IF ~ Adapt

Even if your world has turned upside down,

You can always adapt.

Ah...another week gone by, a little further into spring, closer to summer. Many are having a hard time with the economy, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how bad things get, time moves forward... this too shall pass.

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here:http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Second Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will greatly appreciate it.

See my store and galleries to the right.

IF ~ Cracked

I pulled this from the sketchbook I carry around with me. This was rendered the day I was sitting in the waiting room at the hospital while my husband was having his kidney stones removed...poor baby. He'll be glad to know his hoo ha was the inspiration for this piece! I thought it might be fitting for this week's IF.

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here:
http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php
When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Second Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will greatly appreciate it. See my store and galleries to the right.

IF~Contagious

It's been a long week around here. Computer crash, birthday parties, Memorial weekend preparations, late night charity events, book illustrations, so I'm just now getting this up for this weeks challenge...and I'm still as happy as she is. Better late than never!

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php
When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Second Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will greatly appreciate it.

IF ~ Parade

Celebrate Mother's Day indeed!

(click on illo to enlarge)

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php
When you purchase an item from ArtQwerks, 10% of your purchase price will be donated to my favorite animal charities; Second Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven, both in lower MI. Which charity will depend on the item purchased and I will greatly appreciate it.

See my store and galleries to the right.

illustration friday

Hierarchy

I know my sister loves me,

because she gives me all her old clothes

and has to go out and buy new ones...

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

~ Theater

Now THIS drama princess has a face for the theater!

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

IF~Impossibility

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Illustration Friday ~ Fleeting

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today. ~Stacia Tauscher

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Illustration Friday~Talisman

The word for Illustration Friday's week of April 3rd is Talisman...

No better way to be charmed than by this Lucky Pup!..ok... that's a stretch, but you get the picture!

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Illustration Friday ~ Poise

Luna was poised with genuine enthusiasm for wherever life would take her next...

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Illustration Friday

Either way you look at it, whether you take the bottle from the baby or you give it to him, you are still subtracting someone's agony.

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. Read more about it here: http://www.illustrationfriday.com/about_p.php

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Patricia Tribute

I'm feeling a little nostalgic today. I just discovered that my ex-brother in law and his wife have a bit part in the movie "Midnight Bayou" this weekend (Saturday to be exact), on Lifetime TV. I'm so thrilled for them, I know they are so excited, I'M excited FOR them! They sent me a picture of themselves all dressed up for the part and they are so adorable. It made me think of the last time I talked to him which was when I was visiting the home of my sister Patricia, his ex, right after she passed away and he called to offer his condolences. Patti and I would have gotten a big kick out of this news if she was still here....damn.
You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Seriously...Spring has SPRUNG!

Hallelujah!!! There's light at the end of the snow encrusted tunnel!!!Spring has sprung and I can feel it in my bones...it's gonna be a great one! It looks as though this guy is a little apprehensive, not sure whether or not to really believe the snow is gone for good, even though he's sitting right in the middle of the flower bed. Michigan has a sneaky way sometimes of making you think spring is here and then the next day it will snow like crazy. I'm keeping the faith. Nothing makes me appreciate spring more than living here, I seem to notice the smallest of signs that something new is about to happen, starting with SEEING THE GROUND, tiny buds on the most lifeless plants, the sky is a different shade...you know....BLUE. I was witness to the biggest fattest and I'm assuming, most pregnant robin red breast of all time in my front yard yesterday. Three of them to be exact, but one was obviously octo-robin, which might be a normal thing for robins I'm not sure. I know they have a few at a time, but I'm not certain if eight is the actual number. The buds are swelling on my lilac bushes outside of my windows, one of the very first signs that there will be glorious renewed life in my gardens. Good-bye winter...don't let the door hit ya where the sun don't shine (literally)...see ya, wouldn't wanna be ya... Welcome spring...your room is ready!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Finesse of the Feline Fanny

This has always been a favorite of mine. Although the original acrylic has long been sold, the prints continue to be a big success. Even though I no longer have a cat, I always had one while growing up until a few years back (not the growing up... I mean having a cat. I still haven't grown up and don't intend to any time soon). As time has passed, I've decided to wad my dogs and cats up into one convenient package. My dogs are now the size of cats, have the same demanding attitude as cats and while they too think they are ruling the roost, they at least make it outside to pee, unlike my last cat did as he reached old age. I do remember though that much of the time I had this view of my feline's fanny... his choice...not mine.


