THE ART OF RESCUE "Lending A Voice to Those With No Choice"

Contemporary Western Horse Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-09-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Western Horse Painting

Galloping Appaloosa Horses

"Dawn's Early Light"

By Theresa Paden

30 x 40"

Acrylic on 1.5" deep gallery wrapped canvas

Email me for purchasing information

theresapaden@gmail.com

Mischief Maker Nancy Daleo Miniature Pinscher

2011-09-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Mischief Maker

Nancy Daleo

Acrylic Painting 18" x 24" 2.5"

Portrait of Itsy...four pounds of mischief and mayhem.

waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

Joie de vivre, Portrait of Lowess the Pit Bull

2011-09-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

"Joie de vivre"

24" x 18" Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, CA

waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

I did this painting to honor "Lowess" a Pit Bull rescued by Change of Heart Pit Bull Rescue. I am donating limited edition prints to raise funds. Here is the story sent to me by Sarah of COHPR. "This is Lowess, she passed a couple of months ago but she touched my heart! We nick named her the bully ballerina! She was 10 years old and lived a sad horrible life before we saved her from a kill shelter in los angeles.
The same day I pulled her the vets confirmed she had a short time left with us. I was devistated to say the least. I couldnt bare putting her down without fist showing her what real love was. I sent a photo of her in her tutu which was taken of her at the pet expo thousands of people loved on her, took pictures with her, and heard her story. She danced her way into so many hearts that day. A month later she passed away. She remains with us on the fire place. We will never forget her and she will always live on with us!"

Dalmatian Scarfed Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, California

2011-09-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

DALMATIAN SCARFED

Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, California

Size 6" x 4" Oil Painting

To inquire, please email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

PALETTE KNIFE CAT WITH WHEEL by OLGA WAGNER

2011-09-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

This painting was created as a donation to benefit Safe Haven for Cats. This boy will be raffled of at the HEPCAT race in Raleigh NC this coming weekend. This event is all about Bicycles, Music and Cats.

WHEEL MAN
11 x 14 Oil on Canvas
Donation

Jack Russell Terrier (Through The Window by Anne Zoutsos)

2011-09-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Through The Window - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well another reflection painting but this time involving a window rather than a floor. Yes I admit it, I am rather obsessive in nature and I am now addicted to reflection paintings! I will try and force myself not to keep painting them all the time, but it is quite hard to do so!

'Through The Window' was fun to paint; I often have parts of a painting which I particularly like and in this painting, I love the way the sunlight captures the outline of the JRT (Jack Russell Terrier to non-dog people).

This painting is available to purchase from my website at the price of £118 (plus shipping)

This painting is straight off the easel and is still very wet and will need several days or longer to dry before it can be shipped

Anne Zoutsos
www.azpaintings.com
info@azpaintings.com

Based on a photograph by me'nthedogs at Flickr

Colorful Painting of a Hen in a Garden by Theresa Paden

2011-09-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

Colorful Painting of a Hen

"Garden Gal"

By Theresa Paden

10 x 8"

Acrylic on canvas board

This is "Poachie" a very sweet hen,

and one of three that were given to us by some

friends who could no longer keep them.

For price and purchasing information

click here
to go to my

Affordable Small Works page

To visit my website click here

Yin Yang (Tigers Caressing) - oil by Anne Zoutsos

2011-08-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Yin Yang - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

SOLD

This painting took rather a long time to paint owing to the patterning of the stripes and the muscular bodies of the tigers - it needed a considerable amount of attention not to get lost amongst all those patterns! It reminds me so much of the Chinese Yin Yang symbol which I am sure you will all know but just in case you don't here is an example:

I've realised that although I know the symbol so well, I know very little of its meaning other than it represents the balance of nature and life. It will be intesting to do some research and learn more about it - I always enjoy learning something new.

I find this painting harmonious and very pleasingly balanced - I hope you do too!

This painting is available to purchase for £118 (plus £7 shipping worldwide

This painting is straight off the easel and still very wet - it will need several days at least before it can be shipped.

Anne Zoutsos, Surrey, UK
www.azpaintings.com - info@azpaintings.com

Based on a photograph by Schristia at flickr.

BLACK and WHITE HORSE in PALETTE KNIFE

2011-08-29T19:42:00.001-07:00

This boy was meant to be finished and dry for this upcoming Friday's group show at the Local Color Gallery in Raleigh...However, life had other ideas! With everything going on, I put the painting aside and forgot to finish the sides. It would have looked really cool displayed on the wall with my other 12 x 12 horse paintings.

DEEP THOUGHT
12 x 12 x 1.5 Oil on Stretched Canvas

Available www.olgawagner.com

Smile, Though Your Heart is Aching...Why would you follow the Kardashian's when our true heroes are those who sacrifice something of themselves for the betterment of man and animalkind?

2011-08-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

"Smile"

Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, CA

20" x 20" x 2" Acrylic portrait on gallery wrapped canvas.

Just another beautiful life saved by the crossposters and rescuers on Facebook

I want to dedicate this post to Gerrie Mooney, mom, foster animal mom, daughter, grandmom, and friend to many people and all animals.

This is Gerrie Mooney on her ranch in Perris, CA. She is holding her daughter Alissa's son, Kieran and standing next to one of her horses. She has horses, dogs, cats, and chickens and lives with her beautiful daughter Brittany and her Mom. Gerrie does a great deal of caretaking on a daily basis, but still is an active rescuer and has worked with Noah's Bark and on her own to save many lives. Last week was a challenging week for the Mooney family.

When Gerrie made the decision to foster this new momma (who gave birth in a shelter) along with her 7 sickly pups, she wasn't aware of the extent of the challenge she was facing. She spent most of her time last week attempting to save the lives of the pups and comforting the Chihuahua mom. Born in a shelter, they would've died there for certain. The pups were taken to Noah's Bark's vet and sadly diagnosed with Canine Herpes, which meant that there was little chance for survival. Gerrie persisted, stayed up nights, and did her best to save the tiny lives. How many people in this world would make the sacrifices that Gerrie made? Not many. Last night, the last of the litter passed away and Gerrie and the momma dog are left exhausted and very sad. I don't know who your heroes are, but mine are people like Gerrie, her family, crossposters, rescuers, donators, and anyone who has attempted to save a life of an animal in any way they are able, despite the results. Today, someone asked me "what do I think we have control over in our lives?" She is one of my yoga teachers, Natacha Sagalovsky. Her question got me thinking...
We're not always able to control the outcome of our efforts. This sadly was true with regards to this litter of pups. We can and do keep trying to make a difference. This Chi mom was blessed to be in a loving home and comforted through her very trying time. Although her pups didn't survive, they had the best care possible and were loved during their short stay with us. They continue on their journey with that love in their spirits. I know that makes all the difference and that love ripples gently through our worlds.
I think of all the dogs Gerrie has rescued, Noah's Bark, and the many other rescue groups and individuals who have pulled together in these tough economic times trying to make a difference, and I smile. I smile when my dog Amelia, who Gerrie successfully rehabilitated and saved from inevitable death, runs into the room with a feather stuck to her nose. I smile when Frida, a tiny puppy found in the streets was rescued and bottlefed by Gerrie and now she is chewing on my comforter and looking at me with her big, black, happy eyes. Thank you to everyone who has done their best despite the fact that we don't always have control over the outcome . Thank you for your sacrifices and the lives you have saved who now bless our hearts and homes.

