Sport,a Chion pet portrait in oils by Sandra Cutrer

"Sport" is a Chion- part long-haired Chihuahua and part Papillion.

 

I started with my drawing. Everything looked good except for the mouth area, which I corrected before adding any paint. Then I added the first layer of my darkest-darks and background colors. The ears have lots of reds and orange hues since the sun light was actually in Sport's face. The photo I worked from shaded the eyes way too much, so I used my Photoshop to lighten the eyes so I could see both enough to paint them, yet not over-lighten them. Once I have my darkest-darks in, and my drawing is good, I start adding the next layers, building up the fur, adding highlights to the grasses in the background, then finally adding the hairs in and around Sport's beautiful ears.

I really enjoyed the challenge of painting Sport, as I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him. The owner is pleased and she thinks I captured his lively and sweet spirit. Of course, that makes me happy, and super pleased!

If you are interested in a commissioned pet portrait of your sweet pet, please contact me at : sandrasart777@aol.com or visit my web site at: sandracutrer.com. 

I hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas and that 2013 will bring you God's love,peace, and joy!

 

 

Blessings,

Sandra Reeves Cutrer

 

Ezekiel 36:25-27 
"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command. (NLT) Also see John 3:3, and Acts 2:38,39.

Tells a Story, Native American Indian by Sandra R Cutrer

"Tells a Story" is a pencil and pastel work on an 8" x 10" piece of tan Strathmore paper. The Native American Indian is dressed in his regal full headdress, wearing a look that speaks to me of a time when the young joyfully would listen and learn.

There are probably many "older folks" out there tonight who have stories to tell, but can't seem to find  anyone who will take time out of their busy lives to listen. They have lived and experienced so many things in their long lives. Their wisdom could save us all a lot of heart aches and troubles- if we would only listen. Many countries and cultures still show full respect and patience for their elders.
In this busier-than-ever time of year, stop and take a few minutes out of your day to make a telephone call to someone you consider "old", but wise. Give out a hug or two, and lend an ear for a few moments to an older neighbor, maybe someone who will spend this holiday season all alone. Listen once  more to that story that you might have already heard a dozen times. Maybe, just maybe, this will be one of your favorite highlights during this special holiday. After all, it  really is all about love.

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

Merry Christmas, 

Sandra R Cutrer 

sandracutrer.com

Christmas in the South

This afternoon, my husband and I took a walk around our neighborhood. Leaves were still falling while some people were out decorating their front yard with colored lights and wooden Santa's. Others were washing their cars, mowing their grass, and raking up leaves mixed with now-rotted pecans the squirrels had refused to eat or store away. I mean, heck, they don't need many considering it was 80 degrees and already the second day in December! They've already stored-up the warm tree-trunk holes, but continue to lay out on the limbs to stay cool.

We were both born in south Louisiana, lived there for many years, and moved eight years ago to southeast Texas, yet we are still amazed every year around this time when we are running our A/C's full blast while playing Christmas music on our CD player! I mean, who can bake cookies and feel like singing,"White Christmas" when it is probably 100 degrees (or more) in the kitchen?

Okay, so we aren't freezing like the elves on the North Pole, or blowing away snow drifts ten feet high from our front door. And we are less than ten minutes from our local beach. Many would trade places with us, especially when we get to keep our power on all "winter" since the possibility of an ice storm is near zero.

It could be that we're really blessed to live in the south.Our sandy beach still looks inviting, rather like a sort of "warm" snow don't you think? Horses and Horseback riders are enjoying the sun and breezes are welcome since they aren't freezing our noses off.

"Yep", as we say sometimes in the south, "maybe everything ain't so bad after all."

Please visit my new web site at : sandracutrer.com

Blessings,

Sandra R Cutrer

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Isiah 9:6 "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and his name shall be called... THE MIGHTY GOD...