Granny's hateful cat.

  Today is the last day I have to paint before my husband's birthday weekend. I wanted to keep up with the 30 in 30 pace, so I planned on cranking out 3-5 small, simple, (maybe even abstracted) expressive watercolors. I had tons of ideas, and today was even National Wildlife Day.
So many animals are running around in my head waiting to be painted!
However, today also would have been my grandmother's 77th birthday.

 I was sad for a bit at the beginning of the day.
I pondered our mortality, but that soon gave way to a shift in my painting plans. Much like a four year old, I delight in using my artistic talents to create gifts for those I love. I decided to paint my grandmother a birthday present, but there's only one animal that comes to mind when I think of my grandmother; cats.

 Specifically, a Siamese cat named Baby. (There was Bubba, too, but it was Baby that was around most when I was a kid.) Baby was beautiful.


Baby loved my grandmother. Baby did not exactly love everyone else. In fact, that cat was downright hateful. She was prone to scratching and biting, and I'm pretty sure all of the grandchildren feared that cat more than we could ever let Gran know.
 Now that I've had the experience of loving a pet that does not like many others (especially children) and would just as soon bite them as say hello, I understand why Gran loved that cat so much.

 She lived alone.
When she sat outside on her porch shelling green beans, the cat was her companion.
When the grandkids couldn't visit, it was Baby the cat that laid in bed watching The Golden Girls with her.
That cat was her companion, and if somebody didn't like her hateful cat, so the hell what?!
I understand that, now. And now, I love that cat simply for loving my Gran.

 Hear that, Gran? Your cat had an attitude, and your cat was awesome. Just like you.

Love you, Granny. Happy birthday. <3

Crow Moon

For wordless Wednesday, I'm simply posting my latest painting. 

Crow Moon

9x12, watercolor on cold press

Original in private collection- Click here to order a print.

Or visit my Etsy shop.

Size Doesn't Matter

tbd (help me title him on my Facebook page!)

5"x7" Watercolor on Aquabord

Click here to see a larger photo of the painting.

 If you know me or are fairly familiar with my art, you know I love animals, especially dogs.
All dogs are great. Allow me to explain and get Seuss-esque for only a moment;

Fluffy or sleek, loud or meek,
Agile and spry, or just happy to lie,
I love dogs, the great and the small.
I love the dogs, I do love them all.
Yes, breeds A to Z,  their pups I adore,
Except that I love,
Small ones a bit more.

  WAIT! Don't get me wrong, and don't sic your  Staffie on me. I've loved my fair share of medium and large dogs. My first dog was a chow chow and my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th were Aussie mixes. (Super smart and loving dogs!) Neapolitan Mastiffs simply melt my butter. If we ever live in a colder climate and have the acreage, Husboo will certainly be in search of a Russian Caucasian before we unpack. I'm also in love with Irish Wolfhounds. But when you've had the experience of being rescued by a teeny tiny canine and her becoming your companion, it's hard not to project those same feelings onto similar sized pups.

 I may like small dogs, but guess what;

I hate painting small.

For my second September painting (I'm not even going to say it's the 2nd of 30, because that's just insane) I attempted my first teeny tiny watercolor portrait.
For me, watercolor is so nice because it flows and has a mind of it's own. You think you know what will happen, then the paint laughs in your face and you either readjust or go with the flow and see where it takes the painting. This aspect of the medium is also what can be ultra annoying if you have a specific end in mind. Couple that with a 5"x7" portrait on aquabord and quite a bit of strife can ensue. By no means was this a fast, whip it out in under an hour, quickie painting.
I struggled to retain a wet-on-wet technique and still have the detail I wanted for this piece.
(A couple of paper towels were harmed in the making of this painting.)

I have a new found respect for the daily painters that crank out small works all the live long.

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of fight in the dog. And this one  gave me a pretty good round, now to give him a name...

Look at the birds of the air...

