Christmas-Day2

One project that had kept me busy had more of a design aspect than an artistic one...

Being the owner of two beautiful blue picardy spaniels, I am involved in the breed and, with the help of other owners submitting pics, we have produced a calendar showcasing these great canines--13 wonderful months of blue beauties!!!!! The proceeds of the calendar sales will go to finance future "Blue" events.

Projects and....a Puppy!

Time does fly! Literally! These months have evaporated, between being busy at my "bill paying job" and trying to finish up 4 projects on the go (all of a creative nature) I have had a very full plate.
So while I do have art to show you, I must to wait for client approvals and a birthday to pass before posting. In the interim....

We did it.

We got a puppy.

And no, you can't see the hole in my head.

Only my mother can.
And apparently she is able to do this no matter how old I get ;-)

So I thought I would share a bunch of those mushy, gushy isn't-he-the-cutest-thing puppy pictures! (Note: For those of you serious blog readers, you might want to stop here as the remaining part of my post gets awfully syrupy)

We already have an almost-5-year-old-Blue Picardy Spaniel in our family and were going to get, at some point, when we had more space, another Blue. Fate had other plans, and waiting was not part of them, so excuses were set aside and we welcomed home Brighthope Power Point, aka "DAX" (Eighteen weeks young as of yesterday)

Although I'm sure he still hopes, for the most part Suede has resigned himself that the puppy is not leaving and has become a wonderful big uncle and role model to little Dax.
Note Dax's careful positioning to be just like his big buddy Suede! (The following pictures were NOT posed. Honest!)





Too precious right? They cuddle like that all the time. I can't help but smile; if only life was that easy!! And Dax will pretty much cuddle with anyone that will have him....


Dax is named after a medival French city, and he is the only son of the wonderful Ciron of Brighthope kennels. With a litter of 1 boy and 6 girls, Ciron obviously likes to produce girls! Dax will get a little darker as he ages; he will be a black and grey roan. Right now he is a super gangly youngster....



Here is Dax trying out for a part on "Meercat Manor"...


We can already see glimpses of the handsome dog that Dax will become.... they grow up so quickly!

Dear Santa....

I hope everyone out there is reaching their Christmas finishing line! I am working on my final portrait, and will have a few to show once the season is over.

In the meantime, here's what's on my Christmas List....in the future...


Almost 5 week-old blue picardy spaniel pups at Brighthope Kennels. We had a lovely visit, but I wasn't able to sneak one out under my coat--Vicki kept on counting them all to make sure none were missing!!!

What a Weekend!

It has been a wonderful weekend here, with great news to share...

I just received my official notification, so I can happily post that my painting, "A Regal Grace," was awarded third place in the Watercolour Division at the Art Show at the Dog Show!
It is always such a boost to be recognized like this, especially in a show with such a high calibre of work.
The show is now hanging in Kansas and will soon be on-line to view. You can take a sneak peek at the Best in Show, "Little Diva" which is an exquisite sculpture by Tammy Bality of Colorado-Congratulations to Tammy and all the ASATDS artists !

In addition, our wonderful Blue Picardy Spaniel Suede now has a new name: CHAMPION Brighthope Blue Suede Shoes!

Suede finished his Canadian Championship this weekend under breeder/handler Vicki Duncan and was a very good boy, behaving beautifully.

While there is no American title to aim for, as the breed is not recognized by the AKC, we're thinking of putting Suede's energy and atheltic ability into action....obedience, agility, tracking, hunt trials- haven't decide for sure yet, but whatever it is, I'm sure we'll have fun!

Many thanks to the Duncans for piloting Suede in the conformation ring, and to the Ratigan menfolk for their support and :-) happy :-) participation!!

Old Frisket=Bad Idea

I don't normally use Frisket, but for my painting "White on Black", I wanted to get a really deep, rich background, and I needed to protect my white areas. Hence the use of this liquid masking product.

However, watercolor artists should only use FRESH Friskett, in other words not the bottle that has been sitting on the shelf for eons and eons (Did I mention I don't normally use Frisket?)

Once old, Frisket can, (and did) refuse to come off the paper, and when it finally did release, it took little pieces of fiber with it.
So, my painting for today was not salvageable and I have started it over...using a new bottle of Frisket which I have tested on a scrap piece of board (getting clever in my old age!)

Please check back tomorrow to see the new results. In the meantime, I am taking my cue from this lovely Brighthope Kennel pup I recently visited with and am going relax and go to bed-Cheers! :-)

Just a Photo

Sorry, no daily painting today! I got caught up in preparing for a house guest and my poor painting was left all alone on the board.
I'll be back tomorrow, but for now I'll leave with a picture of our beautiful Blue Picardy Spaniel, Brighthope Blue Suede Shoes, in the ring with his breeder... Four more points and we have a champion ! :-D