The Art for Shelter Animals Project

Pitbull Pup, by Carrie Jacobson

2011-07-28T03:19:00.000-07:00

Pitbull Pup

For the Montville, CT, animal shelter

One of the funnest parts of my job as a Patch editor is working with the shelter in Montville, CT, the town I cover (check out the site I run, the Montville Patch!) Happily, there are often no animals there to be adopted. But when there are, the animal control officer calls, and I take photos, or sometimes videos, and put them on the site, and who knows, maybe they help. I think they do.

Eager, a three-legged kitten, just got adopted, and I hope Patch had something to do with it. Want to see a video of Eager? Click here. Want to see a video of some pretty funny kittens? Click here. By the way, they still need homes, so if you're in the market...

I have some posts coming of animals up for adoption, one of one of the kittens and one of a golden lab with some issues. I made this painting of one of the dogs on the shelter's Facebook page.

Gypsy, by Alli Farkas

2011-07-27T03:17:00.000-07:00

Gypsy, by Alli Farkas

For Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary

Alli Farkas writes "I was at Horse-A-Rama in Wisconsin a couple of months ago when a very enthusiastic lady approached my booth. She saw all the portraits and wanted to know if I would like to set up as a vendor at her upcoming fundraiser for her rescue organization, Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary in Elkhart Lake, WI. I couldn't do it, since I will be at another horsey event that day, but when I told her about (the Art for Shelter Animals Project) she was delighted by the opportunity.

"She sent me a photo of Gypsy, a paint mare who is now totally blind due to a previous owner's neglect of an infection. She is now literally 'rolling in clover' at the sanctuary, and could hardly be in a better place! The clover was quite a challenge for me (I do landscapes in addition to horses, but I try to keep the landscapes manageable!) so I was quite pleased that I was actually able to put horse and clover together and make them both look good."

Amazing Grace, founded in 2008, seems like a pretty amazing place. Here's what it says on the website:

"Our sole purpose is to offer a safe haven for unwanted, abused or neglected horses. This sanctuary offers safe care and refuge - to all horses who pass through our gates. Here all their needs will be provided for - including shelter, nutrition, vet and Ferrier care, and most importantly - unconditional love and attention."

Wow.

To see more of Alli's gorgeous work, check out her website!

A Fantastic Fundraiser!

2011-05-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Bob Cat

by Robin Stronk

I opened my email this morning to find this marvelous and motivational note from Robin Stronk - isn't this great?
Carrie

Inspired by your blog site, I started a fundraiser movement last December. I gathered local artists and requested that each create a piece of artwork inspired by their favorite rescue/shelter cause and donate it at 100 percent to be sold at a silent auction in May.

These people were fantastic. I designated them as my "Art Angels." Some donated more than one piece and we ultimately had 36 items available for the auction.

There were nine causes represented and we raised $3,660 with the artwork alone. The artists also did all the work - made food, decorated the huge training center at our local humane society, distributed posters and cards, came to meetings and even cleaned up after the event.

I am so proud of everyone.

There have been many requests for it to become an annual event and I am very happy to comply. Several small, little known rescues benefited and they were absolutely thrilled. They not only gained some financial support but
also received public recognition that is often lacking.

I painted for Winchester Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. My oil painting "Bob Cat" portrays just one of the varied creatures that have been nurtured and released back to the wild by them. They have also nursed owls, orphan squirrels, porcupines, geese, foxes and even a bald eagle. The piece was purchased by a local veterinarian who
provides their surgical procedures totally gratis.

I plan to continue this wonderful concept and hope to send you a report next year that the auction was even more successful.

Robin T. Stronk DVM

p.s., Robin, would you please email me at carrieBjacobson@gmail.com? Your email went to another carrie jacobson, and for some reason, I can't find an address for you! Thanks!

Lulu

2011-02-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

Lulu

Oil on canvas, 12x12

Donation to the Montville, CT, animal shelter

Animal Control Officer Chris Martel with Lulu and her portrait

Lulu's people abandoned her when she became pregnant. Surely, this was not Lulu's first litter. Chris Martel says that Lulu's teats tell her that the dear old dog has had litter after litter after litter of puppies. Two of those stretched-out, worn-out teats became infected this time, and Lulu has had to have a partial mastectomy.

But she is as happy and as loving as any dog can be. She's put on a lot of weight, her demeanor has gone from worried to joyful, and her pups are growing up strong and curious and puppy-goofy.

So where have I been, all these months? Writing stories and covering news, events and communities for Patch.com, in the town of Montville, right across the river from where we live.

In fact, if you'd like to see a story about my donating this painting, and about Lulu, click here. There are pictures of the puppies at an early age, and a video when they were about a month old, and another video of three of them just last week.

In addition to Patch, I am keeping up my painting as much as I can, and showing, as well. I have a show coming up in March at the Lighthouse Gallery in Groton. If you are in the area, the opening is March 4, from 5-7 p.m.

I've missed the Art for Shelter Animals Project - and I hope that we can get it going again!

Two Cats, by Kathy Lyon

2010-10-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Poster by Kathy Lyon

To be donated to the Weatherford, Texas, animal shelter

Texas artist Kathy Lyon primarily makes extraordinary jewelry and bronze sculptures of dogs, particularly sighthounds. Her work is precise and elegant and lively and just plain luscious! Some is in silver, some gold, some with gems - and all are beautiful. Check out her website at http://www.kathylyon.com/.

Kathy writes that she doesn't have much time to paint these days, and it's easy to see why. I would think that anyone who sees her work would want a piece. She can even make a piece from your gold jewelry that you no longer wear.

We're glad to have Kathy as part of the Art for Shelter Animals Project!

Fast Friend, by Robin Truelove Stronk

2010-09-16T03:25:00.000-07:00

Fast Friend

By Robin Truelove Stronk

Oil on canvas, 21x27

Donation to Fast Friends

Robin Truelove Stronk worked as a veterinarian for more than 35 years, retiring to make paintings, write books, bring her amazing art to the world. Her paintings are so beautiful, so full of light and depth that it makes me a little sad that she spent all those years being a veterinarian! Of course, the world surely needs vets (I'd have one live in the house with us if I could), but sometimes I think the world needs artists more.

Her book, "Vet Noir - It's not the Pets, it's the People Who Make Me Crazy" was published in January and is available online and in bookstores. Two of her paintings have made it to the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and to other high-powered publications.

Check out her work and her amazing story at her website, www.truelovearts.com

Robin lives in New Hampshire, the home of Fast Friends (www.helpinggreyhounds.org). The group rescued racing greyhounds and finds new homes for them. She writes that greyhounds have "both figuratively and literally huge hearts. They are probably the most cat-like of the dog breeds, clean, easy to care for and asking nothing but companionship."

I've met a few greyhounds and they are wonderful dogs. They're easy to care for, and if you live in a warm place, don't need much. In cooler climates, they're pretty happy to have sweaters!

- Carrie

A Matter of Trust, by Robin Truelove Stronk

2010-09-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

A Matter of Trust

By Robin Truelove Stronk

Oil on canvas, donation to the Horsetenders organization

Robin Truelove Stronk, a newcomer to the Art for Shelter Animals Project, was a veterinarian for more than 35 years before retiring three years ago and turning to art. She writes that she has dedicated herself this year to giving generously to organizations she cares about, and not worrying too much about selling her art. She is thankful to be in a position to do this for a while, and we are thankful to receive her gorgeous portraits.

Here is what she writes about this painting, and Horsetenders:

"A Matter of Trust" was created for the HorseTenders organization, a group that rescues, trains and re-homes mustangs. Many of the horses they take are considered cast-offs or untrainable and are destined to be double branded. This condemns them to a life of unending boredom in small paddocks. Their Mustang Project is becoming widely recognized and applauded. They can be seen at HorseTenders.com. I am continually amazed at the depth and quality of training and care that these animals receive. I tried to sum this up in the look in the eye of one of their mustangs - it's all about the trust that they inspire in their charges."

I love the rich colors of this painting, and its depth. I love the cropping that makes the eye the central focus of the piece. And that eye - it shows fear and trust, fight and flight, and the very soul of the horse. What a beautiful piece!

To find out more about Robin, to see more of her work and read more of her story, please visit her website, www.truelovearts.com.

I'm thrilled that she's painting with us!

- Carrie

Buddy, by Liz Pearson

2010-09-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

Buddy

By Liz Pearson

For the Domestic Animal Rescue Group, Capetown, South Africa

Liz Pearson has been a steady and solid donor to the Art for Shelter Animals Project. She was one of the first to start making paintings for the project, and has continued to turn them out regularly.

This is a joy to me, and an inspiration! My world gets hectic, my days disappear, I look up and five hours have gone by and I'm not sure what I've been doing or even what I was supposed to be doing... and then an email arrives, and it's Liz Pearson, quiet and regular and disciplined, with another painting for the project. Check out her beautiful work at her website (http://artwithliz.blogspot.com/).

The rescue scene in Capetown, South Africa, is more stressed than in the U.S. DARG began in 1995 as a network of volunteers with no actual shelter. In time, the group was able to rent a couple dozen kennels from a woman who had used them to board dogs. In three years, the group found homes for nearly 3,000 dogs.

The woman who owned the kennel property died, however, and the kennel was put up for sale. In time, one of the DARG directors bought the property and it was put into trust, and can be used only for a no-kill shelter.

Now, there is building going on to find room for cats, and better facilities for the dogs. The changes sound big and impressive! Check out the website (http://www.darg.org.za/) for more details, and to see animals up for adoption.

- Carrie

2010-09-13T03:22:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Cat

Chinese Brush Painting

By Carol LaVoie

For Protectors of Animals, East Hartford, Conn.

In addition to being a working astrologer for more than three decades, Carol Lavoie is also - clearly - a talented artist.

You can see her work at her website (http://www.artmajeur.com/carolavoie/). There, you have a chance to see the range of her pieces, her sense of discovery and excitement, her brilliant use of color, and the many media she uses.

The site also has a feature that I like a lot, that allows you to bid on paintings. Cool!

Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn., is sure lucky to have Carol. She has donated dozens and dozens of paintings to the cause; Art for Shelter Animals is lucky to have her, too.

- Carrie

Calico, by Carol Lavoie

2010-09-12T02:39:00.000-07:00

Calico

Chinese Brush Painting by Carol Lavoie

For Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Carol Lavoie, who has donated this brush painting and three others to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn. , has been making her living as an astrologer for decades.

I've spent a fair amount of time on her astrology website, (www.alpheeastrologyschool.com/carol), reading about her really remarkable span of experience. Here is an excerpt from her website:

Carol had always been a seeker of the spiritual world. Her foundation of spiritual growth began in 1965 with the anthroposophical works of Rudolph Steiner and then blossomed when her journey took a serious turn in 1967 and she landed in northern California. There she met with and studied under Chinese herbalist Michael Tierra, Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and health food innovators Aveline and Michio Kushi. Through her professional life she has worked as a hypnotherapist, tarot card counselor and teacher. She has a wide variety of meditation self help cd’s available on her website at www.alphee.com.

When you meet Carol, her sensitivity comes through. I haven't done a reading with her yet, but one of these days, I'd like to. There's tons of interesting stuff on her site, so check it out!

- Carrie

Calico, by Carol Lavoie

2010-09-11T02:39:00.000-07:00

Calico
Chinese Brush Painting by Carol Lavoie

Donation to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

I met Carol Lavoie on line through the Art for Shelter Animals Project. I received one or two paintings the first day, and then, for days afterwards, continued to receive paintings from her. I think Carol made 12 pieces te first time she donated!

We emailed back and forth, and got to know each other a little bit on line. A lovely cheerfulness came through her emails. Her paintings were enchanting, and her manner was, too.

I put out a call for artists for a fun local show here in southeastern Connecticut, and Carol, who lives near Hartford, said she'd like to be in it. I was thrilled!

