Owner: Art 4 Critters URL:art4critters.blogspot.com Join Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 10:09:10 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: This blog is the daily journal of the 77 member strong group Art 4 Critters. These artists are united by a desire to help animals and donate portions of their sales to a multitude of animal charities.
Every day a different member posts a piece of art Site statistics:Click here
You Can Help Us Help Them 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The dog pictured to the left is Lobo. He came to us about a year ago and took up residence on our front porch. He was heartworm positive and in need of a home. We took him in and he's been a great companion to our other dog Bandit. My family is grateful to have him. There are so many dogs who are not as lucky as Lobo but there are a lot of people out there who are willing to help them. You can help us help those people.Have you ever walked through a crowded animal shelter and looked into the eyes of the animal behind the cage? When you did, what did you see? Every time I walk through the shelter and look at the animal behind the cage, I see want. I see love, I see need and I see forgiveness for every wrong doing that has ever been done to them. I don't see an animal, I see a living creature. A deserving creature. A loving soul in need of a place to call home. They can't help it that they are where they are. They have no control over what happens to them. Their life is in our hands,
THIS is why we do what we do! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I had to share this email I just received with you, its from one of the animal charities we donate to, Happy Paws Haven. THIS is why we do what we do!"...And we could not have done what we were able to do last year without the kindness and support of each and every one of you. What a blessing it is to have had the moral support you all gave Silvia and Hanna and I last year. We have adopted all but 5 of the Scant City kittens and 4 mother cats. Of the 40 cats rescued all survived and the mothers and babies are wonderful, loving teenagers and adults now.Now, we've started a new year...We just brought in a male Rottweiler mix, about 4 years old that appears to have been chained most of his life. He weighs 64 pounds, about 30 pounds underweight.Horace's pictures were taken at the Vet last Saturday, February 3rd. He "drifted" into a man's yard dragging an 8 foot (2.5 meter) chain that weighs about 20 pounds, or 8 kilos. I got the call 2 Sundays ago and never got the name of the guy calli
Positive Thoughts 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Wow. That's a tough post to follow. It is really nice to hear back from one of our charities about how our donations help them do what they do. I've never been to a shelter. I can't make myself go. I can't look into those eyes and then walk away. I applaud each and every rescuer....what stamina and love it takes for them to do the jobs they do. I can only cheer from the sidelines and offer up a portion of what I do best to try to help the little lost souls. Hip-hip-hooray to you overworked and underpaid animal saving people!!!! My heart is with you!!!I just watched the Oprah show about "The Secret". I think it's something everyone should look into. I had already decided to make a difference in my own life this year....to try to be positive and remember that the stuff we throw out into the universe comes back to us ten-fold....good and bad. Some very kind people are helping to show me the way, and I certainly hope that I can stay with the plan.We need to remember each da Read more:Positive
Wrinkles & Creases 1970-01-01 00:59:59 copyright W.DeWitt 2007image size 6" x 6"medium: watercolorBulldogs are unique dogs, aren't they? What else looks like a bulldog? When my little terrier mix dog saw this bulldog belonging to friends of mine it was obvious that he was not quite sure that it was a dog he was looking at. When we were last visiting Dave and Carolyn, the proud owners of my model here, my dog definitely was a little spooked. I do believe he thought he was looking at a walking footstool.Bulldogs are known for their expressive mugs, their affectionate manner, and for being extra fond of a snack. It was really fun painting this bulldog. The creases and wrinkles! If you are a bulldog owner you probably enjoy the funny side of life for who can look at a bulldog and not smile?Our animal group of focus this month is Shar Pei Savers. You can find them at http://sharpeisavers.com/ if you would like to know more or make a donation directly to them. This week I have painted both a bulldog and a Shar Pei dog and I'
