Happy New Year! Newf watercolor and Dressage Painting

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Now it is back to our regularly scheduled programmimg! :) I took a holiday break and now I am back to work in the studio. 
I have some interesting blog posts coming up.. so stay tuned!
I've  got a wonderful new easel...The Cheap Joe's Signature Field Easel which I will review here with photos. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this easel
I will review a book that a wonderful author/friend wrote. The book is titled Memoirs of a Bathtub Psychic by Bethanne Elion. I know it is not about art (although she is an artist, too) but this book is a wonderful read.
I will be posting more about the painting process itself. Lots of WIPS and commentary on techniique and answers to some of my most frequently asked questions.

I am looking forward to creating some wonderful new art this year.  Here is the start of a new dressage horse and rider work in progress. This is very large 30 x 22 (full sheet) watercolor. This is the initial stages of glazes ...lots more work to be done on this. After doing so many smaller pieces last year I have been wanting go larger!

I also have a couple of pieces that I had started that got put aside as commissions and pressing commitments came in. One of them is Newfoundland pup that has been haunting me. I started the painting.. early last year (I think) and as I was organizing the studio it's cute little eyes (which I had almost finished painting) were peering at me over a stack of canvases. This one I will finish this week. I got a huge chunk completed last night.

The eyes are almost completed here. This painting will require a lot of glazing. This is my typical portrait style watercolor . I thoroughly enjoy doing these and I haven't done many of late because of my many acrylic painting commitments. I need to take my time at this point to lay done the initial washes of color. This will help to creath depth as the painting progresses and the values deepen. So does anyone recognize WHO this little Newf pup is?

Enjoying the process!

Deborah

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Deborah O'Sullivan
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Happy Holidays Everyone!

Wishing everyone a joyous and safe holiday season!

A HORSE(WO)MAN’S CHRISTMAS by horse trainer Doris Eraldi
It’s the night before Christmas, we’re out in the barn
Blanketing horses to keep them all warm
They’re eating their dinners, tucked in cozy stalls
Not aware that it’s Christmas or any special day at all

They can dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Maybe feeling a little sad at missing so much

This season is special but the horses don’t know
We’ve got work to do before we can go
We finish the chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and our own yuletide

It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung
I remember a story I was told when I was young
How at midnight on Christmas Eve
The creatures of the barnyard can speak to us with ease

I am called to the barn, I wade through the rain
I know I must go, I can’t really explain
I slide open the door, pause for a while
Then slowly walk down that dully lit aisle

A nicker from Casey, a wink from JD
Sleepy old Alibi waking to see
Tucker rustling his bedding, a snort soft and light
Each horse gave a greeting as I walked through the night

I thought about parties bright lit and warm
The ones we don’t go to ’cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we don’t get
When we’re working long hours for bills to be met

Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Bonnie, it brings me a smile
She snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
It starts me to thinking about my horses, my kin

I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.

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THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS
'Tis the day before Christmas and all through the house
The puppies are squeaking an old rubber mouse.
The wreath which had merrily hung on the door
Is scattered in pieces all over the floor.
The stockings that hung in a neat little row
Now boast a hole in each one of the toes.
The tree was subjected to bright-eyed whims
And now, although splendid, it's missing some limbs.
I catch them and hold them, be good I insist
They lick me, then turn off to see what they've missed.
And now as I watch them, the thought comes to me
That theirs is the spirit that Christmas should be.
Should children and puppies yet show us the way
And teach us the joy that should come with this day?
Could they bring the message that's written above
And tell us that, most of all, Christmas is love!
~ Author Unknown ~


Warmest regards,
Deborah

Quiet Before the Storm

     We are battening down the hatches and getting ready to be blasted by a major snowstorm. Winter has come early or so it seems. The Christmas lights look so lovely in the snow. On that note, I thought I would post a photo of my tree! I have all the gifts wrapped, the cookies are baked and house decorated.  
   I am looking forward to going back into the studio and hit the watercolors. I had my new paper delivered from Cheap Joe's today. Lovely 300 lb Saunders Rough Press and Arches 300lb Hot Press paper. I do love the HP paper for my more detailed paintings. In my next update I will post some photos of a new work that is waiting to be completed.

