Almost A Doodle A Day... For Niki

Water Dogs (Niki Up Date)

2007-06-15T12:25:00.001-07:00

Last few days finds Nik-Nak very stiff and weak. We still have not found a pool so rather then wait Mike made a trip to Target and picked up two kiddie pools (not sure how long they will last even though the dogs nails are short....easy to puncture a hole).

First thing this morning filled it up and started introducing her to it.

She sure did think it was an evil....refused to go near it. In the end, she is such a chow hound and will work for food. I of course managed to photograph the process....take a few minutes to sit back and enjoy ;-)

Hopefully we can get her to feeling better, and help her to regain her strength once again....keep your fingers crossed for her!

A Day in the Life...

2007-06-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Bear and Rusty Proofs

2007-06-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Bear the rottie mix.

Rusty the Golden!

"Huh"

2007-06-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is the Golden look for "Who Me???"

Day Lilies in bloom...

2007-06-11T11:52:00.001-07:00

Despite the drought I still have a few lovely day lilies to enjoy and photograph.

I also have a few blooms on the Hosta plant.

Mikey

2007-06-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is Michael with one of his best friends....Mikey. Mikey died a few years back, he was a rescue that was sent to me for evaluation...a bit on the aggressive side. During his time with us he turned into the dog that he should have always been....very sweet....loving.
This image was taken at the house we rented on the beach....I was actually a distance a way on the balcony....I pushed the lenses limit....then did a bit of work to it in Photoshop.....in other words....not the best photograph....but still...one of my most favorite. These two just adored one another and it so shows. Boy....we sure do miss our Mikey!
To those of you that do not make use of your camera....you will always have your memories, but to have a photograph...well what a smile it brings to my face. To capture a moment that just might have been forgotten...priceless!

The "Pack"

2007-06-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Rocky's first year went by way too quickly!

Nik-Naks most FAV toy!

Look at those ears....focused on Niki!

Phoenie, Gem Nik and Rocky....they posed themselves!

As you can see in the photo's Niki is not in her cart...still "wobbly" in the hind area, but the cart is used for those days when she seems very weak. I give her as much freedom as she can handle. In the house the play pen has been boxed up and put up, she runs free in the house and is very good at "Go to your Bed" which is her safe zone for when the goldens get a littel frisky, or when I am cleaning....not safe for her to be wandering around when I am busy (I could trip over her and hurt her).Still, not much improvement in the last couple of months, still I am very pleased with what she can do.

I have been looking at pools and hope by the end of the month we will be doing our physical therapy at home. I have been wondering about the pool for I have never had one before....my yard is always so full of wildlife because of the wooded area behind us....will I be finding animals in the pool...just a thought I had....really do not want to find "dead" critters :-(

The "Mart"

2007-06-02T14:05:00.002-07:00

Just a few new items in at the "Mart"....if in the Atlanta area please stop by and visit with us. We are in the McDonough Peachtree Peddlers Mart every weekend. Drop off your photographs so Dee can create a lovely Painted Portrait for you, or set up a photography session.
We have original canvas prints for sale, 11x14 art prints, night lights , chimes and sport dog beds (my four dogs have given the "Paws" up on these...Baseball, Football and Soccer)....you can also order your furry friends dog food at the booth. Flint River Ranch food is one of the best higher end dog foods (all ingredients are US grown).
Please know we ship all items sold.
Come by and say Hi!

Turbo

2007-05-30T15:38:00.001-07:00

Less scary looking once the eyes are painted in...oh and of course, the whiskers!

On the easel....will complete tomorrow morning....stay tuned ;-)

BBQ

2007-05-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Mom was wrong, go a head....play with your food!

"Peaches"

2007-05-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Starting to look good enough to eat!

Today's doodle, still very much a wip.
Will scribble here and there throughout the day, stay tuned!

Alex

2007-05-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

Water Reflections

2007-05-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

"Sail Boats"

2007-05-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

"Sailing"

2007-05-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Had some free time so did a quick finish to this one.

On the easel this afternoon is a lovely ocean view painting. Dreary day here in the Atlanta area....would much rather have this view when looking out my window ;-)

Will finish it soon.

"The Shawl"

2007-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Had some time to finish this one up.

One the Easel this afternoon....

Chalks....still a ways to go on this one.

Time for a break....all the dogs are wanting to play....so time for some fun!!!

The Making of a Baby...

2007-05-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Last break of the day, almost there.