Then one afternoon, I was in the parking lot at Jerry's Artarama, when someone called my name. It was Carol, and she'd recognized me from the photo on my blog, The Accidental Artist. Meeting her was like meeting an old friend.

In real life, she is as cheery and optimistic as she is on line. We had a grand time together in the show, though she sold only one small item, and I sold nothing. But we got to see each other's work (hers is delightful, full of heart and life and sunshine) and we got to laugh together and learn some stuff, too, about people and shows and displays and all that jazz.

Carol has made this painting for Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Siamese, by Carol Lavoie

2010-09-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

Siamese

Chinese Brush Painting by Carol Lavoie

Donation to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Carol Lavoie, artist and astrologer, has sent a series of elegant and moving Chinese brush paintings, that she's donating to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

This all-volunteer group (find it at http://www.poainc.org/) came to life in 1975 "to rescue, spay and neuter homeless and abandoned animals." Today, its fund-raising efforts provide homes, veterinary services, board, food and advertising for homeless animals.

The group has a bunch of upcoming events, and many animals available for adoption. Check the website for details.

Carol Lavoie is a generous and productive artist, giving many paintings to Protectors of Animals, through the Art for Shelter Animals Project. More on her in the next posting!

- Carrie

Longmeadow Dawn, by Alli Farkas

2010-09-02T04:21:00.000-07:00

Longmeadow Dawn

By Alli Farkas

oil on gallery-wrapped canvas, 16x20

Donation to Longmeadow Rescue Ranch

Alli Farkas, who has contributed a few paintings through ASAP, has sent another gorgeous one our way. This piece is going to the Humane Society of Missouri's large-animal rescue group, Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

Alli's story of her donation shows her real persistence, and is an inspiration!

She writes that Longmeadow Rescue Ranch "is a group I had been donating money to regularly for several years, but as the economy (and my income) tanked, they were high up on the list for a painting donation instead. I actually contacted them almost a year ago, and this story is going to sound familiar, although with a kind of crazy twist!

"One of my other chosen rescues somehow 'lost' my first email offer, but responded to the second one. This time around, I didn't send an email because although their website did list an individual person to contact, it didn't supply more than a general 'info' email address. Since I wanted to connect with a person, I sent a snail mail instead.

"When I didn't get a response after a month, I decided to send a follow-up letter. I sent it in their donation window envelope along with their donation form, since the address was preprinted and I can sometimes be pretty lazy! What I didn't notice was that I had put the donation form in with MY address showing in the window, so of course the whole thing came back to me!

"At this point I figured it just plain old wasn't meant to be, and let it go. Around the beginning of June of this year I got a phone call from an extremely nice lady apologizing for not replying to my letter and hoping the offer was still open...which, of course, it was! As it turned out, they were cleaning out the desk of an apparently not-too-meticulous former employee, and found the letter! So all's well that ends well, and they're going to auction off the painting at a fundraiser on September 17th!

"In case you're wondering about the theme of this painting, it's a combination of two photos by Mike Bizelli of Bizelli Photography in St. Louis. The folks at the Humane Society wanted something that was redolent of Longmeadow itself, rather than a portrait of any one animal. They felt their donor base would resonate better with this kind of painting, so--since I do a lot of landscapes anyway, this one fit right in with my usual work process. Enjoy!!"

You can see more of Alli's beautiful work at her website and also on her blog (http://allifarkasartist.wordpress.com/)

- Carrie

Brewster

2010-08-29T04:42:00.000-07:00

Brewster

Oil on canvas, 12x12

By Carrie Jacobson

A few weeks ago, my sister-in-law, Sue Jacobson, adopted a beautiful mixed-breed dog named Frankie. Frankie is a cross between a cocker spaniel and an Australian shepherd. She has a chestnut coat and lovely ice-blue eyes, and she's a sweetheart.

Frankie came from Texas, in a big, air-conditioned truck with other southern dogs being adopted by people in New England. My sister has adopted two southern dogs, Beemer and Ariana, and they are wonderful additions to her family, too. My brother is getting his southern dog - a bichon/pug cross - in two weeks. I guess it's a family trend!

Brewster showed up during Sue's search for Frankie. His page on Adopt-A-Pet ( http://www.adoptapet.com/pet4229680.html) says he's in Glastonbury, Conn., but I seem to remember that he's another southern guy, and will be delivered in the dog truck to Glastonbury.

Brewster is part Wheaten terrier and part chow. He has a blue tongue, and in all his photos, that left ear comes forward over his face. In the past couple weeks, they've shaved him down. Wherever he is, Glastonbury or the South, it must be hot!

I am going to track him down and donate this painting to his rescue group or to the person who eventually adopts him. I will let the rescue group make the decision. I'd love to adopt him, but we have too many dogs as it is.

A last note: Sue said that going to meet the truck was like going to meet family who had been away for years. She pulled up into the parking lot, and there were people and dogs and hugs and smiles and laughter, and she burst into tears, it was so moving and so full of love and life.

To see more of my paintings, or to commission me to make a painting of your pet, visit my website, jacobson-arts.com!

- Carrie

Talon, by Barb Benstein

2010-08-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Tallie

By Barb Benstein

Pastel on sanded paper, 14x18

Donation to Save-A-Pet

This beautiful pit bull, Tallie, has been waiting for a home for quite a while. She is 10, and doctors had to remove one of her legs because of cancer. The operation seems to have eradicated the cancer, and she is getting around fine.

Tallie needs to be an only dog, and, according to the site, is better in a home without small children. All of this sounds bad, I know, but the site says she is gentle and sweet, and she sure has that look.

I love Barb's painting of this dog. Again, her backgrounds really make the piece - and the light on Tallie's dappled coat just amazes me. What a gorgeous piece!

To see more of Barb's work, visit her website (www.artworkbybarb.com). To find out more about Save-A-Pet, click here. It sounds like a really great organization.

Tiger, by Janet Campbell

2010-08-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Tiger

By Janet Campbell

Donation to the Pike County (Pa.) Humane Society shelter

Janet Campbell is one of my favorite painters, and I'm just as happy as can be to be able to post a painting that she's made as part of the Art for Shelter Animals Project.

Janet's work has a richness that, in my eyes, makes it stand out from many other watercolorists'. It's warm and full and inviting, and without the sort of fussiness that so often pushes me away from watercolors.

She has a show going on this month at the Wallkill River School Gallery with Pat Morgan, another fabulous painter. The show is on through Aug. 31, and if you're anywhere near Montgomery, N.Y., you really should go. The school is at 232 Ward St., (Route 17K), and is open every day but Monday. Montgomery is on Route 84, close to Newburgh.

I love Janet's painting of Tiger. The look in his eye, the set of his jaw, his tough face and soft ears, they are all so inviting. Also, I have a special place in my heart for this shelter, which is where we got Jojo, the dog who devotes her days and nights to me.

Thanks, Janet!

- Carrie

St. Leo's gets involved

2010-08-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

Wow!

I hardly have words for this posting, I am so moved, so touched.

Susan Slepetz read about the Art for Shelter Animals Project in an art magazine (Art Calendar would be my bet...). And the kids in St. Leo's school in Leominster, Mass., got excited about the project and wanted to participate.

At St. Leo's, as part of the art curriculum, Susan writes, the children use their artwork to reach out to the community. How great is that? And how wonderful that they found our project.

The children ranged in age from 6 to 14. They made 170 portraits all together; this is a sampling. I don't know what shelter or rescue group has received these pieces, but whatever one did, it sure is lucky. Aren't these wonderful?

Susan, and the kids from St. Leo's get our deepest thanks. We're so happy that you've participated in the Art for Shelter Animals Project!

- Carrie

St. Leo's is a catholic school that is located in Leominster, MA. As part of our art curriculum the children use their artwork to reach out to the community. The ages were 6 through 14 years old. There were a total of 170 paintings, these were just a sampling. We read about your project in an art magazine. A group posting would be fine. Thank you for letting for us to share in this exciting way to help animals.

Best Wishes,

Susan Slepetz

Phoebe, by Barb Benstein

2010-08-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Phoebe

By Barb Benstein

Pastel on sanded paper, 14x18

Donation to HARPS

The Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society is lucky to be getting another of Barb Benstein's beautiful paintings!

This one, of Phoebe, is pastel on sanded paper. I love the shadows on Phoebe's neck and face, and how tactile her mane looks. I know how it would feel under my fingers.

Barb's website shows the breadth and depth of her work. She has a special affinity for animals, it seems, and I am drawn to the emotion she manages to pack into her paintings.

Barb has made paintings for HARPS and for Save-A-Pet, organizations near where she lives, in Chicagoland. These seem like really wonderful groups, and I'm thrilled that Barb is helping them.

I've had the chance recently to talk about the Art for Shelter Animals Project with a whole bunch of people. The excitement about the project is really great! Many thanks to all of you who have donated art to your local shelters and rescue groups. You fill my heart with joy.

- Carrie

Jasmine, by Barb Benstein

2010-08-21T03:38:00.000-07:00

Jasmine

By Barbara Benstein

Oil on canvas, 16x20

Donation to HARPS

Barbara Benstein has made a series of paintings that she has donated to organizations. They are all beautiful, filled with light and shadow and amazing depth. I love the look in Jasmine's eye, of gentleness and sweetness, serenity and a hint of wariness. That's what I see, at least.

To see more of Barb's work, check her website (www.artworkbybarb.com).

HARPS, the Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society, is a fascinating group that does wonderful work. You can read more about it at its website, http://www.harpsonline.org/. The group works for humane care of horses and other hooved animals through "legislation, investigation, impoundments, rehabilitation, education and community outreach."

A beautiful painting for an excellent cause.

Cat with Green Eyes, by Barb Benstein

2010-08-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Cat from Save A Pet

Donation by Barb Benstein

Barb Benstein (check out her website!) lives near Chicago, and paints portraits of animals, cars, houses, landscapes - and people, too. She has made four beautiful paintings for the Art for Shelter Animals Project.

This one is a donation to Save A Pet near Chicago. From its website, it looks like a strong and active organization, which is, at the moment, taking care of more than 500 animals.

Thank you, Barb, for your beautiful work and generous donations!

Carrie

The show is up!

2010-07-21T03:59:00.000-07:00

Hello, all!

Thanks to hard work and enthusiasm by Susan Miiller, and the generosity and involvement of Jeffrey Parker, the Small Works Animal Art show is up and running!

It includes a number of pieces by Art for Shelter Animals artists from across America and around the world. So, congratulations to everyone who participated - and many thanks, too!

The show is in Parker's office at 156 Pike St., Port Jervis, NY. He is not open every day - but you can call him at 845-856-7700 to find out his hours and get directions. The show will be up through Sept. 10.

Proceeds from sales - and all of our donations - go to help the Deerpark/Port Jervis animal shelter.

Top, Anne Marie Jones with Cat Fascination; Dani Cooney with Sergeant and Wondering

Above, Marian Durrwachter and Jeff Parker (the podiatrist in whose office the show is hanging) with "Man's Best Friend" by Joan Kehlenbeck

Sarah Lambert with Nyla

Susan Miiller with Koda

Jeff Parker with High Performance for Multiple Cats (he got to put in a big collage because the show is his office!)

Thanks so much to all of you, for participating in the show - and even more, for taking part in the project itself!

- Carrie

"Nyla" For Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society

2010-07-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Nyla ~ by Sarah lambert

We just got in this great sketch from Sarah Lambert!

She writes; "There was a short write up of the Art For Animals / Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society project in our local paper (The Times Herald Record) this morning, and as this is our local shelter, I thought I'd do a little sketch of Nyla, who was also pictured in the paper today, among the sad/sweet mug shots of dogs in need of homes.

Professionally, I am a set designer (theater) but I've always drawn our dogs (shelter adoptees all!) as our Christmas cards. This quick pen line and marker sketch style evolved over the years, as being economical when hand producing Christmas cards by the hundreds!