: This is a video of a fire which occurred last week while Gerrie was caring for the mom and pups. In addition to dealing with her everyday caretaking, and her new fosters, her family had to evacuate the ranch with their animals. Video:Evacuating the ranch while caring for the puppies and her animals.

Above: "This is a photo of the fire in the hills behind our house. After evacuating all the animals, we were gone for many hours and came back home when the fire was contained...long scary day...thank goodness Brittany (daughter), Shelly and Ricky (Noah's Bark's President and daughter Ricky, also a key volunteer) were here to help."

...Sending all of our healing prayers to the Mooney family and Chihuahua mom.
Namaste

Equine Art Benefiting Horse Rescue, Arabian Mare Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-08-28T01:09:00.000-07:00

Egyptian Arabian Horse Portrait

"Egyptian Gold"

Contemporary Equine Painting

By Theresa Paden

20 x 16" Acrylic on canvas

"Egyptian Gold" was created with many
layers of semi-transparent acrylic paint, which is
what gives it the look of shiny gold.

Our daughters used to ride our next-door-neighbor's
Egyptian Arabianhorse, named Butterfly, when they were
little and first learning to ride, as well as take care of horses.
Butterfly, just like the horsein this painting, had that
beautiful dishy face and large, kind eye that Arabian horses
are known for. She was also very patient, and let them
fawn over her for hours, brushing and braiding her mane!

This painting is from my 50 Horses in 50 Days series
which benefits rescued horses.
15% of the sales from the series are donated to
California Coastal Horse Rescue in Ojai

Email me if you're interested in purchasing this painting.
theresapaden@gmail.com
Click here to see more paintings on my website

Click here to see more paintings on my website

Colorful Contemporary Southwest Art, Bison Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-08-26T00:04:00.000-07:00

Colorful Contemporary Southwest Art

"Southwest Bison"

By Theresa Paden

20 x 16"

Acrylic on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas

Email me for purchasing information

theresapaden@gmail.com

The first time I visited New Mexico was in 1988, when my
soon-to-be husband took me to visit his family in Albuquerque. I fell in love
with everything about the Southwest. The colors, the history, the culture,
the people, the land, and the architecture. The light is incredible and
is the reason so many artists choose to live there. The bison in my painting
stands, illuminated by the light and colors of the Southwest.

Affordable Small Works Page

We only part to meet again. ~John Gay In Honor of a Perfect Soul

2011-08-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

SWEET WILLIAM
Please stop by his facebook page to pay tribute to Sweet William and His Family

Sweet William will be missed by so many who loved him. He was blessed with the most wonderful family a dog could ask for. Love to you on your journey Sweet William. You will always be in our hearts.

No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth. ~Robert Southey

I met Sweet William and his adoring and kind family, the Lockwoods, at one of Noah's Bark's adoption fairs in Torrance, CA. At the time, Sweet William was battling cancer and the family was there serving cupcakes and lemonade to express their gratitude for all those that contributed to Sweet William's healthcare. Sweet William sat on a blanket next to his family and everyone who passed could not resist saying hello to him. He was a gentle soul and enjoyed the attention and allowed us all to pet him. The Lockwood's did everything they could to extend Sweet William's life and ensure that he was loved every minute of every day. It saddens me to hear that Sweet William recently lost his battle with cancer. Our prayers are with his family as they struggle to endure the loss of their beloved best friend. Sweet William, thank you for all the love you shared while with us. We were all blessed by your presence.

This is an article in the Daily Breeze written about Sweet William.

Dog tales: Sweet William leaves us with memories

From staff reports

Posted: 08/24/2011 09:01:01 PM PDT

Updated: 08/25/2011 09:32:35 AM PDT

Sweet William leaves us with memories. Some dogs have a way of becoming larger than life.
That can certainly be said of Sweet William. Rescued eight years ago by Noah's Bark from a home where he was badly abused - to the extent that he lost an eye - the pit bull found his calling as a therapy dog, becoming such a local icon that he was written up in the Daily Breeze. But mostly, Sweet William was a beloved family dog. Scott and Tina Lockwood of Torrance took him into their home after Tina realized he was a gem around the patients at the Long Beach residential care and rehabilitation facility she directed.
Through the years, the couple had two children who grew to become Sweet William's special companions. At 67 pounds, Sweet William thrived as he became their playmate, protector and pillow. This month, Sweet William lost his eight-month battle with canine cancer. "We are so heartbroken ... we are truly devastated," Tina wrote on the Sweet William Facebook page. She also posted this tribute: "You are the best dog in the world ... we will hold you in our hearts forever."
Thanks to Noah's Bark and the Lockwoods, Sweet William, who made it to 11, got a second chance at life. And enjoy it he did. Now that's a sweet story.
- Donna Littlejohn

***A note from Tina Lockwood
"Wow, thank you so much for such kind words about our Sweet William! He really did touch many lives in powerful ways, and we are so blessed to have had him play such a significant part in all of our lives. He was our first born kid, and we will always love him more than words could ever express. He was such a gentle giant to his younger siblings, preemie twins, born so fragile at 28 weeks. William loved and protected them from the moment they were conceived. He was the absolute best thing that ever happened to us, and we will forever thank God for bringing William into our lives almost 9 years ago. We miss him more than anyone could ever imagine, but we know that he is in a better place now, basking in the love of the Almighty God, and having the time of his life. We look forward to that one sweet day, when we will be reunited - never to be separated again. Until that day, we will have an emptiness in our hearts and home that will never ever be filled... Thank you, for such wonderful, kind, words."

This is Me...I Am Amazing! Stevie the Survivor

2011-08-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

This Is Me...I Am Amazing

Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, CA

Acrylic on Arches Archival Paper 30" x 20"

The one, the only..."Stevie The Survivor." (Stevie's facebook page)

For those of you who don't know about Stevie, he is a deformed Chihuahua rescued by The Kris Kelly Foundation. It's hard not to fall in love with Stevie. He has big, soulful eyes and a spirit of determination despite the many challenges he has faced in his life. Stevie is a hero, and all those who have contributed to his survival, rehabilitation, and happiness are as well heroes to me. Stevie inspired me to create a series called "365 Days...All Things Chi." From the sales of the paintings in this series, I donate a percentage to aid Chihuahua's like Stevie, for their treatment and care. Although I haven't painted a Chi everyday, by the end of my series I will have 365 paintings which will, when grouped, represent the love I have for the breed. Chihuahua's have touched my heart since I first met Patrick, a two legged Chi (rescued by Noah's Bark), and one of the happiest dogs alive, and also when my first Chihuahua joined my family.

The idea for this painting came to me while taking a class at Mission Street Yoga in Pasadena, on...you guessed it...Mission Street. It's troubling to see dogs who suffer at at, but to see one that has suffered first with birth deformities, and then at the hands of people, is heartbreaking. Dogs are defenseless. To think someone abused Stevie's tiny, fragile body and left him for dead...is unimaginable to me. I honestly don't think I could keep myself strong and able to continue to paint and talk about the Stevie's of the world if I didn't have the spiritual and physical practice of Anusara Yoga to shore me up and my wonderful friends and dogs.

