The Greyhound Project

The new year has begun with this unusual project. Four fiberglass greyhound forms have sashayed  into my studio with a convincing swagger. Michael says they push their way out the door as it unlocks first thing in the morning to dash out and play vigorously in the snow. Not very responsive to his voice commands, eventually they return to warm themselves and fall into an elegant pose.

An unceremonious arrival...

the unveiling...

This is a fundraiser for greyhound rescue sponsored by a very responsible owner. Designs for the forms require a good deal of research and as I learn more about these noble hounds, I'm falling in love with them. If I were so inclined to adopt, it would be one of these endearing pooches. Alas, I'm not in a position for dog ownership, but if you are...consider the amazing greyhound.

Here's the template provided by cowpainters.com, designers and fabricators of a myriad selection of fiberglass forms for private and community art projects

I'll be sharing my designs and progress with the project. If you're interested, subscribe to receive updates delivered to your e-mail inbox (in the upper right column).

Woof,
Sharon

Painting New Subjects

Happy 2012!

I was one of those students who fell asleep during history class. Fast forward many, many years and I now find myself fascinated with the rich history permeating my new home of Saratoga Springs, New York. Not just about horse racing, many of the town's legendary characters were involved in gambling establishments apart from the track. Everything here has a story including the diverse neighborhoods and impressive "summer homes".  Fortunately, there is no shortage of historians who've done all the work for us providing documentation about these historic mansions beginning with the year they were built, by whom and the successive ownership up to the present. So many contain a juicy and notorious history.

Fuller House, oil on canvas, 16"x20"

Unbelievably, many of these beautiful homes fell into disrepair and were slated for the wrecking ball. When the current owners rescued the Fuller House, it had no air conditioning or heat - a true summer home. The spidery tree shadows falling on the building created the eerie yet intriguing inspiration for this painting.

Carriage House, oil on canvas, 11"x14"

You should see the main house! I love the tall pines casting their shadows on this lovely back building with an interesting round window containing a star. I was informed by a local realtor that the current owners are wintering in Palm Beach. Sigh.

I won't be painting houses for long as new projects have developed and then there's the muse and that incessant calling...

I wish you all a 2012 that's more profitable, joyful, loving and filled with new opportunity.

Love, Sharon