Kickstarter Poster Project Funding Over Halfway There!

Just thought I'd show you a crappy, kind of blurry phone photo (you get the idea) of all four posters framed in cheap, cheap poster frames from a big box hobby store. These were around $7.00 each and I used the coupon for two of them (2 different visit purchases...) so all four were under $20.00. Cool eh?
Any-o-how, just wanted to let y'all know that we're sitting at 53% funded with 23 days to go. Yay posters! Yay Dogs! Please take a look-ee-see here and maybe you want some too! It's easy. You can buy in for as little at $15.00 or get all four for $45.00. That's all folks!!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/dog-scratchin-limited-edition-posters-for-your-wal?ref=small_projects

It's A Good Day In Linda-Land!

These two are super cute. This artwork didn't end up in the book. It was just an exercise in being loose and fun. It's Ampersand Art Scratchboard. 5x7 inch.
I'm happy. The kickstarter project (click here to see) is just under halfway funded. There are 26 days to go. If I don't raise the full amount of a mere $550.00 I get nothing. That's ok. I can live with that. I'd rather not though. I'd like to see my 4 posters go out into the world and make people happy. That's all I'm asking for. Just a little hint of success. The other day I was lamenting to a friend about art sales being down and she said, 'well, you can always go back to plumbing.' Uh, no, I can't. I spent almost thirty years crawling around under houses, in tight attics and trying to fit myself into impossible spaces, all while either making fire with a torch(and trying to not burn the house down) or woman-handling a couple of pipe wrenches. Don't get me wrong, it was a great trade. I'm happy I did it. I'm happy I at least tapped the top of my head on the glass ceiling in the trades. But the reality is, I'm older now, and I can't do what I once did. The last major project I did was help a friend build her house from the ground up. I was 50 then, and it was hard, but I could still do it without killing myself. Not any more. I have constant neck pain from bulging discs and bone spurs. I'm happy to still be able to handle scratchboard drawing all day long, every day.  Not feeling sorry for myself, just my reality. So I follow my art muse. Right now it's the books, who knows what it will be next year.
Please take a look at my project and see if you have any interest, or if you know someone who might. Thanks! Follow your dream, even if it leads you on a curvy path.

Almost Time To Launch The Dog Scratchin' Kickstarter Project...

Here's a little treat for those of you who have bought the Dog Scratchin' book. This is the poet Miller Williams reading his poem from the book; Some Lines To A Dog Who Doesn't See The Difference. 
I'm gearing up to launch the poster project with all of the artwork from the book on kickstarter this coming Sunday at high noon Central Time. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, enjoy listening/watching the poet deliver his poem. It's used here with his permission. The video copyright is mine with all rights reserved so please don't use without my permission. The quality is just about as good as I could get with my android phone. Still, nothing like hearing it in the writer's voice. Cheers!

Dog Scratchin' Poster #3

The Dog Scratchin' limited edition poster project has been submitted to kickstarter and now I wait for them to approve (or not) before launching in a week or so. I've been living with one of the series hanging on my wall, framed in a simple cheap frame from the big box hobby store and it looks good! Meanwhile I'm still working on the cat book (and believe me, wrangling cats is much harder than dogs, no surprise, right?) No judgment, just fact.
Once again, the layout of the posters was done by the amazing artist Chad Maupin at Big Bot Design. I can barely operate photoshop, let alone try to put more than one image on a page...
It's a lovely day in Northwest Arkansas, especially in the house with AC going.

Dog Posters-#2

This is poster #2 of the series of 4 dog posters. Yesterday I worked on the kickstarter video with Anh Dao Kolbe who helped keep me in frame/focus while I talked about the project. And just so you know, Chad Maupin of Big Bot Design in Fayetteville took all of the images from the Dog Scratchin' book and put them together in these sweet 11"x17" posters. And thanks to him, the printing is local too. He's also a really talented scratchboard artist.  I'm fixin' to submit this project to kickstarter sometime this week, with a launch planned sometime next week. This kickstarter project will be the ONLY place to find these posters as I'm going to limit the number printed to however many I need to fulfill the project rewards.
The project will run for 30 days...during Mercury in Retrograde(google it). (although it starts BEFORE the retrograde and ends after) Those of you who know anything about me know that I am somewhat (ok, really more than somewhat) superstitious about these things.  I'm going to try it though, I can't put my life on hold for some astrology event--That's my new way of looking at things.
Here we go------

Dog People-I'm Planning Something!