Stay warm and safe! Enjoy the season!


Deborah

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Deborah O'Sullivan Art
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Last Commission Completed!

 I have been so busy painting, packing and delivering artwork that my blog writing has suffered terribly. I have finally finished my last commissioned holiday gift. This should reach it's destination before Christmas. I cannot post images of the latest portraits just yet. Don't want to ruin any surprises! After I deliver several packages to the post office I can take a deep breath and take some time to enjoy the holidays! I am also looking forward to hitting my watercolors again. All of the portraits have been done in acrylics. While I certainly do enjoy this medium I have to say that watercolors are my favorite!
 
On that note I have some plans for some wonderful new horse art.  Be sure to sign up for my newsletter for updates! Newsletter

I need to build up my inventory again as I have sold most of my original equine paintings over the past three months.  I want to welcome my new patrons! I am delighted that my work has touched you all.....


Reproductions are still available of my most popular images. I have had many, many requests for large format reproductions of Collection and Connection. I have set up an account with Imagekind to pruce these for me. You can order straight through them. I recommend you select the Ultrasmooth Fine Art Paper or the Somersett Velvet. You can select the paper by clicking on Customize rather than Add to cart. These two images have a lot of impact! So here you go guys! Enjoy! To order go to to http://Aquarelle.imagekind.com/ 

Collection

Connection

It certainly feels like winter has arrived in this part of the country. Sunday we got caught in what looked like some innocent light rain when the streets became glazed with ice. We (my husband, son and I) ended up sitting on the road along with hundreds of others motorists for several hours.  The salters and sanders couldn't even get anywhere! It was wild. But we came through it fine.

Yesterday we headed over the border into Connecticut to pick up our raw milk. I feel like a smuggler with contraband. Apparently it illegal to buy raw milk in New York. Anyway we stopped at a lovely park that has some gorgeous waterfalls for a nice walk. The falls are starting to freeze since the temps have been so low. So I took a photo for you guys to enjoy. This is my son giving the thumbs up!

Kent Falls

Hoping everyone is enjoying the Season!

Deborah

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Deborah O'Sullivan Art
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Wish - SOLD

This must be a record. This little painting sold with 24 hours with several requests. Thanks so much for the interest. I 'll  be posting some more smaller works this weeks in between my holiday painting commission work. So stay tuned! :)

All the best,
Deborah

This Weeks Little Painting ~ Holiday Wish

     My Epona Studio holiday cards are completed. This image depicts a baroque horse in the snow. I painted this on 6 x 8 cradles hardboard. and had it made into greeting cards.It is wired and ready for hanging. Inquiries to deborah@deborahosullivan.com The original is available for $50 plus $5 for Priority Mail shipping. The original DOES NOT contain the words WISH!

    We had a nice snowfall in the North East yesterday. It really helps puts you in the holiday mood. I am about finished decorating and I will post photos when I am through! Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday season!


Warm regards,
Deborah

Dress Blues Revisited and FREE Golden Open Paint!

This painting has been haunting me. It has had no less then 5 inquiries from collectors wanting to purchase it yet here it sits in my studio. I keep looking at the painting and the horse's expression and eye have really been bothering me. So last night I sat down with my little Arches #1 Sable and got to work on the eye. Ten minutes later...voila! I now have a painting that I love.


Older version-   I am known for the expression that I can create in the eye and this just was not cutting it for me. Eye too dull and flat..

New and improved version of Dress Blues- 11 x 14 Watercolor on Arches 140# Hot Press paper. This is much improved. Don't you think?
Now and I would be delighted to send this off to new home! To purchase click

Who wants some free Golden Open paints?  :)

I have tried these Open Golden paints and  just don't like them They stay open too long for my liking . I will stick with my M Grahams which stay open just long enough for my style of painting. But I do know that many of you fellow artist's do like them. So on that note I will be happy to give away one 4 oz jar of Golden Open Ultramarine Blue (retails for $10)  and one 4 oz jar of Golden Open Burnt Umber (retails for $9) to the first  artist who says they want them!  You can comment below or send me and email. Just pay for the shipping! Specify how you want them shipped and I will find out the cost.They are almost completely full. Consider this my Christmas gift to one of my lucky artist readers! :)

Have a happy day!

