Redstreake - Painted Pictures

Jen's Bijoux - Her hand painted jewelry world, now open.

2011-11-15T12:23:00.001-08:00

So… I just finished a large batch of awesome handmade jewelry (pendants, earrings…) and I am so excited about them! Firstly, one of the coolest shops in my city is now carrying my mini works of art! Treasures! I drool every time I go in there, it is quite dangerous for me, really… I have to leave my purse in my car. It is an honor to be among the other artists in there! Treasures will be having an open house this weekend (18th – 20th), so if you are in the vicinity, COME BY!

Also, I am beginning to stock my other Etsy store with goodies, so check it out I will add items on an almost daily basis. Free shipping, y’all… Can’t beat that!! Each piece is so unique and affordable, not to mention they are mini pieces of ART . Enjoy!!

"Girl with Guitar" - original watercolor

2011-11-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

8 x 10" original watercolor on aquabord

Available for Purchase

$125

Buy it now in my Etsy store!

Cupcake up for auction!

2011-10-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

Especially for the holidays, I decided to give Ebay another go... I am offering my 5 x 7" watercolors on aquabord for a starting bid of $30. If you have ever liked my work, thought it may be PERFECT for that picky friend who is hard to shop for... well, now is your chance!! The first one is "Cupcake with Blue Icing"...

To bid on this, CLICK HERE!

Christmas special :-)

2011-10-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hand painted pendants, now available!

2011-10-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Introducing my new hand painted pendants, Now available at ETSY!

Each pendant measures 1.5" in diameter and has a sterling silver swirl dangling on it.

Go to the store

FINISHED!

2011-09-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

Finished!
"Pony Soldier Motel"
16x20" Watercolor on Aquabord
This is available for purchase. Message me for details!

Almost done! Route 66 vintage sign

2011-09-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hi All :-)

I got more done on my route 66 sign.. just about there! I need to add a touch of sky and a bit more rust in a few places, but otherwise, it is well on its way to being finished! :-).

WIP - Pony Soldier Motel off Route 66

2011-09-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

When I took a trip to Ghost Ranch, NM we did a lot of stopping on the way so I could shoot the super cool old vintage signs off route 66. I must have shot over 200 photos just of signs. Some are still working businesses, some are long since closed, but the signs still stand as a reminder. I loved this one, particularly, since it has a horse on it ;-). (Sorry for the dark photo, I was working in my tent at an arts and crafts festival this weekend :-). )

The first wip shot:
ampersand aquabord with daniel smith watercolors, 16x20"

2011-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have decided to do something I never do... have a MAJOR sale on my commissioned artwork. I am offering a mere $75 for an 8 x 10" commissioned pet portrait in watercolor for this labor day weekend ONLY!! Will I get any bites? I am not sure, I haven't done this before... Normally I charge $150... but I am feeling wild and care free and at peace with my paints and I want to share the love :-). So, Here is the listing that I put up on Etsy and here is the ad that I slaved over preparing in Photoshop for your viewing pleasure :-). If you have any questions at all, even silly ones (I rather like the silly ones), please email me!

watercolor commission, the Laughing Dog :-)

2011-08-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Among the many things I like to do (and believe me, I have way too many hobbies!) is painting commissions for people. This one, when I got it, made me nervous at first arrival... a cell phone picture taken from inside a car. Now when I get photos from potential clients, I ask that when they chose the photo I will be using to please make sure it is a good one, decent lighting, preferably taken outside. Sometimes, if the situation calls, I am able to take the photos myself. Other times, like this one, I don't really get a say, and I have to just make do. Well... I have to say, it turned out pretty well. I am pleased with the outcome! I had to fudge a bit on colors, but that is ok :-). The photo itself was too funny NOT to do, and as you can see, you can't help but smile when you look at the finished painting :-).

Daniel Smith watercolors on Ampersand Aquabord, 8 x 10"
If you are interested in having a commission done of your loved one, fuzzy faced or not, check out my website!

Materials I use for my collaging...

2011-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

A lot of time and materials go into the creating process of my collages. Mostly, I use a base of old patterns from the 50's thru the 80's, old books that are falling apart, most of those I find are from the late 1800's. (I love this because I hate to throw books away, this is just a great way to recycle them!) All kinds of scrapbooking papers, joss paper, paint chips (Home Depot loves when I come in and leave with a stack of them!), handmade papers, acrylic paint and sharpie markers. The first picture is a shot of my ikea bookshelf where I store most of my supplies that I am using currently.

