Here is something fun and different that I have been playing around with… dogs on bags.  The bags are woven on a loom and very well made.  I have been using my portraits and loving the results.

Malia on bed and bag

I have been using my bag for almost a year and I LOVE it.

Malia

Here are a few other examples.

Ruger

Ruger, his human and his bag.

The real Murphy

Murphy

Murphy, his human and his bag.

I loved being able to carry Malia around in her bag.  It brought a lot of joy to people when she would poke her head out of the top of her bag.  I wish I had taken a picture of that!

I am looking forward to when we have things in place so you can order bags with my paintings on them.  It will be exciting to see my bags wherever I go!  Stay tuned!  We have a lot going on!

Aloha, Susan

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Some of you have asked where my old blog went.  I have been slowly trying to transfer it over, so hang in there, but  in the meantime, I have a lot to share with you.

One of those most often asked questions that I get is “why dogs”?

Several years  ago I was commissioned to create the painting below.  It was my first major acrylic and I had a blast doing it.  After that was installed, people called me and asked if I would paint their dog.  And of course I said I would.  It has been so much fun!

Day Dreaming | 9 Panels | Acrylic | 9 x 32 feet | commission

All of these dog portraits are up on my website, but I wanted to show you a few of my most recent creations.

Cavalier | Acrylic | 12 x 12 | $700

Lab | Acrylic | 18 x 18 | $1100

Basset Hound | Acrylic | 12 x 24 | $1100

Copper | Acrylic | 24 x 12 | commission

Copper was a commission that I did for a couple who recently lost their beloved pet.  Their daughter surprised them with this painting.  I have heard that they were really moved by the painting.  At first I was concerned that they might be sad when they looked at it, but I was assured that they really enjoy it.

Malia | Acrylic | 18 x 18 | Private Collection

A couple of months ago my precious Chihuahua Malia passed away and while I thought that I might be sad seeing her painting every day, it makes happy.  It’s as if she is still with me.  So, I guess I understand how a memorial painting would be alright.

And my second most painting is of this adorable Bulldog.  My most recent painting has not been photographed yet, but stay tuned!

Bulldog | Acrylic | 18 x 18 | $1100

Aloha, Susan

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Heart 1

I think that Valentine’s Day is a nice concept, but I have to say that I don’t really like the idea of trying to wow your loved one(s) one day out of the year.  I really try to let the people that I love know that I love them all the time.

Valentine’s day is for bold gestures. Romantic love is fun, but mostly it’s for people who watch a lot of movies or have been in a relationship for less than… hmmm, let’s say for a couple of years.

Real love is about the long haul.  Showing your loved ones by your actions and words that you truly love them with all of your heart.

I am blessed to have so much love in my life.  I love Kira & Steve deeply for making my day to day life incredible and rich.  I love all the wonderful women in my life for keeping me on track and grounded. I love my dogs for letting me rub their bellies and kiss them whenever I want.  I love Mila for making my body strong and happy. I love my art, because without it I wouldn’t know how to express the way I feel about things I see.  I love my family for getting me off to a good start.  I love my new business partner Michelle for making it possible for me to reach more people with my art. I love Steve (yup, Steve gets a second plug) for being my best friend, soul mate and boy toy.

I am a lucky woman.  Happy Valentine’s day!

Heart 2

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Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to keeping you up to date.  Time sure does fly!  I have a lot of new and exciting things going on.

Where to start… the most exciting news is that I have a wonderful new business partner!  New business?  Yes!  For years I have wanted to license my artwork.  Imagine my paintings on tote bags, bedding, tableware, vases, umbrellas, furniture, clothing, stationary… you name it.  The person who is going to make that happen is a fabulous woman!  Michelle Frokjer came into my life several months ago through a networking group I belong to called BNI.  She was working for another company and I managed to convince her to “run away with me”.   She is dynamic, smart as can be, creative and excited about joining forces.  I would like to introduce you to her dog Ruger & a painting that I did of Ruger.

Ruger & Ruger

Ruger | Acrylic | 12 x 12

We are in the “riding the learning curve” stage of our business.  We could use your help… we are trying to come up with a name for my dog collection and I would love your input!  We would like the name to be influenced by my bold color palette, the spirit of the dogs and my love of the islands.

Here are some ideas we’ve come up with so far:

Island Dogs

Moku Pups

Ipo Puppies

Paradise Pooches

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Where on earth have I been all summer?  Other than our trip back to Canada and two trips to Maui and one trip to the Big Island, I have been busy spending time with Kira before she heads back to school.

However, I do have some art news.  I found a wonderful gallery on Maui.  It’s on Front St. in Lahaina. http://www.imagesinc.com

I just finished a commission of Bella.  She is a German Short Haired Pointer.

I have not chosen a name for my Sandman painting because I am donating it to the Hawaii Humane Society to use as their Christmas Card this year.  Thanks for you suggestions, but I think I would like to leave it up to them.

I am also donating some artwork to be used by the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle for invitations to their Christmas house tour.

Busy. Busy.  Stay tuned!

Aloha,
Susan

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