Deborah

Border Collie Joy wins the CAG Helping Paws People's Choice Award!

So much news this week. I have just about resolved my internet issues. YAY! I have switched dsl companies so hopefully I will now have consistant dsl connection. I get hooked up tomorrow!

Border Collie Joy Wins the Canine Art Guild's Helping Paws People's Choice Award!

First, I want to thank each and everyone of you who voted for Border Collie Joy which is in the Canine Art Guild's 2nd Annual Helping Paws Online Exhibit. The painting Border Collie Joy connected with the most viewers and earned the First Place People's Choice Award! The dog in the painting is named Luke and he was the founder's of GHF  first BC Rescue. He inspired them to go on a make it a life's mission to rescue these wonderful dogs.Glen Highland Farm will get a nice donation of $100! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote!! This means so much to me!

Border Collie Joy

Watercolor

Canine Art Guild's Helping Paw Online Exhibit

First Place People's Choice Award

To Benefit Glen Highland Farm Border Collie Rescue

Sunsoaked! Sold

This week I sent off Sunsoaked to it's new home. I do love this piece and I have to say iit is one of my favorites. It is in the running for the HITS (Horse Show in the Sun) 2010 Winter Program Covers for Ocala, Florida and Thermal , Ca.  I hope it gives as much pleasure to it's new owner as has to me in it's creation.

Sunsoaked!

16 x 20 Acrylic

I have so much more to report but I will save it for another blog post! I need to get up to speed and get my posts more regular again! So check back tomorrow!

Have a great evening!

Deborah

Holiday Shopping!

I have been working at updating my various shops for holiday shopping.  Etsy has a variety of artwork and reproductions and I am continuing to add items. And my gift shop has everything from holiday ornaments, T shirts and home accessories. I am continuing to add new images daily.
Etsy
Epona Studio Gift Shop
You are sure to find something for the horse and dog on your gift lover.

Deborah

Jumper Painting

I haven't completed a large horse painting in quite a while so last night I hit the canvas and came up with this. The color was literally flying off my brushes. I had a lot of fun with this. I have been doing a lot of dog commissions this holiday season...it's funny last year was mostly horses..this year it's dogs. And I have also been immersed in watercolor landscapes. So it was about time to get back to the horses. Anyway, this is titled Sunsoaked! It is acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas and measures 16 x 20. I have an agenda for this one but it is also offered sale. Inquiries will have to come to me for now as it won't go up on my website until I have a better photo. I fired these off what my iphone! :)
So if you would like to see this hanging on your wall or would like to give it as a gift email me! deborah@deborahosullivan.com 

I sent off my Fall Newsletter by snail mail this morning. If you would like to receive a copy drop me an email with your mailing info and I will get one in the mail to you or you can sign up for the electronic version of the newsletter by going here.

I am off to go have a nice mocha latte now.... my on true vice in life! Have yourself a great day!

Deborah

 Deborah O'Sullivan Art
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Happy Customers and Kittens....

Yesterday I delivered the Border Collie portrait to it's new home and it was thrilling to see the reaction to it first hand. Most of my paintings go to their new homes via U.S. Priority Mail so it was wonderful to see first hand what the initial reaction to the painting would be. She was thrilled to say the least..there was even some delighted jumping up and down! and oh the smiles :) It felt really, really good. And it is one of the most enjoyable aspects of doing portraits of pets. II love my job! realized that I inadvertently did not post the correct version of the painting in my last post. So sorry about that! I need to check things a bit more thoroughly when I blog. So here is the completed portrait. No really! This time I double checked! :)

