This one was so much fun to paint. I have a GREAT photo of my Border Collie, Tess, that has a bit of distortion and makes her nose big! I decided to run with it and paint this because it just captures her with her most delightful smile. I need to brighten the whites on the top of head a bit more but it is pretty much done. Tess can almost always be found with me, involved with whatever I happen to be doing or not doing! She is my best girl. This one is not for sale...it will be hanging up in my studio. Need a title for this... so comments welcomed! This is acrylic, 8 x10 on masonite panel.

I have 4 more paintings that are almost finished so I will getting those posted this week. But now I am going make my way down (across the ice) to the barn,feed the chickens and get the locked up for the night before Mr. Fox pays a visit!

It has been freezing cold here in the North East and what better time to be hitting the studio.  We are starting to get a bit of cabin fever and I am so looking forward to getting outside to paint again. On that note I thought I would post about my newest addition to the studio. This was a Christmas gift from my husband. It is an Alla Prima Pochade box. I have a small 6 x 8 Guerilla Thumbox which I adore (I have the acrylic set up) and is perfect for 5 x7 and 6 x 8 panels and is so easy to take along. But I have been wanting something for the slightly bigger panels. I love working with 8 x 10's and 11 x 14s.
These gorgeous Alla Prima boxes are handmade here in the U.S. by Ben Haggert. This model is the 11 x 14 Bitterroot and it perfect for my 8 x 10 and 11 x 14 panels. It also has a plate for a tripod. I LOVE it!!! And Ben is a real pleasure to do business with. Highly recommended. Here is the link for more info Bitterroot Pochade. Can't wait to get outside and use it!
Off to finish that little foal painting sitting on the pochade!
Stay warm!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I took a bit of a break from blogging and now it is back to work or as my son says "back to fun"! I have been busy painting. Later today I will post a new Daily Riding Essentials painting and a larger Gypsy Vanner.

I am thrilled to announce that my husband ,Brian, has joined me in my business to help promote and market my artwork. He is a horseman and one of my biggest fans! :-) So feel free to welcome him in the coments area!

I have big plans for my newsletter this year. As some of you already know I have spent most of my life teaching riders and training horse. My specialty is equine and rider biomechanics. I can help riders learn how to really ride using non traditional methods that really work! Since so many of my subscribers are horsepeople I have decided to include articles on riding/training, horsemanship and holistic horse care in my studio newsletter. To subscribe to the on-line newsletter go to Email Newsletter Sign-up . Your information will never be shared and NO SPAM EVER! If you prefer to get the newsletter by snail mail fill out my contact for form and enter you mailing address in the comments area. Again your info will never be shared!
Snail Mail Sign-up

This morning I have been listening to the SmARTist Telesummit Free Pre-event audio downloads this morning. Click here for Audio Download. I highly recommend them to all working artists, particularly, Alyson Stanfield's marketing audio. Tomorrow night is a free teleconference on using Facebook to market your artwork. You have to sign up here.

Lots of catching up to do!! So more later!