My latest oil

An 11 x 14" oil on canvas..... I just love the moss hanging from the live oaks and the backlighting shows it off beautifully. Have been spending a lot of time on watercolors lately.... lots of commissions.... so needed to take a break to do an oil. Hope you like it.

Some watercolor dogs

All little watercolors, at the top Bulldog Puppy, 5 x 7" $25

Next is a greyhound on the beach, 5 x 7" in 11 x 14" mat, handpainted starfish on mat, and the saying "make a difference." $35

Two more greyhounds, lovely headstudies of a brindle and a parti-color. These are both embellished with little rhinestones on the collars and are $50 each.

At the bottom is an 8 x 10" of an IG also $50

More available paintings

Here are two small oil paintings, at the top is Snowy Boxes, it is a very small miniature, just 3" x 5". It is only $40 and would look good on a tabletop, shelf or on the wall.

Below it is Farmhouse Nocturne, it is 6 x 8" and $75. I love the stormy sky and the welcoming little light on the front porch.

Fall is here

First, thank you to the buyer of Sunset Arabian, it is now SOLD.
Fall has arrived with some cooler weather and misty rain. The trees are starting to burst with color. I spotted a maple yesterday that just glowed with an orangey-yellow. Wonderful, I love this time of year.
I am still taking orders for Christmas, both the mini specials and larger portraits, whatever you desire. Later today, I will post more photos of paintings that I will offer for sale that are not posted elsewhere.
Right now, I need to head into town for errands.

Sunday

Cold here today, in the 50's but it is supposed to get warmer in a couple days. The leaves are just starting to change and I can't wait for all the fall color. I have to say that fall is my very favorite season. I love the colors, the smells of fallen leaves on the earth and burning wood and leaves, I even love the cold rains, it is so cozy when you come inside a warm inviting home. I love Halloween and I love Thanksgiving.

The luncheon at the Woman's Club of Raleigh, where I was the guest artist went off very well. It was lovely and everyone so friendly. The show was very well recieved.

Today, I am spending a lot of time in my studio, matting some prints, getting some orders ready to ship and working on some mini portraits. Life is good.

While in my studio, I thought I would pull out two little paintings to feature here and offer for sale.

Whippet Tapestry is 6x 8" oil on panel and is $125

Also available is Sunset Arabian 8 x 10" oil on panel and also $125

Shipping cost is included. If you would like to have one of these colorful little gems in your home, contact me at canineart@windstream.net

I am also still taking orders for the 5 x 7" mini watercolor portraits, perfect for holiday giving at $75 each and shipping is included in that price also.

Holiday Special

Here is a sample of one of the mini portraits I am doing for my holiday special this year. I am scheduling each little portrait as the order comes in and working on the first ones now. They are really fun and I know you can find someone on your list that would be delighted with a unique gift like this.

Christmas Portrait Special for 2009

I am offering a CHRISTMAS MINI PET PORTRAIT as a SPECIAL for 2009 and can take orders now. This is a great price for something original and unique for those special people on your Christmas list. I will do a 5 x 7 watercolor head portrait for only $75. You just need to supply me with a good photograph and I will take it from there. Shipping is included in the price.... isn't that easy? I know most of you readers are familiar with my work and the pride I take in getting the likeness and spirit of your animal. You can check out samples of my watercolors elsewhere on this blog and on my dog art website at www.yvonnesovereign.com Because of the low price I am offering for this year's special, all of the mini portraits must be paid for in advance. You can pay by check, VISA, MC or Paypal. Please schedule your portrait as soon as possible as I will do them in the order they come in and will give you a date for painting and shipment.

Dog Dayz of Summer Art Show

The reception for the Dog Dayz of Summer art exhibit was really great and a substantial amount of funds were raised for the Temple Theatre and CARA. The exhibit will stay at the Art Studio through most of the month of September, and then some great news.... Lisa and I have been invited to hang the show at the Raleigh Women's Club starting October 1st through the 29th.

Here are some photos from the reception, Lisa is in the black outfit.

Preparations for art show

The Dog Dayz of Summer art show is almost here. This is a two person show with myself and Lisa Mathis at The Art Studio in Sanford NC. There will be a reception tomorrow night (8-7-09). Tickets are being sold for the reception and include a ticket to the Temple Theatre's production of 101 Dalmatians following. Proceeds from the ticket sales benefit the Temple Theatre and CARA, which is Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption. I think ticket sales have been going well and I am very excited about the show. Lisa and I hung it today and it is looking really good. We have a few more pieces to add tomorrow. I think I have about 30 pieces of dog art included. I ended up frantically matting and framing a few more tonight to fill in some spaces, as the area we have to hang in is pretty large. Here is one of my newest pieces that will be in the show. It is an 11 x 14" oil on canvas titled Summer Pug.