Murphy 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Murphy Ive always loved animals but Murphy is the reason I dedicate so much time to their rescue. I see the effect he has on people and on me as well. I have witnessed first hand as he encounters someone in the middle of the day to day rat race complete with a snarl that says they might snap at any minute, and Ive seen that look just melt before my eyes as a smile appears in its place. (And they smile)I drive down the highway in rush hour traffic and I see things I wouldnt notice if it werent for him. Now, because of him, I hear the barking in the distance that has his attention. Just before he sees the labrador in the SUV in front of us, who is dancing around the back seat because he has seen Murph as well...and I see the smile on his owners face. Then Murphy sticks his head out the window and says hello to folks in car to our right, and I see a trail of smiles behind us as people point and smile. I take him for a walk in the city and people that were in a hurry stop and reach down.. Read more:Murphy
Happy Valentines Day! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It's kind of funny, what this holiday means at this point in my life. First of all, it's NOT a big romantic occasion. That's not to say I don't adore my hubby, cause' I do! It's just that we do not normally spend big bucks (or even little bucks) on each other on Valentine's Day, because we seem to be always under a tight budget raising two beautiful children and living in this wholesome/pricey country place. And it's not about frilly pretty stuff for me either -- being the horse-crazed middle aged woman that I am, I get a lot more thrilled about a new pair of riding boots or a rusty old trailer (which was my 15th wedding anniversary gift, the best ever!!)When I think of Valentine's Day now, I see RED. Yup, that's what comes to mind. It must be my artist's interpretation of the world, but whenever I imagine Valentine I see that vibrant, rich, dramatic color. Red, in nature and among the critters, never fails to move me. The unbelievable red of a cardinal on a cold, snow Read more:Happy
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Swimming with the fishes 1970-01-01 00:59:59 5"x7" WatercolorClick here to bidOne reason I paint mermaids and beach scenes is that I'm a certified diver living in Florida. But my interest in aquatic life doesn't end when I leave the water. The photo below is of George, a young barracuda that hung about the shallow ledge of my canalfront home in the Florida Keys. The mangrove snapper that lurked nearby gave him hell, too. They knew I favored him, so the moment I lobbed a tasty morsel to George, the poor guy had to grab and run. I have to admit it was kind of funny though, watching a two foot barracuda streak off with a dozen or so snapper on his tail. Well, that's enough about me. Now for the important stuff!A portion of this auction (of the mermaid, not George) goes to Knick 'O Time Horse Rescue, a Colorado based organization dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, unwanted and slaughter bound horses, ponies and other equines such as 'Long Shot', a severely emaciated and abused colt that they suspect was used as a Rodeo Read more:Swimming
So thankful there are those who can.... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Rio"An Oil Paintingby Lee MitchelsonA Kiger Coltowned by Dianne ChaffeeCanyon Creek Kigersavailable for purchase10% donation to Knick O' Timehttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250085386512 I am so grateful that Knick O' Time can travel to the feedlots where horses are suffering so and bring those that they can out of such misery and fear. And of course they have many animals from other situations that end up with them for some "TLC" and rehabilitation. I have alot of rescued animals myself, but only five of them are horses. That's all I have room for. And,as everyone knows, horses are expensive to keep. Feed is costly, as well as vet fees and care of their feet. In my small way, through my art, I can help look after other horses that are not cared for me personally. Contributing this way is the most meaningful work I have ever had the privilege to do. Belonging to Art for Critters is an honor that humbles me, because I've never known any group of people an
Equal Time for the Cats 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Miss Marley" Last month I "blogged" about my dogs Dusty and Rocky and ever since Marley and Simon have been bugging me asking why I haven't "blogged" about them. So here it is. Marley belonged to my neighbor's daughter as a kitten but then she fell in love with a man who was allergic to cats leaving poor Marley in need of a home. She was a very scared little kitty when she first came here - can't blame her with all the chaos we have here with two cattledogs and our tuxedo boy cat - Simon hissing at her. She lived in the bathroom closet for a couple of weeks. We couldn't get her to come out so we just put a little bed in there with her food and water hoping she would come out when she was ready. Luckily she did eventually come out to find that we really weren't so bad after all. She is a real "lover" now - purring and rubbing up against everyone and everything. She would be quite happy to sit on someone's lap 24-7 if she could find someone who could sit still that long! Read more:Equal