Attached below is a jpeg - I'll send the original, framed, to Susan of the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society. The sketch is a donation, 100%.

Good luck with the project!"

What a nice surprise to get Sarah's drawing and note it was for me, as I am usually out of the loop these days. Thanks for including me in your email Sarah and THANKS so much for your charming portrait, time and efforts. Although you may not hear much about it, your work is lovely and I'm sure it will be appreciated by many.

Bentley, by Koni Frazer

2010-06-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Bentley, by Koni Frazer

Koni Frazer, who describes herself as a self-taught artist, made this portrait in watercolor pencil. I've never heard of watercolor pencil, but sheesh, it looks great! I love the shine on Bentley's head.

Koni, who lives in Edgewood, Washington, makes paintings of nature, of birds and flowers and animals, all with a lovely color palette and beautiful detail. Her paintings make me smile and think of being in good places. Check out her blog, http://konifrazer.blogspot.com/

Taz, by Judy Mackey

2010-06-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

Taz, by Judy Mackey

Judy Mackey is an extremely talented painter who helped me make the leap into palette knife painting. I'd been doing some work with the knife, and had been using a brush as a knife, when I found Judy's paintings on line (see her website, http://www.judymackey.com/, and her blog, http://www.judymackeyart.blogspot.com/). I fell in love with her style and her paintings, and she became my palette knife mentor and idol.

Judy has moved recently from Texas to Georgia, and started another blog in which I participate, the Palette Knife Painters blog (http://paletteknifepainters.blogspot.com) - and she's made this wonderful painting of Taz for the Small Works show, to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark animal shelter.

Here's more on the project:

A friend of mine, Susan Miller, has engineered two exhibit opportunities that are open to ASAP painters. They are both intended to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society, in New York state, near where we used to live. It's a good shelter, and could really use our help.

Here's the website: http://www.pjhumane.org/ . The animals to be painted are at the very bottom of the home page.

First of all, of course, when you finish your piece, please send an image to me or Sheila for posting on the blog!

The first exhibit takes place in the office of Jeff Parker, 156 Pike St., Port Jervis. Parker is a podiatrist and an artist and an animal lover. He has a very nice space to show and sell art. That exhibit goes from July 26-Sept. 10.

Then, the work will move to the Deerpark Museum, for a one-day show on Sept. 18. Anyone who is in the area is invited to come and demonstrate during the day.

After that, the work will go to the shelter, in the usual way.

As always, you can frame the pieces if you want, but you don't have to. It would be great if you would put a wire on the back for hanging.

Please mail your pieces to:

Susan Miiller
Wallkill River School
232 Ward St.
Montgomery, NY 12549

Cat Lost in the Grass, by Mark Sheeky

2010-06-24T02:07:00.000-07:00

Cat Lost in the Grass, by Mark Sheeky

Mark Sheeky, of Crewe, England, makes his first entry in ASAP with a donation to the Small Works animal show in Port Jervis, N.Y., which is being engineered by my friend Susan Miiller.

Mark's work is really interesting. It's sort of dreamy, sort of realistic, sort of abstract, and all done with great style and skill. Check out his website (http://www.marksheeky.co.uk/) and his blog (http://www.marksheeky.blogspot.com/).

This painting is about 8x10, and comes in a beautifully decorated frame that you can see on Mark's blog. The bee in the painting, near the cat's face, is about the size of a grain of rice. I can't wait to see this in person.

Mark does all kinds of art, from poetry to painting to collage to music. This is his first exhibit in the U.S.

Cocoa, by Liz Pearson

2010-06-23T02:07:00.000-07:00

Cocoa, by Liz Pearson

This painting of Cocoa, for the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society shelter, comes all the way from Cape Town, South Africa, from Liz Pearson, one of ASAP's most regular contributors.

Liz paints a wide variety of subjects, including people, animals, birds, butterflies and flowers, seems to be tireless - and generous. Check out her website, Art with Liz (http://artwithliz.blogspot.com/). She regularly paints for DARG, the Domestic Animal Rescue Group, which is Cape Town's version of a shelter, donating the pieces as a part of the Art for Shelter Animals Project.

I love this painting of Cocoa. Liz has captured his expression so beautifully, with his big mouth and small, shining eyes. How can you not want to take this dog home?

Koda and Squirrel by Susan Miiller

2010-06-23T01:59:00.000-07:00

Koda, left, and Squirrel, by Susan Miiler

Susan Miiller, organizer of the Small Works Animal Exhibit that is involving Art for Shelter Animals Project painters, has made a lovely poster for the show with some ASAP paintings and these two pieces that she made.

I really like Susan's work. Check out her website, http://www.susanmiiller.com/ and you will see her very distinctive style, with lovely lights and shadows, and rich and interesting colors.

I'm so happy that she is offering us this opportunity to show - and I am so thrilled that the ASAP painters are pitching in!

Here's the lowdown on the shows:

Susan Miller has engineered two exhibit opportunities that are open to ASAP painters. They are both intended to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society, in New York state, near where we used to live. It's a good shelter, and could really use our help.

Here's the website: http://www.pjhumane.org/ . The animals to be painted are at the very bottom of the home page.

First of all, of course, when you finish your piece, please send an image to me or Sheila for posting on the blog!

The first exhibit takes place in the office of Jeff Parker, 156 Pike St., Port Jervis. Parker is a podiatrist and an artist and an animal lover. He has a very nice space to show and sell art. That exhibit goes from July 26-Sept. 10.

Then, the work will move to the Deerpark Museum, for a one-day show on Sept. 18. Anyone who is in the area is invited to come and demonstrate during the day.

After that, the work will go to the shelter, in the usual way.

As always, you can frame the pieces if you want, but you don't have to. It would be great if you would put a wire on the back for hanging.

Please mail your pieces to:

Susan Miiller
Wallkill River School
232 Ward St.
Montgomery, NY 12549

- Carrie

Bunny Bunny! by Linda Popple

2010-06-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Bunny

By Linda Popple

Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard, 6x6

Linda Popple found the Port Jervis/Deerpark project through Sheila Tajima's blog, From Forensic to Fine Art.

Linda has not been painting for very long, she writes in her profile, but painting has become the center of her life. Her friends and family are very supportive - and I know how all that feels.

Check out Linda's blog! (http://www.lindapopple.blogspot.com/) - and please, make a painting for the Port Jervis/Deerpark shelter project.

Here's the downlow:

A friend of mine, Susan Miiller (not a typo), has engineered two exhibits open to ASAP painters. They are both intended to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society, in New York state, near where we used to live. It's a good shelter, and could really use our help.

Here's the website: http://www.pjhumane.org/ . The animals to be painted are at the very bottom of the home page.

First of all, of course, when you finish your piece, please send an image to me or Sheila for posting on the blog!

The first exhibit takes place in the office of Jeff Parker, 156 Pike St., Port Jervis. Parker is a podiatrist and an artist and an animal lover. He has a very nice space to show and sell art. That exhibit goes from July 26-Sept. 10.

Then, the work will move to the Deerpark Museum, for a one-day show on Sept. 18. Anyone who is in the area is invited to come and demonstrate during the day.

After that, the work will go to the shelter, in the usual way.

As always, you can frame the pieces if you want, but you don't have to. It would be great if you would put a wire on the back for hanging.

Please mail your pieces to:

Susan Miiller
Wallkill River School
232 Ward St.
Montgomery, NY 12549

- Carrie

Bunny by Carol Lavoie

2010-06-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Bunny

By Carol Lavoie

For the Port Jervis/Deerpark, N.Y., animal shelter

The generous Carol Lavoie (www.alpheeastrologyschool.com/carol and ww.artmajeur.com/carolavoie) has sent this lovely portrait of a blue bunny for Port Jervis/Deerpark, N.Y., humane society shelter. In addition to her fine work as an artist, Carol is a true believer in the good that people can do to help animals. She has donated repeatedly to her local shelter, and risen to the challenge of this project.

Here is more information on it. We'd love to have all the ASAP artists involved!

A friend of mine, Susan Miiller (not a typo), has engineered two exhibits open to ASAP painters. They are both intended to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society, in New York state, near where we used to live. It's a good shelter, and could really use our help.

Here's the website: http://www.pjhumane.org/ . The animals to be painted are at the very bottom of the home page.

First of all, of course, when you finish your piece, please send an image to me or Sheila for posting on the blog!

The first exhibit takes place in the office of Jeff Parker, 156 Pike St., Port Jervis. Parker is a podiatrist and an artist and an animal lover. He has a very nice space to show and sell art. That exhibit goes from July 26-Sept. 10.

Then, the work will move to the Deerpark Museum, for a one-day show on Sept. 18. Anyone who is in the area is invited to come and demonstrate during the day.

After that, the work will go to the shelter, in the usual way.

As always, you can frame the pieces if you want, but you don't have to. It would be great if you would put a wire on the back for hanging.

Please mail your pieces to:

Susan Miiller
Wallkill River School
232 Ward St.
Montgomery, NY 12549

Help for Georgia shelter dogs

2010-06-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

From Georgia to Connecticut

Carol Lavoie, an astrolger and artist from Connecticut, and a generous donor to the Art for Shelter Animals Project, sent this message and asked that I put it on the blog. I said I'd be happy to help. I can't vouch for the project, but I have heard of it before, and it certainly sounds legit. My sister has two dogs from shelters in Georgia and Louisiana.

So here you go:

Senior Paws & Furry Friends, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving homeless cats and dogs from euthanasia in Ga. We rescue them from high kill animal shelters returning them to health, and finding them “forever homes”. This year we are already planning our “A Home For The Holidays” adoptions in December.

Unfortunately here in Georgia dogs & cats are euthanized every week due to overcrowding. In the metro Atlanta area alone over 100,000 cats and dogs were euthanized in 2009. By contrast the northern states do not have the over population due to in part by aggressive spay/neuter programs. Their shelters are actually lacking dogs!!! Its hard to believe if you are from the South but after doing my research I found that the transport of dogs in animal shelters from the south to the north, especially puppies and small breeds started about 10 years ago.

Senior Paws & Furry Friends, Inc. has formed a partnership with SPCA Of Connecticut for a “Shelter Dogs Rock, A Home For The Holidays” Pet Expo in December. This will be the largest adoption event in the Northeast.

Our goal is to get 400 dogs that are on the kill list in Georgia shelters, bring them to Connecticut and ultimately get them into loving homes. We are so excited about this project. The project sounds so simple, yet in reality it is not.

All dogs must be fully vetted and all must be spayed/neutered. Many dogs arrive at the shelter in extremely poor health. Sixty percent will have heartworm and need to have a very expensive treatment to save his/her life. Also all dogs must be in a foster home and out of a shelter environment for a minimum of 14 days. This in to insure that all dogs involved in the transport are healthy as we cannot take any dogs that would be a health risk to the other dogs going North.

Our volunteers do not view any of the tasks involved to be difficult, a problem or even an issue. So what is the problem we are faced with? Raising $20,000. Yes we need $20,000.00 in donations to rent the Connecticut Expo Center for three days. We cannot confirm the date until we pay the Connecticut Expo Center.

Today we are asking you to go to our website www.seniorpaws.org and make your donation. Every $1.00 helps us reach our goal and will save a dog.. Please forward this email to all of your animal-loving friends.

- Carrie

Pitbull

2010-06-06T02:22:00.000-07:00

Lucille

By Mona Birmingham

This pitbull by Mona Birmingham is the very first entry for the July and September exhibits! It is oil on paper, 11 inches by 14 inches.

Mona lives in Washingtonville, NY, and has been painting full-time since her job was eliminated about a year ago. She is an emerging artist with the Wallkill River School, Montgomery, NY, and has an opening there in July! If you're in the area, please go to the opening. Check the WRS schedule on the school's webpage.

Mona also has an interior design business, which you can see by clicking here.

I really love this painting. I love the look in the dog's eyes, tough but yearning. I love his bright orange and red collar. And I love the patches on his face. Superb!

