Her & Her Dogs

PLUS THE CAT - RESCUES ADVOCATING FOR RESCUES

THE NORTH POLE IS LOCATED IN TORONTO, ONTARIO

| 1 Comment

GIFT IDEAS (not just for Christmas)

OOAK

I’m normally very organized when it comes to shopping, ordering, wrapping and shipping of Christmas gifts.  Highly motivated by my lack of desire to bounce around like a pinball amongst the crowds; people that seem to appear from nowhere from mid-November.

For as long as the exhibition has been in existence, I have been building up the courage to attend the ONE OF A KIND SHOW.  I was informed the event has the most incredible and unique items you could ever imagine – and I soon learned there are just as many you never would!  The OOAK show, which takes place just before Christmas and again in the spring, is situated within the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto, Ontario.  I’m located less than an hour north of the city yet never made it to the show – until this year!  I’m such a fan I plan to go to the spring show too.  And why not; as well as a day of fun with friends for me, the event supports local causes..

Give local when you purchase your ticket to the show and support Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter as our dedicated charity for Christmas 2014

I invited friends to join me and offset the experience of jostling around in the crowds with several laughs and perhaps and couple of Christmas cocktails.  The organizors of the event know what they’re doing; the booths of more than 800 artisan exhibitors are lined up in rows from A – Z with fairly generous paths between the rows and separate break areas.  No anxiety and no captive Ball today!

Here are some of our fun finds for the Pet-Lover’s on your list;

Made in Brockton Village
I learned a valuable lesson at the show; if you find something that resonates with you BUY IT!  It most likely won’t be there when you make your way back to find it.  LOVED the small vintage typewriter print on wood at ‘Made in Brockton Village.’

my quick pics do not do justice to these works of art. Please visit their website!

my quick pics do not do justice to these works of art. Please visit their website!

http://www.madeinbv.com

Dotti Potts – Sandra Silberman
I will definitely be purchasing a piece from Sandra.  Decisions, decisions…

Dotti Potts http://www.dottipotts.com

Romy + Jacob = Colour + Fun!

R+J
http://www.romyandjacob.com

Jacqueline Poirier

OMD!!!  How fun are these?  You can definitely look forward to learning more about Jacqueline (check back soon…)
Jacqueline Poirier
http://www.jacquelinepoirier.com/

Ruckus Dog
Love vintage poster style!

Ruckus
http://www.ruckusdog.com

Sa Boothroyd

‘Home’ is on my bookshelf!

SB
http://www.saboothroyd.com

Colours By Chris Artware

Milk jugs, coffee mugs and more!

Milk jugs, coffee mugs and more!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colours-By-Chris

Water In My Paint
Only a peak now – more later!

preview of future featured artist!

preview of future featured artist!

http://www.whenwatermeetspaint.com

Cat

Glass Blown Critters!

cat2cat
http://www.catherinelabonte.com

kiriki
Embroidery kits – of critters!

kiriki

photo courtesy of kiriki

kiriki2
http://www.kirikipress.com

Birdhouses by Don Hudgin

Birdhouses

(Montreal) 514-631-6416


The Silk Pulp

SILK PULP

Mono Ahnhttp://monoahn.com/Paper-cut-Illustration

SPARROW AVENUE
Beautiful soft furnishings

Sparrow Avenue
https://www.etsy.com/shop/sparrowavenue

Fusion Art – Art Glass by Nancy Legassicke
Fusion Artfusionartcanada@gmail.com

Magic Villa

ornaments, musical art, water bowls and more!

ornaments, musical art, water bowls and more!

 


http://www.magicvilla.ca

Even though Santa travels the world to deliver gifts, he need only visit the One Of A Kind Show to find something for everyone on his list (naughty or nice)!