I do have a few spots open for portraits for holiday gift giving so in an effort to avoid the holiday rush (that I always seem to get in December) I am offering a special on portraits if you reserve your spot BEFORE November 20. Drop me an email and I will fire you back the details in a flier.
Now about the kitten. I have received quite a few emails from you guys telling to keep the kitty. Come on ...you were supposed help convince me to give the kitty up for adoption so that I could foster another. So I guess you guys win. Geri stays and he is now my official studio cat.
;l

Deborah O'Sullivan Art
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On Foster Kittens and Dog Portraits

So I agreed to foster a kitten for my wonderful friend Lisa who has Purrfect Companions cat rescue here in NY. Did I say foster? Well, Geri (mistake #1..he is named) came to my house 2 weeks ago as a very frightened, feral, hissing and spitting little 6 or 7 week old kitten. Now he is a total lovebug who loves to cuddle and I am supposed to be giving him up soon. Yeah right! His ad runs this week. I do NOT need another animal! Tell me the kitty has to go...the kitty has to go... repeat.....

Geri

On another note.. My BC portrait is finished and is heading off to it's new home tomorrow. I get such satisfaction with completing these commissions. Don't forget to book your portrait spot soon if you are planning on giving a holiday portrait this year! Send me an email for more info! deborah@deborahosullivan.com

Deborah O'Sullivan Art
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Border Collie WIP 2

Second update on the Border Collie WIP (Work In Progress). Not too much more last night but I did a bit on the eye (still more to do) and background. I am quite satified with this so far and got a nod of delighted approval from his owner when she had a look at the portrait's progress.
I am trying some Golden Open Paints on this and I am not sure I like them. They stay...well..open too long for my liking.  I use M Graham acrylics and they have a fairly long open time which is just enough for the way I work. This painting measures 11 x 14 and is on gallery wrapped canvas.

Drop me an email if you are interested in reserving a spot for a holiday portrait.

  Gift Certificates available in all price ranges!

deborah@deborahosullivan.com

Deborah O'Sullivan Art
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A Holiday Portrait WIP

Last night it was back to the acrylics to work on holiday portraits. I can't post a few of them til after the holidays because they are surprises. Can't ruin the surprise..now can we? Today's image is on it's way to be completed. I am thrilled to be doing a portrait of this Border Collie because he comes from the same rescue , Glen Highland Farm, as my beloved Tess. He is in a classic BC pose...waiting for his frisbee to be thrown. This is close to be finished. The eyes are not finished just blocked in at this point. I neglected to take photos earlier but I managed to whip out the iphone and get this. I apologize for the all of that glare! I am coming into the home stretch with this starting to add the fun details and will post the final image. Portraits make such wonderful, treasured gifts. Just a couple of spots left for this year or you can purchase a gift certificate. Contact me if you would like to schedule a portrait or purchase a gift certificate.

Slide Slam & Art Auctions

I want to apologize for being a slacker posting to my blog. We are having more internet fun with Verizon and are having trouble with our internet service. I am blogging in Word! Does the count?

The Slide Slam was a terrific success Friday evening. We had a super thought provoking Q & A at the the end of the program. I find it fascinating learning about what makes an artist tick and how they go about the creative process. My public speaking abilities have improved considerably in doing these presentations and I learn more about myself when I talk about my own art in a public form. Overall, a very interesting evening.
On another note I attended a fundraising art auction on Saturday evening and I am somewhat speechless at the deals that were to be had. Now I see why they say if you want deals on art then attend these types of auctions. Some super, super art from well known artists went for so little that I think the frames were more expensive then the closing bids. I was very troubled by this. What is the solution for it?

I've been painting away on some dog commissions fr the holidays. I will be posting the results as they become available.

Raise Your Prices?

I was going through my mailbox and ran across this article by Clint Watson  of FineArtStudioOnline.com . I have actually had the experience that he writes about and was wondering what others have experienced. My art has been selling very well now that I have raised my prices. Very cool but is it because I raised the prices or all because of all of the hard work I do marketing it? The chicken or egg thing here. I have actually spent so much of my time marketing that I need to make more art! I am running out of originals…. Which leads to my next question and conundrum. How to do I  manage my time between marketing and creating art? I would love to hear how other artists manage this. So feel free to comment below!