Here's a recap of the invitation to exhibit. Hope you all send in a painting, and get your friends to do the same.

- Carrie

Invitation!

A wonderful opportunity has come our way, and I am hoping we will all be able to take part.

A friend of mine, Susan Miiller (not a typo), has engineered two exhibits open to ASAP painters. They are both intended to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society, in New York state, near where we used to live. It's a good shelter, and could really use our help.

Here's the website: http://www.pjhumane.org/ . The animals to be painted are at the very bottom of the home page.

First of all, of course, when you finish your piece, please send an image to me or Sheila for posting on the blog!

The first exhibit takes place in the office of Jeff Parker, 156 Pike St., Port Jervis. Parker is a podiatrist and an artist and an animal lover. He has a very nice space to show and sell art. That exhibit goes from July 26-Sept. 10.

Then, the work will move to the Deerpark Museum, for a one-day show on Sept. 18. Anyone who is in the area is invited to come and demonstrate during the day.

After that, the work will go to the shelter, in the usual way.

As always, you can frame the pieces if you want, but you don't have to. It would be great if you would put a wire on the back for hanging.

Please mail your pieces to:

Susan Miiller
Wallkill River School
232 Ward St.
Montgomery, NY 12549

Opportunity!

2010-06-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello, all you painters -

A wonderful opportunity has come our way, and I am hoping we will all be able to take part.

A friend of mine, Susan Miiller (not a typo), has engineered two exhibits open to ASAP painters. They are both intended to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society, in New York state, near where we used to live. It's a good shelter, and could really use our help.

Here's the website: http://www.pjhumane.org/ . The animals to be painted are at the very bottom of the home page.

First of all, of course, when you finish your piece, please send an image to me or Sheila for posting on the blog!

The first exhibit takes place in the office of Jeff Parker, 156 Pike St., Port Jervis. Parker is a podiatrist and an artist and an animal lover. He has a very nice space to show and sell art. That exhibit goes from July 26-Sept. 10.

Then, the work will move to the Deerpark Museum, for a one-day show on Sept. 18. Anyone who is in the area is invited to come and demonstrate during the day.

After that, the work will go to the shelter, in the usual way.

As always, you can frame the pieces if you want, but you don't have to. It would be great if you would put a wire on the back for hanging.

Please mail your pieces to:

Susan Miiller
Wallkill River School
232 Ward St.
Montgomery, NY 12549

This really is a wonderful opportunity to get involved, to get your friends involved, to get your students involved. Please tell everyone you know about it, and maybe we can gather a whole new crop of painters for the blog.

Questions? Email me at carrieBjacobson@gmail.com, or call me at 860-442-0246.

Mozart

2010-05-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

Mozart

By Leecia Price of Gainesville, Florida. Donated to Cullen's Achangel RescuE, Inc.

Leecia Price of Gainesville, Florida, (click here to check out her blog, leeciaprice.blogspot.com) sent this beautiful painting of Mozart, a St. Bernard dog, who has recently been rescued by CARE, Cullen's Archangel RescuE, Inc.

Leecia sent a link to Mozart's story, and here it is, written by Tara Haltiwanger, the president of CARE:

I rescued a Saint today because he could not free himself. The chain was thick, so heavy and hot around his neck, but his eyes were full of wonder and joy. He was peaceful and hopeful, though he'd been there for some time. His teeth were broken, his mouth infected, his coat was matted, and he was grossly underweight.

He gently laid his head in my lap while I removed the chain. His tail was swaying as he looked on, far past this life he'd known. He was ready to start a new life and eager to share it with someone. All the while I worked on him, I was completely mystified. How could this sweet soul stay so loving, so pure, and still so devoted to humankind?

I rescued a Saint today because he could not free himself. He had always known I would come for him, though I did not know myself.

We took Mozart to the vet on Saturday for a good check up. He is high HW positive, has many broken teeth that need to be extracted, his mouth is infected, has bad hips, underweight and still needs to be neutered. We need help to get this boy healthy and ready for a new home.

Leecia writes that she adopted her own dog from CARE, two years ago. It's a group of foster homes in Columbia, South Carolina; no formal shelter, just people who love animals and have opened their homes and hearts to animals in need.

Thank you, Leecia, and welcome!

- Carrie

leeciaprice.blogspot.com

A New Leash On Life For Some Lucky Boxers

2010-04-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

We received another nice story and a beautiful painting from Evelyn McCorristin Peters tonight. Last October she sent us a picture of Sampson , a portrait created for the Florida Boxer Rescue. This year, the organization contacted her to ask for a painting for their annual "Art of Rescue" fund raising event. Evelyn came up with the theme, "A New Leash on Life" for this year's event and created this image which will be on all their advertising materials.

Evelyn writes; "This is the finished work with the advertising poster. There has already been a lot of buzz about purchasing the painting which will be available during the auction. We also decided to offer giclee prints and prints on paper so all could find a price point they were comfortable with and could still help the rescue."

Thanks so much for sharing your story Evelyn. I'm sure the fund raiser will be a great success!

Tammy Got A Home

2010-04-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

I just got this lovely painting of Tammy from Liz Pearson this morning. This Shepherd mix was found on the streets. Nothing much is known about her, but apparently she has the sweetest disposition and just loves people. A nice ending to Tammy's story is that she was adopted a week ago. Thanks for participating Liz. Keep up the good work!

Unofficial Victory!!

2010-03-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not official just yet. They haven't announced it online, however I heard from someone at BCAA that HOPE WON!! I've still got my fingers and toes crossed until I see it posted here on the Helen Woodward Animal Center website. . . WOO HOO ! ! !

T H A N K S to all of you who participated! I feel like our team just won a medal!

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~ William James

Please Take the Time to Vote

2010-02-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

As the IH4TH contest for the most touching rescue and adoption essay comes to an end, my mind is on my home team, Burlington County Animal Alliance (BCAA), and Baby Hope. Her story had slipped from first to second place in the competition, the last time I looked. I am asking for your help to push this Pit Bull's story over the top. With more Pit Bulls at the shelters than ever before, let Baby Hope be an example of the loving breed that they really are and an ambassador of hope for the accelerated rescue of more of her kind. Please visit the Helen Woodward Animal Center website and cast your vote for the best story by this Monday, March 1st at noon. Thanks from me and Sammie and all the folks at the BCAA! Todays' pencil sketch of Sammie was done in preparation of a portrait that I'm currently working on.

Reilly

2010-02-24T04:40:00.000-08:00

Reilly

Spray paint and stencil by Creatures of Habit;

donated to the Middletown, N.Y., Humane Society

Peter, my husband, often talks about the Ashaway Black and White Cat. Ashaway would be Ashaway, R.I., where Peter grew up, and where, he says, a huge contingent of black and white cats roamed the streets and yards and barns of the town.

So when Creatures of Habit sent this lovely portrait of this black and white cat, I decided to just look up "black and white cat" and see what I could find.

Turns out that the black and white cat is a known quantity around the world. It's often called a "Tuxedo Cat," and in England, it's known as the Jellicle cat, named for a fictional tribe of black and white cats in T.S. Eliot's "Book of Practical Cats."

There's all sorts of other fascinating information on Wikipedia about these cats; click here to find out more.

Meantime, Reilly is hanging around at the shelter in Middletown, N.Y., waiting to be adopted. We have a black and white cat ourselves, and she is just about the funniest and most amusing cat ever. No telling if she's an Ashaway Black and White, but whatever her ancestry, I'd recommend one of her ilk to anyone with room for a cat.

Many thanks to Creatures of Habit and his girlfriend, Kristina Sarracco, for the beautiful work and generous donations!

- Carrie

Edie

2010-02-23T03:53:00.000-08:00

Edie

By Creatures of Habit. Spray paint and stencil on canvas;

donated to the Middletown, N.Y. Humane Society

It's funny how life circles in on itself.

I was hired, years ago, to work as the art director at the Times Herald-Record in Middletown, N.Y. My job was to set the visual look of the paper, including the front page. The paper was - and still is - a tab, so the front page was important. My very first day there, the art that we/I chose to be on the front page was a spray-painted caricature portrait of the then-mayor. I fought for this to get on the front page - and of course, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. How could I? It was my first day on the job. It later turned out that the spray-paint artists had painted one of the mayor's thumbs to resemble another piece of his anatomy... oops. No one had noticed this, including myself.

At any rate, our newest ASAP artist, "Creatures of Habit," is a spray-painter from Middletown, N.Y. I don't think he's the one who spray-painted the mayor, but his appearance here, and his donations of these beautiful paintings to the Middletown Humane Society shelter, dredged that memory of mine up.

The beautiful pit bull, Edie, that Creatures has painted, is still available for adoption. So if you're in the Middletown area, well, think about it!

And check out Creatures' other work by clicking here.

- Carrie

Dante

2010-02-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Dante

Spray paint, stencil, screenprint

By Creatures of Habit, for the Middletown, N.Y., Humane Society

A few weeks ago, a friend and former colleague at the Times Herald-Record in Middletown, N.Y., wrote a story about the Art for Shelter Animals Project.

Kristina Sarracco saw the story and liked the idea. She works for the Humane Society there in Middletown, and so she took some photographs, and her boyfriend, who goes by the artist name Creatures of Habit, took up the challenge.

Kristina writes that she and her beau "saw this as a great way to get exposure while helping needy pets find a home."

Dante, the subject of Creature of Habit's first painting, is a 1-year-old male pit bull, and he has already been adopted!

I'll post two more paintings in the coming days. I think you'll like them - they are strong and sure, as this one is, highly graphical and very engaging. To see more, click here.

Thanks, Kristina and boyfriend!

- Carrie

Baby Hope's Story

2010-02-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

"Baby Hope, as she came to be called, was put in a cardboard box that someone sealed with duct tape and left on a Philadelphia curb for trash. She was all alone, sealed in a box with no food or water for at least two days before being discovered by a Good Samaritan who noticed a slight movement to the box.

On November 13, 2009, a Philadelphia Animal Control Officer responded to the call and found the emaciated, frightened, flea-covered pit bull mix near death. No food or water - just all those fleas helping themselves to a meal of this pitiful pup.

Luck was in the stars for Baby Hope because when she was bought to PSPCA, a volunteer from Burlington County Animal Alliance (BCAA), a local rescue group from my county with a long history of helping homeless pets in the Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey area, came to her rescue."

Yes, Baby Hope's story does have a happy ending! She's one of the LUCKY ONES.

Click on this link to see Baby Hope's full story.

Please vote for this story by March 1st at noon, PST, on the Helen Woodward Animal Center website so that The BCAA can win the $500. prize to enable them to carry on their wonderful work and help other animals like Baby Hope.

Thanks so much from me and from all the helpless fur babies in need! ~ Sandy

Today's original oil painting will be donated to the BCAA to sell or use however they see fit.

Tracey Greeley is a force to be reckoned with

2010-02-07T12:16:00.001-08:00

"Tommy"

14x12

gouache by Jim Smith for

Missaukee Humane Society of Michigan

Tracey should be President of the Michigan Chapter of the Art for the Animals project. She recruited yet another artist to contribute to her local shelter. Here's what she wrote:

Since starting an Art for Animals project in our area only a short while ago, local artists as well as three high school art classes have joined in. I am delighted to share an interesting story about this original 12 x 14" Gouache titled "Tommy", being donated to the Missaukee Humane Society of Michigan by Jim Smith, the Vice President of the Cadillac Area Artists Association. You see Jim is an oil paint artist (among other talents), however he and his wife recently moved into a smaller home without a separate art studio. Since she is allergic to his oil paints, he found it necessary to switch to watercolors so he could continue his love of painting. Though he feels he is working through a learning curve, this beautiful watercolor is only his second. As you can see, his talents and generosity are superb! For information or any questions, Jim can be reached at jms.expressions@yahoo.com.