Captive ball
A pinball trapped within a small area of the playfield. The captive ball never leaves this area, and the free ball can never enter it. However, the free ball can knock into the captive ball, which in turn can knock into targets in its area. Some tables even feature multiple stacked captive balls (e.g. Judge Dredd, Theatre of Magic).

http://www.oneofakindshow.com/artisans

http://www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto/index.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_pinball_terms

YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND

| Leave a Comment

You’re my best friend

You're My Best Friend
I can relate to the children who struggle with school.  I loved art, english, writing, and music, but math was a challenge for me.  I clearly remember an altercation that occurred one day in school; all the other children were sent out to play after lunch.  I was asked to stay behind by the teacher – Mrs. B.  To make matters worse, the teacher’s pet Tracy was also asked to remain in the room.  Mrs. B. then proceeded to point out errors I had made on a recent math test.

Instead of seeing this as an opportunity to correct my mistakes, I felt as if I was under attack, and the two of them were ganging up on me.  I tried to stand up for myself in one instance where my continental ‘7′ was mistaken for a ‘9.’  The answer was correct, but it did not matter.  I can still see the sneer on Mrs. B’s face as she turned and asked Tracy’s opinion; did Tracy believe the number was, in fact, a seven?  Of course not – teacher’s pet!

I felt humiliated and incredibly angry.  There were other 7’s on the page to refer to.  It was obvious to me that the number was, in fact, a ‘7.’

My parents hired a tutor to help me learn my numbers and would give me math books as birthday and Christmas presents.  These were not appreciated and remained unread.  I wonder where those books ended up.

Library Dogs are near and dear to my heart.  Tails are Wagging would like to become involved with and support such programs.  I have Mentioned Therapy Dog Training with Henry’s trainer and hope to get him into the program.  I also look forward to meeting with the Ontario Provincial Therapy Dog Coordinator, with St. John Ambulance to discuss the ‘Paws 4 Stories’ component of their program.   I hope our book ‘Henry says, “Hello” can help raise funds for this program.

It’s too bad there aren’t therapy dogs for math.  I would have loved a little ‘Einstein’ buddy.  As someone who struggled as a child, and understands the frustration and emotional turmoil of such struggles, I was thrilled to learn about Paws 4 Stories.  This program provides children with a non-hostile learning environment and non-judgmental, patient reading companions.  Therapy Dogs will sit and listen to a child as they read the same sentence over, and over until they get it right.  Instead of feeling stupid, ashamed and discouraged, children receive the support they need to become confident readers.

Check back later for more information about this program.

You’re my Best Friend – illustration

I adore chubby cheeks on children and could not resist exaggerating them in this illustration.

Henry meditates: he cuddles with his stuffed toy and exudes complete calm.  Sometimes I will sit with him and before long, I too feel completely at peace.  This illustration is particularly special to me: I look at this illustration and recognize the feeling of peace that Henry shares with others and the importance of encouraging children to read.

The tales on the bookshelf also have special meaning (more about these later)…

Bookshelf

http://www.sja.ca/English/Community-Services/Pages/Therapy%20Dog%20Services/Paws-4-Stories.aspx

AS PLAIN AS THE NOSE ON HIS FACE

| Leave a Comment

This nose!  A nose once black that is now brown.  They call it ‘snow nose’ (more about that later).

I love that Henry’s nose is a little bit crooked  and depending on the angle at which you look at him, may seem slightly too large for his face.  It suits his character.  I wanted to capture those big (often guilty-looking) eyes and the ‘extreme close-up’ of the nose.

This face was the inspiration for ‘Naughty Lamb.’

That Nose!

Naughty Lamb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVER PUP

| 1 Comment

The Cover Illustration – Henry and Pumpkins

Henry with Pumpkins - unfinished

Henry with Pumpkins – unfinished

 

Henry with Pumpkins

Henry with Pumpkins

This illustration was inspired by a photo taken during one of Henry’s Birthday celebrations – one of my favourite photos.

Henry is giving my friend Lourdes (the photographer) a huge ‘toothy’ Henry grin.  Those smiles are contagious!