Does Expensive Art Just Look Better?

by Clint Watson

"If it Doesn't Sell...Raise Your Prices"

We know a very famous, talented and respected artist whose paintings now sell for upwards of $100,000 apiece.  He once shared his pricing "secret" with us.  It was a simple philosophy.  He told us, "If a painting doesn't sell, I simply raise the price."  He went on to relate the story of showing a painting in New York for $2,000 where it didn't sell.  So he moved to another gallery in New York and raised the price to $4,000.  It still didn't sell.  He moved it to a Santa Fe gallery and raised the price to $6,000.  It still didn't sell.  Finally, he exhibited the painting at a show in Oklahoma and raised the price to $10,000.....and it sold.

How can this be?  We've all heard about the "laws" of supply and demand.....but those laws just don't seem to apply to art.....or indeed other luxury items.

Expensive Wine Just Tastes Better

A few days ago I stumbled across a blog post on Brain Blogger titled Expensive Wine Just Tastes Better, which led me to the initial study reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences dryly titled Marketing actions can modulate neural representations of experienced pleasantness.

If you can look past the dry title, the study surprisingly concludes,  " Our results show that increasing the price of a wine increases subjective reports of flavor pleasantness as well as blood-oxygen-level-dependent activity in medial orbitofrontal cortex, an area that is widely thought to encode for experienced pleasantness during experiential tasks. The paper provides evidence for the ability of marketing actions to modulate neural correlates of experienced pleasantness and for the mechanisms through which the effect operates."

In short, the study concluded that Expensive Wine Tastes Better, or, more correctly, if you charge more money for the same wine.....people will think that it tastes better.

Does Expensive Art Look Better?

It seems to us, that this study, coupled with our anecdotal evidence related in the story of our famous artist above leads us to wonder....if you charge more money for the same painting, will people think it looks better?

The answer seems to be . . . yes.

Sincerely,

Clint Watson

Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic

PS - Raising prices can be a big step.  We still feel that it's best to raise your prices little-by-little, consistently over time.  Remember that in the wine study that the people did seem to enjoy the "expensive" wine more . . . however, they were given the wine.....they did not purchase it.  We have enjoyed a couple of $100 bottles of wine that were given to us as gifts....but we've never actually purchased one.

Editor's Note: While raising prices is a bit counter-intuitive, it is one marketing strategy that certainly can be effective when done right.  For more marketing strategies, consider getting a copy of Alyson Stanfield's book, I'd Rather be in the Studio!  Learn More.

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This article appears courtesy of FineArtViews.com by Clint Watson, a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists, collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art) .

For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com

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Slide Slam

     Busy, busy these days getting my art inventory ready for the holiday rush. I have some new ornaments and Holiday greeting cards on tap. My porcelain ornaments are always a big seller and make great stocking stuffers. My spots  for a dog or horse portrait gift giving are going fast so drop me an email if you are interested in one in time for holiday gift giving.
Friday night at 7pm in the Pawling Library Slide Slam. Our run through went really great the other night with some new artists and some wonderful artwork. So if you are in the area be sure to stop in for a fun evening, some refreshment and chatting with fellow art fans. Pawling Library is located on Broad Street in the village of Pawling.

Holiday Pet Portraits, New Venues & Landscapes...oh my!

It is time to start thinking about the holidays as evidenced by the snow falling outside of my studio window! If you have been thinking of giving a pet portrait for the holidays it is time to place those orders! I have had a flood of requests for dog, horse and even cat portraits for the holidays and I have a few spots left for portraits for holiday gift giving. Contact me for details and options. Gift certificates for portraits are also available. A custom portrait makes wonderful keepsakes of a treasured pet. They are available in all price ranges and sizes starting at 5 x7!
I am happy to announce that I have many pieces of original equine art on exhibit and available for sale  at Heart & Soul Tack Shop in Millbrook, New York. The Grand Opening of this new tack shop was on October 10. It is located right next door to the Agway in Millbrok, New York. So if you are in the area be sure to stop in! I have a large variety of giclee reproductions available as well.