Three New Dog Prints added to my line

All three prints are 10 x 14" and are matted in a 16 x 20" off white mat. They are signed and numbered, limited edition. The American Staffordshire Terrier is "Picture of Strength", the Cocker Spaniel (American) is "Sitting Pretty" and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is "Dragonfly Encounter". All the originals are done in watercolor. Check out my website for all the other prints I have available. www.yvonnesovereign.com

A Change on recent painting

I just made a few minor changes on this painting. Sometimes you think you are finished and just can't leave it along. So here is the updated version.

From the Studio.... recent paintings

The two dog paintings are 11 x 14" oil on canvas, the Dalmatian is "In a New Light" and the Irish Setter is "Morning Mood". These are just two of the paintings I will be showing in August in a special exhibit. The Dog Dayz of Summer will open Fri. Aug. 7, 2009 at The Art Studio in Sanford, NC. There will be tickets sold for the wine and appetizer reception which includes a ticket to the Temple Theatre's production of 101 Dalmatians. The money made from this reception will benefit The Temple Theatre and CARA, which is Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption. There will be adoptable dogs on hand for the festivities also. The art show will actually run through September 12th, so if you are near Sanford, stop and visit or if you live nearby, please by a ticket for this fun and worthy cause.

The other two paintings are just because. I loved the clouds I spotted one day early this summer with a bit of the Blue Ridge foothills showing through in the background, so I painted "A Glorious Day" which is 18 x 24". The ocean scene is "Distant Memories", it is the Cape Cod National Seashore. When I first set eyes on this beach near Truro in the 70's it just took my breath away with it's beauty. This painting is 24 x 36" and will hang in my home, it is not for sale.

Outdoor art for my yard

I have been working on this found object piece for several weeks now and with my sister's help was able to get it installed. This is not what people are used to seeing from me but I really enjoyed doing it. I call it Door Reformed.

Finished this one up today

I was able to finish the painting I started at the dog show this past weekend. It is 12 x 16" and titled Tristan. Tristan is a 10 year old American Eskimo dog. He sure doesn't look or act his age. He is quite the character and you can see that mischevious glint in his eyes.

Charlottesville, VA weekend

I took my art booth on the road this past weekend to beautiful Charlottesville, VA and the dog show. I just love this show site as it is on the Foxfield Steeplechase grounds. Beautiful horse farms all around. Gorgeous green rolling hills and a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The weather was perfect too!

I took along my french easel and oil paints and worked on a small dog painting in front of my booth setup drawing curious onlookers both days. I didn't get it finished, but got a good start so I will show the WIP here.

After I closed the booth on Saturday evening, I toted my easel and paints to the other end of the grounds to get in one little 8 x 10" plein air painting of the scenery. Even though the show was over for the day, I got more onlookers watching my painting progress.

Seriously, I was never really comfortable being watched, so I just have made myself relax and do it and now I am fine with it!

Lot's of work

I did get several new watercolors done while teaching my watercolor class which I have added to my fine art website http://www.yvonnesovereignfineart.com/ as well as a watercolor portrait of a man and his dog which was a surprise birthday gift. I managed to complete two more oils as I was "on a roll". Quiet Lowcountry Lane was inspired by a recent trip to South Carolina. I went there with a friend at the beginning of the month to attend a reception in Hilton Head where one of my paintings had been accepted in their juried show. The show was awesome, by the way, with a beautiful gallery and an amazing selection of artworks from around the country. We stayed in Hardeeville and the next morning took a leisurely tour of a wildlife preserve on Hilton Head and then on to Beaufort and Sheldon Church Ruins. My friend is an artist also so we looked for painterly subjects with cameras in hand. Look for more paintings from this trip as I was really inspired.

As for the next painting. I started this one a while back after my fall excursion to Virginia, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Shenandoah Valley. I struggled with it for a couple days and was just about ready to fling it into the burn pile. Instead I left it in my studio and faced it to the wall. Yesterday, I turned it around, put it on my easel and started painting. The paint just rolled off my brushes and the results are Virginia Mountain Mist.

Today, I work on a little oil portrait of a whippet for a client.

New Painting, Watercolor class

January Moonrise was completed this past week. It is a scene from right here at my home, looking down my driveway in the early evening with the moon showing above some beautiful clouds. This photo fails to show the detail in the pine tree. I worked from a photo I took as well as sketching this tree from life to get it "just right". The painting is 18 x 24" oil on linen canvas.

Yesterday, I finished up teaching a 6 week watercolor class at The Art Studio in historic downtown Sanford. I had a great group that worked really hard to improve their skills. I just had to take a photo to share. Plans are to have another class, perhaps in the fall. There is also the possibility of me giving a workshop or two this summer. Hey, if you are interested, drop me a line.

Painting winner....

Cheslie, from Chuluota, FL was the first to contact me and picked the greyhound painting. Congrats Cheslie and thanks for checking in on my art blog.
The little landscape is for sale. These little paintings look so great in heavy frames and yet are small enough to be displayed almost anywhere. They can even go on a table easel. A nice affordable way to add to your art collection.

Time for a giveaway!!

