Carved Stamps
I just carved a tiny corgi and pug (Moe and Emmitt). Making stamps are quick and fun. The first imprint to see what comes out is the most exciting part and addictive. Each one of these stamps is about 1/2" x 1/2".

Chinese Crested Hairless
I painted a new pug pal today. He is Pal 59! I love how he turned out. You can also see him and all of the products he is available as, on my website. http://www.pugnotes.com/Pugpals.HTM

Newest Pug Painting
I had so much fun yesterday creating this new pug. I cannot believe he is my 59th pug painting. It still suprises me that each one is so different, and seems to capture another expression. This one is Emmitt saying, "Momma are you almost done working so you can play with me? I am waiting for you!"

Emmitt Sketch
A sketch on a page prepared with clear gesso and chalk. I find these quick exercises fun and a good way to create a satisfying bit of art that surprises me when I step back and take a look. Fun!

Tree Painting & Carving #2
I just did this new work this afternoon. I was not sure what was going to happen when I sat down outside in the sunshine with my blank block of wood, paints and carving tools. I added india ink to the mix today. I am pleasantly surprised with my creation. My only intention was to have fun and appreciate some free time. That I did! :)

My New Shades
I finally figured out what to make out of this super cool fabric my sister, Melanie, bought for me... Window Shades for the office! All I did was hem it and run an acrylic rod through the top. Volia, no more glare on my computer screen.

Carved Tree Painting
I tried something totally diffferent today. I painted one of my woodblocks green and carved out a tree to reveal the light wood below. Instead of using it as a plate to ink up and print, i just hung the woodblock.

Ugliest Sock Doll
AHHHH! He is Ugly!

I love him, but he is ugly!

My Birds
I was really happy to put my birds into my collages this week in my photoshop elements class. The first one is of my lovebird, Zippy, who I was lucky enough to have for 10 wonderful years. He passed away not long after the photo was taken in 2001. I created a new background for him to soar in. The second collage features Gilbert, my parrotlet. I snapped this picture of him yesterday, created a new background and learned to put in a cast shadow. I love how they both turned out.

New Collages
I created these collages in my Photoshop Elements class over the last two weeks. The theme of both of them is the theme of my blog. Life is art... Art is Life. Emmitt is the inspiration for my art and the joy he brings me overflows into everything I make. It is from this place that I want to share it with you. Our pug friend, Oscar, is also featured in my montage Meet the Pug Models. He and Emmitt have been the inspirations of many of my paintings. It was so much fun to put it together in this way.

Process of painting my Pugs
I am so excited about the two new pug paintings I did this week, A57 and A58. You may easily view them and my new products on my website http://www.pugnotes.com/new.htm

I documented stages of the painting to show you how I do it. I start with a 8 x 10 x 3/4 piece of hemlock wood and sketch my pug in pencil. Then I decide whether he will be a black or fawn pug and start painting in the head and body. I work on the shading of the fur as I go. I often add a bit more shading at the end of the process but most of it is put down in this stage. I then move on to ears, eyes, muzzle, nose and mouth. I usually paint in the background before i put in the final wrinkles and shading. Voila! He is a new pug in the Pug Notes family.

Sunday's Sock Doll
I just finished stitching up another one. It is fun to experiment with different fabrics and textures. This one is the first to have yarn for hair.

Photoshop Backgrounds
The possibilities are endless. I am still learning how to create effects that I want. The cool thing is that I am always surprised about what I create!

Friday Fun!
I combined my Photoshop lesson on backgrounds with my newest sock doll to achieve this great effect!