You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

EBSQ Art of the Day

I'm honored to have had my work featured for EBSQ's Art of the Day on 03/07/2009. This particular work is titled "Groovy kind of Love." I have displayed this piece here before but since it has been honored, I feel like it needs to be displayed again. I am a huge rescue dog advocate (in my family, we own two) and this little guy just happens to be a rescue also. I donate a portion of my sales on Etsy to Last Chance Animal Rescue and Horses Haven in Howell Mi. You can read more about this EBSQ featured work and see each day's featured art here: http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtOfTheDay/cmd_20090307_ArtOfTheDay_Pastels.htm
What is EBSQ?
EBSQ is a creative space that provides art marketing tools and serves as a hub for the self rep and indie artist community.
The theme for last week was Pastels.
A pastel is a stick of pure, ground pigment held together with a binder. Some prefer the more chalky soft or hard pastels. Some prefer oil pastels. All require practice, but in the right hands, pastels are a medium without peer.
Thank you EBSQ for including me in last week's featured art!


You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Update on The Artist Project by Gerry and Lori Pas!!!

photo courtesy of Gerry Pas

This from Lori Pas:

Yep! It's still news!
Amy Lockhard, a very fun & talented reporter & videographer for the Spinal Column Newspaper, contacted Gerry & I recently and asked about the AP. She knew it was "old news," yet wanted to know what had transpired since then. So she came to interview us & her video-interview came out TODAY. Please watch it by going to http://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/ --Once you get there, scroll down the page to the bottom right & THERE IT IS! ENJOY! We love our precious community of artists! We continue to be inspired by you and we continue to THANK each and every one of you!

With love & hugs,

Lori & Gerry

You can see The Artist Project website here: http://www.theartistsproject.com/

To purchase a book contact Lori or Gerry Pas at glolight@comcast.net

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

ATC ACEO Trading Trend

I am a long standing member of the The Village Fine Arts Association in MI. I've just finished up my two year stint as president and look forward to spending more time painting, working on illustrating the children's books I have lined up and working with all the other volunteers on the creative events the VFAA holds for their members. At one of the upcoming VFAA meetings, there will be an ATC trade off, where artists can bring their Art Cards and trade them with each other. I have been creating these cards for quite some time now and selling them on Etsy, so I thought I would post one here for the looking. For those that don't know, Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art about the same size as baseball cards, they should measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size and be thin enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets. The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and was originated in Switzerland. The cards are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold. An offshoot (or kissing cousins) of Artist Trading Cards are the "Art Cards, Editions, and Originals" (ACEO). ACEOs originated when some artists began to create cards to sell, in addition to trading among themselves, which is only right because after all, we are starving aren't we? So there you go, now you know what they are and for those of you that will be at the VFAA/ATC meeting...get busy...you got some tradin' ta do!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn and the companion mouse puppet, prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Looking Glass

I'm trying to organize the studio and straighten up around here a bit and while doing so I came across this children's book illustration I created for a client in 2001. I really like her so I thought I would post her here until I got looking at her out of my system.

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn (and the companion mouse puppet separately), prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Baby Daddy...

Wow! It seems like such a short time ago that she was this young! This used to be a typical Saturday morning in our house! Two peas in a pod they were...still are...only older. Oh how we've come full circle, she's still doing his hair, a little differently of course, to this very day.

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn (and the companion mouse puppet separately), prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698

Where My Story Begins by Rachel Longhurst

Rachel Longhurst, author of "where MY story begins" is currently working on her second book, "The Enchanted Tree of Crooked Lake" and has chosen me as her illustrator for the project. Her first book, "where my story begins" has been placed as a "Finalist" in the "Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Non-fiction" category - Best Book 2006 National Book Awards! While the second book is under construction, I bet you or someone you know would just LOVE this sweet story about a Labrador Retriever named Corey, a Golden Retriever named Lucas and the lessons they learn through their friendship. Click on the following link to read more about this book and it's author, Rachel Longhurst... http://www.wheremystorybegins.com/ . While I'm busy with this newest book project, over the next few weeks, I will be displaying some of my favorite art work from 2008. In the mean time, take a peek at Rachel's website to see more of this heartwarming tale about these precious pups! A story for animals lovers of ALL ages!

You can see most of my art in MY GALLERIES at: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_20424_profile_portfolio.htm or view my slide shows to the right. You can purchase my illustrated children's book "The Harp Mouse Chooses Her Home: The Adventure Begins" by Diane E Dunn (and the companion mouse puppet separately), prints and original art or request commissions and at the same time have 10% of your purchase donated to animal charities here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5663698