"The highest intention of practicing Anusara yoga is to align with the Divine. As we deepen our alignment with the Supreme, we step deeper into the flow of Grace."

One morning, I was taking Stephen Ewashkiw's (Stephen's fb page) Yoga Basics class and struggling with a pose. Stephen always has something interesting to say and also makes me laugh which when combined with the physical practice is truly inspiring. He said if we thought we couldn't achieve the perfect pose, to remember that whatever our poses looked like, they are perfect. And then he said to think of ourselves this way... "This Is Me. I Am Amazing." I don't know if people know how their words and actions can effect people or if Stephen knew how much that changed my thinking and actions that day. His words inspired gratitude in me for things as they are and the amazing people I'm meeting on my path. As soon as he said it, I thought of Stevie and creating this painting to Stephen's phrase, which I feel reflects Stevie's true nature. Stevie is perfect and he is amazing.

Stevie now resides with his mom, Stefanie LaRue. If you hadn't noticed... how odd is it that the painting is of Stevie, inspired by Stephen, and Stevie's mom's name is Stepanie? I just noticed that myself... also amazing! Namaste to you all.

Stephen doing a headstand at Yosemite.

waredaleo@sbcglobal.net
10% of the proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to Stevie the Survivor

Two Legs, Three Legs, Four Legs...We all get around just fine...

2011-08-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

This sweet dog was recently rescued by Noah's Bark Pet Rescue in Manhattan Beach, CA. "Bologna," as she's now called, is at the adoptions today, just two days after her leg was amputated due to neglect. I am writing from the adoptions which are held at the Petco in Torrance, CA. Bologna is sunbathing on a fluffy cushion, surrounded by adoring onlookers. It's sad to think that she was abandoned at the shelter in great pain. I do not understand why she was not treated before her leg deteriorated to the point that it had to be amputated. This precious dog is very fortunate to have rescue groups like Noah's Bark who struggle to raise funds to save her life and many others that would otherwise go unnoticed or disposed of.

Some people may see Bologna or other dogs that are different as handicapped. They may think that she will not have a normal, happy life. Bologna will soon run, play, and greet you at the door with a wagging tail just like any other dog.

One Sunday morning awhile back, I was walking my dogs in the Arroyo Seco in Pasadena. We stopped at a stream and in the distance I could see a dog running swiftly towards us. As he neared, I could see he was very happy and healthy and he had three legs. He also beat his four legged companion to the stream (and his two legged by a mile). This is another difference between man and dog. Dogs don't see their limitations or worry that they won't be accepted as they are. They just are. So when you see a dog at a rescue or a shelter don't walk by their kennel. Stop and say hello...better yet, stop, say hello and fill out the papers to adopt that special dog. Let the dog teach you to be a better person. And don't feel sorry for a three legged dog, feel sorry for the human who abandoned a life in a time of need. That is sad.

How Dogs and Cats Get Along with a Missing Leg by ebeth

It can be heartbreaking when your beloved cat or dog has an accident and has to have a leg amputated. You probably worry about the pet having to adjust to a difficult life of being "handicapped" and you feel saddened that he will never be the same again.

What's even more heartbreaking is knowing that there are cats and dogs sitting in animal shelters that may never get adopted simply because they are missing a leg. The potential owner may assume that it will be too difficult caring for a three legged dog or cat. However, contrary to what you may think, three legged cats and dogs can get along as well as four legged animals. Cats and dogs have a way of adapting easier than humans do to a missing limb. So, if you are hesitant to adopt that three legged animal, or you feel as if your dog will never be the same if he gets a leg amputated, think again.

If a cat or dog is born missing a leg they will usually be able to do everything a four legged animal does because they never knew what it was like to have four legs. Three legged dogs will be able to run as fast as any other dog, and three legged cats will be able to jump as high as any four legged cat. If they are born into the world with only three legs, they don't have to adjust. They learn how to run and jump just like their brothers and sisters who have all their legs. Three legged cats and dogs born this way won't even notice a difference between themselves and those with four legs. Unlike humans, they won't compare themselves to other cats and dogs to notice these difference. Cats and dogs who have a leg amputated will also learn to get along as well as they did with four legs: however, they will go through an adjustment period first. With cats and dogs, the adjustment time will be much faster than it would be for humans who lose a limb. For animals, it's just a physical adjustment. They have to figure out how to balance with three legs instead of four. During this adjustment period, the three legged animal will probably have a few accidents, but that's to be expected because they are having to learn something new. This is just like a baby learning to walk. The baby will fall down several times before he learns to balance on two legs, but he will eventually walk. It may be painful having to watch your three legged cat or dog stumble around for awhile, but it won't last long. Before you know it, your three legged pet will be doing everything he used to do. After awhile, he will get so used to being three legged that he won't even notice one leg is missing."

To donate to Noah's Bark to help them to continue to save lives click here.

Noah's Bark on Facebook

BULL in PALETTE KNIFE by OLGA WAGNER

2011-08-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

As promised, I got to work on Mr. Bull. I LOVE the way he came out. The colors and textures pop on this MAN.

Pugsley is still a very sick little boy. His white blood count was pretty high and he feels pretty rotten - most likely due to the inflammation of his pancreas . He has been at the vets two days in a row now...At least he likes to travel in the car - he goes into a relaxation trance as soon as the car starts moving - it's weird, but kind of cool!

BULL

12 x 12 Oil on Stretched Canvas

Available www.olgawagner.com

Pugsley enjoying Lavender Bushes

Western Longhorn Cow Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-08-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Western Longhorn Cow Painting
Affordable Small Paintings
"Sunset Longhorn Cow"

By Theresa Paden

10 x 8"
Acrylic on canvas board

For price and purchasing info, please go to my

theresapaden@gmail.com

To visit my website, click here

To see more of my work, please visit my website

Oh Lord, Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood. Understanding Dog Can Help Reduce Pet Overpopulation!

2011-08-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Love Eyes- Pop Portrait of Rottie Pup

Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, California

What am I saying? Well, what do you think I'm saying? I bet the dog will tell you that although you may have the best intentions, he or she doesn't think like we do at all. I was reading an article about dog behavior and what interested me most about it is this quote " If more dog owners were educated in natural dogmanship and took the time to satisfy their dogs natural instincts the pet overpopulation problem would drop drastically. Dogs who are balanced are extreme pleasures to own and therefore would not be given up so easily. When the demand for a "new" dog goes down less litters will be bred. Breeders will not breed what they cannot sell."