A HORSE'S PRAYER 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Many years ago, I bought an ex-racehorse that was destined for the slaughterhouse. Beau and I shared many happy moments together. This poem reminds me of him.The Horse's Prayer To thee, my master, I offer my prayer.Feed me, water and care for me,and when the day's work is done,provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed, and stallwide enough for me to lie down in comfort.Always be kind to me.Your voice often means as much to me as the reins.Pet me sometimes, that I may serve youthe more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill.Never strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand you.Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding,see if something is not wrong with my harness or feet.Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head.If you insist that I wear blinkers, so that I cannot seebehind me as it was intended I should,I pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out of my eyes. D
Hangin' Out 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It usually doesn't get really cold in Florida (which means below 60 degrees to most Floridians), but when it does, orange growers rush into the groves and billow smoke over the ripening fruit to avert the deadly frost. While many folks living here in the sunny south view warmth as their due, squirrels never think to take off their heavy coats. In fact, that thick, fluffy tail serves as a fine umbrella in a sudden cloudburst, allowing them to continue nibbling peanuts and sunflower seeds that I leave out. Here's a photo of one of my favorite little girls, relaxing under the eaves, escaping the heat.A portion of the sale of this mermaid painting goes to Knick 'O Time Horse Rescue, a Colorado-based organization that rescues abused, neglected, unwanted and slaughter bound horses and ponies.Each sea shell that I paint was collected on Juno Beach, on Florida's east coast. Just over the size of a quarter, this finely detailed painting took approximately two hours to complete, using profes Read more:Hangin
Working with Oil Pastels 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Nocturne" Here is the latest in my "getting to know oil pastels" effort. My three new boxes of oil pastels came last week and I couldn't wait to try them out. This piece uses all three brands - Sennelier (my favorite so far), Holbein (this is a little harder than the creamy Sennelier but the set of 25 that I purchased has some really rich gorgeous colors - like the dark greens orange and purple in the foreground), and Cray Pas which are a little waxier than the other two - but are a really good value and would work well for laying down big areas of color. I found it worked best to go from the harder pastels to finishing with the buttery Sennelier to blend everything. If I tried to use the Cray Pas on top of the Sennelier it was so hard it just scraped off the softer pastels. Today I have a 16"X20" commission to finish. I hope to be able to post it here this evening. Thanks for "tuning in",Shelley Read more:Pastels
What I did with my Extra day off 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I finished the large acrylic commission - yay!! Her name is Batty and she is apparently obsessed with tennis balls - doesn't care for frisbees or squeeky toys - only tennis balls will do! Hope her mom likes the finished painting - I'll be delivering it tomorrow during my lunch break. But the big news of the day for me was becoming totally OBSESSED with my new oil pastels. Here are 2 of the 4 that I did today. So the house may not be as clean as it could be - I had a LOT more fun spending the day painting:) Thanks for looking and please search A4C on ebay for some great original artwork and the added bonus of helping the animals we all love so much!Shelley"Locally Grown" "Tulip Fields" Read more:Extra
Horses and ducks and goats, oh my! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 One of the animal rescue organizations that Art For Critters proudly supports is Knick 'O Time Horse Rescue, a Colorado-based organization that rescues, rehabilitates and places for adoption horses, and now, the occasional lucky barnyard critter.Here is a wonderful trio of purebred Sanaan dairy goats