  September is upon us and another challenge has been posed. However, this month is pretty busy for me. I have a few prior commitments, so I don't think I can realistically crank out 30 paintings and get anything else done. (One painting usually takes me 2-7 non-consecutive days to complete.)
I've been a bit anxious lately with all I have to get done. Most of those things are self-imposed, but sometimes that's even more pressure. I'm resolving to at least try to post weekly (and daily if I'm lucky) the smaller paintings I do finish, here on my blog.
  Yesterday was a somewhat stressful, worrisome, and overall blah day. 
I took a walk to clear my mind and look to nature for some respite. I set the intention to see something that would bring me clarity and peace.

Birds of the Air

 Watercolor on cold press

Total size 15" x 17.5" including frame.

Click here for limited edition prints.

 As soon as I rounded the corner, I saw an unbelievable sight. Several dozen sparrows were flying around a churchyard field. They were diving, soaring, and circling at a frenetic pace.
In awe, I stopped to watch them for a bit. By the time I realized I really needed to take a photo of the birds, they were flying away. 

 This painting is inspired by that brief and beautiful encounter. It had an unexpectedly profound effect on me. Sparrows are a symbol for many things, among them freedom, creativity, and Love.
It was just the lift I needed.


  Birds of the Air cheered me. Marvin Gaye cheers me, too. I'll leave you with this Marvin version of a sparrow themed song. An oldie, but a goodie. 

Fly high, my friends.

~D. Renée

Gratitude game 8/14- Days 1-4

 I'm not usually one to bite on social media challenges, so when a friend on facebook tagged me to play a 7 day gratitude game, I wasn't feeling up to it.
I actually already keep a gratitude journal. Every night (or sometimes in the morning), I jot down 5 things for which I'm thankful. That's why I wasn't really wanting to play. It's not that I don't want to do the exercise, it's just that listing those things publicly on social media can be an invitation for trolls and negative Nancies to rain on your Thanksgiving parade.
Although I'm on it daily, I am not entirely keen on the current mood of Facebook. It's very negative, and quite frankly, haters gonna hate.
 I know there's a lot of heavy shit going on in the world right now. ISIS is committing heinous acts, Ferguson, MO is in turmoil, ebola is rampant, and if Robin Williams can't hang in there, what shot do the rest of the naturally melancholy really have?
 But isn't that exactly why we should be taking a few moments to count our blessings, as they say?

 I decided to morph the challenge into my own game. I'm a fairly visual person, so taking (or image searching) 3 photos daily to represent those blessings seemed like a new spin on the list.
I'm also avoiding all the snarky comments from Facebook friends (who probably aren't even really my friends IRL) by posting them to my blog. Let's face it, those people are looking for attention and an outlet to frustrations. If they come all the way to my little blog to pick a sad fight, so be it.
The images I choose are simple and their interpretation only matters to me. Most of the images are physically literal and simultaneously metaphorical. It's the act of searching for and being aware of them that makes one reflect on their meaning.

 With that, I give you #gratgame814

 Day 1- Vision. Texture. Transformation.

Day 2- Rare springs. 
The ocean.
The ability to have both physical locations so close to home I can visit both in one afternoon. 

Day 3- Guidance. 
Freedom.
My amazing and super fun husband.

Day 4

Medicine, both natural and man-made. 
The ability to affordably eat fresh foods year round from local businesses. (Florida does have its perks.)
Innovative technological advances. (The rhino is from a 3D printer!)

  Well, that's the first 4 days all in one shot.  What are you grateful for?
Leave a comment below to share. :)

A Cheetah Born of Chernobyl

   A few months ago, I was asked to exhibit my art in a January show titled I Believe.  
I believe in tons of things. In particular, I believe in the power of belief itself, but I wanted to focus on things that inspire stronger belief. My first piece in the show is about Falling. 
I believe in the brilliant quiet of autumn and in graceful relinquishment. I believe in falling in love, I believe in letting go. I believe in falling down when the season calls.

Tatsiana "Tanya" Khvitsko running a 1/2 marathon.

I also believe in getting back up and pressing on.
 I have long been drawn to the courage and perseverance of the underdog. Those special few that fight with a fierce tenacity when the odds are seemingly set against them. All of us have excuses that hold us back from pursuing things that could bring us immense joy. Sometimes, we just need a reality check and a little kick in the rear to push us out of our comfort zone and into the space of the unknown. A space that challenges and then empowers us.