Had a few extra minutes in between other work to work on this a little.

Making some progress...but still very much a WIP.

On the easel for today is a charcoal of the baby I painted the other day. This is just a doodle and just needing to do something without having to worry about anything so in the end it

will be based very loosely on the original subject.

As you can tell, usually I have several sketches and paintings going at the same time
It is a very wise thing to take breaks and walk away....start a new with fresh eyes.

Sketch

2007-05-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

I love using the chalks....while this is a B/W I added color to the eyes to draw more attention to them.

"Gerber Baby"

2007-05-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

I get soooo many inquires as to if I work with people...most artists become known for photographing, or painting particular subjects. I happen to work very well with animals....interesting for it is something not all can do very well.

Photographing and painting children is another "subject" that one must develop a talent for. For me, when working on a portrait it is all about the eyes. One must have the ability to tell the story, capture the true personality.....all through the eyes.

The high key image to the right was completed using chalks and will be placed on a tee shirt and coffee mug for "Mother's Day".

This second version...a colorful background was added, along with a bit more color through out. This has been printed on canvas and stretched over a wood frame (Gallery Wrapped Canvas).

Coming Soon....Paw Prints "Raising Canine" DVD

2007-05-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah....I have been working on putting together a training DVD that covers not only teaching commands but also demonstrates applying them to every day situations (such as sitting at the door, remaining in a down position during dogs food preparation, when family is eating, how grooming will go so much easier while incorporating commands such as sit, down, stand, etc).
You will be able to purchase the DVD alone, or with the training package that includes DVD, canvas bag, martingale style collar, 20 ft. long line and treats.

Dog Food Safety

2007-05-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

As many of you know in recent months many of the dogs foods available on the market have been recalled. I have since gotten numerous questions about just what food I am feeding my dogs....I feed them Flint River and have done so for many years. Phoenix at the moment is being fed the Fish and Potato food, Rocky and the "girls" are being fed Lamb Meal, Millet and Rice. Please know that I am also a distributor so if any of you have any interests in feeding this food just contact me and I will send further info.

Thanks!!!

Support your local artists and small businesses!

On the Easel... "Care Free"

2007-05-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

This afternoon after an agility session and good play with the dogs I sat in the yard and just watched them for a little while as I was sketching a cardinal at the Bird feeder.

All were resting comfortably when along comes a lovely Butterfly. It fluttered around so very care free....the adult dogs all noticed it....no interest. Rocky suddenly spied it and he took off after it....big goofy grin...running and jumping in the air.....the butterfly fluttered here and there and when s/he was gone....poor Rocky looked as though he lost his best friend. Still very much a puppy regardless of his size.

Only had a few minutes to do something quick so did a quick muck up and will continue with this during the course of the week in between the other paintings. He will be a year old next week and soon, like the other it will not be as much fun to have a little dance with a butterfly.

Tiffany Night Lights & Windchimes

2007-05-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

Starting this weekend we will have at the flea market lovely hand crafted Tiffany night lights....a beautiful parrot, kittie, sailboat. Along with beautiful hand crafted Tiffany night lights are the wind chimes in large and small sizes. ...these will make great little gifts for Mom. Don't forget, Mothers Day is Sunday May 13th.
I ordered a small quantity only....so if interested come visit us, or contact me. I will be more then happy to ship.

Also....anyone wanting to order Pampered Chef items I will be posting a website a little later to do so....lets have the first virtual party.

Above right: Parrot Night Light $15.99 (Several fun and lovely designs)
Left: Small Wind Chimes $19.99
Below....my favorite: Cat Bird Feeder $34.99
Questions??? Contact me @ dee59@aol.com

"Happy"

2007-05-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

"Bandit"

2007-05-03T15:31:00.001-07:00

"The Butterfly"

2007-05-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Took a few minutes to paint something colorful and cheerful.

"Heron"

2007-05-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a lovely portrait of this beautiful dog that has recently died. When I am given images of such beloved family members it is only natural that I also get to know the dog. Each has their own personality and their person is always so willing to tell me stories. During the course of painting I tend to get a little sad knowing the dog is no longer with us....so I take a break and work on something else for a little while.

This was today's little break.

Coyotes and Pets...

2007-05-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

On the Easel...."The Coyote" a WIP.