that are available for adoption. There are two older nannies and one younger female kid (daughter of one of the nannies). These girls are big, friendly and looking for a new home together. They have been well cared for, are UTD on vaccs, worming and trims, and are wonderful family pets! Adopt one of these pretty girls for $65 or $120 for the trio.SLEEPING BEAUTYMiniature PaintingClick here to bid A portion of the sale of this miniature work of art will be donated to Knick 'O Time Horse Rescue.Each sea shell that I paint was collected on Juno Beach, on Florida's east coast. Just over the size of a quarter, this finely detailed painting took approximately two hours to complete, using pro Read more:Horses
THE GREAT DANE 1970-01-01 00:59:59 THE GREAT DANEby Dean Russo (ebay id-dossur)As an animal/wildlife painter, more specifically dogs in my case, you cannot disconnect yourself from the stories. Up until 2 months ago I never painted a Great Dane. In the past 2 months I have painted 5 of them and every one of them has a story. Those stories all read the same.Most people who purchase these dogs as puppies don't realize the lifestyle change they must commit to.This new painting is of "Macey" Thank you to her owner Mike, she has ample outdoor space to live like a dane.24x24" Acrylic on Stretched Canvas10% to The Humane Society on NYAvailable now on Ebaywww.artforcritters.comwww.deanrusso.com
The Amazing Couch Potato 1970-01-01 00:59:59 click on photo to see auctionOne of the charities that I am proud to donate to is Greyhound Rescue of Tennessee. I first became aware of this wonderful breed lovingly refered to as "Couch
potatos" at a craft show in California, where they were having a meet and greet. I was completely captivated by their sweet and loving nature. Greyhound Rescue of Tennessee is dedicated to finding forever homes for retired racing greys. It is bit different than adopting out many other breeds, in that many greys have never walked on a hardwood or tile floor, let alone had to deal with stairs, noisy traffic, tv sets, things that other dogs would see as everyday happenings, are a whole new ball game to greyhounds. For a dog that makes its living running full tilt, greys are surprisingly quiet, content to sleep the day away on the sofa hence the nickname "couch potato" They also seem to be fond of stuffed toys, every one that I have met usually travels with a toy of choice. Unfortunately, since I'm in a Read more:Amazing
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MY BED. MINE! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 5 x 7 Original Watercolorby Helene KeoughClick here to bid If Mattie, this charming, retired racing greyhound, could speak, imagine the tale (yup, pun intended) she would tell. The lights! The clatter of cages! The smell of adrenaline-charged sweat. The buzzer. And then...they're off!Many greyhounds don't experience life after racing because an alarming number are euthanized. Thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee, fortunate greys like Mattie are adopted by a loving family, where most spend the rest of their lives resembling furry couch potatoes. But seriously, isn't she doing a great job holding down that doggie cushion?For information on how to adopt a retired racing greyhound, please click on that blue link above, and thanks so much for visiting! Helene KeoughMy art blog
Crazy for Horses 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Weary of Winter 1" - 9 x 12" pastel on paper.Copyright 2007 Maggie Stiefvater.Click here to bid. (10% to South Caroline Equine Rescue)Well, my two offerings for A4C are quite different from my usual stuff (see my work in progress at left). Normally I am known for my colored pencil equestrian works, but today I just felt like I wanted to get my hands dirty. So out came the pastels, and I did two studies of the roads near my house. But the auctions still benefit the South Carolina Equine Rescue, because I'm horse crazy. As you can tell.Please search for A4C on eBay for other auctions that benefit animal charities.Maggie Stiefvater - www.portraitswithcharacter.com Read more:Crazy
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A Wag Of A Tail 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Pug Puppy"3" x 3" watercolor and colored pencilcopyright W.DeWitt 2007click here to bid.You can't have a dog and not know they are basically loving creatures. If Chi-Chi here saw a dog down on his luck , she would dig in her pocketbook for change. If she carried one. A pug puppy would carry a black patent Prada bag. Just my opinion. Chi-Chi belongs to fellow A4C artist Heather Fox. I just couldn't resist painting her.This small format painting (3"x3") is listed on eBay with 20% of the proceeds going to Shar Pei Savers. Another dog breed in need of serious wrinkle remover.I guess I enjoy dogs so much because they think every day can be a party. They just live with so much gusto!Need another reason to smile today? Check out other A4C art (with fur and feathers) on eBay.Golders"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear." -Dave Barry