So what is it that we can do to for our dogs in order to have a happy household. Happy Dog = Happy Family, right? Some of us live with a dog that has behavioral issues due to abuse or damage that cannot be 100% corrected, but most dogs can be very easily. I had one difficult dog that no trainer would help me with. That was my Dalmatian, Buddy. I found him on the street in Silverlake, California. He was my Dennis the Menace. He even attacked my other Dal who had to have stitches and he would bite me if I kissed him on his face. Eventually I found one trainer who helped me with the Bud. He was able to stay indoors without demolishing my house and stopped attacking the other dogs for the most part. He never let go of the kissing issue though, but he was a dog and he didn't look at it as affection. In this article written by Sharon Maguire, she says, "let's take for example a simple act of a hug. To humans a hug means love and affection. When a human receives a welcomed hug from a loved one it makes us feel good inside. But just what does a hug mean to a dog? Humans are always hugging their dogs and when we do we are giving the dog affection and sharing our love. However what most humans do not realize is to a dog a hug is not affection at all. To a dog a hug symbolizes a social status ranking representing dominance and an invasion of space. Lower members of the pack give space to the higher members as a show of respect. The position of the body is also meaningful to a dog. The one on top represents a higher status ranking. Therefore when you bend down and wrap your arms around a dog you are not only on top, but you are in their space. Keeping this logic in mind, it makes total sense to not run up and hug a strange dog. Many children are bit every day by hugging dogs and if you look at it from the dogs perspective who would blame them? A stranger comes running over asserting dominance on a dog they have just met and the dog's reaction is to communicate to this being that they do not wish to be dominated. Unlike horses and deer who are "flight animals", a dog is a "fight animal" and will communicate his displeasure with a growl, and or a snap or bite." Now I understand what Buddy was telling me..."Back off!" I was in his face and in his space and he did not like it one bit. No, he shouldn't have bitten me, but Bud was my challenging dog and I had to respect his space to live harmoniously together.

The article also talked about nervous dogs. I couldn't have a dog for a long time because I grew up with a dog that I loved named Charo. We didn't know anything about dogs and I think it's unfortunate for families not to be educated about how to properly care for a dog or to learn to speak dog to some extent. I feel Charo and I both missed out on a deeper more balanced and healthy relationship due to lack of education. When I left for college, my mother and sister were still at home with Charo. I came home to visit one weekend and Charo was gone. My mother never told me, but she had put Charo to sleep because she said she became very nervous. I was devastated. After I left, Charo didn't receive the care she needed. I can't blame my mother because she didn't understand her and she was going through a divorce and was working to support herself. Charo was nervous. She wasn't exercised which is very important for a dog. She also was left alone too long. Sharon Maguire writes, "dogs are pack animals that have an instinct to live in a structured environment with order and rules. They want more than love, they do not crave love, they crave leadership and they need to know the rules and their boundaries in order to be secure with their surroundings. A dog has an instinct to constantly test the being above them and an instinct to be tested by the being below them. Instinct tells them that if there is not a strong being in charge their life and the life of the rest of their pack is at stake. It is a constant test, not one that always stays the same. In the wild if the leader of the pack becomes weak in any way the followers start to retest the order. The next strongest minded dog will start testing the leader. If that dog wins the challenge the pack leader will be bumped down in the order and the entire pack will reevaluate the ranking of all of the members. When dogs live with humans the humans become their pack. Whether you realize it or not, your dog has an order of the pack in their head. In a lot of households the leader is the dog. It is very stressful for a dog to have to take over the roll of leading humans as they can never be in complete charge. Humans still do things the dog does not approve of for example, leave the house for work. It is when dogs perceive themselves as the leader in the house that a lot of unwanted behaviors emerge. Behaviors that most humans deem as "traits" and "personality". A lot of humans deal with the bad behaviors, but a very large percentage of humans do not. They get rid of the dog for behaviors that absolutely could have been corrected for the better if the humans had changed their ways. Dogs are one of the most misunderstood animals in the world. All over the world "man's best friend" is misunderstood, misread, confused and stressed. Most humans misinterpret their dogs intentions and what the dog is trying to tell them. Dogs are confused as to what exactly the human wants. Their instincts are not being met and they go a little crazy as a result. The humans mistakenly interpret them as happy, but they are actually stressed, anxious, confused and under exercised. To achieve this you must satisfy all of the dogs instincts, provide enough leadership and exercise, the dog must be secure with their surroundings, and you must be able to speak to the dog and understand what your dog says back to you."

This is a great site to read through to get to know your dog and begin to understand how to develop a harmonious life together. Why bother? Because dogs enrich our lives in so many ways, we owe it to them to give them the respect they deserve. Also, it is advisable not to get a dog if you can't take care of it or are able to provide it's basic needs. That will lead to Unhappy Dog = Unhappy Family and no one wants that or to see a dog returned to the street or a shelter.

Dog Breed Info Center

Colorful Cow Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-08-19T00:30:00.001-07:00

Colorful Cow Painting

"Annabelle's Makeover"

By Theresa Paden

20 x 16"

Acrylic on stretched canvas

I reworked Annabelle and added more orange and yellow

to warm up the painting.

For price and purchasing information, please email me

theresapaden@gmail.com

To go to my blog, click here

Reservoir Dog - Mr Pink (Anne Zoutsos)

2011-08-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

Reservoir Dog - Mr Pink - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I smile everytime I think of the title of this painting and I imagine that most people will know that it is taken from the film Reservoir Dogs by Quentin Tarantino and that one of the characters in the film was Mr Pink. I love the photo used as the cover for the CD of the film music with the men walking in the bright overhead sunshine, giving them intense dark shadows - hence my 'dog' version recreated in this painting and of course the pink harness reveals which character is being played!

I must though admit now that I haven't actually watched Reservoir Dogs and never will - however good a film it is, I simply can't watch violent films - oh dear, I know, stupid but there it is!

This painting is available for sale at the price of £93 (plus £7 shipping worldwide)

Please visit www.azpaintings.com/originals.html to purchase

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped.

With thanks to nickton at Flickr for the reference photograph

Best Friends Animal Society Wins Second Vote in Los Angeles 11-1

2011-08-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

"Don't Let Me Down"
Nancy Daleo

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

I painted this while awaiting the results regarding the future of the Northeast Valley Animal Shelter.

On Friday, I went to City Hall in downtown LA, to hear Best Friends speak about their proposal to save this shelter. When I first heard that the shelter was asking for a Request For Proposals from outsiders, I had a lot of questions. I asked my friends on facebook who work for local rescue groups what they thought about it. After all, this is a Los Angeles shelter and it didn't make sense to have a rescue group come in and occupy the building and run a shelter paid for by LA taxpayers. No one seemed to know much about the situation. I've always loved the way Best Friends operates, and just recently filled out an ap to volunteer with Best Friends LA. Still, I wondered why my city failed to open the shelter. There were also opposing views to consider. From an article entitled "Is Mayor Villaraigosa 'Sacrificing" and LA Animal Shelter", "...there is even further bewildering incongruity in this proposal. Cash-strapped Los Angeles would reportedly pay for maintenance, security, and utilities for Best Friends, a non-profit corporation which received over $51 million in income in 2009, according to its IRS report. This part of the “shared sacrifice” would come directly out of Los Angeles taxpayers’ pockets.