I have a bunch of new stuff to post, but need to get the pictures ready so in the meantime, I thought it was time for a giveaway.

Something different though, you get your choice of two little oil paintings, both are 6 x 8". The black greyhound is called "Soulful Eyes", the landscape is "Pretty View". Whichever one is not claimed is for sale for $45.00. So drop me an email at canineart@windstream.net and be the first one to do so... you then get your choice of paintings. When it is claimed, I will post and the other painting will be for sale. Don't forget though, you do need to pay shipping which will be about $3. for either of these.

American Whippet Club National Specialty booth

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted, but everything seemed to go on hold for this National. First all the work building up to it, then the week there and now it seems it has taken me another week to recouperate. Everything went great at the Atlanta Hilton Airport. All the vendors were set up in a light airy atrium area just outside the ballroom where all the judging was taking place. In a separate ballroom, several other events were held including the art show. I entered 4 pieces, 1 large Oil painting titled Timeless, 2 small 6 x 8' oils, and a handmade book with whippet watercolors. I recieved placements on Timeless (2nd), one of the small ones (1st) and on the handmade book.

I think my artwork booth looked really good. I made several changes to better display the artwork. My new oil paintings were very well recieved! Thank you so much to all the people who purchased my pieces. I wish you many years of enjoyment.

Small paintings need new homes......

I am offering some of my small pieces at special prices.... things are piling up in my studio. So here are a few I have on sale.

From the Top: Covered Bridge, 6 x 8" oil, $40

Produce, 5 x 7" watercolor on watermedia board, $35

Wisteria Shadows, 5 x 7" watercolor on watermedia board, $35

Crisp Autumn Day, 8 x 10" oil, $40

Touch of Autumn, 9 x 12" oil, $40

Email me if you would like to purchase.... canineart@windstream.net

Art Show at the Dog Show awards

Just received official notification today. Whippet and Wallpaper has won 3rd place in the Other Media category and The Antique Chair won Best Whippet. I am thrilled!!

Computer problems but I'm back!

Was out of commission for a few days while my computer was down. Caught a virus so I had to take it in to the shop and get it cleaned up.... poor baby. I missed it! So now I am trying to get caught up.

I have completed several new paintings.... more whippets of course and a new landscape, though I guess it really is a seascape. Location, Dewey Beach, DE.

9 x 12" oil

Richeson75 International art competion

I got "the envelope" on Friday and one of the pieces I submitted for the Small Works show has been accepted! This is so exciting and a great honor to be chosen. The piece they accepted is "Sniffing Winter Air", an 8 x 10" oil. The other piece I submitted was "Afterglow" and it was not accepted for the show but will appear in the printed catalog. The show is at the Jack Richeson School of Art & Gallery in Kimberly, WI. It will also be online.

Art Show at the Dog Show

I got notification today that three of the four pieces I submitted to the Art Show at the Dog Show in Wichita KS have been accepted. Here are the three they liked...

Whippet and Wallpaper is mixed media, watercolor, ink and gold paint. The Antique Chair is watercolor and Proud Sheltie is oil.

I have been spending a lot of time painting as usual and have completed several new things. One so far for the upcoming Canine Art Guild online exhibition, a few new breeds for prints, and a couple more oils of whippets for the upcoming Whippet National Specialty where i will have a booth. They are also having an Art Show there so I have to decide what to put in that!!

Our weather here in NC can't decide what it wants to do, one day cold, one day warm but I guess we are in for a couple real cold ones the next couple days. We have had one significant snowfall this year. At my house it was 6" and it sure was pretty but didn't stick around long. Of course I am not complaining about that at all.

Yes, I have been painting

I put the finishing touches on this one today. It is a whippet and the painting is not titled yet. It is 16 x 20" oil on linen canvas.

Website update

Today was a productive day.... I got a little painting done, but the biggie is that I got my website updated. I've been putting it off for too long so it took HOURS. Anyway, new prints are on there now, 2 new whippets
Belgian Malnois
2 Dalmatians
Borzoi
Scottish Deerhound
German Shorthair Pointer
Schipperke
Flat Coated Retriever
Silky Terriers
Papillion
Afghan Hound
Whew, I think that is it for the prints. I also changed the portraits page, taking off some older ones and adding a few new ones, and I changed the Originals for sale page with the addition of some new ones.
Take a look...... www.yvonnesovereign.com
On a side note, a lot of our snow melted today, it was in the high 50's. We got about 6 inches of the white stuff here on Tuesday. Haven't seen any measurable snow here in this part of NC for several years now. It really was pretty.

More photos from our get-together

Top photo from left to right: Susan Beal, Ute Soles, Hilda Spain-Owen, Sandy Donn and me.

Next two photos, same cast of characters except Sydney Somoza on the far right instead of me.

Artist power!! Yippee.

It was so fun to have an afternoon to talk art, throw ideas back and forth and share plans and goals as well as munch on goodies and drink a little wine.

We hope to do it again soon... next time in Winston-Salem!