Abby & Ivy, Sheltie Sisters...(in Progress)

"Abby & Ivy," 18"x 24" (nfs, private commission)

(in progress)

Still working on this piece, as well as a large Westie portrait, but I thought I'd give you a peek where I am up to. Hoping to finish both in the next week or so. I don't like to rush portraits because I know they will be something the owner will cherish for years to come and I want every customer of mine to be pleased with the end result! Stay tuned! :)

NEW Magazine Blog from Ki Nassauer & Matthew Mead Just Launched!

I wanted to be sure to pass on a bit of exciting news from Linda MacDonald over at Restyled Home, who is their Editor-at-Large for the new Flea Market Style Magazine!:

"I just wanted to share that the new

Flea Market Style magazine blog
(from style experts Ki Nassauer and Matthew Mead)
has just been launched and I would like to invite you all to come check it out!
The blog is a behind-the-scenes look
at the making of the magazine
and some of the features include:
A Fly on the Wall, Comings and Goings,
Flea marketing tips and inspiration,
past projects and future inspirations,
and an introduction to the Flea Market Style team."

They are planning on including the blogging community in this venture, so be sure to grab their blog button & add it to your blog to help promote the magazine! You can also ask to be added to their blog roll! So, be sure to check it out!
(*AND you can follow them on Facebook as well!)

Currently on My Easel: Kadie, the Westie and Abby & Ivy, Sheltie Sisters

"Kadie," 16"x 20", oil on stretched canvas,
(nfs,private commission)
(in progress)


"Abby & Ivy," 18"x 24", oil on stretched canvas,
$550 (nfs, private commission)
(in progress)

I thought I'd show you what I am currently working on...the funny thing is, these are two of the biggest portraits I've ever done and I'm working on them simultaneously! It is a bit challenging, given the size of these portraits, but I am really enjoying working so large! Stay tuned for further updates this week and of course the grand finale!

Meet Mini Mason, the Golden Retriever...Painting in Oil

"Mini Mason," 3"x 4", oil on stretched canvas (nfs)

This is a small piece I completed for one of the winners randomly chosen from my 1st Blog Art Giveaway a few weeks back...this is Mason, an adorable Golden Retriever from "Who Says Dogs Don't Blog...the Day and the Life of Mason Dixie." It was a bit of a challenge to get enough detail into something so small, but after some 3 years of doing ACEO, miniature style paintings I hope it is at least a fairly good likeness to her! :o)

The Funniest & Nicest Compliment Yet! :o)

"Sammy," 5"x 7", oil on canvas (SOLD)

I painted this piece of a beloved Golden Retriever named 'Sammy' a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to share a snippet of an email I received from Sammy's Dad...it's one of the funniest and nicest compliments I've ever received and is why I wake up everyday ready to pick up my brushes and play all day with paint! :o)

"It's funny... when I look at the original picture... nothing. When I look at this picture(painting)... tears... original picture... nothing... this picture(painting)... tears. How do you do it... what is your secret ingredient??? It's like you have somehow painted in the swelling music they place in movies to move the audience towards any emotion they want you to feel. Maybe it's just me, but I'll be watching our friends as they look at this piece. I'll swear you did something ; ) "

Have a great day,

--Daryl

http://darylsawatzky.com/

"Chip," Chocolate Labrador Retriever Painting in OIL by Lara Harris

"Chip" 5"x 7", oil on canvas
(SOLD, thank you!)
10% donated to
Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue

This is 'Chip,' a beloved Chocolate Lab owned by Janet Hug. I will be adding his story once I hear back from Janet :o)
(Update: Here is what Janet had to say about her beloved 'Chip'...)


Lara, I can't thank you enough for the beautiful painting of my treasured and much beloved Chocolate Labrador, Chip. He was my faithful and devoted companion through many boat rides, walks, evenings laying at my feet, observing simple chores around the house, countless meals in the kitchen and rides in the car. He touched my heart and soul and knew exactly how I was feeling at every moment. He was that special dog that everyone wishes they had forever. I was blessed to have him by my side for 10 glorious years.

Thank you, Janet Hug