For those of you who liked the idea of creating a poster (or other cool products)with the dog art from Dog Scratchin' book...I'm just about to launch a kickstarter project to fund the printing of four different 11"x17" posters with twenty dogs to a poster. Stay tuned, I hope to be live sometime next week. In the meantime, I'm working on the cat version of the book like mad. It's going to be just as fun and colorful as the dog book, although cats don't smile much! Or maybe their smiles are understated...

Magical Night

I'm pretty excited tonight. Got to see Shawn Colvin and Mary Chapin Carpenter in concert at the Walton Arts Center tonight. It was an amazing performance. Much like being in their living room with them, as they chatted and played and sang and chatted some more. If you have a chance to see them in this series of concerts--go.
I was with friends and we managed to meet Mary before the concert. I even handed her a Dog Scratchin' book and had the road manager give one to Shawn. Pretty sweet. She was gracious and dear. Ok. I'm up later than usual. Suffice to say, things are good. I have about 180 books left (out of the original 500) so if you want one or two you need to get your order in soon. I've got them up at my etsy shop and of course you can just contact me via here or the www.blue-eyedponystudio.com website and I'll get on it.

Oh, yeah, a sad note; Dottie (above) who is in the book recently had to be put down. She had a good, long life, and her people are understandably sad, I am too. Feb. book sales percentage will be sent to the Maryland Shelter that she originally came from.
Thanks a heap for everything all y'all. And be watching for the Cat Scratchin' Book. It fully funded and I'm just at the beginning of gathering stories and photos to draw from. Will be out in the early Fall.

Dog Book Feedback

I just got an email with the following feedback from someone who gave the book as a gift to several friends.

I love this book so much that I take it with me to all three of my dialysis centers and prop it up not far from my computer terminal because the cover is so cheerful to look at. Then, if I need a break I read two or three stories from it. I just showed it to one of our registered dieticians, and she loved it too. At first she said she only had a minute but she couldn’t stop looking at it and commenting on it. It was fun. I really love this book and I’m really glad you thought to send me a copy.

Kris

 

That's it for now...

 

Animal Rescue Groups

Yesterday I sent out some books to a NY rescue group, Tuff Tails. I've been following them on facebook and they do great work, so I packed up 5 books and sent them on their way. Check them out at here. They get 100% of the proceeds. It's all a part of my spreading the Dog Scratchin' joy. More books to go out to other groups this week. The above photo is a dog I drew this past December as a commission. It's a 5x7 Ampersand Art Scratchbord. I had tons of fun doing this and several other different dogs for this person. The Cat Scratchin' version of the book is currently funding at kickstarter, check it out here. Funding will end Feb. 13th. I'm biting my nails on this, slow going...I really want it to happen. Where are the cat owners??? So far the dog owners have won the race. Shaking my head.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year y'all! I'm celebrating a bit ahead of myself, but it's almost here. 2012 has been a great year for my art. The above scratchboard drawing was an 8"x10" commissioned Christmas present. (Used Ampersand Scratchbord and inks)Magaidh was also one of the dogs in the Dog Scratchin' book, and there is a different drawing of her in it. I feel so grateful for having the support of all of you who participated in the kickstarter project. That support allowed me to assemble my book of drawings of your dogs. I thank you all so very much!
Now, during the cold weather when I'm hunkered down in my warm house I'm putting together the Cat Scratchin' version of the kickstarter project. It will launch soon. Those of you who have both dogs and cats stay tuned. Well, actually, all of you should stay tuned. If there is enough interest I may do another version of the dog book in the future. I love giving books and money away to rescue groups! I'm so happy to have been able to give over $800.00 in money and books just since October. That to me is success. December recipient is PAWS of Beaumont, TX. Shipped the books and check to them yesterday. 3 of the dogs in the book were rescued by them. Good work!

