Pet Portrait Commission

Sammy
© 2013 Claudia Ballard
8x10 on canvas panel
Private Collection

I just finished this 8 x 10 commission of a lab retriever named Sammy, who LOVES leopard.  She is a grand old lady of 15, but she still knows how to party...especially in the swimming pool!  Will let this dry today and then varnish and deliver to her owners.  Really makes me feel good to paint such a beautiful pup, knowing how much her family will enjoy it. 

Reflecting on 2012



Pack Horses
©2012 Claudia Ballard
16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

 

This year I have been very privileged to be part of a free year-long art mentorship under the capable hands of my dear friend and master landscape artist Linda Blondheim of Gainesville.  Linda has been incredibly generous with all of us this year; sharing her time, knowledge, and marketing expertise.  Not everyone survived the process.  But those of still standing at the end have learned from each other and formed what I hope will be long-lasting friendships.

Looking back over this year, I am frustrated that I did not accomplish more.  Health issues caused me several setbacks this summer.  I did not push myself as much as I could have.  However, I have started a blog, launched myself kicking and screaming into social media ;->, discovered that my true love is painting animals, written an artist statement and  my bio, learned how to critique my own work, had two mail marketing campaigns, held a successful contest among viewers for the cutest pet portrait, and even improved in my technique.

Now it is time to push out of the safety of the nest in 2013.  This time I am flying solo, setting my goals, juggling business with easel time.  There will be no mentor hovering and pushing me, saving me from near disaster.  The mentorship may have come to an end, but the adventure is just beginning. 

 

 

Birds of a Feather

Congratulations to November's pet portrait contest winner, Stefanie Robinson!!  Stefanie submitted a photo of her adorable lab, Sammie, and she will receive an unframed 8 x 10 custom portrait in acrylics, a $70 value.  It is just that simple to have a painting made of your furry or feathered companion.



Pretty Parrot
© 2012 Claudia Ballard
acrylic on 5 x 7 canvas panel

Well, I seem to be on an avian streak this past couple of weeks.  The sandhills are becoming regular visitors in our yard and are becoming less shy.  I painted this pretty bird several weeks ago.  It reminds me so much of the stunning macaws and cockatoos and parrots visited at Busch Gardens in Tampa as a child.  Of course, when I was that little, the birds were a lot bigger.  :->