Dogs & Donkeys & Cats, Oh My!

It all started as a holiday gift for some close friends who own miniature donkeys. Never touted myself as a realistic painter, but it was easy as paint by numbers with my method; plus they are not true lifelike in the traditional sense in my opinion.

The process:
find a picture I like,
print out to desired size,
use carbon paper to trace patches of color or shadow, etc,
connect the dots.

That painting led to a pet portrait donation for a lucky winner, then posting that on lovely Facebook led to other interest all of which lands me to my third pet portrait EVER....Archie the cat. Or should I say THE cat of all cats? I was roommates with Archie's mom and got to know Archibald (until we found out HE was a SHE) for a couple years. Here it is a decade or so later and she is a most beloved member of the Bloom family still. With a baby Bloom on the way, and Archie in her golden years what better birthday gift for mommy than a painting. So Sig and I secretly planned and I must say, it turned out incredible for my abilities.

Next up, is Addie and then possibly some more donkeys. WHO EVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT I would be decent enough at this that people are interested in more? Thanks guys! I'm flattered. So, I leave you here with some images of the 3 I have finished so far.

wiping the drool from the floor

I'm in love. I want. Must go someday.
How amazing would this be to participate in. Sounds like multidisciplinary heaven to me. I have never given myself the gift of attending one of the many art centers around the country such as Anderson Ranch, Penland, Haystack or Arrowmont. I've taken little workshops, but nothing that I am immersed in day in and day out for a length of time. Continuing education is critical and I've fallen off the wagon. Perhaps this will inspire.

Ahead of the Curve.

image via Cupcakes Take The Cake
It bewilders me when I think about how ahead of my time I can be. I mean, I knew about Birkenstocks back in the 80's before their popularity spread like wildfire! Throughout my lifetime this has happened, however this is a big one and I really need to know...

Where were all the trailer park eateries and shops when I owned my Airstream 5 years ago???? And where was MY VISION when I became fascinated (okay, obsessed) with them 10 years ago???? Why did I not receive the memo from the Airstream fanatics about the "phenomenon" that was about to take place????

I KNOW there was a secret society, and I was not invited.

Okay, I had a vision, I just didn't do with with the gusto these brilliant people have. The invasion of the Airstream dreamers is alive and being well received here in Austin, Texas. Cupcake trailers, gift boutiques, gormet taco stands, yummy crepe noshins, hamburger joints, a smore house, a mobile craft studio? Let me count the ways folks have been using their creative juices and travel trailers to contribute to a more weird Austin, and I believe this is not just limited to Austin, as it has been spreading throughout the world like a never ending Gobstopper. Did it start with The Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona, and move onto more boutique airstream hotels like The Grand Daddy's Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park in Cape Town?


What came first: Hey, Cupcake? or Daisy Cakes

Whatever, or whomever started this, the trend has been happening for years and continues to grow. I just sold my travel trailer/studio a few months back, but now seeing clever ideas like this makes me swoon for more.

le sigh...

image via Design*Sponge