First piece for 2009: Challenger

Challenger, 18" x 20", Charcoal and Conte Crayon on slate blue Canson Mi-Teintes paper, smooth side.

This piece depicts a young and headstrong stallion. He struck me as a challenger: challenging his rivals, his grooms and his trainers. A bit of a fiery spirit; loved and respected by all who know him.

How many of us know a horse just like this?

Challenger is currently available unframed, contact me at soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net to inquire about purchasing.

Prepping for the thaw!

Last night I dragged myself into the studio and I did a new drawing. It felt good. What a long, long, icy, cold winter this is. Urgh. I am glad I dusted off the cobwebs and and broke out the charcoal pencils. Makes me feel like Spring isn't too far off...

The new drawing needs to hang in my house for a little bit, so I can see where I need to make adjustments. Then, I'll post it here. It was done on a lovely sheet of slate blue Canson Mi-Teintes. Yummy!

Watch for my Spring Open Studios in my Hampton home gallery. The gallery opens when the daffodils poke their heads through the dirt. Hooray!

..I have a busy Spring schedule...Can't wait to get started.

Watch for my Pet Portrait Website: coming soon!

Cooper

Cooper, 11x14 inches, charcoal and chalk pastel on Strathmore WindPower Sketch paper, acid-free.

Cooper is a big, happy Great Pyrenees dog who lives in Illinois.

Watch for my pet portrait website, going LIVE very soon. In the meantime, check out the pet gallery on www.soundthebuglestudio.com.

Happy New Year!

It's 2009!

2008 was a GREAT year for the Sound the Bugle Studio. It marked my fifth year as a professional artist and it was the best year yet.

Some highlights:

* I had three Open Studios and met some great new people and saw some old friends, too.
* Chatted about my artwork with Sal Scalora! Awesome!
* My drawing, Collected, was juried into Polo Players' Edition Magazine's Art Issue.
* I had over a month long exhibit at the Willimantic Food Co-op's Art Space. Thanks to Chad for doing such a great job with the display.
* I was honored to be a Gold Sponsor of the Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, California. My drawing, Concentration, was featured in their auction and all proceeds went to help horses in need.
* I created lots of new works including Legend III: The Godolphin Arabian, Belgians in Harness, Infatuation and Cantering Mare II.

Thank you to all of you for your support. It means a lot to me.

Helen