Chocolate Labs and Chocolate

ACEO Original Colored Pencil Drawing

'Heart of Gold"

2.5 x 3.5"

Contact me if you are interested in this little piece!

Valentine's Day has come and gone. Here's what happened:

My husband gave me a small box of chocolates.

Buddy ate them.

My youngest son's birthday was last Friday. We gave him a large chocolate heart for his birthday.

Buddy ate it.

Same son also received several pieces of candy with his Valentine cards at the school party, many of them were chocolate.

Buddy ate them.

Here's how Buddy looks after he gets caught. (Ignore the look in his eyes. He is a good actor and can express loads of remorse; however, he doesn't really mean it. He would, given the chance, do it again.)

When Good Dogs Go Bad

NOTE: Before you leave comments about the fact the chocolate is incredibly bad for dogs, rest assured that I am truly aware of this. I have explained this time and again to Buddy; he has chosen to ignore me. I know, too, that we have been enabling this little addict all along and have recently had an intervention with him. We will not be bringing his drug of choice into the house any longer; instead we will eat our chocolate elsewhere. We love Buddy so much and will do everything in our power to help him. Buddy is going to rehab soon.

Gotta Love This Poem

"Unconditional Love"

ACEO Colored Pencil Drawing

2.5 x 3.5"

SOLD

I have always thought Jimmy Stewart was one of our great treasures even though he was well before my time. Who couldn't help but like him after seeing "Harvey", "Rear Window", "Vertigo" (some of my favorites) and, of course, "It's a Wonderful Life" year after year during the holidays.

Even so, after seeing this clip, I like him even more. Who knew he could write poetry, too? And about a dog! For all of you who ever loved a dog, grab a hanky and enjoy.

Sounding Off

ACEO Colored Pencil Drawing

"Bright Eyes"

2.5 x 3.5"

SOLD

Having already spent most of my working life in corporate America or running my own small business, which was a highly monitored franchise, I have been able to apply those skills toward my work as an artist. The following are several things I think every working artist should know:

• Keep track of stuff: set up files, notebooks, whatever, but keep track of your expenses, income, taxes, etc. Go to an office supply store and go crazy. If that fails, hire an accountant or an organizer!
• Keep a calendar and check it often. It amazes me how many artists miss submission deadlines, openings, take-in dates for shows and more because they have forgotten about them. Figure it out; put it on your calendar!
• Keep records of your work: Take notes, take pictures, take measurements, list the media, paper, or support you've used. You may be asked about any of this sometime or want to repeat a previous style. Also, the art historians will thank you - so will your progeny.
• Keep a list of your customers! Yikes, if you aren't keeping track of who your patrons are, how can you expect to be successful? Mailing lists cost a fortune and these people have already found you, so keep track and send them notices of your upcoming shows, awards, classes, etc. Just ask a stock broker how much his "book" is worth.
• Keep your appointments and commitments! We all have to cancel from time to time, but I have seen a little too much of this from my fellow artists; behave as a working artist and not a hobbyist - unless that's what you want to be.
• Keep putting yourself out there. It's really, really hard to sell yourself and your work. I tell my friends that it feels like I'm singing naked on a street corner (I've never done that as I recall, but I can imagine). Nevertheless, people will not "find" your work or you if you stay in your studio. You're good, but not that good.
• Finish your art. I have seen some wonderful pieces framed so badly that the client either backs out of the sale or negotiates for a lower price. Not good, not good at all. It reflects on you as a professional and changes the perception of the quality of your art. Learn to frame well, or find someone who can do it for you.

Reality check: You may have to spend 20% of your time "doing business". Sometimes, more, sometimes less. (Groan.)

Just keep in mind that being an artist can be so wonderful and such a blessing. But if you want to be a successful artist, you have to recognize that you and your work are a small business, and most small businesses fail, not because the owner doesn't have a great product, but because he doesn't know how to run his business. Go run your business!

Phase 6 - Teddy and Me

I seldom burnish my work, but this piece seemed to call for it to push the darks to where I felt they should be. This time I used a stiff hog bristle brush which allowed me to move the color around more subtly than when I burnish with another pencil or solvents. I am very pleased with it...so far.
I promised myself that when I started this blog I would keep my big mouth shut about anything controversial or political. BUT, I want to share with you something I do feel strongly about - rescuing a pet from your local shelter. We rescued our dog, Buddy Tucker (sounds like a country-western singer doesn't he?), three years ago. He is a full-bred chocoloate lab (according to the vet) and absolutely one of the best dogs I've ever had. The shelters are full of wonderful dogs. Don't worry about which dog to choose; they choose you. Buddy took one look at me and it was all over! I haven't regretted his choice and I don't think he has either.