Last Minute Dogs

Hey folks, all is good here in *Linda-Land*. I'm still selling Dog Scratchin' books like crazy. Just wanted to give you a heads up...if you want to buy a book(s) for Christmas gifts, or even commission a custom piece of art, get with me soon. Like, today or tomorrow. Post a comment here and we can make it happen.  I promise I will work hard to get it shipped to you before the holiday. If you are in NW Arkansas I can hand-deliver, but you must contact me right away. This month's 10% of sales proceeds are going to a group in Beaumont, Texas called *PAWS*.  I've already sold quite a few books this month, but would love to sell more so I can give more to this group. I'm starting to get geared up on the Cat Scratchin' project. Will keep y'all posted. Thanks, and have a lovely day!
The above is dear departed "Sister", and her brother "Cletus" in his fancy shirt. It's a 5x7 scratchboard drawing on Ampersand bord, with inks. Sold.

Delivering Dog Art and Books

Today I met up with the folks of "Fozzie" and "Libby".  We had lunch and laughs, and even found out we knew several people in common...one of the things I have always really loved about Austin. If I don't say it enough, I want all to know how much I enjoyed drawing their dogs and telling their stories. It was and is an honor and priviledge (and really darned good fun). I love the connections.
This time tomorrow night I will be signing books, handing out art work and "rewards" from the kickstarter project. Seeing old friends and meeting new.  And...I hope raising a bit of dough for Austin Pets Alive!
Of these two dogs, Fozzie is no longer around (but clearly was much loved by his folks) Libby is getting up in years, but still going strong.

Come to Wally Workman Gallery

This is Mirabelle, also known as Monsterbelle. Reportedly she will be attending the book signing this Tuesday from 6-8pm at Wally Workman Gallery on W. 6th St. in Austin, Texas. I can hardly wait to meet new folks, their dogs and see old friends. I'll be distributing some of the artwork from the book to those who pledged at the kickstarter project, plus selling books and other artwork. I'm giddy with excitement. The other reason is that 10% of the sales will be given to Austin Pets Alive rescue group. Wally and Rachel are so kind as to not only host this event, but they are participating in the 10% donation. I love to be able to give to such great groups doing such great work.
Today I also went to Kirchman Gallery in Johnson City, Texas for their holiday event. I met some super nice people and left some books there to sell. If you are in the Johnson City area on your way to the Hill Country you should stop by. They have a really great variety of art and artists in there..plus they also do wine tasting.
The weekend after Thanksgiving I'll be out in San Marcos at Eye of the Dog Art Center at their home show, which is a truly special and fun event.
So happy.

Drawing Dogs for fun!

Now that the book is finished and all of the art from it hanging at the Anne Kittrell Gallery on the campus of the University of Arkansas, I've had some time on my hands. So I've gone through my collection of dog images that I've downloaded from here and there, and then I scratched out some new artwork, just for fun. The usual here, a 5x7 Ampersand Art scratchboard with clayboard inks. This is one of my favorite dog poses. The leaves are of course only in my mind. I'm not sure who this is, I'm referring to him/her as "Good Dog". I will frame this and take it to Wally Workman Gallery in Austin to sell. The event there will be November 13th 6-8pm. I'll be there with books, art and kickstarter rewards. I will soon add a paypal button here, and will list books at my etsy shop if you are looking for books to buy. I'll also be at Eye of the Dog Art Center in San Marcos, Texas, right after Thanksgiving selling artwork, books, magnets (big sale on those this year), and the little wooden carpenter "totes" that I've been making. Stay tuned, more information about all of that soon. In the meantime, I'm off to Petco today to work with For Pets' Sake Springdale to get a bunch o' dogs adopted out. They are such a fun group that does great work, rescuing animals from the city shelter and placing them in good homes. I am donating 10% of sales to them, and 10% to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter this month.

They're Here!!