FIRST AND LAST

| 4 Comments

Henry in Window

Henry in Window

This illustration (pen and ink, pointalisim with watercolour), was inspired by one of my favourite photographs.  The photo was taken at my parent’s house during Christmas holidays.  There is a big park in the middle of a crescent – I imagine Henry was watching the squirrels frolicking in the snow.  In the story, Henry is watching the children on Halloween night.  Looking to the stars, Henry makes a wish.  You’ll have to read the book to learn what that wish is.

A PAGE OUT OF THEIR BOOK

| Leave a Comment

Children & Dogs

A page from the book ‘Henry says, “Hello”

The above images are from our photo shoot to create marketing images for the book ‘Henry says, “Hello.”  The children arrived, smiling.  Immediately they started playing with the dogs – it was so natural and incredible to watch.  The dogs appeared comfortable in the presence of the children.  When children behave respectfully around dogs, it is an enjoyable experience for everyone.

These are not only campaign models; they are role-models.  We should all take a page out of ‘their’ book.

My thanks to Ava, Henry, Jack, Alyssa, Jake, Cassandra and Reese.

 

Photographs courtesy of Nexus Photography www.nexus-photo.com

SUMMER – POOL PARTIES

| 2 Comments

 

Let's get this party started!

Let’s get this party started!

What does one wear to a pool party?  If you’re a dog, I highly recommend this high quality, 100% weather resistant and totally waterproof collar by ‘Henry pet products’ (yes, we agree, it is a great company name).

Much research has gone into the making of this product.  The collars have also been vigorously tested by hardcore chewers and pullers, remaining intact and without a scratch or stretching.  Also tested through tough weather conditions, they have proven durable through Ontario winters and the heat and humidity of our summers.  Left outside for long periods, this product does not crack or fade.  Good thing as we love the vibrant pool party colours available; Hyper Orange, Hyper pink, and Hyper lime.  Royal Blue works too.   For other activities, there is also Olive green and Carbon.  The ‘no smell, quick dry’ quality makes the collars perfect for all occasions.

Good-buoy1-620x464 square

Cool Pool

Reese
Great looking, high-functioning collars for dogs!

http://henrypets.com

There is something completely alluring about the cool blue of a swimming pool, in the summer heat.  The way the reflection of light dances right out of the water.  I would be happy spending my days relaxing  in this tranquil environment, but I also love sharing it with friends.  Pool parties in the summer; vibrant coloured outfits and beverages (Cosmo cranberry, fruit punch red, vivid shades of orange, lemonade yellow and margarita lime)  against the blue and complimented further by lush greenery in the background.

 

The only thing missing is the music!

Here’s our poolside playlist – please comment adding your favourite summer song for the party (no explicit versions please):

1. Honey in The Sun – Camera Obscura (love the album art)

2. Put The Lime In The Coconut – Harry Nilsson

3. Will Smith – Summertime

4. Billy Idol – hot in the city

5. Bran Van 3000 – Drinkin in LA

6. Len – Steal My Sunshine

7. Will Smith – Welcome to Miami

8. Bob Marley – Three Little Birds

9. The Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer in the City

10. California Gurls – Katy Perry (feat. Snoop Dogg)

Pool

#SPONSORED

Disclaimer: Her and her dogs received collars from HENRY PETS for posting an honest review of this product. The feedback and opinions shared in this post are ours, in our words. We did not receive monetary compensation for this review, and it is our choice to share this product/service information.

Thank you for visiting our blog. We would love to hear from you; please send us a message or leave a comment beneath a blog post. If you know someone that might enjoy or benefit from the information, please ‘pin it,’ ‘post it,’ ‘tweet’ about it or simply share the link via email. Be sure you don’t miss future posts – sign up for email notifications.

 

summer – art in the park

| Leave a Comment

Promenade in Garden

 

Last year, I attended the Purple Turtle Art Festival where, a lush meadow provides the perfect backdrop for the display of original paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, jewellery, woodcraft, native art, and other beautiful creations.  More than 30 artisans from Toronto to Tory Hill, Ontario, as well as local artists, have been selected to present their artwork at the festival.