In the news as of late have been reports of an increase in the number of coyotes.....pretty silly if you ask me. It is the fact that these animals have no where to set up dens for there is little land left in so many of the counties surrounding Atlanta. The spring is when these animals are looking for a safe den to raise thier pups....this is when you will have the most conflicts.
MOST of the counties in the Atlanta area have leash laws....that is right....leash laws. Do not allow your pets to roam....keep them on leash. Know the weight of a coyote is about 35 lbs. Many of the small breed dogs, and cats are considered prey....keep them on leash (yep, leash law applies to your kitties as well).
We can share what little land is left with these animals with safety in mind...

**Do not feed coyotes
**If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones.
**Do not allow pets to run free.
**Do not feed pets outside.
**Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.
**Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you do feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.
**Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level.
**Remove brush and tall grass from around your property to reduce protective cover for coyotes
**Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
**Regulated hunting and trapping increases the "fear" coyotes have towards people.
**Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.

Mother's Day Tee Shirt....

2007-04-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Best Friends

2007-04-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

How lucky these two are to have one another!

A very quick sketch created without them knowing what I was doing....loved working on this for them!!

Coconut Cake

2007-04-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Better to paint this then eat it ;-)

INGREDIENTS:1 white cake mix with pudding1 can Coco Casa or other cream of coconut1 can sweetened condensed milkWhipped Topping3 1/2 ounces coconut, about 1 1/3 cupPREPARATION:
Make and bake cake according to package directions, in a greased and floured 9x13 pan. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven poke holes all over the cake. Combine Coco Casa or other cream of coconut and 1 can of sweetened condensed milk; pour over the cake.When cool spread whipped topping over top and sprinkle with coconut. Refrigerate; serve chilled. This is really rich and VERY moist. Serve in SMALL pieces.

2007-04-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

The first virtual cake....shared with a few of my friends!

Niki Update....

2007-04-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

I have received a few e-mails inquiring how Nik Nak is doing....
she is well, Thank You so for asking about her. Puppy Rocky has to be brought in the next few weeks to be neutered (1 year old in a few weeks). Niki will be going for the ride for she needs her rabies shot and her urine checked. Because of where her injury occured on her spine, I must help empty her bladder through out the day to prevent pooling which causes bacteria to form and therefore can cause an infection. Although I am very good about this and we have prevented infections from occuring, best to get the urine checked to stay on top of it.

Due to the warmer weather arriving I have been thinking about getting a small pool....it must have a filtering system, etc....along with a solar cover to help keep the water warm. I doubt they make these covers for that small a pool...maybe I could trim excess off a larger sized one??
This weekend I will head out and about to see what is available. I am thinking of doing her therapy work here at home until fall arrives. I will have to of course take her to a therapist that specializes in this type of work so I can be taught just what exercises will help her best. This type of water therapy is differant then the water treadmill therapy.
There is a small...almost looks plastic one being sold....wanting to go see what is available, if anyone knows anything about pools feel free in contacting me with any info you might have.
Bad weather on it's way here in the Atlanta area....stay safe!

Serenity On th Easel WIP

2007-04-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

We all need a quiet monment and that is exactly what I was thinking when I started paining this.

Hopefully I will complete this soon, will post when I do.

**WIP=Works In Progress

Jessie

2007-04-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Not everyone wants a portrait painted....so we also can create a portrait by sketching the subject. Paper can be of any color.

Swan Lake

2007-04-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Was "cleaning" house so to speak, discarding old files and ran across this. One of my first freehand paintings....thought I would post here to share!

Pop Art

2007-04-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yeah....for those that love the fun, colorful look of pop art we are now offering this for tee shirts, mugs and prints. I will be posting different styles within the next few weeks.

Photo Books & Touching up old Photographs

2007-04-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

My Mother requested a few photo's of Niki. So, I have been putting together a little book of images and have been working on a few of her favorites of when her girls were young to add to the book.
Sadly...they were in very bad shape. This one actually appeared to at one time have gotten stuck on another photo and when removed parts of the image throughout was pulled off.

Since these images are not going to be enlarged, nor will it be hung (sized 4x6) I did not paint, but rather just added to the image here and there.

My Sisters, Debbie and Donna.

2007-04-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Both of the above are of me mannnny years ago. The photo books make wonderful gifts that you and your family can do together, or you can have it professionally put together for a reasonable fee. Mother's Day is right around the corner, do something special.

2007-04-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Boarding....

2007-04-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, Niki, Gemma and our guest...Sammy!

Taking Sammy's photograph and turn to see these two!

