Chief Progresses

This boy is special. The sponsor of the rescue project has requested a Native American theme for his own personal pooch. Still handing me artistic free rein (love it!), his only request was to portray historical Indian chiefs.

I've learned so much while researching this entire greyhound project. From NFL team colors (home and away) to deep sea fishing boats to the Seven Cherokee Clans. For instance, Geronimo was not a chief but rather a medicine man and a fierce and unscrupulous warrior. It's not horse racing but I'm enjoying the process immensely.

 

The Eagle is a totem and the Blue Sky is a Cherokee clan.

Below is Chief Crazy Horse and Wolf and Bear totem. The sketched-in chief on the right is Robert Benge. He was born in the eighteen century to a Cherokee mother and an Irish father. With his red hair and light skin, he was often mistaken for an anglo and easily infiltrated white settlements, effectively wreaking havoc. I couldn't find any historical portraits of him so I have to improvise. He will have flowing red hair!

This is the finished portrait of Chief Sitting Bull (along with Deer totem). There are lots of black and white photographs of him available on the internet as well as Crazy Horse and Chief Joseph. Which makes one pause...who did the photographing and how did they talk Sitting Bull into...well, sitting? Imagine big box cameras and l-o-n-g poses.

Painting on these small fiberglass forms creates distinct challenges. The concave/convex curves create optical illusions. Something to keep in the forefront when rendering a portrait.

do' da da go' hv i,
Sharon

My April Newsletter

I tried to take a screenshot of my latest newsletter but evidently it's too long. So here's a URL link that's hosted on my newsletter service. Please take a look. It's pretty and takes me much longer to create than I think it should.

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs062/1101419473500/archive/1109798646500.html

My big news, of course, is the Steeplechase Festival in Saratoga and being chosen to create the program cover artwork.  I also announce my yearly show at the High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, Kentucky on May 20th and also about participating in the American Academy of Equine Art's Spring Invitational Exhibit.

If anyone knows how to post the image of my newsletter to this blog, I'd sure appreciate it if you'd share the knowledge!

Humor me,
Sharon

Steeplechase at Saratoga!

I've been chosen to create the artwork that will grace the program and posters of the Inaugural Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga on September 15th! Honored and thrilled, I'm on Cloud 10 (like Volume 11).

Last weeks press conference at the National Museum of Racing was attended by several VIPs of horse racing. The Festival will be held at Saratoga Race Track about a week and a half after the main meet has concluded and will follow the tradition of family-oriented events and activities featured at other steeplechase venues on the circuit. Only ours will be held at...Saratoga. Okay, I'm extremely biased but I've made no secret of my love for this place. And it is this sense of place I experience on many levels.

Here's their new logo:

 It's been requested that we spread the word which I will do gladly. And often.

Jumping for joy!
Sharon

Dogfish

He thought I did and I thought he did. Photograph the latest greyhound, that is. It was a crazy week finishing up projects, preparing for the Florida trip and getting the completed greyhounds ready for delivery. Sigh. Here are two meager photos that Michael took while I was devilishly dealing with the details.

Is it easier to view upside down?

Gulls...

Not getting finished artwork photographed before it leaves for its final destination is the bane of busy artists. Especially for this unconventional project. Well, I'm disappointed too.

Oh poop,
Sharon