  I am not lithe, I am not fast, but I am a runner. As a member of a facebook group for women that run, I am often encouraged by the posts sharing ladies' struggles and triumphs. It was in that group that I was first inspired by a runner that has overcome one of the most fundamental setbacks possible; Tatsiana Khvitsko was born without legs.

 "Tanya" rocking a 10 k in Kansas City. A "Child of Chernobyl", she was born in Belarus with severe physical disabilities due to the Ukrainian nuclear disaster .

I was inspired by Tatsiana (she goes by Tanya) so I contacted her to learn more and get permission to paint a portrait of her and share her story.  Here are the questions I asked and her responses:


Tell us your story.

 I was born in 1990 in the little town of Nesvizh, Belarus, four years after the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster. Like so many other children born with severe disabilities, I will forever be known as a “Child of Chernobyl”. My disability of not having my lower legs and some of my fingers was very obvious and extremely rare. But it didn’t make me a weak person; instead it has caused me to be a strong person who can overcome almost anything.
 When I was born, my parents were told that they should not take me home with them because of the severity of my birth defects. Luckily I came home to my parents when I was 4 years old. At age 5, along with many other disabled children, I was placed in boarding schools for kids with disabilities; that is where I spent most of the years at the school with only a few visits from my family. For me it was my second home, for many it was their only home.
 At the age of six, I made my first trip to the US, Kansas City with a group of other Chernobyl Children with Project Restoration.

Tanya, age 6, first time in the U.S.!

At that time, when I arrived I was unable to communicate in English. My fear and uncertainty caused me to misbehave in many ways. I often pulled the tails of my host families’ cats and I even hit the other children at times. Despite these actions, the host families still loved me and did their best to guide and help me. From their perspective, it probably was not easy having a little Belarusian girl living with them for six weeks – especially one with such severe physical disabilities.

 When I returned to Belarus at the end of each summer, my school years were spent at the boarding school for disabled children. The school became my second home. I did everything most children get to do and there were opportunities not available in the regular public school, like singing, dancing on a wheelchair and participating in Special Olympics for Ping-Pong. I loved this school because we were equal. However, I went for long periods of time without seeing my family and having their support close by. But at the same time I remember going home for holidays and it was hard for me because I was not used to being home and my family just didn’t see me as a normal kid. So back and forth I went - from Belarus to America…from my boarding school to home and back again.
 My life was filled with change and transition. I completed my high school classes at the same boarding school and would not have had the opportunity to attend any college in Belarus.

Luckily, with help of my American host families and many other contacts, it was determined that it might be possible for me to attend college here in the U.S. if I pass the TOEFL and score well enough to get accepted to the college and luckily I did it. I attended Cottey during the 2008-09 & 2009-10 school years and received my Associates Degree in 2010. The following two years I attended MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) in Olathe, Kansas where I graduated with honors in Communication and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Communication in the spring of 2012.

 Being part of the community has also given me opportunities to volunteer and give back to those who have helped me so much and to help those in need, especially those with similar backgrounds, disabilities and dreams like mine. I volunteered at Camp Barnabas where I assisted special needs
children and adults. And when kids from Belarus visit the US, I would always help with translating and mentoring.

Tell us about your running.
 I adore running!
Three years ago I received my first set of running legs through POA, FL.
When I put these legs on for the very first time and ran, I felt like I was flying. I was running so fast - someone had to hold me to stop me. Since then, I ran at least 20- 5K’s, 6- 10K’s, and just recently I completed my first half-marathon (13.1m) - it was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but it was totally worth it.

Photo credit- Jeff Mullikin, www.jeffmullikin.com

 When I run – I am a completely different person. I feel like I am so powerful and strong.
When I run, I love the feeling of the wind toward me! I love just listening to my music and be in my own world – it’s quite incredible! Running made me a strong and a positive person. I’ve always been a fighter, a hard worker and I always loved to achieve something and I will do my best to be on top of everything I do.

What inspires you?
 Successful people with incredible backgrounds, positive thoughts and puppies! People that worked hard to overcome something yet today they are great role models!
It can be anyone; from a little girl who overcame cancer to a grandpa who lived thru the war.
I don’t like choosing favorites because everyone has a story and everyone’s story is inspiring!