Sammy comes to stay with us once, sometimes twice a year. He is an intact make and was raised as an only dog...not number one in this house, just part of the pack. The puppy and Sammy did not get along this visit....Sammy likes being the only intact male around....Rocky is not yet neutered....soon.

On the Easel...

2007-04-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Started working on this late in the afternoon.

Thought I would try to share the process...still very much a WIP. Will try to work on it again sometime tomorrow.

Spring Classes

2007-04-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Basic Dog Obedience week night class, 6 week $85.00 Jonesboro (outside).
Basic Dog Obedience, May 2nd, 6 week $95.00 Tyrone (inside and out).
Agility Class week night class, 6 weeks $85.00 (Dogs must be Obedience Trained...basic level) Jonesboro (outside).
Digital Photography Class May 2nd 6 weeks $95.00 Tyrone (Field Trip included)
Digital Photography Class 4 weeks $55.00 McDonough (weekend class)
How to take Better Photographs of your Children & Pets 4 weeks $55.00 (weekend class) McDonough

Contact Dee: dee59@aol.com

Nude Series

2007-04-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Had some time for a quick sketch this afternoon. The human form is so amazing....so many lines, curves and shapes.

Niki & Pack

2007-04-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Phoenix & "puppy" Rocky (11 months old this month).

2007-04-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Niki update. She is doing wonderful. We have not seen much as far as progress as of late...still further along then we thought she would be. The biggest thing is that with the exercises we have stopped further loss of muscle...and that is a very big deal. For those new to this blog, feel free in searching the site for Niki's Tale. Several video clips....as will I be adding updates.

The "Nude"

2007-04-03T14:53:00.001-07:00

I had a time for a quick sketch!

Horses

2007-04-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Not sure where I saw this image....it haunted me until I paintined it.

Oh....this painting is not for sale.

Easter Egg Decorating

2007-03-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

In one of the art forums I belong to, we each were asked to "Decorate" an Easter Egg using the image to the left.

To all of our friends...

Happy Passover,

Happy Easter!

Everyone loves A Boston!

2007-03-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Who could resist those eyes!

Dee's Tulips

2007-03-27T16:16:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite paintings is a Renoir called tulips in a vase.

While mine clearly is Not a Renoir....had fun painting it all the same. This painting is not for sale....if you like this....you will love the original and posters are sold just about everywhere.

Max

2007-03-26T10:38:00.001-07:00

Sunrise

2007-03-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing better then early morning light.

This painting is not for sale.

Cantaloupe

2007-03-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Just a colorful cantaloupe for lunch this afternoon.

Another of Nevia...

2007-03-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

This one has a little more color and is a different pose. She was just too cute to not have another go at painting her.

Paw Prints Booth

2007-03-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

Our booth at the market....we are selling paintings on canvas, 11x14 prints and tee shirts. Hopefully this weekend the mug press will be ready to go....keeping our fingers crossed!

2007-03-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is a Little girl that is at the market on the weekends. She is adorable so had my camera with me and took a few shots, then painted her.

Calendars

2007-03-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

How fun is this, for the remainder of March pick 12 of the lovely paintings found on this blog and we will make a calendar just for you. Starting whatever month you would like (don't forget Mother's Day is right around the corner, great gift). Just $25.00 ($15.00 S&H).
Will post into paypal tomorrow when I have more time, along with the link to my web site.
Check back with us!

"Lets Dance"

2007-03-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

Just felt like a dance ;-)

Rocky's Recall

2007-03-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

Soccer

2007-03-02T14:31:00.001-08:00

Rehab 2

2007-03-02T13:53:00.001-08:00

Rehab

2007-03-02T13:30:00.001-08:00

Agility 2

2007-03-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

Agility 1

2007-03-02T12:22:00.000-08:00

Teaching Niki agility....even dogs that have special needs can have some fun!

"Grazing"

2007-03-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Another in the mood for Spring painting...rainy, damp day here in the S.E.

Painting Slide....Enjoy!

2007-02-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

Spring Day

2007-02-26T13:44:00.000-08:00

Another lovely day here in Atlanta. Image is from Paint Outside the Forum.

Weechie

2007-02-24T18:24:00.000-08:00

I did not know Weechie, her person asked me to paint a portrait from a photograph. Weechie passed away a year or so ago....no doubt she is very much missed!

Phoenix

2007-02-23T15:46:00.001-08:00

One month ago.

Horse in Color

2007-02-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

Just a quick scribble for this afternoons painting....who doesnt love horses?