As I wandered between booths, my eyes continued to be drawn to the colourful pieces displayed by artist Eleanora Siamenava.  As I drew closer, I was able to make out the complex details in each of the paintings.  I was fascinated by the characters and the subtle way, in which Eleanora includes birds and animals in her pieces.  At first glance you may not even notice them.  One becomes mesmerized, standing in front of one of these beautiful works of art; easily disappearing into this other world of theatrics.

Ladies and Gentleman, it is my pleasure to introduce Eleanora Siamenava – A Cinema and Theatre Professional Artist working in the sphere of Painting, Applied Arts and Design of Modern Costume.

One Artist’s Theatre:


What inspires you?

Beauty, harmony and giving of positive emotions and feelings to people.

Do you have a favourite subject(s)? If so, what is it about that subject that speaks to you?

Yes I do. They are the themes of human life that bring happiness and beauty.

What is your preferred medium, why?

In general my works are – canvas, oil, as well as – paper, acrylic. These are my favorite mediums.

Where is your favourite place to paint?

My studio in my house, I really love it, it’s bright, also, my family that’s always near me.

Is there anything (else) you would like people to know about Eleanora Siamenava?

About myself. Many years I’ve been working in the world of cinematography as a costume designer – that’s why all of my art has theater’s image and I’m thankful to fate that it is so. I like this world, it is mine.

Artist’s favourite colour?

My favorite colors are – “warm” and “hot” ones – they bring happiness.

 

summer – sunsets

| Leave a Comment

Sunset

Just beyond the sunset
Someone waits for me
Just beyond the sunset
Lies my destiny
Where the purple mountains
Lie in deep tranquillity
There I’ll find the treasure
Of love eternally

Just beyond the sunset
Waits someone so fair
Just beyond the sunset
All alone they wait there
Their hair is golden
The colour of the sand
Their eyes sparkle in the night
Like diamonds in your hand

Just beyond the sunset
Lies a home for me
Where the world is peaceful
Like a paradise should be
Just beyond the sunset
Someday is where you’ll find me

David Harris

VIVIAN’S ART

| 2 Comments

I fist had the pleasure of meeting Vivian through blogging.  I love that on her blog, Viv shows us how she creates her beautiful works of art – more than a glimpse into the process.  Below, I have put together a gallery of some of her pieces.  Thank you Vivian for sharing.

What inspires you?

Inspiration for me can come in any form. I mostly paint animals and particularly like trying to capture a moment in time or a certain expression the animal may have. For me the challenge is to try to capture a bit of the subject’s personality in paint.

Do you have a favourite subject(s)? If so, what is it about that subject that speaks to you?

My favorite subject is animals. More specifically dogs and cats. The unique relationships between a dog or a cat and their human companions always intrigues me. These two species have been domesticated in a way that no other animal has. It really amazes me just how closely humans can work with dogs in so many areas of life and work and how much companionship a cat can bestow on people of any age.

What is your preferred medium, why?

I work in watercolor, pastel and acrylic. Watercolor is really my favorite medium. It has taken me years to learn how to manipulate the paint to get the results I like but the time and effort has been worth it. I love the translucent quality of the paint and the way the white of paper making it seem to glow. This glowing quality is very beautiful when doing an animal’s eyes where most of the emotion and personality is expressed.

Where is your favourite place to paint?

Recently I converted my formal dining room into a studio. I have a large eat in type kitchen for entertaining so the formal dining room was never used. I love painting here because I have a huge double window that overlooks my backyard. I have a small pond I can see from my window as well as all the birds, squirrels and chipmunks that visit my bird feeders. I have painted some of the birds that frequented my feeders. Our winter was particularly cold this year and one of the squirrels would actually come to my window and look for me when the feeder was empty! I am I am going to paint him next!

Is there anything (else) you would like people to know about Vivian?

For me painting is all about emotional connections. Connecting to your subject, your client and the viewer. I enjoy creating something special for my clients that will last a lifetime. There is nothing that makes me happier than to succeed in making these connections and pleasing the people that enjoy my work. The biggest thrill is when I know I have done my job well and perhaps made a friend along the way.