I continue to be awed of the skill and kindness in our community. Thanks to you for giving us such a great idea!

What a wonderful painting Jim has contributed to the project but this could not come to fruition if it were not Tracey's enthusiasm and powers of persuasion for this project. A special thank you for Tracey from all of us facilitating this project and from the animals she helps and in turn helps her community to be a better place for everyone. Tracey would love if you visit Missaukee Humane Society's website HERE.

Golden

2010-02-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

Golden

By Jan Blencowe, for Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

This is the third painting that Connecticut artist Jan Blencowe has made and donated to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

I love the light in this one, the look in the dog's eye, and the emotions that seem to soak this painting. Whoever ends up with this painting in the Furball Fund-Raiser is indeed lucky. In fact, anyone who gets any of Jan's paintings, or any of the pieces by Carol Lavoie, who brought Jan into the Art for Shelter Animals Project, is lucky!

By the way, Jan also has a wonderful blog, The Poetic Landscape. Check it out by clicking here.

"Places & Pets," the show I have with my friend Carden Holland, is coming to life at the Lighthouse Gallery (744 Long Hill Road, Groton, Conn... opening reception Friday, 5-7... you're invited!). Carden has painted the places. I've painted the pets. The show looks great, and will include an Art for Shelter Animals Project corner, too, with paintings and handouts.

Springer

2010-02-02T04:06:00.000-08:00

Springer

By Jan Blencowe, to be donated to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Jan Blencowe lives in Connecticut and is known for her luminous, gentle landscapes. But she paints pets, too, and has donated three of her beautiful portraits to Protectors of Animals, an all-volunteer organization in East Hartford, Conn. The group is holding a fund-raiser on Feb. 13, and Jan's portraits will be a part of it.

Jan has work in the Madison Art Society Members' Show, too, in Madison, Conn. The show is up for the month of February at the Scranton Memorial Library, 801 Boston Post Road in Madison. For more information, check out the Madison Art Society webpage.

I can't go to the opening, because it's on the same night as the opening of "Places & Pets," my show with Carden Holland, at the Lighthouse Gallery in Groton, Conn. Check the website for information and directions. The opening is Friday, Feb. 5 (this Friday), from 5-7 p.m. and you are all invited!

I have to say that I'm pretty happy with my paintings for the show. Dogs and cats and cows, one goat and a few sheep... I'm bringing Art for Shelter Animals paintings, too, and hand-outs. You never know!

Black Lab

2010-02-01T05:54:00.000-08:00

Black Lab

By Jan Blencowe, to be donated to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Jan Blencowe, an award-winning Connecticut artist, has donated three of her gorgeous pet paintings for the FurBall fund raiser for the Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn., writes Carol Lavoie, a talented artist who has donated a series of paintings to the all-volunteer organization.

Jan is best known for her landscape paintings, which have a beautiful luminescent quality, and often, a serene quiet. Her dog portraits have the same sensibility.

Check out her website to see more of her work. To learn about Protectors of Animals, click here. The fundraiser is Saturday, Feb. 13.

Thanks to Jan and to Carol, too!

- Carrie

Xena

2010-01-26T03:56:00.000-08:00

Xena

By Liz Pearson; donation to the Domestic Animal Rescue Group, Cape Town, South Africa

Liz Pearson, from Cape Town, South Africa, is a steady contributor to the Art for Shelter Animals Project. She donates her work to DARG, the Domestic Animal Rescue Group. Here's what Liz wrote that DARG has reported about Xena, the dog in Liz's newest painting:

Xena is a 5 year old female Pitbull cross. Sshe was rescued 2 years ago after being burnt on her back with hot oil Adopted and recently returned after new owner decided to move (without her). Adorable, super playful, super affectionate, super cuddly, loyal and protective, strong. Needs to be a single pet. Belly rubs a must!

This story makes me want to go to South Africa and adopt this dog myself.

Thanks, Liz, for your beautiful work and your ongoing generosity!

- Carrie

Inside the process

2010-01-26T03:44:00.000-08:00

If you want to see the step-by-step progress of Alli Farkas's recent horse painting, click here.

Scroll down to Jan. 13 and work your way up. It's fun to watch!

The photo that Alli started with is on the left; her painting on the right.

Alli has donated the painting to the Hooved Animal Humane Society of Woodstock, Illinois.

- Carrie

Maria Leysens has another hit!

2010-01-24T00:11:00.000-08:00

Maria Kovalenko Leysens has contributed to the project before. She organized her class of young students to all contribute paintings to her local shelter. Remember this heart warming story? This is what she wrote on her blog about coming to paint these gorgeous birds.

I painted these birds as demos for some classes and decided to donate them as a part of "Art for Animals" to the Wildbird Recovery Center. I did a project last year for the Butler County Humane Society and this year I chose the Wildbird Recovery, Songbird Rehabilitation Center in Valencia, PA.

Last spring I found a little robin that was neglected by it's parents... not being fed... I watched the others being fed... so I called the recovery center and they said to bring it in. While I was there another woman brought in a crow that was hit by a car. I never really thought there was such a place for birds... funded by donations... and getting the birds rehabbed and back out.

They were happy to recieve the paintings and I hope will sell through their giftshop to get needed supplies.

What a wonderful story and a wonderful person and artist to make three wonderful paintings to donate to a great organization. Please visit Maria's blog and enjoy her other works of art.

Sue

2010-01-22T06:02:00.000-08:00

Sue

Ink and oil on canvas, 18x18. Donation to the Hooved Animal Humane Society,
Woodstock, Illinois.

Alli Farkas has made another gorgeous horse painting to donate, this time to HAHS, the Hooved Animal Humane Society in Woodstock, Illinois.

Alli writes that she almost lost the chance to make this gorgeous portrait, or at least to donate it, when her email was mislaid at HAHS.

"So I thought, what the heck," she writes, "it's worth a second try - and they were so happy that I didn't give up."

Jon McCarthy of Quadropod Photography took the original photograph of Sue, Alli writes, and gave her permission to use it. One of his photographs will be on the cover of the group's winter newsletter, so people will know about Sue even before they see Alli's photograph.

I love this painting. I love its depth and texture, the look in Sue's eyes, the way the wind and the snow have excited her - it's a painting full of life and love. HAHS is lucky, indeed.

- Carrie

Here's the link

2010-01-22T05:05:00.001-08:00

Hi, all - here's the link to Mary Esparra's story in the Times Herald-Record:

Top Dog

2010-01-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

Top Dog

Watercolor by Dianne Gorrick, to be donated to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Dianne Gorrick, a talented and well known artist from East Hampton, Conn., has made this beautiful watercolor for Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Gorrick is a friend of Carol Lavoie, an enthusiastic supporter of the Art for Shelter Animals Project. Carol told Dianne about the project, and Dianne jumped in with this painting.

Dianne is a plein air painter and a teacher at the Glastonbury Art Guild. She has won many competitions in New England, has worked as a juror for the Mystic Art League, and currently is exhibiting at the Connecticut River Artisans Gallery in Chester, Conn.

Welcome, Dianne, and thanks - to you and Carol, both!

- Carrie

Ander

2010-01-19T04:56:00.000-08:00

Ander

Oil on canvas, 12x12, by David Munford. To be donated to the Sullivan County animal shelter in Rock Hill, N.Y.

For years, I worked at the Times Herald-Record, a daily newspaper in Middletown, N.Y. I was hired as the art director, and eventually became the Sunday editor. I was one of a four-person team of friends who ran the newsroom. It was a job I'd thought I would have forever, at the newspaper I thought I'd retire from, in the place I'd thought I would set down roots.

In July 2006, my mother died. In January 2007, Mike Levine, the editor of the Record, and a dear friend of mine, died. In April 2007, my job was eliminated and I was sent packing.

I am starting to be grateful for this awful stretch of upheaval. The fire is starting to leave my anger, the desolation starting to leave my sadness. If all this hadn't happened, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Mary Esparra, a fellow animal lover, lost her full-time job at the Record before I lost mine. But she has continued to serve as the link between readers of the Record and pets who need homes. Weekly, as a freelancer, she writes the "Pets of the Week" column, showing pictures of animals who need homes, and giving brief stories about them. (Jojo, one of our dogs, came from this very column). She also writes "Shelter Tails," stories about shelters, animals in them, people who run them, events happening at them.

Mary has been doing this for 10 years. Ten years! It would be impossible to count the numbers of connections she has helped forge, the numbers of animals who have found homes because of her, the numbers of lives that have been enriched.

I contacted her when the Art for Shelter Animals Project began. When someone from the area got involved, she said, she would write about it. And sure enough, she has. David Munford, who lives in Grahamsville, N.Y., is a wonderful and talented artist who's made three paintings for the shelter in Rock Hill, N.Y. Mary has interviewed him about his participation, and has written a story about out project.

Mary and I spoke yesterday, and she was excited about the whole thing. As I write this, her piece has not yet appeared on line, but when it does, I will add the address, so you all can read it.

Thank you to David for your beautiful paintings, and for taking up the cause in the mid-Hudson Valley. Congratulations to Mary for 10 years of helping homeless pets! And thank you to her for writing about our project.

- Carrie

Julie

2010-01-17T05:42:00.000-08:00

Julie

Oil on canvas panel, 12x12

By David Munford, to be donated to the Sullivan County shelter in Rock Hill, N.Y.

Julie, writes the talented David Munford, is a 5-year-old, lovable foxhound mix - so lovable, in fact, that she has found a home with one of the workers at the Sullivan County animal shelter in Rock Hill, N.Y. David's sweet painting will be a gift to Julie's new owner.

This is the second of three paintings that David has made for the project. He has painted for many years, and these days, when he's not painting for the project, he spends much of his time painting plein-air landscapes.

I really love the look in Julie's eyes in this painting. The Sullivan County shelter describes itself as "a place for hope," and to me, David has capture the look of a dog who wants to hope, in spite of everything.

David is represented by the Wallkill River School Gallery in Montgomery, N.Y.

Dakota

2010-01-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Dakota

By David Munford. Oil on stretched canvas, 12x12. To be donated
to the Sullivan County Animal Shelter, Rock Hill, NY

I met David Munford, a wonderful painter and all-around cool guy, at the opening of my most recent show at the Wallkill River School Gallery. In the crush of people, and all the push and pull of conversation, we got to talking, and David became interested in the Art for Shelter Animals Project.

This is the first of a series of paintings he's making of animals at the Sullivan County shelter in Rock Hill, NY. This shelter has had its problems in the past; we covered them extensively when I was at the Times Herald-Record. But its staffers have persisted, it is much needed, and it seems to have made a full recovery.

Dakota, a border collie who loves kids, has already been adopted!

David grew up in the West, and then studied art in Boston in the 1980s. He lives in the Catskills now, and is represented by the Wallkill River School Gallery. Check out his website, and look back soon for more of his work!

Teaching Children about caring for our furry friends...

2010-01-03T21:49:00.001-08:00

Missaukee County Humane Society

Tracy Greeley has done it again. Please read her amazing note to us.

I know that we already had some exposure for our local Missaukee County Humane Society in Northern Michigan, however I wanted to share this story of more Nothern Michigan heroes. I called McBain High School and spoke with Art Teacher, Connie Morrow and explained the Art for Shelter Animals Project with the hope that she could relay the info to her students. Instead she invited me to be a guest speaker at two of her art classes to explain the program myself. I was hoping to beg their generosity for any work they could complete and donate on their own time. So you can imagine my surprise when Mrs. Morrow turned it into a class project! And the students were so supportive, I heard comments such as, "Does the shelter currently need any volunteers?" and "We should do this project at least a couple of times a year!" They completed watercolor and acrylic paintings as well as color pencil and sketches. I loved watching and listening to these talented high schoolers. Thanks again for such a wonderful idea.

Tracy, thank you for helping to educate the next generation on how good it feels to volunteer and donate for a good cause! I will post more images from this class tomorrow.