Canoe

2007-02-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Just a doodle.....looks like a good day to spend just relaxing and taking in the sights....of course you need to bring along someone to row ;-)

Poppies

2007-02-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

More flowers....spring is right around the corner.

Trouble....

2007-02-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

In color!

2007-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Gemma in color!

"Golden"

2007-02-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

Wanted to do Phoenix in color so this morning he was more then happy to be my model and came up with this!

Roses

2007-02-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Walk With Me
If you have learned to walk a little more sure-footedly than I,

Be patient with my stumbling then...and know that only as I do my best and try...

May I attain the goal for which we all strive.
If through experience, your soul has gained heights which I

As yet in dim-lit vision see...

Hold out your hand and point the way,

Lest from its straightness I should stray,

And walk a mile with me.

To all of our friends...

Happy Valentines Day!

I was lost in space....

2007-02-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Wow....it looked as though I was missing in action...I could not sign into my blog. Had no problem getting into a few others, but not
mine;-) Thought I would have to start allll over when this morning gave it another go, and here we are.....whew.
I have several new things to add, will see if I get to all of it today. First....here is a painting I completed the other day. Some have said it was a tad scary....I love this, I love the looks of the relationship between the two.
Will post again a little later....also add the update to my blog site for all to take a peek at how Niki is doing.

Waiting...

2007-01-31T10:56:00.000-08:00

This pup is waiting for his favorite person to arrive back home....do you think there will be any flowers left??

Roses

2007-01-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

Just a quick little colorful painting. I have been very busy getting ready to open my art booth this weekend, Lets not forget Nik-Nak....who by the way is doing well! Brought her into rehab today so she is a very tired pup. Managed to get some video, will post the link to You Tube a little later...do come back to check it out. While I haven been getting hits on this site and You Tube....not many comments. Come On Now....don't be shy, we don't bite ;-)

"Day Dreamin"

2007-01-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

Just completed the finishing touches on this one....another of my favorites, but then anything with a golden in it becomes a favorite!

Niki is doing well, I have a few photos to upload and of course there is her video...take a peek...well worth it:

Too Tired

2007-01-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

This is a favorite of mine. This was a commissioned painting of a puppy just too tired to get his ball...deciding instead to just allow the waves to bring the ball back to him. I kept thinking of my pup Rocky as I painted this one.

An Apple a Day

2007-01-24T14:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a Pear,

today an Apple....yum!

Tomorrow maybe a bowl of

fruit....or a candy bar...we shall see what I am in

the mood to paint...Enjoy!!!

One Pear

2007-01-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

This is really yesterdays painting. I had so much running around this afternoon I did not get to paint one for today. Maybe tonight!
Yep....it is always bound to happen....the painting of still life.
Have some pears and a few apples, let see what I can come up with....wait until I start painting deserts ;-)
Felt like a splash of color....enjoy!

Running Free

2007-01-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

This morning finds me a very tired gal....Niki as well. Her rear legs seem to be a bit weak, so a day of rest for her. Just some massage and a few walks here and there (with support of course).
After a short cart run I decided to do my painting....was admiring a few photographs of some magnificent horses and decided to paint something a little more colorful. Going to be a rainy day so maybe will get the opportunity to open the new pastels I purchased yesterday...stay tuned for some pastel works!
Don't forget to comment ;-)

Hibiscus

2007-01-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

It looks as though I did not paint anything yesterday, oh but I did ;-)
The painting of me and Phoenix was added this morning, painted yesterday. Needed something of me so had a go at it.
Today's painting is a lovely Hibiscus from last spring. In all fairness, I am cheating just a tad for this was not painted today, started a while ago and this morning added a bit of color to complete and placed here. Will appear in the e-bay store later today.

Niki is doing wonderful this morning. For those wanting to take a peek at her progress I have set up some video...feel free in visiting at:
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=pawprintsinc
Don't forget to leave a comment.
New clips will appear weekly.

Wild Coyote

2007-01-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

I was thinking wild life this morning. Had seen a painting with the most outstanding colors....just so happened to have a photograph, so I painted away.
This was created on the PC using chalk and pastels.
If interested in this print visit my ebay store:

http://stores.ebay.com/A-Painting-a-Day-for-Niki

Beach Scene

2007-01-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

This was created on the PC....was looking in a book for ideas for creating a painting a day, well a difficult task at best...I must remember to keep fruit in the house....makes great subject matter.

Niki's Accident and Cart