met my trainer and now good friend Jennifer Collins here in NC and fell in love with her methods of training and teaching. She is a certified Lynn Palm instructor and travels to Florida often. I was able to work out a barter for dressage lessons exchange with her that has been great for both of us. I am painting her numerous dogs and horses and she keeps me in lessons. I recently completed a watercolor painting of her two older dogs, a dalmation and a boykin spaniel. My next portrait subject for her will be "Nick", a 23 year old gelding who has started to go blind this past year. We want to portray and honor him as the horse that taught many adults and children the joys of riding a horse.

Letting go

2009-03-23T19:11:00.000-04:00

I am often torn when the time comes to sell a painting or drawing I am really pleased with. Such is the case with this drawing I did many years ago. I have never wanted to sell it and at one time it belonged to my father. Perhaps, that is why I feel the need to keep it. Maybe I am afraid I may never create something like it again or lose the memories it holds for me.

Today, I took it down to the Co-op gallery I just joined called the Carolina Artist Studio Gallery and hung it on my display wall. It now hangs with other paintings I have for sale. In order to grow as an artist...I need to let go.