Focused

I can not express more, as an artist, how sometimes paintings come easily, fast, and almost paint themselves. Then there are the ones you struggle through, fight, and push through. This was one one of them, and I don't know why. It is simple, a wolf, soft light, good reference...so why did it come so hard to me? I am still not completely happy with it, but after showing it to several artists and assured that it is a good painting I decided to sign it and put it to bed.

I have talked about the art police (the ones that tell you to stop painting, you are done)  in previous posts, and this is a perfect example. Sometimes we "over  think" "over paint" and drive ourselves crazy. I am the first person to say to my friends that they need to breathe, relax, let it happen.  But I am horrible at taking my own advice. 

On a side note,  this is a wolf named Pup. I get along with every animal I meet, but this wolf hated me from the moment I walked into his enclosure. I don't know why. Maybe it was because I smelled like my dogs, who knows? He bit me twice and tore my pant leg. We had to have two people stand by me while I photographed him because I was really afraid of him. But on a high note, I got really good reference of him stalking me.

One more soap box

I really do not like to get political on my blog or postings, but I can not hold my tongue on this one. What sick mind thought of this, and what sick person would buy one. Here is a description of what it is:

Filled with colored water, each 7-centimeter long key ring encapsulated either one Brazil turtle or two small kingfish, and is filled with “nutrient rich” water, by which vendors claim allow the animals to live for several months. Unfortunately, after your few months are up, you have a carcass key chain.However, no need to worry as rumor has it that nothing goes to waste – the cadavers are heated in the microwave for 15 seconds and eaten while enjoying an ice cold beer.These adorable little gifts, which are typically sold at subway and train stations, are protected by law and, according to said law, are not considered animal abuse.

What are we doing?

Western Art Collector

I just got my copy of Western Art Collector and was thrilled to see that I got a full page image of my work on the article about the San Dimas Festival of Western Art. The festival is April 27-29th of April, if you are in the area, please drop by and see the amazing art that is in this show.

Inspiration...what a blessing

Every now and then I stumble on something, or some one sends me a link, that reminds me that regardless of all we have been through, we are the authors of our own destiny. I shared the video of Susan Boyle some time ago, and here is another. This is Sung-Bong, a homeless man who dared to dream a dream. I hope it inspires you like it did me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ46Ot4_lLo&feature=related

Day 10 Orange You Glad?

This is "Orange You Glad?", Oil on board

# 9 Kiss Me Three Times

Kiss Me Three Times, Oil on board

My husband walked in the door and saw bags of kisses all over the kitchen counter. He asked what this was all about and he thought we were trying to eat healthier. I responded that I meant to paint them, he shrugged and said, "Well, it is ok then. Can we eat them?"  My life is so rough!

# 8 Kiss Me Twice

Kiss Me Twice, Oil

#7 Kiss Me Once

Kiss Me Once, 4x3 1/4, Oil

I am entering the chocolate phase. (yay!)

Spring is here...early

I had to share. A few days ago, the dogs were slushing through almost a foot of snow. Yesterday the temps went into the 60's. It was just too beautiful not to get out and walk. It was however, very muddy and wet, so our shorties got pretty dirty. This has been the warmest winter since we moved here.

Day 5 and 6 of the 60/60

Quail, 3x4, Oil on board

Escapee, 4x2 1/4, Oil on Board

Day 4

Lobster 5x7 Oil on board

60/60 #3

Salsa! #3 5x5 Oil

You can purchase this on my other blog http://victoriawilsonschultz.blogspot.com/

Day 1 and 2

My first entry for the 60/60

Cheers  5x7 pastel

sold

Day 2

Salsa! 7" x 4" Oil on board

You can purchase the paintings I do on my other blog at

http://victoriawilsonschultz.blogspot.com/

60/60 Challenge

I have posted in the last week or so about starting a challenge headed by my friend, Adele Earnshaw. I thought that I had a lot of time to prepare, but it starts tomorrow. The challenge is for 27 selected artists to paint 60 paintings in 60 days from life. I have a still life table set up in my studio and will take this challenge head on. Many of you know that I am a sloooow painter, so to keep my paintings loose and quick will be a my biggest worry. I will be working in pencil, oil, and pastel.
This has been a challenging month, my husband was thrown from his horse and hurt and when he got back on his feet, I was thrown down by one of the worst flu bugs I have ever had. I am still in bed for much of the day and hope to be back to working full days very soon.
I will be posting my daily paintings on my new blog at  http://victoriawilsonschultz.blogspot.com/ . If you are interested in watching the progress. If you are on facebook, you can also see all works that are posted daily by all 27 artists. The page is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/148238635281295/.
I am sure that you will be able to see some amazing works and all will of course be for sale.

Snow-mageddon

We just got slammed by a snow storm (this is a good thing, by the way) and I wanted to go out and take some pictures. We let the dogs out to play and did they ever!!! Bella thrives in this weather, but the corgis have problems with deep snow. The pictures are the proof...

 It IS leap day after all!

 Snow plow!

This is the last thing a husband sees before he throws a snowball at a 2000 dollar camera.