But, wait, there’s more. The Mission animal-care facility is part of the $154-million, Prop. “F” bond funds approved by voters in 2001 for new animal shelters and renovations of existing shelters all over Los Angeles. This is still being paid by city property owners, many of whom are losing their own homes in a faltering economy. Prop “F” promised that expanding existing animal shelters and building new facilities in pet-overpopulated, lower-income communities would reduce the danger and menace of stray and packing dog in the streets, lower euthanasia, and provide additional opportunities for adoptions of shelter animals in these areas. On the surface, the Best Friends’ plan might sound like a warm-and-fuzzy (albeit inequitable) public-private “partnership, but would it really even benefit animal adoptions? At a recent Best Friends “Super Adoption Event” at the La Brea Tar Pits, on May 21-22, reportedly 18 shelters and 50 rescue groups brought almost 1,300 animals needing homes. But Best Friends’ reports that only 284 animals were adopted to the public. That factors out at about four per shelter or organization. This is much lower than a usual weekend at a shelter, where 20+ dogs/cats are easily adopted from most facilities over two days. http://network.bestfriends.org/17218/news.asp"

None of us know all the details, but we did know that the city put out an RFP and Best Friends, I would say the top rescue organization in our country, was the only group that responded. On Friday, they lost the vote, but because so many council members were absent, they were given another opportunity to speak again in City Hall. I believe they realized that the citizens of LA had many unanswered questions and quickly responded with the information below. At that point, many of us urgently contacted our representatives to plead with them to save the shelter.

I couldn't attend the meeting today, but I wanted to be there in spirit and for me that means to paint about how I was feeling. Most assuredly, having Best Friends in LA will benefit our animals and our citizens. They are very organized and do offer a networking program which offers smaller rescues help without changing the way the rescue operates. I think it's a win win for everyone, especially the abandoned and homeless animals of Los Angeles.

Best Friends proposes to operate a lifesaving center in Los Angeles

AUGUST 15, 2011 - BY FRANCIS BATTISTA

UPDATE: We are thrilled to be able to announce that the City Council passed this proposal by an 11-1 margin! We’ll have more details coming soon, but we want to say thank you to all of you who took the time to advocate on behalf of the animals of Los Angeles!

Pop quiz: Which saves more lives? A boarded-up building or a bustling community facility conducting adoptions and spay/neuter surgeries? While the answer may seem like a no-brainer, you might be surprised that not everyone’s noggin computes like yours and mine.

Best Friends Animal Society has submitted a proposal to the city of Los Angeles to operate a lifesaving, high-volume adoption and spay/neuter center at the Northeast Valley shelter, a facility that has never been opened to the public due to budget and staffing shortfalls.

Full disclosure: I love Los Angeles. It’s a great city. I was born and went to college in New York City, but I love L.A. My wife, Silva, and I have been working in L.A. since 1991, and we have many friends in the animal welfare and rescue community. We developed model programs here and watched our local L.A. programs grow from a couple of people (us) and a group of volunteers knocking on doors for foster homes to a leader in the L.A. animal welfare community.

So, when the opportunity presented itself to do something really big for the animals and people of Los Angeles, I was delighted — especially since it is an opportunity to partner with the city when they really need a partner.

It’s a sweet deal for Los Angeles and for L.A. shelter pets. Best Friends will invest over a million dollars per year to turn what has now become a vacant building into a thriving adoption center and low-cost spay/neuter clinic for an underserved community. Our goal in the first year alone is to place 3,000 homeless pets from the other city shelters in good new homes and to fix 6,000 dogs and cats. That’s 3,000 fewer animals who will die in the L.A. shelter system and 6,000 pets who won’t have babies going into the community.

So the proposal should be a slam dunk, right?

Not so fast!

Let’s back up a tad. Northeast Valley was proposed for closure in the Mayor’s Proposed 2010-11 Budget, and as revenues continued to shrink, the city administrative officer (CAO) of Los Angeles issued a Request for Information (RFI) to see if a qualified nonprofit would step forward to apply to operate the facility, avoid closure and save more animals’ lives.

The RFI period was extended from the normal four weeks to six weeks, and Best Friends was the only organization to submit a proposal. Being the only entrant, the city attorney gave the CAO the go-ahead to negotiate a draft contract with Best Friends to run the high-volume adoption and spay/neuter model out of the otherwise soon-to-be-closed Northeast Valley shelter.

The draft contract needed approval of the L.A. City Council to move to the next phase of evolution into a final contract.

Last Friday, our proposal went to the City Council. Council Member Richard Alarcón, who represents the 7th district where the Northeast Valley shelter is located, has objected to this idea from the start, feeling that his district deserves the full-service shelter that the bond measure that created it promised back in 2000. That is quite understandable, but just not possible in the current down economy.

While we can’t give Alarcón’s district the full-service shelter originally planned, Best Friends is offering to run an adoption center that will place 3,000 pets with families in the first year. We are offering to provide 6,000 spay/neuter procedures, including at least half for low-income residents of the 7^th district who would otherwise not be able to afford to have their animals fixed. What we are not offering is to provide animal control services. Unlike spay/neuter and adoptions, this is not our area of focus or expertise. However, since the Northeast Valley shelter has only ever had a skeleton staff, animal control services have never been offered from this location, so there will be no drop off in service. In fact, there will be a big boost in public services as described above.

Council Member Alarcón opposed our bid vociferously on Friday, citing everything from procedural issues to labor issues. Apparently he would rather see the facility fenced and boarded up, which will happen soon, than see it operated as the lifesaving center we have proposed.

We needed 8 votes to pass but only got 7 of the 10 council members in attendance to vote in favor. Council Member Alarcón managed to pull two fence-sitters into his camp.

Well, a 7-3 vote didn’t carry the day for L.A.’s shelter animals, but we are still in the game. We have another shot this coming Tuesday when a revote is scheduled and more council members will be in attendance. If you live in Los Angeles, we need your help to secure that 8^thvote.

This is politics, folks … it’s not a spectator sport!

It is really important that you contact your city council member and tell them that you want them to vote in favor of Best Friends’ proposal to run a lifesaving adoption and spay/neuter center at the Northeast Valley shelter.

Click here to locate your council member’s contact information. Call or write now and tell them to vote in favor of Best Friends. The vote is Tuesday, August 16^th. They need to hear from you right away!

If you don’t live in LA, we can still use your help. Please post this on Facebook and Twitter, and email any family or friends you have in L.A. who may be in favor and wish to voice their support.

Thank you for all you do to help homeless pets. Our work wouldn’t be possible without you.

Francis Battista
Co-Founder, Best Friends Animal Society

Many questions are circulating about the operation of the Northeast Valley shelter, so we’re taking the opportunity to answer them here.

Q1 – Is it the case that Best Friends will only have 50 animals at the 200-capacity shelter, and those 50 will be “cherry picked” from the city shelters?

A1 – Best Friends plans to have 100 to 150 animals at the Northeast Valley shelter at any given time. The language in the draft contract was intended to establish the minimum number of animals that we might have there on any given day without being in violation of the contract. Our budget and staffing estimates are based on having 100 dogs and 50 cats at the shelter.

Q2 – Will Best Friends only have small adoptable dogs who would ordinarily get adopted at the shelter anyway?

A2 – Best Friends will have dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Q3 – Is Best Friends really qualified to run a shelter?

A3 – Best Friends operates the nation’s largest sanctuary for abandoned and abused animals, many with behavior and/or health problems. We have run emergency shelters all over the country, from New Orleans to North Dakota, that cared for thousands of animals. We have also run several high-volume retail adoption centers. Additionally, we have run the highest volume mobile spay/neuter clinic with lowest cost and lowest complication rate per surgery in the country.

