Christmas Angel At Work. . .

As many of you already know, I have a rather special Painting that was created in 2005 of a Dalmatian laying on an a rather lovely looking area rug. I had not remembered who had given me the photo from which I had taken this painting, having moved since that time, and having lost the contact name and information during that move.

Anyway, the painting, while wildly admired by all who viewed it, had never sold even though 100% of proceeds from such a sale were to be donated to Save The Dalmatian's organization in order to help their on-going efforts. So I contacted our local newspaper, who assigned a staff writer to my problem. She wrote an article about the painting, posting an image as well for dog owner to recognize.

The owner did contact me, came by my studio to see the painting, and did ask to purchase it in the process. It seems his dog, which I then found out had been named "Fiasco", had passed away in 2007, and he had daily thought about this painting, wondering if it had been finished, and wishing he knew how to contact me as well.

What a wonderful spirit of Christmas this story provided for myself, my family, and his, and I cannot thank my Christmas Angel (in the form of a Newspaper staff member) enough for providing the means for contacting this very appreciative dog owner on my behalf.

Newest 12x12 inches mounted on canvas

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This one makes me very happy while looking at it here in my Studio. Don't know what else to say about it, other than it was satisfying to work on!

Relisted On Ebay -- Love This Painting --

Have had so many comments on this Painting, folks seem to really like it, especially when they have seen it in person. However, it has not sold as yet, in spite of a low, low Auction price on eBay. No Reserve Auction, no less!

Why Art?

Art is not an extravagance or an indulgence. Art is an expression of mankind, and therefore a necessity. It can be spectacular or commonplace - from the earliest markings on cave walls by ancient cultures to the glorifying forms of the Italian renaissance - even the so-called "graffiti" defiantly left for public vie...w. All is based on man's driving need to create and leave a record of being....... anonymous

New Painting Venture --

My daughter, Veronica, has been talking about joining me on Painting venture for awhile now, and has taken her first step.

This is so cool, "Collage" over executed oil painting! Add's totally new sense of depth. This group will be branded as "by V&V".


And a couple of close-ups (click to enlarge). SOLD

Stretching A Watercolor Painting -- Part 1

This set of Instructions for Stretching a Watercolor Painting onto Gallery Wrapped Canvas has been moved to my website: www.veradennenstudio.com

Please look under: WatercolorInstructions-2

24"x30" Watercolor Stretched like Oil. . .

This Watercolor is painted on 140 lb. Cold Press Archers Watercolor Paper stretched in normal way, i.e. flat, stapled around edges to a flat board. I have left at least 1.5" around each side of planned painting size in order to compensate for the 7/8" deep sides after mounting. I Paint first, especially in these larger size paintings for two reasons, as mentioned in yesterdays entry: to prevent buckling later, and to mount only finished paintings that I like.

"Last Blossoms Of Summer"
24" x 30" Varnished Watercolor -- Ready to Hang.



Here are two side photos of the painting showing how edge wraps around all sides. Their are no staples in the Watercolor Paper itself.
The staples showing on very back of stretcher frame are actually in canvas, which has been stretched over stretcher bars first, and now lends strength and stability to the Watercolor Painting itself.

Next I will post step by step mounting process of paper over canvas for precision stretching each time.

Further progress on one 12"x12" . . . .

Almost finished on this 12"x12" sample and will be ready to mount for hanging. Two reasons I painted prior to mounting onto stretcher bars: one-can stretch paper this way so there will not be any buckling later on. And two, in case the painting is not one which I would consider successful enough to mount for hanging. In fact, if this particular painting were not being completed for this purpose as a sample, I would not finish it now. Am just not that crazy about this effort.

One Day Left To Bid . . .

Last day to bid on this 24x30, NO RESERVE Original Painting for $45.00!!!! Believe me, this is a steal!!! Free Shipping to boot. . .