The Gift Of Joy

2009-12-30T04:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing You Joy and a Wonderful 2010! With Love, Liz

Wishing You The Gift of Joy ~ oil on linen panel, 5 x 7" ~ Liz Holm

If you are reading this blog, you are probably like me and Liz and all the other folks here in our community who love animals with a passion that is all consuming. Liz Holm has been a contributor to the "Art For The Animals" project from the beginning. When I got this ecard from Liz this holiday season, I inquired about the subject of her heart warming painting. Liz got back to me with this wonderful story about Taz.
She writes;
Taz arrived at the Prince George's County SPCA in the spring of 2007, and his exuberance and outgoing nature quickly won over his foster family and their three dogs. Unfortunately, little Taz's enthusiasm led to injury when he jumped on another sleeping dog in the middle of the night, and he was bitten by the much larger, startled male. Taz's upper jaw was broken, and he spent 2 months of repeated visits to the dental surgeon, and wore the dreaded Elizabethan/cone collar while his upper jaw mended. Once bitten, twice shy? Not Taz. Undaunted, he continued to romp with his cone collar on, and showed affection to everyone he met. Once his jaw was completely healed, he joined his adoptive family and new brother, Jack, on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The last picture is of Taz in his new back yard, smiling with sheer joy. It's that picture that inspired me to do the Christmas painting. Such a joyous, forgiving, unstoppable spirit seems right for the season.

Taz recovering

Taz visiting Licorice and Coconut

Taz happy at his forever home....
Photos courtesy of Pam Townsend. The sale of the original art and reproductions to benefit the PGSPCA.

Thanks so much for sharing your story and wonderful image with us Liz. Wishing you and the entire "Art For The Animals" community a HEALTHY, HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! ~ Sheila, Carrie and Sandy

Tabby

2009-12-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Tabby
By Vern Schwarz, for the D'Arcy animal shelter in Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada

The talented Vern Schwarz has donated another beautiful painting to the Art for Shelter Animals Project. According to Vern's blog, this is an 8x8 painting, in oil, on canvas board.

Vern has an amazing way of getting the eyes of his animals, I think. They capture and reflect the light, and always make me think that in just one instant, they might look away. This cat seems ready to spring, coiled, muscles tight. Lovely!

Check out Vern's blog to see more of his fabulous work.

Thanks, Vern!

Sledge

2009-11-25T11:01:00.001-08:00

Sledge. By Liz Pearson of Capetown, South Africa,
for DARG, Domestic Animal Rescue Group.

It's been a while since we've heard from Liz, all the way in South Africa, but readers of her blog know she's been making beautiful paintings, of people, flowers, fish. Liz's work is really remarkable.

Sledge is currently with the Domestic Animal Rescue Group, in Cape Town, South Africa. Liz writes that he is "a 3 year old male cross husky/collie who was abandoned by his owner. DARG say that Sledge is clearly confused and desperate for that human bond.

"Isn't it incredible that people can just abandon an animal like casting off an old shoe. There is no empathy or consideration on how that poor creature is going to survive.

"I hope Sledge finds his forever human companion soon. "

We do, too, Liz.

- Carrie

The Real Jasmine

2009-11-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

Jasmine. Ink and oil on canvas, 18x18, by Alli Farkas. Donated to HARPS, the Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society, in Barrington Hills, Illinois.

My apologies to Alli Farkas, and to readers I might have confused... the lovely painting I posted yesterday was not of Jasmine, who's shown here, but of Ginger. I suppose it doesn't matter to the horses, but it does to us humans. Sorry!

Alli, who made both of these beautiful paintings, had an interesting time getting the horses to pose for photographs. Here's her story:

"They were both out in a huge grass pasture with a lot of other horses, ponies, and a donkey when I arrived.

As soon as I entered the field, I was surrounded by equines who all thought I had treats for them. When they discovered I didn't, they all soon went back to munching grass, and that's where the problems started! It's really difficult to get a horse who is busy eating to look up at you and pose for a photo.

Usually I have someone with me to distract them, but this time I was running solo because Ronda, the gal at HARPS who was going to assist me, had to run out on a starving horse case just before I arrived. I tried everything--crunching cellophane (horses who like peppermints think you're unwrapping one), jingling car keys, even tossing road apples in the air.

Nothing worked. I did have the HARPS newsletter in my back pocket. It's magazine size, and I opened it up so the pages were hanging down and dangled it slowly in front of Jasmine's nose. She was mildly annoyed, looked up and I got off a few good shots.

Ginger was a different story. She wasn't going for this trick at all, and every time I tried she just showed me her rear end as she trotted off in the opposite direction. I got a couple shots of her while trotting, but they weren't totally in focus. After about an hour and a half of patiently baiting and waiting on the horses, Ronda returned and took Ginger out of the pasture where she graciously posed for us. I combined the fuzzy trotting shot with the sharp portrait style shot to get the painting I was after."

Great story! And great persistence.

HARPS sounds like an excellent group: you can see their website by clicking here.

Alli writes that HARPS is "a wonderful organization (national chair is Loretta Swit) and they have rescued not only horses, but cattle, goats, and even a llama. They were effusively appreciative of my offer to paint Jasmine and Ginger, and I can't recommend them highly enough if folks out there wish to donate."

Alli's work is engaging and charming. Check out her website and her blog.

Ginger

2009-11-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ginger. By Alli Farkas, as a donation for HARPS, the Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society, in Barrington Hills, Illinois.

Alli Farkas has joined us in the Art for Shelter Animals Project, with two lovely paintings of horses. Alli writes, "I live in southwest Michigan but spend a lot of time in the Chicago area because I still have sort of a job there. I have been donating to HARPS, the Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society, in Barrington Hills, Illinois for a while, but since I don't really have much going in the job market right now I decided I had to curtail my charitable donations this year. So I contacted them about painting one of their adoptable horses, and ended up doing two of them! Ginger is a two year old paint mare, and a nice photo of her is also on HARPS website."

She had a devil of a time getting photos of the horses, but I'm going to save that story to go along with Alli's second painting.

Check out her work at her website and her blog! Both are wonderfully engaging, and showcase Alli's really superb paintings. The HARPS site is great, too.

- Carrie

More angels from Michigan

2009-11-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

"Kyah"

Toni Payne

digital art 12x12"

Missaukee Humane Society

"Buddy"

Toni Payne

digital art 12x12"

Missaukee Humane Society

Tracy Greeley wrote the following about these wonderful images.

Buddy is a digital painting on canvas by Sparta Michigan Artist, Toni Payne. She chose this subject because his photo looked so sad. (in real life he is a beautiful, energetic bird dog ready to hunt!) Overall size 12 x 12", image size 8 x 8".

Both Kyah and Eric are digital paintings on canvas in the Andy Warhol style by Sparta Michigan Artist, Toni Payne. She chose these subjects because they looked like they needed some color in their lives. Overall size 12 x 12", image size is 8 x 8".

You can see more of Toni Payne's gorgeous work at her website HERE.

Thank you so much Toni and Tracy!

Northern Michigan Angel Tracy Greeley

2009-11-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

Audrey

Doris Lea

8x10" watercolor

Jeffrey

Doris Lea

8x10" watercolor

What a wonderful surprise Sandy, Carrie and I had when we opened our email and found a treasure trove of art. Upon reading, an innovative woman named Tracy Greeley organized and convinced local artists to contribute their art to the local shelter. Here's is part of what she wrote:

My name is Tracy Greeley and I own a dog grooming business, Pure Fur Salon in northern Michigan. I was looking for fund raising ideas for our local shelter when I ran across your website.

Great idea - great for the shelter and great for the artists!

Our Missaukee Humane Society is a no-kill shelter located in Lake City, MI that operates without federal, state, county or township funding. A non-profit organization that would cease to exist with donations. It is an impressive facility run by exceptional staff, should you care to visit: http://www.mhs-pets.org/

Anyway, I recently spoke with the area art association and relatives and friends and whoever else I can get to listen and would like to present the attached donated art for your review (and I hope posting to your site).

Of course we will post these! This set of watercolor paintings are the first from Cadillac Michigan artist DorisLea. Tracy said she chose her subjects because of their beauty. You can contact Doris at her email address: DorisAnnLea@aol.com

Thanks to both Doris and Tracy. Stay tuned for several other artists from the Michigan area including one item that has never been featured on our project yet.

Smiling Survivor

2009-10-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

"Survivor"

9x12 oil on artboard

I was so touched by Survivor's story, I knew I had to paint him. Read about his story HERE.

Jessica of Jason Heigl Foundation was pleased with the donation and said she would have it included in the adoption but for now the foster parent is enjoying the painting.

Meet Bear

2009-10-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Bear. By Karla Smith of South Florida. Funds raised go to On the Fifth Day.

As the Art for Shelter Project begins to add a new path, we have received this posting from Karla Smith of South Florida.

She is working with a Tennessee sanctuary, On the Fifth Day, which saves homeless and abused animals. She sells her acrylic paintings for $45, and donates $40 to the sanctuary. The remaining $5 goes toward supplies.

A Boxer Rescue In Florida

2009-10-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

I got this lovely painting and story in my inbox today from Evelyn Peters. She writes; "I was lucky enough to read about your organization in the listings of the recent Art Calendar. I have been associated with Florida Boxer Rescue: http://www.flbr.org/ for the past two years. I adopted a boxer, Tilly, two years ago, and now that she has recently passed, I just adopted Abby last week.

These boxers are sometimes found by individuals when they have been abandoned by their previous owners after breeding them or by the fact that they simply no longer want them. The local shelters contact the rescue if they receive a boxer. Many of them are extremely neglected and sometimes abused. The Rescue provides all the medical treatment necessary to bring them back to health and also ensures they are spayed or neutered. They then go to a foster home to wait for their forever home.

I have never been a foster Mom, I knew I would turn into a "flunkie" and want to keep all of them. I do what I can by donating portrait paintings for the organization to auction off at their fund raisers. This is an extremely dedicated group of people who only want the best for their dogs. I feel honored to be able to help them with their goals. I am attaching my most recent painting of the boxer Sampson. He was adopted by two wonderful people who loved receiving this portrait to always remember him by. I look forward to continuing helping the Rescue through my artwork. Your listing has inspired me to address more local shelters and offer this fund raising option. Thanks for such a great way to help those who rely on us for our kindness!" ~ Evelyn Peters

Thank-you very much for all you do, Evelyn. You really are an inspiration!

Lenny the Little Lamb

2009-10-04T14:59:00.001-07:00

Lenny

12x6 oil on art board

Animal Place Sanctuary

Lenny was born to Virginia who was confiscated by animal control from a live-market slaughterhouse. The animals were malnourished and suffering from a host of diseases. Animal Place rescues many domestic and barn animals from a variety of situations.

Lenny is up for bid on ebay HERE. The other three paintings for Animal Place look like they are going to be sold.

Nate and 'Nother solution for raising funds...

2009-09-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Nate the Goat

7.75x7.75 inches oil on Art Board

Animal Place Sanctuary

Available for auction HERE

Animal Place Sanctuary is a wonderful place for animals rescued from slaughter or abuse. They are in the midst of a move to a bigger venue so I offered and they readily accepted me listing their Nate on ebay with all the profit going to their rescue organization. It may be a few dollars here and there for now because I am starting at a low start bid and I need to retain a portion of it to buy replacement materials and shipping and handling but I'm hoping it will catch on. This blog is like a huge and ongoing brainstorming session to keep finding ways to help all of God's creatures.

Oh and about Nate, here's what Animal Place wrote about him: Nate is about 2 years old. He was going to be shot and killed by his "owners". We immediately intervened, taking our trailer out to rescue him. He's now the top goat, being a total dorkwad with the other goats (especially over leaves).

2009-09-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

We've mentioned this before, but for those of you who don't usually read Art Calender magazine. Here is the article that Carrie submitted and was accepted by this prestigious publication. Thank you Carrie!