Every Dog's Dream 1970-01-01 00:59:59 "Every Dog's Dream
" This morning I worked on a colored pencil sketch of what I imagine to be a recurring dream for my Australian Cattledog Dusty. A restaurant that serves prime rib every Friday night and only for patrons with four legs and a nice bark! Reservations are strongly advised:) The result was "Friday Night At Jimmy's" - my cattledog painting for today. If you look at the listing you'll see that Dusty himself approved!Thanks for reading my post,Shelley
Kitten's always bring JOY!! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I'm so happy to have a new addition to our family...Razz, a wonderful kitten with a fun personality. It has been a bit of a rough road with her.We got her about a month ago from a adopt-o-thon and she needed a bit of TLC and medical attention. Which she has received and is doing fabulous. She brings us so much joy & laughter!!! It really brings home all the efforts the shelters that we support give daily. I'm thankful to all of them and to the amazing artist of A4C.This is a painting I made today...the first of many ACEO. She is just so cute I know I'll be painting her a lot.Click below..http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260091393087&rd=1&rd=1www.padgettpaints.com Read more:Kitten
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Spring on the brain! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am definitely in the mindset for Spring
, even though there are four foot snow drifts out my window, I just can't help myself! We (New Englanders) have little sign of that delightful season but I know its there, waiting to emerge. I have Spring and Easter on the brain! Little baby chicks, soft sweet bunnies, pastel Easter eggs......aahhhh, well maybe just beyond that next February storm. :)Baby Chick, India Ink and Colored Pencil 3.5" by 2.5"10% to Shar Pei Savers Inc. (Art for Critter's charity of the month)This Auction is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. Eastern Time. So, after 6:00 click on the image to find this baby’s eBay auction.My WebsiteMy BlogMy eBay Store (Where I am having a Clearance sale!)My CaféPress Store (Where you can find my miniature paintings on magnets, greeting cards, coasters and other gift items!)Thanks so much!~Melody Lea Lamb
More Spring Dreamin' 2007-03-01 16:46:00 Here is another little Chicky!"Baby Chick #Two" , India Ink, Colored Pencil, and White Acrylic, 3.5” by 2.5”(10% goes to Shar Pei Savers, Art for Critters Charity of the Month)(This auction is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. Eastern, click on the image to get to this little Baby’s auction)My WebsiteMy BlogMy eBay Store My CaféPress Store (where you can find my miniature paintings on magnets, greeting cards, coasters and other gift items.)Thanks for lookin’~Melody Lea Lamb Read more:Spring
A step by step of Little Lamb 2007-03-03 01:15:00 I thought you might enjoy a step by step of today’s ACEO:Initial Drawing…Adding the Ink background and inking in the little lamb…Beginning to layer the colored pencil…More layers…And the final highlights and darks…“Baby Lamb“, India Ink, Colored Pencil, and White Acrylic, 3.5” by 2.5”(10% goes to Shar Pei Savers, Art for Critters Charity of the Month)(click on the image to get to this little Baby’s auction)My WebsiteMy BlogMy eBay Store My CaféPress Store (where you can find my miniature paintings on magnets, greeting cards, coasters and other gift items.)Thanks for lookin'~Melody Lea Lamb
YOU LUCKY DOG! 2007-03-02 19:17:00 POPSA Special Needs Success StoryHolland Popeye is a retired racing Greyhound. Like most retired racers, Pops wants nothing more from life than a soft bed to sleep on and a family to love him.Pops' racing career ended when he sustained a serious break to his left rear leg in his last race. It was a career ending injury that required extensive medical attention and a long rehabilitation process. Thanks to the Special Needs Fund established by the Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee, Pops is able to lead a normal, pain free and happy life after racing.CLICK HERE TO VISIT AUCTIONTo the left is a closeup of a 9" x 12" watercolor that I painted of another retired grey. His racing name was Ritz Cracker, but his adopted family just calls him Ritz.I thought this image aptly depicted that 'coming home' feeling that a hardworking dog experiences when a loving family finally adopts him.Doesn't Ritz look peaceful?Thanks so m
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