gone to the dogs

artEAST went to the dogs last night.

You should have been there.

Pandy Savage McVay organized on a wonderful Creature Comforts show

and even recruited the figure drawing group 

to transfer their talents to drawing the canine variety.

What fun to watch the artists work as the dogs tried hard

to hold their poses.

Pandy's dog Tessa seemed to like it.

And then we met Buddy, Beaver Lake Middle School's mascot.

What a face!

And Lucy was very motivated to sit still as her owner had a treat in his hand - 

it worked well.

Our last model, Horton, was so relaxed he just took a cat nap -

maybe that should be a 'dog' nap?

 Fun was had by all.
It was a wonderful evening
and I hope we do it again.
Come check out the drawings - 
all proceeds from sales of the sketches go to pay for upcoming models
(that would be the human variety).
The Creature Comforts show continues through July 14.

Sammi Awards and iPad brushes app combined

Several months ago I was honored to have this painting chosen

to be a top 10 finalist in the Sammi Awards.

I created this piece as a metaphor to represent how each of us can bloom.  

We may be born from a humble beginning (as in a simple terra cotta pot), 

but we can overcome those hurdles and bloom in a spectacular way 

that is individual to each of us and sheds beauty on our fellow man.

This was how I described my painting on the application.

The annual Sammi Awards are our city's tribute 

to citizens who are unsung heroes

and make a difference

in all the little ways that really matter.

It was fun to see the art show that goes along with it and meet

fellow artists and nominees too.

And as I have been bit by the iPad 'brushes' app,

as if you did not know...

I thought I would see how close I could replicate the above painting 

on my iPad.

 step 1 - background and texture

 step 2 -  a little outlining

 step 3 - more build up in layers

and finally some buttons added with pic monkey.

Voila -  no paint or brushes,

just fingers and an app.

a Sunday Blessing

Just listening to him preach takes my breath away...

If you need a pick-me-up today

then listen to his words of encouragement.

I know I am bias as he is my son, but...

he speaks poignantly, with a message of hope for all.

If this isn't your thing,

then skip, 

and I will be back this week with 

student art lessons.

http://jtholderman.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/jesus-is-our-only-hope/

What happens when the Queen's Diamond Jubilee falls on a full moon?

What happens when the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

falls on a full moon?

Well let's just say things get a little weird...

at least in my odd little world.
Enjoy the full moon tomorrow.
Do your crows have their moon glasses ready?
I need to remind mine...

so sorry

I do so feel that I am neglecting my little blog.

sorry.

I have so much to share,

but somehow the spunk has just

up and left.

I still have two weeks of school

so after that I should be able to give it some tlc right?

I told you a while back that I was traveling.

We went and visited these two

 and we ate in New York...

and I took my grand puppy for a walk in the New Jersey countryside.

 and my boys got to reconnect

 and time was spent with Einstein

 and we were so proud

 and we partied

 and saw the Brooklyn Bridge

 and visited my favorite art museum

and had fun.

I promise to share the wonderful art I saw

as well as the celebration.

It's not everyday we get to celebrate 

our son completing his M.Div. at Princeton.

so very happy!

not your typical Saturday night

What a fun evening mingling with animal lovers!

The show is up through mid-July if you just happen to visit

Issaquah, Washington.

You will be glad you did!

Creature Comforts

Check out this really cool flyer

for the upcoming show at UP Front Art Gallery.

If you live nearby Issaquah,

please join me for the opening this Saturday evening.

I would love to mingle with you...

If you look closely above,

you will see my girl with crow.

I also have another piece in the show too.

Yippee - what a fun show!

"Reading with Rover" at artEAST Boomer reading, courtesy Reading with Rover Thursday May 31st 6:30 - 7:30 & Saturday June 16th 1:00 - 2:00 Families with school-aged children who are learning to read or developing greater confidence to read well are invited to come and read to established "Reading with Rover" trained dogs and their handlers. The dogs all promise to be calm and compassionate listeners, so please bring readers with the capacity to sit and read quietly with the dogs, library rules apply. To learn more about the "Reading with Rover" program, go to Reading With Rover.

"Pup Walk" Wednesday June 6th 6:00 - 7:30 & Saturday June 16th 2:30 - 4:00 Visit the gallery and see the show with your own pup! Gallery guests may bring in well-behaved and leashed dogs during these posted times. Pups who have tails that break also have owner's that buy. For pups with energetic tails, the back entrance will also be available for access to the show. "Scout" by Ellen Borison  Canine Figure Drawing Demonstration: Thursday, June 14th 5:00 - 7:00pm Join artEAST's own premier figure drawing group for a "Canine Figure Drawing" studio session. Guided by instructor Ellen Borison, members of the group will be drawing an established set of dog models. The  event is  open to the public. Look at the other fun events planned. (Unfortunately my computer is being stubborn and will not let me format the information correctly...sigh.)