Letter to the Editor

This wonderful letter is found in the current issue of JAVMA and refers to last month's issue (June 15) which featured Ears on the cover. The ears have it

I wanted to say that the artwork appearing on the cover of the June 15, 2013 issue is in my opinion one of the most beautiful pieces of art that you have ever published.  Margi Hopkin's colored pencil drawing of the cat entitled "Ears" had gorgeous detail and was stunningly realistic, likely a result of her great talent as well as her close observation of the feline form during her work as a veterinary technician.  I would love to see more of her work featured in future issues.

Michele Rosenbaum, VMD, DACVD- Webster NY

Jumped through all the hoops!

I jumped through all the hoops to get Blue Crab into the mail and off to Brea CA to the 21st Annual CPSA International Exhibition.  Turns out, even with careful planning, I cut it close.  Note to self: Big difference in postage price between 3-day and Ground, which is estimated to take 6 days. As I'm paying for shipping to and from destination, any additional postage is doubled.  If my piece does not make it in the window given by the show's time table, it is disqualified. I chose cheap vs late.  Let's hope my gamble pays off.  Stay tuned and wish Blue Crab luck.

Help me title this newest piece.

This is not quite finished. There are subtle changes to the background I made since taking the picture.  And I did'nt like the hard edge of the cat's back. Of course all this came to light-as it always does- after varnishing. Give the new improved version a few hours drying time.  I'll shoot another picture and post it shortly.  Stay tuned. 

Who Rescued Whom available in Giclee prints.

The overwhelmingly  positive reaction to this painting astonishes me.  Who Rescued Whom has been hanging in the library of LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine since the end of March, where it was exhibited in their annual International Exhibition on Animals in Art and won Judge's Award.  One person actually cried when she entered the library and saw it for the first time. She said it reminded her of her dad who had just passed. I knew the composition had potential, the day I came upon Willie and Tucker basking together in the afternoon sun of their first few hours together.   Their expressions spoke volumes to me.  What I didn't expect was that in capturing this moment, I was able to share it in a deep emotional way with complete strangers.

Upon the request of  family members I had a professional photographer make  giclee prints.  The original is awaiting its new home. If you took the time to read this blog and are interested in a print, comment back and I will give you pricing and dimensions.  Thanks for reading!

Blue Crab

  Dimensions: 29x19"; Medium: Colored Pencil on Mat Board. This  is my daughter, on the bay side of Perdido Key, Pensacola Florida. The references were taken last Christmas. Unusual to use a winter beach scene, don't you think? With so much blue, I came close to cropping out most of the water, but decided to stick with the original.  I like the negative space.  It adds to the story.  

Blue Crab

This is my daughter Alice being her usual goofy self, bayside Perdido Key, Pensacola FL.

This piece launched my career.

This is "Rude," pronounced Rudy.  He  belonged to a veterinarian for whom I worked many years.  The little 8 x10"painting was a thank you gift for allowing me to advertise my work in the office.  The piece was later chosen to be the cover of JAVMA (Journal for the American Veterinary Medical Association.)   One of my more popular images, I have sold many Rude prints.