Q4 – Why should Best Friends be handed the shelter for free when they are a $40+ million organization?

A4 – Best Friends intends to invest in excess of $1 million per year to operate the Northeast Valley as a lifesaving center that will help find homes for 3,000 shelter animals and spay/neuter 6,000 pets.

Q5 – Will any Los Angeles Animal Services staff be laid off so Best Friends can take over this facility?

A5 – No Los Angeles Animal Services staff will be laid off as a result of the Best Friends proposal.

Q6 – Why can’t the city just open the shelter as a full-service facility?

A6 – All city services are being cut. L.A. Animal Services has a hiring freeze due to budget constraints. The city doesn’t have the money to open a seventh shelter.

Q7 – Why weren’t other groups considered as well to take over the shelter?

A7 – Any organization could have applied, but Best Friends was the only group that did.

Q8 – Where will all the animals that typically go to Northeast Valley go now (e.g., moms with puppies/kittens, court case and transport dogs)?

A8 – These animals will go to non-adoption quarantine areas of other shelters. Because the Northeast Valley shelter is already closed, that is where they are already being housed. If Best Friends is allowed to reopen the Northeast Valley shelter as a lifesaving shelter, animals will be brought there for adoption from other shelters, which will relieve shelter crowding.

Q9 – Northeast Valley shelter was full of evidence animals and nursing moms and kittens. Is it true that because Best Friends is taking over, they were sent to the other high-kill L.A. Animal Services shelters or killed?

A9 – The shelter was scheduled for closure in July, with or without Best Friends.

Q10 – Why isn’t Best Friends planning to accept owner surrenders?

A10 – Best Friends will run a high-volume adoption center and high-volume spay/neuter clinic. We are not fulfilling animal control functions. Animal surrenders from the Northeast Valley will go to the East Valley shelter as they always have.

Q11 – Why is an “outside” group going to run an L.A. shelter?

A11 – Best Friends is not an outside group. Although we are based in Utah, we have been working in Los Angeles since 1991. Many people who began their rescue career as a Best Friends volunteer founded a number of the local rescue groups. Best Friends has worked to save shelter pets with seven Los Angeles Animal Services general managers through three administrations.

Q12 – Why didn’t Best Friends have to do a Request for Proposal (RFP)?

A12 – Best Friends submitted the only response to the RFI, and the city attorney declared that the CAO could go straight to negations for a draft contract. RFPs normally take a long time, from six months to a year. The shelter would still have been closed with no benefit to the animals or the community.

Affordable Small Paintings by Theresa Paden, "High Steppin' Hen"

2011-08-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Colorful Painting of a Chicken

"High Steppin' Hen"

By Theresa Paden

10 x 8"

Acrylic on canvas board.

For price and purchasing, click here to go to my blog

This painting is from My Affordable Small Works Series:

"Good Things Come in Small Packages"

Email:theresapaden@gmail.com

TABBY CAT ON RED by OLGA WAGNER

2011-08-16T17:59:00.001-07:00

I love the way that the color scheme makes this painting sing. The original photo was pretty bad, but perfect as inspiration.

Update on my sweet little Pugsley. He was a very good boy during his acupuncture treatment and seemed to be feeling much better following it. He even met me at the door when I got home this evening, which he has not done since he got so ill. I attached some photos of Pugsley sporting Porcupine Look.

THE LOOK

11 x 14 Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available www.olgawagner.com

Original photo of Nacho. Even though this photo was taken with my blackberry in bad lighting, it still managed to capture that little evil/smug face.

Whimsical Abstract Horse Art "Carousel Paint Horse" by Theresa Paden

2011-08-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

Whimsical Abstract Horse Art

"Carousel Paint Horse"

By Theresa Paden

30 x 40"

Acrylic on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas

Painting continues onto edges of canvas, no frame needed.

Email me for purchasing information

theresapaden@gmail.com

Click here to see all of my paintings on my website

Affordable Small Works Series, "Good Things Come in Small Packages" by Theresa Paden

2011-08-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

From My Small Works Series

Jack Rabbit Painting

"Listening"

By Theresa Paden

10 x 8"

Acrylic on stretched canvas

This painting is one in my new series
"Good Things Come in Small Packages"

Affordable smaller paintings

that make great gifts for the holidays!

I'll be doing more small paintings over the next 3 months

and posting them on my

Affordable Smaller Works Page!
so be sure to check my blog often!

Love, Peace, and Sharing a Bone

2011-08-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

"Sharing is Groovy"
Nancy Daleo

10x8 original oil painting. 12x10 Double thickness mat included.

Please email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net to inquire about this painting.

Lately on facebook, there has been quite a bit of cross posting pictures of dogs and cats that are available for adoption from shelters and rescues. I know that many dogs have found furever homes, foster homes, have been pulled by local shelter groups, and even been transported across state lines in an effort to save their lives.

Thanks to all of you who help to rescue a dog from a shelter or a local rescue and who go the extra step to share a photo of an animal.
Compassion Revolution
No Kill Advocacy Center

How to Save a life...You Don't Have to Be a Doctor

2011-08-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Starfish Story

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

-Story from Chicken Soup For The Soul

GREY HORSE by OLGA WAGNER

2011-08-13T06:47:00.001-07:00

Last week has been really tough on me. Between having to carry the pager for work and my little kitty being sick, I have not been getting any sleep. Thank goodness we have a very comfortable couch which allows me to get a couple of hours of sleep at a time. I love to wrap myself with fleece blankies and snuggle into the soft couch!

My little man, Pugsley, was just diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowl Disease (that's after suffering with chronic pancreatitis for the last 3 years - Poor dude can't get any breaks... See the picture of the cutie below...

This little painting was finished last night. The finishing touches went on about 4am...

GREY AND BEAUTIFUL
12 x 12 x 1.5 Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available www.olgawagner.com

Pugsley on window sill

Safe And Sound - Chihuahua original oil by Anne Zoutsos

2011-08-13T00:39:00.000-07:00

Safe And Sound - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

There is no question in my mind that when you look into the eyes of a dog, you are looking into the eyes of a creature with a mind of great complexity; a personality, not a mere 'animal'. This is one of the reasons I am so obsessed with painting eyes correctly and perhaps the part I see most often incorrectly painted.

There is a huge variation in the size and shape of the eyes of different dog breeds and within those breeds there are still quite large differences. It is vitally important if you want to paint dog portraits accurately, that you pay huge attention to the eyes and if the photograph you have doesn't show them clearly, you simply can't just copy the eyes of another dog. It would be like painting the eyes of one human if you didn't have a clear photo of the person you were painting.

Of course if you are painting a dog no longer alive and there are no clear photographs, you are in somewhat of a dilemma. Frankly, quite often the owner will not have a clear memory of the exact eye shape - although it's surprising if they don't remember the expression. Very often you will get clues from the shape of the head, particularly just above and below the eye.

I can only urge dog portrait artists to see dogs! Go to dog shows where you will see large numbers of different breeds - look at them - really look at them and see them. Too often people look without seeing.

Well I think that's enough nagging for today! I hope you enjoy this little chihuahua and it is available for sale at the price of £93 (plus £7 shipping worldwide).

It will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped as it is straight off the easel and is wet.

