Waguar

I'm running very, very behind in this documentary. Spending an inordinate amount of time researching on the laptop, I've gleaned lots of interesting facts about a wide variety of subjects. This is the part of creating specific artwork that people don't normally see - the time-consuming preparation. And this is even before the sketching begins. Also, my wireless internet connection is not working in the evening when I usually do all of my computer work. Sigh. Still working on it.

"Waguar" is my first greyhound to paint. Designed for a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, I've researched the team, the colors, the star players and the logos both present and historical.

However, before the drawing begins...grime, dust and fingerprints are scrubbed away.

A coat of gesso is then applied.

Finally, the drawing begins. I'll make several changes as the design evolves and takes on a life of it's own. Notice the reference material on the tabletop that will continue to grow into an unmanageable mess!

 Fast-forward to blocking in the main design.

 
NOTE: My apologies for having to implement comment moderation thanks to these stupid spammers who somehow figure a way past Blogger's own spam detection. Spamming is such an ineffective way to sell goods or services that no one wants to begin with.

Grrrrr,
Sharon

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

About Babush

Michael found Babush under a bush, thus her namesake.

Alone, terrified and screaming (more on that soon) she was a tiny thing that fit in the palm of my hand. That is, after Michael refused to retrieve her declaring that she was spitting and hissing while trying to hide amongst the leaves. Impatiently, I fished for her in the underbrush and there emerged a miniature nightmarish wild cat.

A cute and adorable kitten, she remained physically endearing into adulthood. However, her personality developed into something similar to a spoiled celebrity. Pushy, demanding, cranky and often crossing the line into psychosis, she developed an unnerving habit of chasing her tail while letting loose a horrific scream. This would be followed by inconsolable growling and various means of blood-letting for anyone trying to provide comfort.

I'm not sure if this was a method of commanding attention or letting off steam from a period of irascible brooding. She would often silently slip behind me as I was busy painting. I have no idea how long she sat watching me, but sooner or later that ghastly scream would pierce the zen and nearly send me through the canvas. To observe Babush is to first hear the ferocious growl followed by the tail slowly moving toward her face. From the corner of her eye she spots the tormenting appendage and then savagely chases and attacks it. I often feel scabs of her own making.

This behavior has prompted unending trips to the vet. A clean bill of health is always the final diagnosis along with offers of kitty-cat prozac and sympathetic statements such as "that's because she's a tortie", as if that should explain everything. Have you ever read the internet joke about administering a pill to a cat?

My friends shake their heads sadly murmuring "that is no pet." As the years pass and she ages the symptoms diminish...somewhat. We've spent ten years tolerating each other. If our pets offer the mirroring principle, I've had lots of introspection into my own unexplainable angst. Yup, she's a nutcase but she's my nutcase and I adore her passionately.

Hoping you have a pet to love,
Sharon

Portrait of Babush, oil on canvas, 11"x14"

Captivating Marshes

(NOTE: my apologies for the short previous post that you received. I had just begun to put down my thoughts and *BING* the blog published. Don't know if it's Google's new dashboard or my keyboard.)

I've become fascinated by the local marshes and bogs here in upstate New York. The wintry sky colors, the elegant leaning of the tree trunks, the still, reflective waters and the overall calmness. Some of these bodies of water are created by beavers and you can actually spot their well-constructed dams built with intertwining branches and downed logs. Amazing engineering for a critter that's considered a rodent.

These little oils on canvas are the result of hiking along wooded trails that lead to these enchanting landscapes. Because the subject is new to me, I have no idea what to title them. Pink Sunset? Yellow Repose? If you have any ideas, please send me suggestions or leave a comment. They're both 11"x14" and are available for purchase.

With appreciation,
Sharon

Gift-Giving Alternatives

Bummed out by the cookie-cutter gifts at the big box stores this past weekend? It's so ho-hum (yawn). However, if you'd like to purchase some distinct and unique artwork from me for holiday gift-giving season...here's the deal:

PET PORTRAITS

First of all, it's not too late to order a customized pet portrait. All I need is a decent photo to work from and, if you're local to Saratoga Springs, New York, I'll come and photograph your pet myself. If Muffie has passed on, that's okay, just send me as many photos as possible and I"ll work from those. Contact me for size and price details. Yes, you can afford it. Such an thoughtful, special and amazing gift that will last a lifetime. Thrill the pet lover in your life (you'll probably make them cry with joy)!

LAY AWAY

I take installment payments. Always have, always will. I understand you. It's like layaway at the big box stores without the hefty hidden fees. See something you like or have an idea for a custom painting? Contact me and we'll work out the details together. I want to make it easy for you.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Some people are especially difficult to shop for. If you're uncertain about what someone would particularly like from my collection of original oils, Giclee Fine Art Reproductions, or gift items...consider a gift certificate. The recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness as they get the EXACT gift they'll adore.