I have been hard at work on my landscape watercolor skills and the above image is a watercolor painting of October"s Wet Canvas challenge. The reference photo is of Gold Hill Shaftesbury in the UK. This is my third effort on this one. Third time's the charm!
I have such a complete fascination with watercolor. I can't stay away from it. The bulk of my portrait work is done in acrylics but I just keep coming back to my watercolors! This painting is 8 x 10 on Arches 140lb Rough Press. Oh and images are clickable for an enlarged view~

Helping Paws On line Exhibit

The Canine Art Guild's Helping Paws Exhibit has gone live. So it is time for you to go vote! Be sure to view all three pages before voting for your favorite! All of the artwork in the Exhibition will be for sale with each artist pledging a percentage of the sale price to their choice of rescue groups/shelters. In addition, further cash donations will be made to the rescue/shelter group supported by the artists whose artwork is voted as the ‘People’s Choice’ and ‘Honorary Mentions’ at the end of the exhibition. Voting is open to the public on-line once the exhibition goes live. I have 3 paintings (of Border Collies, what else? :)) I have chosen Glen Highland Farm as the rescue that I am supporting and have entered 3 Border Collie images. To vote go to......
People's Choice Award

Thanks so much!

Fall Is Here

Fall is here in the NorthEast and with it all of the gorgeous foliage, apple & pumpkin picking and new a schedule of exciting studio happenings. The holidays are right around the corner and I am gearing up for the holiday season. This years holiday cards will be ready soon as well as the newest porcelain ornaments with my artwork on them. I have a saved few spots open for portrait gift giving. So if you would like to give the gift of a dog portrait send me an email and I will fire you back all of the details!

Slide Slam
On Friday, October 23, 2009 from 7-9 pm I am a participating artist along with five other artists, in the the Fall Slide Slam in Pawling, NY. Spend an entertaining evening viewing the work of artist and hear what inspired each unique style Enjoy refreshments and conversation with your fellow artist and art enthusiast. Pawling Library, 11 Broad Street, Pawling, NY.

The Canine Art Guilds 6th Annual Helping Paws Exhibit goes live today.
The exhibition has entries from artists from all over the world and will be held from October 1, 2009 until the end of January 2010.
All of the artwork in the Exhibition will be for sale with each artist pledging a percentage of the sale price to their choice of rescue groups/shelters. In addition, further cash donations will be made to the rescue/shelter group supported by the artists whose artwork is voted as the ‘People’s Choice’ and ‘Honorary Mentions’ at the end of the exhibition. Voting is open to the public on-line once the exhibition goes live.
I will post details as soon as the link becomes available. I have chosen Glen Highland Farm as the rescue that I will be supporting and have entered 3 Border Collie images. So be sure to vote for the People's Choice Award and lets raise some money for those Border Collies!
A little bit about Glen Highland Farm....
GHF is a 175 acre nature sanctuary in upstate New York that was created to protect animals from cruel and inhumane situations and to foster and promote the positive principles of nonviolence between children and their environment through the human/animal/nature relationship. Throughout the year, GHF operates a proactive rescue and adoption program for homeless, unwanted & abandoned border collies and border collie mixes. These dogs are frequently victims of neglect and abuse. At GHF, they are evaluated, spayed/neutered, treated medically where necessary, rehabilitated socially and eventually placed into new homes. GHF will save 200 dogs every year.GHF has created a unique summer camp program for inner city children that unites the rescue border collies with the children in an integrated work, study, and play program that teaches the children positive, loving and humane methods of basic animal care and training.

More art news to come with some photos of my latest paintings so check back soon or better yet subscribe to my blog and have the latest news delivered to your mailbox! I am also about ready to send out my Fall Newsletter so be sure to sign up here for the email version or if you prefer a copy by snail mail just send me an email with your contact info...here and I will send one out to you as soon as they become available