Anne Zoutsos, England, UK
www.azpaintings.com

Annabelle, Black and White Cow by Theresa Paden

2011-08-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Black and White Cow Painting

"Annabelle"

By Theresa Paden

20 x 16"

Acrylic on canvas

Email for purchasing information.

theresapaden@gmail.com

Credit cards, PayPal and personal checks accepted.

Shipping is FREE in continental U.S.

To see all of my paintings, please visit my website

Colorful Chihuahua Nancy Daleo

2011-08-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

COLORFUL CHIHUAHUA

14" X 10" Oil painting

waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

Sharing Secrets Nancy Daleo, LA, CA

2011-08-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

SHARING SECRETS

Acrylic on Arches

Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, CA

waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

Payton portrait of a Dalmatian Nancy Daleo

2011-08-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Payton"

Commissioned portrait of a Dalmatian

Nancy Daleo, Los Angeles, California

Size: 10 x 8 Oil painting

waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

Horses in the Sea at Sunset by Theresa Paden

2011-08-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

"Horses in the Sea at Sunset"

Equine Oil Painting

By Theresa Paden

11" X 14" Oil on canvas

$350.00
15% will be donated to
California Coastal Horse Rescue in Ojai

To purchase this painting, email me
theresapaden@gmail.com
I accept credit cards, PayPal, and personal checks.
Shipping is free in the continental U.S.

Prints and giclees on canvas are available, too.

To see all of my paintings, please visit my website
www.theresapaden.com

Colorful Contemporary Horse Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-07-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

Colorful Contemporary Horse Painting

"Sunset Frolic"

By Theresa Paden

24 x 24"

Acrylic on 1.5 deep gallery-wrapped canvas

Edges of canvas are painted, so a frame is not needed.

Email me for purchasing information.

PayPal invoicing is available and it's fast, safe, and easy.

Juli Calico Cat Nancy Daleo

2011-07-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Juli

Commissioned portrait by Lotta van der Vlugt of her Calico cat. Lotta is
from the Netherlands. It has been fun emailing her from the
US and painting her best friend. Lotta wanted Juli painted in bright,
cheerful colors to depict how she sees and feels about Juli.

Size: 10" x 8" Acrylic Painting on Arches Archival Paper
waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

ABSTRACTED CONTEMPORARY HORSE PAINTING

2011-07-27T18:31:00.001-07:00

It is amazing how artist's MOJO works and where the inspiration comes from. I found this pretty photo (see bottom of this post) in the image library on wetcavas site. The muscular buttocks spoke to me and the painting was born. Again, I wanted to stick to a very limited color palette. The colors used to create this beauty were: Royal Blue, Indigo, Carmine Lake, Naples Yellow and Naples Yellow Golden and Titanium White.

ATTITUDE
24" x 30" x 1.5" Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available

www.olgawagner.com

Close-up of texture

Original photo that was the inspiration for the painting

Laughing Dalmatian ORIGINAL FRAMED contemporary painting Nancy Daleo

2011-07-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

"Laughing Dalmatian"

This painting will be shipped framed.

Nancy Daleo Los Angeles, California

10x8 Original oil painting with 14x11

Acid free white rag mat framed in a metallic lime green frame.

Ready to hang!

This is a one of a kind, colorful, very detailed painting of a Dalmatian rescued from the streets in Silverlake, California.
About Buddy
Buddy and I crossed paths while I was driving home from my yoga class. I spotted him crossing the road around the Silverlake Reservoir. I was afraid he would be hit by a car, so I parked and proceeded to attempt to rescue him for about two hours. We ran up the steep hills together, dashed through stranger's yards and gardens, and, at one point Buddy managed to climb onto a man's roof which I thought was a very clever escape route. My patience for the chase was wearing thin, but shortly after he jumped off the roof, Buddy ran into a wooded area where he finally surrendered. Yes, Buddy was a very colorful Dalmatian.

I am a lifelong artist, a graduate from Pratt Institute, a prestigious art college in New York and have also attended classes at equally prestigious colleges in California; Art Center and UCLA. I've also worked as a graphic artist, and I specialize in portraits and abstract paintings and drawings. I as well volunteer for local animal charities. Thank you for visiting my shoppe.

To contact me directly to purchase a painting or a print or custom portrait, please email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net
Original Signed Painting- ships within 2-3 days

***About Arches Hot Press papers
"Many artists say they choose Arches because working on an inferior surface just isn’t worth the effort. And no other paper provides such a huge selection of sizes, surfaces, and formats for creative expression.
This paper is the original Arches, sometimes known as Natural White. The choice of leading painters all over the world, Arches is the product of five centuries of papermaking experience. You can rely on Arches to always be consistent.
Arches papers are mould made in France, with 100% cotton fiber content. They are acid-free, pH-neutral, gelatin-sized, and air-dried. Sheets have two deckle edges, and are watermarked and embossed. The 16" × 20" sheets have four deckle edges."

Ageless Beauty Chihuahua Portrait Nancy Daleo

2011-07-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Ageless Beauty

Nancy Daleo

Acrylic on Arches, Size: 6" x 4" with black acid free mat

"Though April days are long since past, And summer's just a memory, In the autumn of our lives, There is still just you and me." Marian Jones

To purchase this painting, email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net or visit my etsy shop Nancy Daleo Designs

Let's put our heads together to gather all the information we can to put animal rescues out of work. Let's get our dogs and cats off the streets and out of shelters and into loving homes. What will it take to accomplish this goal? Share your ideas on our new facebook group page.

"ANIMAL LOVERS UNITE TO END OVERPOPULATION RESULTING IN EUTHANASIA"

Horse at Sunset Original Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-07-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Horse at Sunset
Original Painting of an Appaloosa

By Theresa Paden

"Cimarron Sunset Appaloosa"

15 x 30"

Acrylic on canvas

Email me for pricing and purchasing information

theresapaden@gmail.com

Free shipping in the continental United States
10% of sale will be donated to
California Coastal Horse Rescue in Ojai

To see all of my paintings, please visit my website

To see more of my paintings, please visit my website:

COLORFUL BASSET HOUND by OLGA WAGNER

2011-07-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

Another Basset Hound! Love those wrinkly, sad faces. The background on this boy is gorgeous Coral color. The photo, however, does not do the color justice.

ALL HOUND
8" x 16" Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available $175
www.olgawagner.com

CHIHUAUA WITH BIG EARS by OLGA WAGNER

2011-07-20T17:46:00.001-07:00

How can anyone resist those big round eyes? How can dogs like this little cutie end up being abandoned in shelters? It pains me to think about all the innocent little souls waiting for a warm place to call home...