What has been your biggest challenge? 
 There are many challenges in life that I have. Just being a runner and wearing two prosthetic legs is not that easy. I am a very competitive person and I always have to remind myself that I am an amputee and that I do have prosthetic legs so I can’t just force myself to run if I am in a lot of pain. I have to be always cautious of not getting any blisters or irritations on my limbs.

 Finally, I have to always make sure to have the bolts tightened on my prosthesis or I can get hurt if the bolts loosen.
 My other challenge… well, it’s not really a challenge just more of a “girl” concern. We take some many things for granted. Even though I am an athlete, I am still somewhat girly. I love wearing dresses and skirts but I don’t look as pretty in dresses as non-amputees and can’t wear heels. I have always been told by non-amputees that it is hard to wear heals or they are painful – but it is different for me because I don’t get to experience that. Maybe heels are painful or not fun to wear – you still wear them… I can’t. Yes, silly comment, but every girl with prosthesis will have the same thought.

 What's your biggest dream? 
 My biggest dream? Become a millionaire and pay it forward! I want to be able to help others in any way I can - either financial support or mental. I want to be successful in life through hard work. I want to show others that it’s okay to miss some limbs and still live in the world like a fully limbed person! I want for others to see that world is a beautiful thing – and if we don’t take things for granted and just appreciate what we have and maybe even share something that we have – the world can be a peaceful place!
Yes, not everyone would do this – but if we try, one person at the time – changes can be made!

What's the best advice you were ever given?
To remember that there is always someone else who can't do as much I do! To remember that there is always someone else who has less than you. To remember that you live once. Don't just live the life - enjoy it!

D. Renée Wilson, watercolor mixed media, 2013.

Thank you, Tanya, for being such an inspiration and giving so much back to the world. 
Keep on running!  <3
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Tight on Time & Teensy Art; Apple a Day #2

Little time makes for little finished artwork.
It's only the 2nd, but I have commissions to work on, art to ship, upcoming shows, and tons of errands. What to do?
Make it short & sweet.

Apple #2, oil pastel ACEO

I busted out my favorite Pastels à l'Huile, the creamy smooth Sennelier. Picasso helped Sennelier develop these oil pastels for artists that wanted to paint without a brush and on experimental surfaces. They are great for plein air work, can be thinned with a turpenoid, and I love them for mixed media. Made in Paris, these are one of the more expensive mediums I use, but they are as sexy as a painting with a fresh tube of lipstick.
 Today's apple is a mere 2.5" x 3.5". This size is commonly known as ACEO ( Artist Collectibles Editions and Originals) or ATC (Artist Trading Cards). It's a really quite a craze with some artists and loads of collectors. It's an affordable way to own and collect tiny originals from your favorite artists that you might not otherwise be able to. (Check out artist Bethany Taylor Myers, she rocks ATCs.)  I'm going to say it is kind of fun, so I can see how it might be addictive.
and I plan to do lots of minis like it this month and make them available in my Etsy shop.
You can swing by my Facebook giveaway for more details and enter to win one of my apples from the challenge.
Bon appetit!

Apple A Day Art Challenge & Apple Pic Giveaway

 I'm participating in a fun art challenge this August. I'm in Florida, so as much as I'd love to go apple pickin' in a gorgeous orchard to gather references, it ain't happening. I have tons of ideas in mind, but I know I'm going to tire of sketching my daily snack. Here's where you come in- Send me your favorite photos of all things apple- fruit, pie, electronics, that Coldplay baby, anything goes! If I choose yours, I will create an original piece of art inspired by your image*. (*see the official rules at the bottom- these must be YOUR photos- we're legal, beagle.) I will be be creating as many apples as my schedule allows- ideally one for each day in August, so send as many as you like! One lucky winner will be chosen at the end of the challenge and will receive one original piece of my art from the Apple a Day art challenge. There are lots of options to get extra entries, so get pickin'!

 Click the link below for details and to enter.

Apple a Day Art Challenge & Giveaway





FAA links-
Portrait