If you can think of another way I can help you with your holiday shopping, please don't hesitate to contact me. I appreciate your suggestions and I'm here to provide the best service that I possibly can.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Sharon

November in the North

So much gratitude is in order to those of you who have wished me positive thoughts and good wishes via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and any other internet platform I've overlooked. I sincerely thank you for your good thoughts directed my way. It's spiritual...thoughts become things and such...I so appreciate and love you all.

You've also asked how I'm doing in the cold weather after moving up to the north land from Florida. Don't forget that I'm a native New Englander and I'm doing...okay. Yes, it's an adjustment. However, a brisk walk in the night air that filled my lungs with the pungent scent of late fall produced an unexpected nostalgia for playing Ringolevio in the streets of my childhood memories. Today my earlobes chilled on a hike through the local swamps as I observed the sun setting low in the sky way too early. Football and Thanksgiving...it couldn't be more appropriate here in stark November.

Dare I tell you that I can't wait until the big snow? When my dearest declared that snow was white and what was the big deal - ha!

New Studio on Beekman Street

If you're as impatient as I am, you understand the wait is excruciating. The day eventually arrives in it's own sweet time and action pervades my good sense. On an recent episode of NOVA the genius of Einstein revealed that time slows for those of us to choose to be in motion. Huh?

Landscaping has been frost-bitten but you get the gist of the loveliness of the street. Each merchant chooses and nurtures the plantings themselves.

My signage is on order. This is my track sign from last summer and it'll have to do for now.

This is the view looking in back toward what will be the man cave of print production and gift item creation.

Looking out to the street. Lighting is a work in progress. I love the cool daylight fluorescent lights for painting but we'll need some tracks to light up the artwork.


Officially, we'll be open on Tuesday, November 15th. Taking advantage of a good dinner crowd, we plan to be open until 8:00pm in the evenings as is the rest of the street. Experimenting with schedules for a couple of weeks will determine a permanent open time.

The address is: 70-B Beekman St. in Saratoga Springs, New York. If you can, please stop in - I'd enjoy meeting you and showing off my paintings.
Gratefully, Sharon

Breeders' Cup 2011

Here's a few of my personal Breeders' Cup connections as experienced via my long summer at the Saratoga meet:

Think names aren't important? Sometimes they're everything. Stopshoppingmaria became an instant fan favorite at Saratoga even before she broke her maiden which she accomplished easily in her second start by over nine lengths. She became the talk of the two-year-old fillies. Not a bad second place finish in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf either.

Some of the owners of Turbulent Descent (there are several and some are first timers) came into my booth to see my artwork but I wasn't there (argh)! Michael did his best to coax them into returning to meet me. Their excitement of being at Saratoga with such a nice filly was understandable, but a few did come back. When we were in California many years ago, Michael galloped a couple of horses for Turbulent Descent's trainer Mike Puype - most notably, Old Trieste. The two of them had a few minutes to chat when Mike P. also visited my booth. The next day Turbulent Descent blasted the field in the Test Stakes. The gang had to be so disappointed with the trouble she experienced in the BC Filly and Mare Sprint, finishing fifth.

Early one morning I was photographing reference at the Oklahoma training track. A very amiable boyish-looking man walked up to me and introduce himself - George Bolton. Okay, I'm embarrassed that I didn't know who he was at first but quickly assessed his connection to Stonestreet Stable. We discussed The Factor and he invited me into the paddock that afternoon to photograph a filly he was extremely high on - My Miss Aurelia who was running in the Adirondack Stakes. In the paddock, George was too busy to talk to me as he was engaged in crowd control and ambassadorship, but I did manage to invite him to my booth. Unfortunately, he never made it. But his filly won the Adirondack and she also won the BC Juvenile Fillies convincingly.

My Miss Aurelia prior to winning the Adirondack Stakes.

Last year I had the honor of creating the commission of Big Drama as a gift for his owner, Harold Queen. Winner of last year's Sprint Eclipse Award and last year's BC Sprint, this year he didn't repeat and finished seventh. I still enjoy my personal connection and loyalty to this professional racehorse. Just love him.

BC Classic winner Drosselmeyer looked small and thin to me as he was brought to the paddock for the Sword Dancer Stakes.

Drosselmeyer

This gal, however, looked magnificent...

Havre de Grace on her way to her victory in the Woodward Stakes.

So there you go. From the artist's perpective.

Love to all the horses who ran their best, Sharon

Life Drawing Class

Big perk: life drawing class with a nude model sponsored by the Saratoga Arts Center. Time-honored method of honing drawing skills that's been practiced for a few hundred years or more by the great masters. Volume, line, form, negative space, direction, etc. not to mention depicting personality and mood are the challenges for wannabe draftsmen (and women).

I'm a bit rusty. It's been several years since I've had the opportunity to participate in life drawing class, but I promise you, I'll get better.
Love, Sharon

Not bad Mom, but you may want to consider composition so that next time
you don't cut off the head and feet.