Yard Work and art work

Spring is such a wild and unpredictable time on the planet. This spring is no exception. Here in Weston, sandbags are being filled in anticipation of the rising Missouri river which, in turn, causes some local creeks to overflow their banks. We live up the hill from the flood plain so our home is not in much danger. Even though I credit myself for the flowers in our back yard, mother nature has her hand in that too. Warm sunny days mixed with cold rain days has really made the difference! All the work we have completed in the past four years seems to have made a difference. Even though we have four dogs, they very dutifully follow the paths I make for them! I'm sometimes tempted to return to my flower painting years. I gave it a try with a few small watercolors, but felt like I was just repeating myself...so, I'm headed back to dog stories I've received but haven't started yet. June 12,2011

spring cleaning

I've moved some of the larger stretched canvases to the Carnegie Arts Center for my show in May, so I've had space to really repaint and reorganize my studio. With the help of a good friend, I've added a wall so I can hang more work. Of course I had to move everything in the studio from one location to another and then back again. When I get in this re-organizing mood, it's tempting to toss a lot of art....and I have tossed some! It's difficult to imagine how my work will end up when I'm no longer here. What if anything will someone do with it and will it have any value in the future? It will certainly be a collection for someone to figure out! UMB bank in Kansas City, Mo has given me some great guidance in organizing my art, and a place where my art might be stored for some future interest. I'm hopeful that some distant relative might not only take an interest, but also benefit in some way from my work.
The current paper work for my new show has been interrupted by my urge to get this studio cleaned up and reorganized, but I think it's been worth it.

getting organized!!

I've been working away on some of the many great stories I received from dog rescuers. I have about 10 paintings completed so far. This morning I sat at my desk for two hours just sorting through all of the many great stories I haven't even had time to get started on yet!...Several folks submitted a story on my blog, but did not send photos by mail or e-mail...Dogs names:Peanut, and
Tess. If this applies...send me photos ....bellaandcompany@kc.rr.com

It takes a village...

Sometimes it takes a village. This painting was inspired by a story sent to me by group of women who decided to rescue some feral dogs from their cardboard box home on the edge of town. They did lots of planning and plotting to capture this wild group, but they were successful in their venture and all the dogs found new real homes.

A Painting a day

I seem to be pretty good at setting goals that are so far out there...I then fear that I might not reach the goal. Of course, I'm writing about painting goals....not life goals...although painting is now back in the center of my life. We are experimenting with an I-photo book to see how it comes out before we get too far down the road with this project. Even though that program has some limitations and probably was really designed for weddings, anniversaries, and reunions, it seems affordable and a pretty good program to work with.
I'm just posting a couple of paintings here instead of the story that will accompany the painting. Dog lovers have sent me some truly amazing, heart breaking and heart warming stories. I may have found the project to last me a life time!

Story of Buddy

We had just arrived at an event for a newly established rescue group when I saw him. We were already volunteers at two local shelters when we stumbled across this new start up rescue group and offered to assist. I was struggling with the loss of my sweet, but difficult shepherd/dobe mix that we had fostered for 15 years because we couldn’t find a home to take him!

We weren’t out of the car yet when I spotted Buddy. Without thinking, I said, “I want that dog!”

We didn’t need another dog, but Buddy had other ideas. We spent the day together and then had to say goodbye, as hard as it was to leave him. We weren’t home an hour when the rescue group called and asked us to come pick him up! He was busting out of crates and clawing through doors. Buddy had already bonded with us! We fostered Bud and took him to many events. He was a crowd pleaser due to his antics and a head turner due to his size and stunningly handsome good looks. After a few weeks, we adopted him and he is the biggest, goofiest, happiest full of life dog anyone would ever meet. He’s known as the giant cartoon character, but please don’t tell him that. He thinks he’s a lap dog. In addition, he’s well named. He truly is the buddy of everyone he meets.

Give Me that Dog project step 2

Wow, have I received some great stories and photos from folks who responded to our request! I've had some difficulty keeping pictures and stories straight, but I think I've got a handle on it now. I am rewriting stories and beginning to make some small drawings for paintings. The stories are amazing and inspiring. In a world that is a little dark and definitely more than a little cold these days, my heart and hands are warmed and I'm ready to get painting soon. I'll post paintings from time to time so that those who enjoy my work can take a peak at the progress.