Making Customers Happy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!