It’s July, which means I’m getting panicky about three things: 1) my age; 2) back to school; and 3) The Christmas Rush.

The first two I can’t really do anything about, but The Christmas Rush is something that I can, maybe, get a handle on. And you can help.

Remember last year when I painted like 50 portraits in two months that people had ordered for holiday gifts? Well this year, I’d like to get a jump on that process so I can avoid a return trip to the orthopedist with “painter’s wrist.”  Plus, I really want to make sure that everyone’s gifties arrive in time for well, gifting.

SO. If you order a painting in July and use the words Christmas in July (or Hannukah in July, as the case may be) in the subject line of your email – you’ll get 15% off your order.

Fa-la-la-la-la!

A client asked me to paint a piece of mining equipment that her father invented. It’s a gift for her dad and when she asked me to do it I played right along like I knew what a dragline even was. It seems like something that only people in the industry would know about but I was tickled when my dad spotted the painting in my studio and said, “Hey, that’s a dragline!”

Dads DO know everything.

Some time ago, a client came to me with an idea for an anniversary present for her parents. She wanted to incorporate the images of all 21 dogs they’ve had or fostered since she and her siblings were little. In one painting.

She sent me hard copies of photos from albums, old Christmas newsletters and digital images, plus a clear catalog of all 21 pooches, their name and description. I took all the photos and played around with them in Photoshop for awhile to come up with a pleasing composition. Rather than try to portray each dog in exact size proportions, I decided to feature her parents in the center with all the dogs sort of floating around them like a collage.

It was destined to be a large painting from the start.

I special-ordered 26×40″ paper and handcrafted this hoopty workstation you see below. It was great fun to paint and I love how it turned out.

My improvised work surface

Reference photos on the wall

I told you it was a big painting.

Fin!

The client picked the painting up from my studio and took it all the way to Alaska on a family cruise so it could be presented on the ship. I hear they loved it. I’m inspired to paint larger paintings now and found out I can order rolls of Yupo paper up to 60″ wide and 133′ long.

Anyone need big art?!

I am painting a bunch of Mother’s Day gifts this week. Aren’t these two a couple of cuties?

Completed: April 10, 2011

Soundtrack: Simon and Garfunkel

Beverage: Caffeine, assorted

Many times when I send a painting off to its forever home the only indication that it ever arrived is the confirmation slip from the post office. It’s always nice when I get an email back to say, “hey, it’s here!” or, “We love it even better in person!” or better yet, “It made me cry!”

I do receive several very sweet notes from people but they’re not always inclined to share their words with the public, which I understand. Some send photos (LOVE!) and videos (LOVE! LOVE!) and I tell you, nothing makes my day like receiving an email like the one I got this morning.

Hi Rachael,

Wanted to thank you again for doing the portrait of my dog, Honey. It’s beautiful.

I gave it to my husband for Christmas, and included a note written to him, and to every family member, from Honey. It told each one how much she loved and appreciated them and to always keep her in their hearts. (She died last summer.) So, this gift was especially meaningful, so much more than one from the “mall.”

I’m not a good photographer, but have attached two photos to give you an idea of the finished product. Not sure if the photo will remain on this wall. Might put it on a wrought iron easel and put on a table. But I did want you to see your work of art!

Feel free to include your drawing of Honey in your portfolio on your website. Hope I can have some other pieces done in the future!

Blessings for the new year.

Denise

 Made. My. Day.

This is my second birthday gift painting in a week. They’re both paintings for moms and I think something like this might make an excellent Mother’s Day Gift, if I do say so myself.

Carlye

Completed: January 9, 2011

Soundtrack: Soundtrack from Frida

Beverage: Starbucks Mocha

Someone also asked me if I’d ever consider posting the original photo alongside the painting and the answer is yes, I have considered it but no, I never remember to take the photo. But I did this time, so here you go.

Before and After

Are other people interested in seeing the original photos with the paintings as I post them?

Well it’s Christmas, so I guess it’s safe to post all the paintings that are being gifted today.

Right?

If you haven’t opened all your gifts yet, DON’T LOOK!

As you can see, I’ve been a busy girl for the past several months. Usually when I post these, I’ll include what I was listening to and what I was sipping when I painted them, but I couldn’t possibly remember for all of these. It’s probably safe to say that I was listening to either Christmas music or The Dresden Dolls and that I was sipping something with caffeine or something with alcohol, but not both because what does this look like, a fraternity house?

Happy Holidays!

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My ultra-fit husband’s request at every marathon or triathalon is that I meet him at the finish line with a cigarette, a PBR pounder and a bratwurst. So it didn’t surprise me that the only thing on this Christmas wish list this year was this poster.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

I was also compelled to order the companion piece. To keep the set together.

Carb loading.

Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a graphic novel (last year was V for Vendetta) and oh my god we need some new Firefly material to talk about. I ordered volumes 1 and 2, but 3 was sold out at Amazon so I guess WE WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.

I haven't even peeked yet. I know, such self control.

I planned to make this one-of-a-kind t-shirt for him because nothin’ says lovin’ like comparing your mate to a perfectly coiffed, sexy ad man from the 60s.

What would Don Draper do? Indeed.

But there are these things called copyright laws, so I chickened out. He’ll have to settle for this.

For my Hero of Canton.

He’s so lucky to have me. Merry Christmas!

A few months ago I painted five portraits for a bride who was giving the portraits as bridesmaid gifts. It was such a clever idea, I wish I’d thought of it myself.

Here’s how it turned out.

Photo courtesy of Organic Wedding Photography. Thanks, Jessica!

Completed: September 12, 2010

 Soundtrack: Storm Large, Crazy Enough

Beverage: H2O

Place your Christmas orders now, if you have ‘em, and save me from myself.