Artist’s favourite colour?

RED. I love red. Oddly enough I rarely use red in my paintings. It is such a strong and vibrant color a little goes a long way.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ViviansART?ref=si_shop

http://viviansart.typepad.com/my-blog/2014/04/dogwood-demo.html

JANET HILL ART

| Leave a Comment

Just before Christmas I shared with you the beautiful holiday card I received from my mother. That card, a gift in itself, was the creation of the incredibly talented Janet Hill. Janet’s work is romantic, chic and glamorous – it reminds me of ‘Old Hollywood’.

After viewing the collection, I knew I would be ordering other pieces. I would pick two – but WHICH two? Christmas was nearly five months ago and I’m still unable to make up my mind. I think they will feature ‘Miss Moon’. What do you think?

Check out the links below to view the entire collection.


Thank you Janet for sharing with us.

What inspires you?

Old movies, dog walks, and currently lifestyle photography from the 1960s

Do you have a favourite subject(s)? If so, what is it about that subject that speaks to you?

I paint a pretty wide range of subjects but I tend to focus quite a bit on women and animals. I’m a dog lover, so there are plenty of dogs featured in my paintings.

What is your preferred medium, why?

Oil paint. I like the richness of oil paint and the slow drying time.

Where is your favourite place to paint?

I only have one place that I paint which is in my back hallway. My easel is right by the screen door, so in the summer it feels almost like I’m painting in my backyard.

Artist’s favourite colour?

Kelly Green

http://janethillstudio.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/janethillstudio?section_id=all

donna greenstein art

| Leave a Comment

I had the pleasure of meeting artist Donna Greenstein, and viewing the life-like images of farm animals she creates, at the King Township Studio Tour last year.  Thank you Donna for taking the time to answer the following questions, and permitting me to share your work.

What inspires  you?

Nature, greyhounds, Belgian horses,  Highland cattle, dreadlocked Lincoln sheep , fresh snow, my garden, peonies,  calla lilies, lakes, streams meandering through a snowy path, spruce  trees.

Do you have a favourite  subject(s)?  If so, what is it about that subject that speaks to  you?

Animals inspire me; I adore them.  I grew up at an animal hospital as my  dad was a veterinarian.  We always  had our own dogs, cats, various birds, piglets, calves, etc.  I was a horse “nut” when I was  young.  I drew horses, read horse  books and spent any money I could earn riding horses at local dude ranches.  In the summers I went to a horse camp  called Arrowhead Ranch near Collingwood Ontario.  I have lived on a 50 acre cow-calf  operation for 40 years.  We owned an  ex-racing thoroughbred named Meadowlark. 

What is your preferred medium, why? 

I prefer both oils and  watercolours.  I used watercolours  for about 9 years then transferred to oils about a year ago.  It was a large learning curve to change  to the oil medium but a lot of artistic concepts were transferable, such as  composition, colour, unity, value, texture.

Where is your favourite place to  paint?

I love painting on a large table at a  cottage our family goes to near Haliburton Ontario.  I can look out over beautiful Lake  Kashagawigamog.

Is there anything (else) you would like  people to know about Donna Greenstein?

I also am an avid gardener during the  summer and a Math tutor.

Artist’s favourite  colour?

I like all earth tones.  If I had to pick only one I would choose  “burnt sienna”.

According to Wikipedia, “Siena  earth”, is an earth pigment containing iron  oxide and manganese  oxide. In its natural state, it is yellow-brown and is called  raw sienna. When heated, it becomes a reddish brown and is called burnt  sienna.[2] It takes its name from the city-state  of Siena, where it was produced during the Renaissance.[3] Along with ochre and umber, it was one of the first pigments to be  used by humans, and is found in many cave paintings. Since the Renaissance, it has been one of the brown  pigments most widely used by artists.”

 

To learn more about Donna visit http://donnagreenstein.com

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

Connect with us

Recent Posts

I'm An Artist Helping Animals
Don't Shop Til They Stop!
I Support Rescue Dogs
The Puppy Mill Project