"Hope" painting finished and Pet photos

UPDATE: The top scan is the more accurate interpretation of my illustration.

I've finished the painting for Children and Families of Iowa. I took a picture, it's still wet, so I can't scan it! Hopefully scanning it will help show the richness of the colors.


Below: I've also included photos of the three pets living in my house: A new kitten and our Sugar Gliders (Conan and Pip). We haven't named the kitten yet.

Painting for Hope: Day One!

Today I was able to start painting for my charity auction piece. Here it is, sitting on my art desk. Click on the first picture for a nice, big, detailed view!

Hope for Children and Families

This is an illustration I'm doing for an auction for Children and Families of Iowa. 60% of the proceeds go to charity. The theme is "hope", so of course I thought of doves, which are a symbol of hope. I also thought that without imagination or creativity, often things can seem hopeless. That is what I hope to portray. It will be done in oil...and I only have 5 more days to finish it! AHHH Can I do it? I'm concerned it will be a disaster because, well... I'm always concerned that every illustration will be a disaster!

And I got this lovely card from Erin Waineo today. She made it. It's a thank you note for letting her stay at my house with our other friend Jenn last weekend. They drove to see me all the way from Michigan. On top of that...a gift certificate to go out to eat! How nice can you be? I was SO glad to have some female company for once. Normally I just spend time with my husband Ken and our two sugar gliders (Conan and Pip) ...both MALE! We spent the weekend shopping at antique stores and checking out hip boutiques, and maybe a margarita or two! I should be thanking THEM for visiting ME! Thanks guys, it was so great having you around for a weekend that flew by.