Our First Ferret

2009-09-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Snickers. By Carol Lavoie, as a donation to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

The astonishingly prolific Carol Lavoie has sent us our first ferret. This little guy (gal?) is so adorable, I'd even contemplate adopting - and I am really not a big fan of ferrets. Still, the gesture in this painting, the shine in Snickers's eyes, and that adorable pink nose all enchant me.

What a wonderful painting, Carol! I think Protectors of Animals should give you some kind of medal.

- Carrie

Daisy!

2009-09-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

Daisy. By Carol Lavoie, donated to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Here's the final painting in the first batch by Carol Lavoie. I'm just loving these pieces! Daisy, I think, goes really nicely with Solo, by Kate Merriman, posted Sept. 28. I'd love to have these two, framed, hanging side by side.

Protectors of Animals is lucky, indeed, to have Carol making these donation.

Now, I need some help! I wrote a small article for Art Calendar, and I believe it has been in, but I can't find it. I'm not talking about the listing in the back, but a little piece, accompanied by a painting, explaining the project. If any of you have seen this, would you please let me know which edition and what page? (carrieBjacobson@gmail.com). I really feel like I'm losing my mind, a little. Thanks!

- Carrie

An encore with Esther!

2009-09-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

Esther

by Kate Merriman

18x18 original oil on canvas

This is Esther who resides at the Dreamtime Sanctuary in Elgin, Texas. With a name like "Dreamtime" I'm sure Esther is in 'hog heaven'. [Sorry I could not resist] Please visit Kate Merriman's blog and check out her other work. She has a wonderful portrait of Simon and I love a huge painting of a pair of socks she recently completed. Check it out here. Thank you again Kate!

So cute "Solo"

2009-08-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Solo

8x10 original Oil on canvas

This is one of two first contributions Kate Merriman is making to the Project. The lucky recipient of this gorgeous painting is the Austin Humane Society.

Please visit her blog to see her other paintings and to get a sneak peek at the second contribution I will be posting later on. Visit her here. Thank you so much Kate! This is an awesome addition to the project!

Keira

2009-08-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

Keira. By Liz Pearson, of Cape Town, South Africa, for DARG

Liz Pearson of Cape Town, South Africa, has made this remarkable oil painting of Keira, a 4-year-old pit bull cross. Look at the stance and the muscle and the pride in this dog! And yet, Liz has showed Keira's sweet expression and intelligence, too. Liz really has the touch. Check out her blog to see more. And to read more about DARG, the Domestic Animal Rescue Group, click here.

As for Keira's pursuits, "apparently," Liz writes, "her best activity is to watch TV on the couch over some biscuits! She's love-starved and a real softie."

Pit bulls have a reputation, that's true. But Liz believes - and I do, too - that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. Keira is a sweetie, and with the right family, would be a wonderful pet.

- Carrie

Duke

2009-08-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

Duke. By Carol Lavoie, as a donation to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Here's another painting on the abstract edge, by Carol Lavoie. To my eye, Duke looks proud and timid and sweet, all at the same time. I like the colors Carol has used, the lavender and blue, along with the real doggy colors. A lovely painting!

- Carrie

Ebony

2009-08-25T04:22:00.000-07:00

Ebony. By Carol Lavoie, a donation to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

One of the parts of this project that I love is seeing the different approaches that artists take to painting animals.

Carol Lavoie, who works as an astrologer, has painted 10 lovely animal portraits for Protectors of Animals, an all-volunteer organization in East Hartford, Conn. She has painted them in a wide variety of styles, from very realistic to this one, Ebony, who I find interestingly abstract. I really like the way Carol has loaded on the paint, and reached for different colors to show the shine and planes of this black cat's fur. Nice job!

- Carrie

Just Dandy

2009-08-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

Here are Mandy and Tandy, painted by Carol Lavoie, as a donation for the Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

I like the way Carol has painted these two, curled up together, comfortable and loving and warm. I hope they're adopted together.

I always wonder whether our pets know that they had littermates. Smokey, one of our dogs, had a brother Bear, whom we'd have liked to adopt, but the two apparently spent their time fighting, according to the shelter workers. Smokey has never seemed to miss Bear. And none of our dogs has seemed to miss the others, when the others have died. Maybe they do, but in ways I just don't notice.

She Painted a Poster!

2009-08-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

Poster by Ann Gilchrist. Donated to the Groton, Conn., animal shelter.

Somehow in the tornado that so often envelops my life, I lost this painting by Ann Gilchrist. It's one of three she made for the animal shelter in Groton, Conn.

Ann is a painter and photographer, who also takes care of her elderly parents, and, when time permits, works as a dog-walker.

I love this painting, the expression on the animals' faces, the colors, the love that so clearly went into this. I'm sorry that I mislaid it - but thrilled that I found it again!

Meenew

2009-08-22T03:42:00.000-07:00

Meenew. By Carol Lavoie. Donated to the Protectors of Animals
in East Hartford, Conn.

The complexity of this painting of Meenew by Carol Lavoie truly draws me in. There's something solemn in Meenew's eyes, and something challenging, and to my mind, something that would be just begging for love, if she weren't too self-respectful to beg. It's really a lovely painting, I think.
And it's one of 10 that Carol made to donate to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford.

I am glad to see that people are reading and responding to the article in Art Calendar - but I still don't have my copy! Might have to break down and buy one. Soon as I do, mine will arrive in the mail!

- Carrie

Vicki Wood and her Bob...

2009-08-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Bob...

please read his story here

What a remarkle story about Bob by an even more remarkable lady and artist Vicki Wood. I recieved an email an it read as follows:

I was happy to see your article in Art Calendar! I have been doing this for several years. Each year I donate a painting to Oxford Lafayette Humane Society and I write the story of the selected dog. I then paint the portrait and hand-print the story on the surrounding mat. These are then auctioned at their annual fundraiser. Below is the first of the series with the story in Word) and this was one of my first animal portraits. I have also donated to BellyRubs (Bassett Hound) Rescue. I will send to you images of my other donations in a separate email. My work has raised $3,426.00 for animals so far. Thank you for all you do! Vicki Wood (website:www.vickiwood.com).

With her experience and her success with her donations, I asked her advise and she generously wrote:

For newbies: I have found that Rescue organizations are very cautious especially if they don't know you. I think that they are concerned that we will not deliver what we promise. So, one way to go is to just paint a portrait of a dog or cat and simply donate (no strings). Then, request to come in and take photos of their residents and offer to let them select the animals photographed (if they have an interest). It is sometimes helpful, once you get the opportunity to go into the shelter, to take someone that can assist you as the shelter employees are usually very busy. I also suggest that you try to work with at least one humane society that is not a "no-kill" as they are housing the animals that are in the most urgent need. You can either go by the organization's facility or simply send an email or both to start the relationship. Also, once you donate, you can follow-up with them and find out how much your piece raised. Don't be disappointed if they sell for less than you expect.... that's just the way it goes sometimes. It does establish good relations with you and an entire community and helps save little lives.

Awesome advice for someone who's "been there, done that". It should be encouragement for anybody who is still on the fence on whether or not to jump in and try this. I, Carrie and Sandy are honored that Vicki Wood reached out at our new program and inspired us to keep on doing what we're doing and I am sure encouraged other to take that first step. Thank you so much Vicki!

Make sure you check out her wonderful website also by clicking right here! "Houla" is amazing on the cover of her site.

Nellie

2009-08-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Nellie. By Carol Lavoie, for Protectors of Animals in East Hartford.

Here's another of Carol Lavoie's delightful paintings. She's donating them to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford. This all-volunteer group has been around for years and years, and has rescued and found new homes for thousands of animals.

Connecticut is lucky to have them, and they are lucky to have Carol!

- Carrie

One Cute Cookie

2009-08-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Oreo. By Carol Lavoie, donated to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Here's another of the 10 paintings that Carol Lavoie (check out her website!) donated to Protectors of Animals, an all-volunteer organization in East Hartford, Conn. I love Oreo's big eyes, and the way Carol painted the softness into his coat. Beautiful!

Recently, we've had wonderful letters from artists across the country, asking what Art for Shelter Animals is about, how to get involved - and what they've done or are doing, in their own hometowns. Sheila, Sandy and I will bring you these stories as we can, so look forward to that!

In the meantime, thank you all for all you do.

- Carrie

Riley

2009-08-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

Riley. By Carol LaVoie, donated to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn.

Here's another painting by the talented and exuberant Carol LaVoie. She has made and donated 10, count 'em 10! paintings to this group, which sounds like it's well worth the attention and the donations.

Sometimes, it's all too easy to be discouraged. The economy, health care, the heat, the price of gas, the tomato blight, the disastrous future it seems we're facing - sometimes it feels like the issues are a huge crowd, screaming and yelling and threatening to riot.

Then I think about things like this project, and the people who open their hearts and give their talent and their love so freely, and that crowd just quits its noise-making and goes home, two by two, hand in hand.

- Carrie

Mom joins in, too!

2009-08-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

Top, Jones; below, Boo. Both are watercolor paintings by Bernadine Lucas (check out her website), donated to the Liberty Humane Society of Jersey City, N.J.
Bernadine is the mother of Ashley Lucas, who donated a wonderful painting to the same shelter a week or so ago. Click here to see that painting!

Ashley Lucas and her mother usually don't do projects together. But, Ashley writes, "I love her work so much I thought this would be a good way to get her involved in a very worthy cause."

So Mom, aka Bernadine Lucas, made these two wonderful paintings for the Liberty Humane Society of Jersey City, N.J.

According to the profile on Bernadine's on-line portfolio site, she's been "drawing, painting and illustrating since I was a child and sharpened my skills while attending the Maryland Institute. I now sell my works at the gallery/fine arts store that I co-own with my husband in historic Downtown Lancaster, PA."

I love these paintings! They have a sweet, whimsical quality that makes me smile, and makes me think of some of the nicer cats I've lived with.

How lucky we are to have such a wonderful mother and daughter artist team find us and join in the project!

- Carrie

Sarah

2009-08-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sarah. By Carol LaVoie. Donation to Protectors of Animals, East Hartford, Conn.

The Internet is truly an amazing thing, isn't it? How it can unite us, one by one and dozen by dozen - it's what the town crier used to be, what newspapers used to be, what fences used to be, when neighbors were really neighbors.

Our project puts the internet to the best use possible, I think.

This is one of Carol LaVoie's 10 donations to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Conn. This week, I'm going to call the group and talk to Jody, who heads it up, and find out what POA is going to do with Carol's beautiful donations.

I'll let you know!

- Carrie

From Texas, it's Wanda and Hannah

2009-08-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Grace. Acrylic on illustration board, by Wanda Wilkins of Fort Worth, Texas.

Above, Hannah Wilkins, 14, with her portrait, "Cat Nap," shown below.
Hannah and her grandmother, Wanda Wilkins, are donating the portraits to the Humane Society of North Texas.

Wanda Wilkins, of Fort Worth, Texas, called last week to ask about the Art for Shelter Animals Project. She and her granddaughter, Hannah, were interested in participating.

True to their word, Wanda and Hannah made beautiful portraits of animals, and will donate them soon to the Humane Society of North Texas.

Wanda says she usually paints abstracts, so this is a departure for her. But what a lovely, soulful painting of Grace! I can feel her coat, just by looking at the painting. I also love Hannah's "Cat Nap," which really captures the bliss of the snoozing feline.

Wanda has a really cool-looking place to paint, the Tree House Studio, and her work is luscious and colorful and rich. Check out her work and her website.

Welcome, Wanda and Hannah, and many thanks.

- Carrie

First of Ten!

2009-08-14T14:25:00.001-07:00

Sally. By Carol LaVoie. Donation to Protectors of Animals, East Hartford, Conn.

I feel as though Christmas came about four months early.

