Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Dreaming of Studio Time

"Afghans in the Garden"
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This is a self-portrait I did a few years ago when our
Afghan Hounds were puppies.
This painting began the turn in my career
from painting commissions of people's children
to painting their dogs.
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Especially Afghan Hounds!
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~ Their beauty captured my heart ~

This is a commission I did for a returning client
and below - the photo from which I worked


This one was also for the same client
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Oh to change my background location so easily!
{whisk me away to the Bahamas, please,  now!!!)
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I am also a dog groomer ~ at least with my paint brush!
{sadly my own dogs could use a good grooming right now!)

The beauty of the Afghan Hound really touches my heart
but I am truly smitten by most dogs ~ and paint all breeds.
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There are many other subjects that I enjoy painting,
along with creations made with paper and glitter in my studio,
but while living in this transition while we build has really
eliminated my art time, and I am longing to get back into the studio!
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I have a dog portrait commission to paint
and ever since the photo-shoot with the charming little furry guy
about 3 weeks ago, I have not had any time at all to work on him.
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My time these past two weeks especially have been filled,
and I mean FILLED with caring for children.
And these children delight me and I am happy to do it,
{but am also quite exhausted by the constant activity and  drama!}
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Our daughter's children, ages almost 2,
4 and 6, have been living at our house while their mommy was on bed-rest,
(and she and her husband were here for several days also)
Baby #4 was due on September 19 but wanted to make an early appearance.
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The labor was held off for almost another week with medication and bed-rest here
while I cared for the children,
and yesterday a healthy baby boy was born
four weeks premature,
but doing well and able to go home tomorrow!
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The three kids met their new brother last night,
oh my they look big next to him!
He weighs 6 lbs 4 oz, so is not super tiny like so many premature babies.
The kids have slept in this morning and given me some time to blog,
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...but I think I hear someone coming down the stairs now...

7 comments:

Kirsten Steen said...

Oh my how I love those Afghans! We had one in San Francisco in the 70's and she was such a love. And what beautiful portraits! Gorgeous backgrounds and animals. Thank you for sharing this.
Kirsten

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Violet
There are simply no words to describe the beauty of these paintings.. You are truly an amazing artist.

Oh my, I'll bet you are worn out.. Taking care of little ones is a challenge. Congratulations on the new arrival! I am so happy for you.
fondly,
Penny

Createology said...

Congratulations on your newest little one. Children can be exhausting however they also keep us young at heart. Your Afghans are gorgeous. Painting is quite the gift you have. Lovely dear...

The Dainty Dolls House said...

Beautiful paintings and congrats to the new addition to the family, that is so wonderful..many blessings to all of you :) xx

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I AM SO LATE HERE! OH dear one, my most precious EMAIL PAL AND ARTIST, I am so thrilled to see this process revealed! I will never forget when we "met" in Blogland; I was and STILL AM so impressed with our ability to capture such detail in your subjects. I don't believe I have ever seen the self-portrait! And look what you have done with this one client's dog....YOU DO FANTASTIC WORK!!!!

I am so glad to know that SOON you will be back in your studio, creating along side MYSELF and my other dear friends here.....PENNY! Penny is so fun and creative and though we had summer to explore, we all ended up getting so busy. I pray that this new season coming upon us will enable all of us to bring forth more of our passions. BRAVO MY DEAR for hanging in there and graciously fulfilling all of your roles as mother, wife, grand mother, artist and new home owner!!! LOVE YOU! Anita

Teacup Mosaics said...

Your paintings are so beautiful, you have captured the royal spirit of the afgan. Congratulations on your growing family, so a many blessings. Now get a little rest:)
Kelley

~CC Catherine said...

How "Awesomely" talented you are Violet! I just adore looking at your art paintings...they are nearly as beautiful as the authentic people and dogs you paint! ;) Seriously...they are JUST stunning! You make me want to get an afghan hound! :)