Sunday, January 4, 2015

BELATED HAPPY HOLIDAYS


"Diva"
18x24" oil on heavyweight canvas
SOLD

Apologies for my disappearing act. A lot going on. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season and even though I'm late I'd like to wish you all the best in the coming year and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support and comments. I've said this many times in the past few years but it bears repeating...you'll never know how much I appreciate them.

This is Diva, a Christmas commission and my first poodle. It was interesting for me because her fur didn't reflect the light and I thought that might detract from the finished painting but it didn't. I rather enjoyed the kinkiness and actually had to restrain myself from getting lost in all the different hued strands covering her right ear.

Happily the clients were very pleased which in turn, caused me to be very pleased.

Clearly my creativity and drive is at an all time low but that doesn't mean I'm wallowing in negativity. In sharing my lack of enthusiasm for painting I struck up a conversation which led to a joint collaboration with a colleague online. We are both looking to reignite our creative spark and in the process grow as artists and have decided to form an alliance in support of helping each other do just that.

Still in the planning stages but we hope to roll out our blog in early February. We'll see. I'm excited about beginning anew.

Tim is ever present and with me and the boys....missing him like mad but we are doing well. We have much to be grateful for and look forward to the new year, embracing new signs and visits and rekindling my desire to pop into the studio on a regular basis and perhaps even stay a while and paint! We'll see!

Thank you so much for dropping by.

20 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you've posted such a beautiful painting and that you made it through the holidays. Hugs and belated Christmas tidings. :)

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  2. Hi Suzanne,
    Your portrait of Diva is really lovely. I'm not surprised the clients were so thrilled. I also have a doggie portrait commission that I need to get started, but I'm finding avoidance tactics keep popping up. I suppose the only answer is to squeeze out paint and get going, but somehow I m not feeling ready yet. I'm giving myself a weeks grace then a goal to get cracking.
    Hope you find your painting muse comes back soon too.

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  3. Awww Diva truly is a beauty. She has that Greta Garbo sultry look I think.

    Life throws curve balls and if it wants you to sit back for a bit, that's ok (even if I selfishly want to see more of your paintings and read to your Tim stories). The online collaboration could be just the ticket to kick start your new year for creativity. Every success with it. And have the most amazing, happy and healthy 2015 my friend.

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  4. Oh my gosh Suz!!! The portrait of Diva is a pure Masterpiece!!!
    Its toooo real... its too magnificent,,,,!!!
    Oh gosh,, I know Angel Tim is agreeing with us!! The hair is so soft,,,, and beautiful colors,,,,and the eyes,,, so much soul, and depth!
    Oh we love , love ,, love it.!
    Yes,, a masterpiece for sure!! Gosh- even the paw and toe nails
    We send you our love!
    tweedles and moms

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  5. Fantastic colors and such intricacy in this one!!! WOW! Happy 2015, Suz, and may you find sweet surprises all around you this year.

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  6. I think I have said this before...but I'll say it again..you have a way of doing an animal portrait without making it sticky-sweet sentimental. I don't know how you do that, but let's face it, most animal portraits look just kitschy. That's right, I said it. haha. But, seriously, YOUR paintings of animals are in another stratosphere. I don't know exactly why. Maybe it is because your composition is always so unique. This is just masterful. I love love love it. Happy New Year, dear girl :)

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  7. Suzanne, this is such a special piece. The eyes, the nose, that sweet paw and of course, that colorful ear.The combination of composition and your sensitive handling of paint are almost enough to bring me to tears.

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  8. Masterful Suzanne! I have been thinking about you and hoping you are doing well. The mystery of life (and afterwards) continues!Can't wait to see what you've cooked up with your collaborator! BEST wishes, dear girl and fabulous painter..... wherever your path takes you.

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  9. This is STUNNING Suzanne! Really worth the wait... Wow - How many hours would something like this take you??? It is astounding! I won't be producing anything like this in February, lol! But miles of canvas should lead to more confidence and growth! Can not wait! Excited!!!! :0)

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  10. I MISSED you!!! I am so happy you are well [and painting]!!!!!
    DIVA is sublime! Everything about her is beautiful and perfect. Congradulations on creating such a masterpiece!!!
    Hugs to you, my gunkster XXX

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  11. This is absolutely beautiful, Suzanne!!! Such a sweet face and I can see getting lost in her fur...her eyes are amazing! I just want to hug her...lol glad to see you back...I took some time off as well....I think we all need that sometimes!!

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  12. Good grief!!! So this is you 'floundering', eh? What a stunning painting .... those eyes are just out of this world .... the whole thing is out of this world. Fabulous!!! And good luck with your new venture and co-conspirator. ;-)

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  13. Yay! Painting again and lucky us who get to view gems like this one :) The depth of color and edges are amazing. Looking forward to the new project too.

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  14. "Diva" is beautiful, Suzanne. You put in just the right amount of detail to make us feel that fluffy coat of hers.

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  15. Suzanne, I would think painting Diva was not the easiest project and you accomplished the painting beautifully. I am sure Diva's owners love the painting. It is very sensitive and the fur is just lovely. Have a Happy New Year!

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  16. I think she's beautiful. Happy new year.

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  17. You have done such an amazing job on Diva! The way you have mastered her fur makes a body want to run their fingers through it! You sure haven't lost your touch! All the best in 2015...health, happiness, and a peace that passéth all understanding!

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  18. This is so beautiful! love what I've seen here.

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  19. Suz, I feel your heart. This poodle is awesome and I too can get lost in the colors in her fur, especially in that ear. I no longer have much heart for anything either so I can understand some of what you are feeling. I hope you two rejuvenate your spirits and your muses.

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Your visits to my blog and the comments you leave here are an integral part of my creative process. They are helpful, supportive and well, let's face it, they feel really good! If I don't thank you personally, please allow me to thank you in advance for taking the time to stop by and leave your thoughts, they mean so much!