Website Hacking Update

Google has removed the dreaded "Reported Attack Page"from my website and e-mail.

My biggest concern was losing the trust and confidence of the very people to whom I've worked so hard to create relationships. Clients, collectors, potential collectors, people who just like my artwork, my friends and fellow artists. I know if I landed on a page blasting that red-text warning, I would click away as fast as my spastic index finger could tap a mouse. That possibility was so disheartening - over and above losing several years of work.

Time to move on. I'm pleased with FASO, the website hosting service for artists, and I've put up a very simple site just to get back online. It's so easy even Michael is helping me. Not much design flexibility, however, did I mention I wanted to simplify? I'm determined to enjoy this.

Thank you to everyone who was supportive through this ordeal and I'm grateful for all who have stuck with me. Change of subject:

Oh no! It's Dave on the loose in the studio!

With relief,
Sharon
www.sharoncrute.com

Horrible Hidious Heinous Hackers from Hell

At first I was furious. I took it as a personal assault. What sick, twisted freak would do this to an artist? When I clicked to my website sharoncrute.com, a window popped up stating "Reported Attack Page!". What the....?
 

 

After contacting Yahoo who has hosted my website since 2000, they proceeded to pass the buck to Google. When I finally reached a genuine human within the vastness, I was directed to a website that would provide step by step instructions to help. Uh-uh.

If you have a website and you've never authenticated it with Google, I strongly advise you do it now. Google does have useful webmaster tools but your site must be authenticated. How was I to know that? And...I can't accomplish that step because my site is re-flagged and I've become a whirling dervish.

So, I've been hacked. I pulled my entire site down, all 857 files and 27 folders representing six or so years of work for my designer Julie K and myself. I don't have time nor do I care to allot resources to rebuild from scratch in Dreamweaver. I've signed on with this site building service for artists: Fine Art Studio Online (FASO). I won't have the flexibility and control to appease this perfectionist, but the templates are clean, simple and showcase the art.

Please hang in there with me. I'll be back up and running ASAP.

We're Jumping! Revised Steeplechase Schedule

The Saratoga race meet is my yearly golden show. With the entire scheme is place, we're building an impressive inventory for the six week gig. We'll be more than ready.

We plan events, shows and exhibits at least six months out. Which is why it's unusual that Michael would add to the schedule so last minute. The VP in charge of marketing, research and accounts receivable is busy readying for two more steeplechase shows while I paint to complete yet another greyhound.

Here's the revised schedule where I'll be set up showing my artwork for the next three weekends:

• Sunday, May 13th - Willowdale Steeplechase in Kennett Square, PA
• Sunday, May 20th - High Hope Steeplechase in Lexington, KY
• Saturday, May 26th - Fair Hill Races, Elkton, MD

If you live close to one of these venues and you've never attended a steeplechase, I can recommend a hoot of a good time. In addition to the races, the day is packed with all kinds of family-friendly events from frenzied Jack Russell races to the craziest very non-couture hat contests. Tailgating is an art unto itself.

Clearing 20"x26" Limited Edition Giclee Fine Art Reproduction on stretched canvas.

Hope to see you at the races!
Sharon

First First Friday Art Walk

The very successful First Friday Art Walk in Ocala, Florida was the brainchild of my husband Michael Bray. We set out to repeat the event here in the Arts District of Saratoga Springs. Armed with organizing experience, I think our first Art Walk was a wonderful success. Artists lined Beekman Street showing off their artwork as impromptu musicians strolled in and out of the crowd. Because it was so well attended, we have plenty of room to expand into a go-to Friday night party.

Ameyo Amyot demonstrates pottery sculpting techniques on her front porch...

Amy Atkins with her beautiful prints and pottery in front of the Textile Studio...

Local resident Mike brings out his big guitar and big talent...

Inside the eclectic Feneex Gallery...

How could I resist painting on the sidewalk with the rest of the artists? Behind me is painter Steve Hill working on his vegetable series and hiding behind him is Jackie Royal stitching her needlepoint canvases of...graffiti!

The party continued way past 8:00pm. I'm still recuperating.
Happy tired,
Sharon

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

EPCOT 2012

After delivering the first three greyhounds last week to my client in West Virginia, we headed down to Florida. Green and warm, we enjoyed perfect weather. One week was not nearly long enough, especially when trying to connect with so many great friends that I dearly miss. I also pined for the river and will plan mightily for two weeks next year. Unfortunately, there are no alligators in upstate New York.

The week concluded with plein air painting at EPCOT. I'm so honored to be invited and this was my third year. Assigned to Italy, I readily pulled out my oils and got to work.

Friday's effort produced a strong painting that sold. Many thanks to a couple of wonderful new collectors, Barbara and Bruce!

Saturday was an equally great day and the piece also sold! Hugs for Cheryl Anne who was visiting from the west coast.

Although sales are a an amazing bonus to painting in the park, we're really there to engage with the guests, especially children. Most people never have the opportunity to observe the process of art-making or converse with artists at work. I find this friendly banter great fun and the day flies by with laughter.

Sunday's painting is still available for only $150. plus shipping. It's an 11"x14" oil on canvas and you'll be getting a piece of Italy!

Ciao!
Sharon

Blanket Finish is Finished

Even though the dogs are much smaller that the horses, painting the forms remains a physical undertaking. Because the dogs are waist high the view from above must be constantly checked from where it will be observed most. Up and down the step ladder, on my knees and 'round and 'round the table I go.

Lo and behold...another delivery!

Here's the design submitted to the client. Only eight greyhounds can run in a race (think twenty horses in the Kentucky Derby). The green and white striped #7 is often referred to as "the candy stripe".

The finished "Blanket Finish". He's pretty and colorful as the blankets cascade over his form...referring back to my first Horse Fever design "Champ" depicting the jockey silks of fourteen prominent Marion County (Ocala) thoroughbred breeders.

Onward to greyhound three. This one illustrates deep sea fishing in a more painterly style.

Dogfish?
Sharkingly,
Sharon