I'm very happy to announce that the Dog Scratchin' books have arrived. All five hundred of them! I am gathering the various "rewards"(postcard,greeting card,magnet) and packing them with the books in preparation for shipping and hand deliveries to the kickstarter funders. Those in Fayetteville Arkansas can pick them up at the Anne Kittrell Gallery in the Union at the University during the reception on Oct. 11th 6-7. And the entire show can be seen M-F 10-6pm until the end of the month. 
I'll be at Wally Workman Gallery for a special event Nov. 13th from 6-7pm to sign, sell and distribute books. There will be several pieces of artwork for sale there. I'm also setting up commissions for the holidays. If you would like one of your animals (not just dogs) drawn on scratchboard to give as gifts you need to contact me soon!!
The book looks better than I even imagined it would. I just sold 8 yesterday to a friend who will be giving them as Christmas gifts. That means the first $$ went into the rescue group fund...$16.00 ($2 per book sold) whoo hoo. Here we go! This is pretty darned exciting!

Dog Books On Their Way To Me!

I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of the Dog Scratchin' books. Soon there will be more than several boxes of them stacked and waiting to go to their next home. Or homes. This is good. This is very, very, good. Now, if I could just breathe!
The show is up at the Anne Kittrell Gallery at the U of Arkansas Fayetteville and officially opens today and runs through the end of the month. It's open M-F 10-6pm. It's located on the 4th floor of the Union blg. I've been parking in the parking garage on Stadium Dr. Easy-peasy once you figure out the payment machine, and then a short walk over to the most confusing building I've ever been in. There are what seems to be half floors. Many different levels and wings. Good luck.  I'll leave breadcrumbs so you can find it. Please come to the reception on Thursday Oct. 11th 6pm.

Anne Kittrell Gallery Dog Show

Today I will take all of the scratchboards to the Anne Kittrell Gallery on the campus of the University of Arkansas and begin to hang and set up the room for the month long show. The show opens on October 4th and runs until the end of the month. The reception is Thursday October 11th at 6pm. The books are being printed and will be shipped in time for that event. (I hope!) It will be nice to have the artwork in my hands again. I've had all of the boards packed up waiting for this.
This past week I started 6 new dogs and two cats. Just for fun, for sale, for me. I'm happy to be back at it. And work has begun on the Cat Scratchin' project that I hope to launch after the first of the year if not sooner.

Is It Here Yet?

This is Molly. She's a sweet hound mix. She and I are both waiting, and waiting for the book to be done. Soon, my friends. It's so hard for me to be patient...and yet, what else can I do? I've started drawing several new dogs that are not in the book. Just for fun, and hopefully finance. These will be framed and hung at Wally Workman Gallery to sell in November (or whenever). It was good to get back to scratchin'.  I'm ready...anytime now!

Dog Scratchin' Book Preview

I've got the unbound proof sheets of the book in hand. I'm spending the rainy weekend looking at it to make sure there are no changes needed before doing the run of 500 copies. So far I see a hyphen or comma to add or remove here and there. Making changes costs more money, so I have to decide what I can live with.
 It just makes me very happy to see it just as I envisioned. The two on the page are Trabi and Mopsie. I love the way they look. And they have a sweet story, as do all of the dogs in the book.

A Good Dog Day Afternoon

This past Sunday I got to meet little Magaidh (Gaelic spelling of Maggie) at the park with her owners, Ryan and Heather Marie Wells. It was a sweet afternoon, as I previously had only known her through her owners photos and stories. And from those I drew the artwork that will be in the book. The purpose of the meeting was to get photos of her with the artwork because she has bladder cancer and after two surgeries and chemo and nothing more to be done, no cure available, her loving folks are at the point of making a difficult decision. I've been there, with my seventeen year old cat. It was and is the hardest thing in the world. But I believe with all my heart that having an animal you love put out of their pain peacefully is the greatest expression of love there is. Magaidh has a few more days on this earth. I am confident that they will be the best days of her life. That's all any of us, animal or human can hope for or work on, making every day the best day of our life. This dog, this story, these people, they are a big part of why I'm putting this book together.
The photos above (except for the artwork that I scanned) were taken by Ryan and/or Heather Marie Wells.