PICK ME
12 x 12 Oil on Stretched Canvas

www.olgawagner.com

Available $225
50% will be donated to local rescue

Sharing Secrets- Chihuahuas Original acrylic painting Nancy Daleo

2011-07-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

SHARING SECRETS

Nancy Daleo

Los Angeles, CA

8" x 8" Original Acrylic painting on Arches Archival Hot Press

(see bottom for description of paper)

This is painting #17 in my new series "365 Days...All Things Chi." I will be donating 5% of the sale of the painting and prints to charities with special needs cases. The first special needs case I chose is "Stevie" Stevie is a deformed Chihuahua. He was abandoned with a severe head injury. Stevie has a Chipin page if you would like to donate directly to assist with the medical costs of his surgery. His new FACEBOOK page is STEVIE THE SURVIVOR

Email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

STEVIE'S CHIPIN
"Rescued from death row Lancaster shelter, California, Stevie is a tiny chi with a major head injury and has a deformity on her four legs; she is partially paralyzed. Due to the severity of her head injury she needs a surgery to heel the huge whole she has on her head. Her recovery prognosis is very good."
For more information about Stevie, you can contact his caregivers at:
www.thekriskellyfoundation.org
YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A RECEIPT
VIA EMAIL FOR TAX PURPOSES
YOU MAY ALSO DONATE DIRECTLY TO THE VET HOSPITAL WHERE SHE IS AT:
Brent-Air Animal Hospital
11560 West Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone: 310-478-0011
Fax: 310-444-4975
Original Painting SHIPS FREE within 2-3 days of purchase

***About Arches Hot Press papers

"Arches papers aren’t just for watercolors. Use them also for drawing, calligraphy, gouache, printmaking, acrylics, and even digital printing. Manufactured from pure cotton fiber, they are so durable that they will remain beautiful and vibrant for centuries without conservation, if stored and handled properly.

Many artists say they choose Arches because working on an inferior surface just isn’t worth the effort. And no other watercolor paper provides such a huge selection of sizes, surfaces, and formats for creative expression.

This paper is the original Arches, sometimes known as Natural White. The choice of leading watercolorists all over the world, Arches is the product of five centuries of papermaking experience. You can rely on Arches to always be consistent.

Arches watercolor papers are mouldmade in France, with 100% cotton fiber content. They are acid-free, pH-neutral, gelatin-sized, and air-dried. Sheets have two deckle edges, and are watermarked and embossed. The 16" × 20" sheets have four deckle edges."

LANDSCAPE WITH COWS - Palette Knife by OLGA WAGNER

2011-07-16T18:15:00.001-07:00

I am really loving palette knives. I love the way the paint feels while being applied and manipulated on canvas...I love the textures that I am able to achieve....and best of all I LOVE the easy cleanup!

Palette knives were perfect for his landscape painting...

CALM BEFORE STORM
12" x 36" Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available
EMAIL: olga.t.wagner@gmail.com
BLOG: www.catclawsstudio.blogspot.com

Close-up of the cow on the left

GREY HORSE by OLGA WAGNER

2011-07-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows the saying "beauty is skin deep" -

That saying applies well to some of Flea-Bitten Grey horses. Flea-bitten Grey is a version of grey with speckles of the original coat color mixed in with the white hairs. Did you know that grey horses are typically born with a solid colored coat, such as bay, but with age they grey out. Grey comes from a Dominant gene, i.e. one of the parents has to be grey. Aren't genetics a GRAND thing....

SKIN DEEP
6x6 Oil on Stretched Canvas

Available $100
BLOG: www.catclawsstudio.blogspot.com

DRAMATIC HORSE IN PALETTE KNIFE

2011-07-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

Last night, I decided to start a series of a few small paintings, mainly to try out some new and interesting color combinations.

This dramatic little beauty was created with a very limited color palette. I used Chrome Yellow, Cad Red, Ultramarine and a touch of white. Originally, I started with Naples Yellow, but the drama was not there, so I bumped it to Chrome Yellow and VOILA -I LOVE it!

For the next version I was thinking of trying greys with yellow and purple ...

CRIMSON DRAMA
6x6 Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available $100
BLOG: www.catclawsstudio.blogspot.com

COLORFUL BASSET HOUND by OLGA WAGNER

2011-07-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

Can you say...WOW...That is one Colorful Hound! I think it's totally WILD and CRAZY.

I will be donating a painting to the 5th Annual walk for Animal Protection in November and started thinking of creating a really FUN painting for the event. I have a few other ideas that I want to put down on canvas before I decide which one to donate - But, this one is one COOL painting!

TRUE COLORS
24" x 24" Oil on Stretched Canvas

BLOG: www.catclawsstudio.blogspot.com
Please Email to Inquire : olga.t.wagner@gmail.com

Eye Close-up

Colors on the chest

Wildlife Art by Theresa Paden, I'm All Ears, Jack Rabbit Painting

2011-07-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

Wildlife Art by Theresa Paden

"I'm All Ears"

Jack Rabbit Painting

Blog: www.paintingsbytheresapaden.blogspot.com

Email: theresapaden@gmail.com

ADOPTABLE BASSET HOUND

2011-07-06T05:49:00.001-07:00

This Basset Hound Cutie is currently available for adoption through www.paws4ever.org in Chapel Hill NC. Her name is Grits and she is 7years young...

HOPE
12 x 12 Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available $295
BLOG: www.catclawsstudio.blogspot.com

Grits

another shot

Sedona, Southwestern Horse Painting by Theresa Paden

2011-07-04T23:57:00.000-07:00

"Sedona"
Southwestern Horse Painting

By Theresa Paden

36 x 36"

Acrylic on 1.5" gallery wrapped canvas.

Edges are painted, so a frame is not necessary.

Email me for pricing and purchasing information.

theresapaden@gmail.com

10% of sale will be donated to

California Coastal Horse Rescue

Click here to visit my website and see more paintings

DOG - YELLOW LAB by OLGA WAGNER

2011-07-04T11:35:00.001-07:00

Horse shows, sick cats and pager duty for work has been taking the toll on my creative energy. I did spend last couple of days reorganizing my studio. It is nice to have some room to move around again.

Here is a yellow lab in a shelter environment. It breaks my heart to think about all the poor souls spending the 4th of July in cold runs instead of on a couch...

SAVE ME
12 x 12 Oil on Stretched Canvas
Available $295
BLOG: www.catclawsstudio.blogspot.com

The Missing Royal Wedding Photo Chihuahua in Red Umbrella Hat 9x7 Original Acrylic Painting Nancy Daleo

2011-06-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Sample of painting framed (Frame Not Included)

"Boo hoo," cries Cindy Lou Who..."and I even bought a hat."
9" x 7" Original Acrylic painting on Arches Archival Hot Press
(see bottom for description of paper)

This is painting #16 in my new series "365 Days...All Things Chi." I will be donating 10% of the sale of the painting and prints to charities with special needs cases. The first special needs case I chose is "Stevie" Stevie is a deformed Chihuahua. He was abandoned with a severe head injury. Stevie has a Chipin page if you would like to donate directly to assist with the medical costs of his surgery. His new FACEBOOK page is STEVIE THE SURVIVOR

The model for this painting is my Cindy Lou Who, a Noah's Bark Rescue. She is my foster Chi and is currently up for adoption in the Los Angeles area. Best dog ever!

Email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net or click here

Nancy Daleo Designs

Painting of American Buffalo by Theresa Paden

2011-06-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Painting of American Buffalo
Contemporary Bison Painting

"Forging Forward"

By Theresa Paden

36 x 36"

Acrylic on 1.5" gallery-wrapped canvas.

I used my palette knife and lots of

buttery, thick paint to create this bison painting.

Here's a close-up of the painting.

Email me for price and purchasing information.

theresapaden@gmail.com