When I opened my email this morning, I saw five posts from the other Carrie Jacobson, whose email address is just like mine, but without the "b." She is a nice woman, lives in Buffalo, NY, and forwards my stuff to me - and is buying a painting of mine, to boot. We're planning to meet for the first time in a couple of weeks.

So when I saw all these emails from her, I didn't know what to think.

But I opened the first one - and to my absolute delight, it contained two portraits! So did each of the remaining four emails.

Carol LaVoie, who describes herself as a hobby painter, has made 10 donations of animal portraits to a group in East Hartford, Conn., called "Protectors of Animals." The group, made up entirely of volunteers, has rescued and found homes for 14,000 cats and 7,000 dogs. Its website says it relies on adoption donations, membership dues, gifts, memorials, bequests, grants and fund-raising events.

So Carol's 10 paintings should be very much appreciated!

In addition, they are just beautiful. Carol, who also has been a foster home for Protectors of Animals for nine years, seems to capture the souls of the animals she paints. I also love the backgrounds and the angles she uses.

When Carol is not painting or rescuing animals, she has a life as an astrologer. Check out her website - and check back here over the next couple weeks, as I post Carol's paintings to the blog.

- Carrie

Angela's Amazing Azalea!

2009-07-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

Azalea

8x10 oil on canvas

I got to know Angela Elledge through Karin Jurick's Different Strokes from Different Folks Blog. She is one the first group of artists from this challenge that I started following earlier this year. Angela is an experienced plein air painter but I've always admired her pet portraits and her figural paintings. Her movie star looks and her love for cows and long horns make her such an interesting person as well.

This is Angela's first contribution for the Art for Animals project! Her friend decided to take Azalea from a shelter where she had been for over 100 days to try and give her the comforts of a home until she found her forever home. Angela plans to give this beautiful painting to Azalea's new family.

Please check out Angela's wonderful website and blog. See if you can find a couple of my favorite paintings: Lucy, Four on the Floor and Old Eyebrows.

Thank you so much Angela!

Little Shelter, Big Success

2009-07-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

This photo accompanies the Little Shelter's article about Lori Rowe and the Art for Shelter Animals Project.

The wonderful painter and animal-lover, my friend Lori Rowe, has moved from Long Island to New Mexico (not the good part of New Mexico, she says, but the hot and dry part), and is painting there and doing very good deeds to help the animal population.

The Little Shelter, a Long Island rescue operation to which Lori donated a beautiful painting (see the March 18 post) has highlighted her and our project in its newsletter. Here's what they say:

"‘Art for Animals’ is a project that encourages artists to paint a portrait of an animal in their local animal shelter, or a portrait of an animal that is part of a rescue operation.

"When Long Island artist Lori Rowe decided to join this group of animal-loving artists, she began researching shelters in her area. After reading about Little Shelter, Lori knew that this was the first organization she would like to help.

"On Sunday, March 29, Lori came to Little Shelter armed with a wonderful painting entitled ‘Home’. The painting depicts a stray dog looking toward houses, and wishing for one of his own. Lori toured Little Shelter with her husband, and knew that she had made the right choice.

"During her visit, Lori was further inspired by one of our longer-term residents, Ingrid. She immediately decided to do a portrait of Ingrid which Little Shelter could present to whoever adopts this lovely lady.

Says Little Shelter President, Maryann Chernovsky, ‘It is wonderful that a group like Art for Animals exists to help shelter animals. We thank Lori for her generosity. She has a gift for capturing the soul of animals.'

‘Home’ will soon be auctioned to raise money for the dogs and cats at Little Shelter."

Hooray for Lori Rowe and Little Shelter!

And a p.s.: Lori writes to say that it looks like Ingrid has a home!

- Carrie

This week - Dog Drawing & Cat Sketch Challenge

2009-07-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

My final sketch of a dog from the Burlington County Shelter is a composite put together in Photoshop from two finished drawings I did for our sketchingeveryday current sketching challenge.

This week I've had a bit of interest from the ASAP blog, so I'm posting two different challenge photos to try to get some new peps involved!

Remember K I S S - squint, and break the subject down into shapes (positive and negative). I find it easier to draw something when I think of it as a shape, instead of a thing. Right Brain vs. Left Brain

This photo is one of the poor kitties I took photos of that were in jail at the shelter. I'm going to draw this guy without the bars, however. I'll probably lightly sketch in the bars though, as they do break the subject up into smaller and simpler shapes which will be an aid in the drawing process. Drawing a precise grid on your photo and the same dimensions on your paper is a classic and useful drawing technique.

This year, I'm posting a photo at the beginning of the week on my sketchingeveryday blog and if anyone chooses to sketch this (in any medium, colors or not) and send your drawing to: sandy@sandysandy.com, I'll post it.

Kay Accepts The Challenge

2009-07-25T07:42:00.001-07:00

I got a wonderful drawing in last night from Kay (check out her website!). She writes;" I have recently found your blog, and love this idea. I am sorry to be late with my drawing, but here it is. I enjoy very much trying to draw dogs!"

Well Kay, actually, you are early! I usually don't post the current challenge drawing until Sunday or Monday. Please feel free to send in any of the challenge drawings at any time. I always appreciate artist's efforts. Nice to meet you and thank you so much for your lovely colored pencil drawing, Kay!

See more about this challenge here.

Jiles from Jersey

2009-07-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

Jiles. Illustration in pencil, watercolor and crayon by Ashley Lucas. Donated to the Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City, N.J.

Ashley Lucas of Jersey City, N.J., saw the call for artists in the back of Art Calendar and was inspired to join. She wrote to her local shelter, found a photo on petfinder and chose a cat who, she writes, "has lots of personality!"

"His name is Jiles and he's a white Tuxedo mix who was adoptable last week and hopefully has a home by now... " she writes.

Ashley framed her illustration, which she made using pencils, watercolors and crayons, and donated it to the shelter, which plans to use it to decorate a wall that desperately needs some artwork.

On her website, Ashley describes herself this way: "I take pictures. I draw. I make movies. I wear big earrings and I love eating a good meal out." Hey... she sounds like me... Except for the drawing and the movies... Her website is just wonderful, loaded with beautiful and whimsical work. Fun!

We're all so happy you're with us, Ashley!

- Carrie

Elkhound / Shepherd Mix Sketching Challenge

2009-07-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Today I'm posting the next challenge photos of a pretty pup I met at the Burlington County Animal Shelter for my SketchingEveryday weekly drawing challenge. When I went to the shelter, I took many reference photos of the animals for our Art For The Animals project. I did one sketch of this little cutie this morning and I hope some of you artists that are reading this will join in too.

Memorial Piece for Harold

2009-07-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

Harold the Pygmy Goat

6x6 oil on Hardboard

This is a memorial piece for a the wonderful folks at Animal Place Sanctuary. They had rescued Harold and he had become a dear addition to their Sanctuary before passing away last week. Please read about his inspiring story and the awesome folks at this Bay Area Rescue focusing on farm and other domestic animals here. I hope they will let me do more art for them in the future.

A Tale of Love and Rescue

2009-07-16T04:52:00.001-07:00

Border Collie. By Ann Gilchrist; donated to the Groton, Conn., animal shelter.

Ann Gilchrist writes that this border collie, Tildon, was found in a Dumpster in Providence, R.I.

A friend of Ann's heard the dog whimpering, plucked him out of the Dumpster and hid him in his dorm room at Brown University.

The dorm assistant found out, and threatened to kick Anton (Ann's friend) out of the dorm because of the dog. Anton's parents agreed to keep Tildon until Anton graduated, but fell in love with the dog and told their son he had to get his own dog.

Tildon, Ann writes, "was so smart and loving. Tildon herded the grandchildren and kept Abner the feral cat in order. He was loved by all and a joy to be around. He never forgot where he came from. The family was so heartbroken when he died from cancer they told me they could not get another dog. So they rescued two kittens Violet and Rose."

What a wonderful story of love and rescue!

- Carrie

Welcome, Wonderful Ann

2009-07-13T07:40:00.001-07:00

Daffy, by Ann Gilchrist. Donated to the Groton, Conn., animal shelter.

Ann Gilchrist, a painter and photographer from the southeastern Connecticut area, has joined the Art for Shelter Animals Project - and in a big way!

This lovely portait of Daffy is one of four that Ann has made and donated to the animal shelter in Groton, Conn.

Daffy, she writes, "was abused and kept in the basement of a home and rarely let out with people. She was kept in the dark. Needless to say, she had issues due to lack of light and affection. She was taken from the home and put into a very loving and affectionate family. Daffy, was at last loved and lived happily until her death by cancer at age 14. I used to take care of her and she was so sweet."

Ann spends most of her time caring for her elderly parents, and also works as a dog walker and pet sitter. She does computer work and fund-raising, too. You can see more of her work at http://web.me.com/atgilly39/site/welcome.html, and http://gallery.me.com/atgilly39100025

She's going to have work in a show soon - I'll post more info when I know it.

- Carrie

She's a lovely Flower

2009-07-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

Warren's Flowerwalk

12x12 oil on wrapped canvas

4 year old filly

waiting for adoption at CANTER.CA

This lovely flower of a filly came to CANTER with a stress fracture and fybrotic myopathy (scar tissue in the muscle) after training at the Pleasanton racetrack. She never got to race. She has just begun her rehab with CANTER and hopefully will be adopted soon. She's described as a "sweet lady." Her portrait will help fund this all volunteer, run solely on donations organization.

Mr. President

2009-07-03T11:03:00.001-07:00

Mr. President for CANTER

8x8 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Mr. President is the grandson of the famous Seattle Slew. Though he looks strikingly like his Triple Crown winning grandfather, he was retired at 3 years old after losing all four races he ran in at Golden Gate fields. It appears he "didn't care" about going fast and running around in a circle with a crowd. His owners have given him to a wonderful organization called CANTER which I introduced with Lil's painting. The owners are also doing something extraordinary by helping CANTER's costs in retraining and border until he can find a new owner.

Mr. President reminds me of the old children's story of Ferdinand the Bull where the bull rather smell the flowers in the field than fight in the ring.

Lil's and Mr. President's paintings are set to be auctioned at CANTER's annual fund raiser.

What a Mug, What a Pug

2009-07-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

Pug. By Judy Mackey, donated to the Metroport Humane Society of North Texas.

The shelter system in Texas, according to Nancy Medina and Judy Mackey, is just pretty darn bad. Animals are put to death days after being brought to the shelters there. Rescue groups have sprung up, started, maintained and supported by people who love dogs and cats.

Judy Mackey, an amazingly talented painter living near Dallas, donated this painting to the Metroport Humane Society of North Texas.

The society, Judy wrotes, "does not have a kennel facility but relies on fosters to take in pets and also encourages spay and neutering - they offer low-cost solutions for spaying and neutering. Members often visit area animal shelters to rescue pets who might otherwise be euthanized."

Check out Judy's website and her blog to see more of her fine work. Check out Nancy Medina's lovely paintings on her website, too! We're so lucky that they're with us on the project.

We're lucky that you ALL are with us on this project. Thank you.

- Carrie

Balancing Act

2009-06-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

White Cat. By Vern Schwarz. Oil on masonite, 5x8, to be donated to the D'Arcy Animal Rescue Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Vern Schwarz, talented Canadian painter and regular contributor to the Art for Shelter Animals Project, has made this amazing portrait of a white cat who's just waiting to be adopted.

Anyone who's tried knows that painting pure white animals or pure black animals is a real challenge. Vern has truly met the challenge with this painting, managing to capture tone, values, light, shadow and shape - and still keeping the cat white.

Also, as in all of Vern's animal paintings, the depth of the eyes is amazing and engaging.

To see more of his work, check out his blog, Vern Schwarz Art.

- Carrie

A mention for our project

2009-06-26T12:26:00.001-07:00

The Oakland Based East Bay SPCA has two shelters in our area. They were kind enough to mention our project on page Three of their quarterly newsletter which gets distributed to 18,000 subscribers.