Stacks of scrapbook paper and vintage manuscripts

A tiny bit of my collection of heavily used old books used in various ways...

Ah, a new Daffodil Collage painting being born...

2011-08-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Yes, I love beginning new projects and here is one of them. A 24 x 24" pattern collage painting with a rather large daffodil in it! I am not sure if it is finished yet or not, I have to set it aside and think about it...

My sharpie Ukulele

2011-08-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

While I was at an art show, I decided to doodle on my Ukulele. I had already sharpied my guitar and loved the way it looked! I wanted to personalize my uke as well, I think it turned out pretty nice :-). I have several more to do, got a few requests... I will draw on anything.

Red Swirls, Yellow Flowers...

2011-08-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

I love the combination of colors on this piece! The flowers actually stick out, creating a really nice 3d effect. I used joss papers and paint chips in this as well as patterns from the late '50's. For more info about this piece or to purchase, CLICK HERE!

My little treasures... 4x4" pattern collage

2011-08-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

4 x 4" pattern collage on canvas

Available for sale on ETSY!

Check it out :-)

Collages in a row...

2011-08-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

For the time being, I set up my collages on the fireplace mantle. It is nice to see them every time I walk by :-).

Pattern Collages - it's an addiction.

2011-08-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have been busy gluing, painting and creating with my new series of dress pattern collages. I have to thank a very dear and superly awesomely creative friend of mine, Sabrina, who introduced me to using old patterns as a background for these collages. She is a constant inspiration to me and is equally amazing in her artistic abilities! THANK YOU SABRINA!

Anyway, I absolutely fell in LOVE with the color, the texture of the patterns and how it just makes an amazing background for whatever spills out of my head. Me being mostly a portrait artist... this technique allows me to be more free thinking in my creating, 'stream of consciousness' kinda art. I don't have a clue where each one will go when I start, they just emerge and surprise me :-). It is an addiction, really. I instantly relax and get into my creative zone when I grab a canvas and start playing with the lines of the patterns, gluing them several layers thick. Oh, I still do my portrait art, you can see my work HERE. For now, though, I am doing artwork for MYSELF. Artwork that I would cover my walls with. Each one will be for sale if anyone is interested, my house is getting full ;-). My kitchen table looks like a Hobby Lobby exploded on it. My son complains because it takes me 15 minutes to clear the disastrous mess before we can actually eat dinner. I will have to post a picture sometime ;-)

This is available for purchase.

Check it out!

Outside Georgia's Museum

2010-06-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

"Outside Georgia's Museum"

Watercolor, 5 x 7"

This is the other watercolor, also done on aquabord. A photo I took outside of O'Keefe's museum at Ghost Ranch. I liked the contrast of the wall with the turquoise ladder and the skull. Interesting...

Cactus Fruit

2010-06-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

"Cactus Fruit"

Watercolor, 5 x 7"

Here is another watercolor on ampersand aquabord, expressing my love for color and Daniel Smith's, for the desert life... oh how I long to be back there... I would pack up the critters and kids in a heartbeat if I could! Home is where the desert is! I have two watercolors I did recently, the other will follow this one. I like the colors on my cactus fruit :-). They will be up for sale shortly in my Etsy store. I will let you know when! Framed and ready to hang!

The icing on my cake

2010-06-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

So, I was given this skull several years ago to paint on but never did anything with it, only using it as a prop in my drawing classes so my students could have something interesting to sketch... I just didn't know what to paint on it and you know, I had no inspiration back then... UNTIL: I went to Ghost Ranch recently and got hit by the Georgia O'Keefe lightning bolt of inspiration - and I thought, wouldn't this be the perfect sort of 'icing on the cake' addition to my gallery show this month! (which, btw, is inspired by my NM trip). I broke out the acrylic paint, my turquoise beads and rawhide, wooden beads and such and went to work on this beast. It was fun, actually! Guess what, it is REALLY FUN painting on skulls. I think this is a keeper... I am in love with it! I am not sure if any monetary amount will make me part with this (and we all know there is a price for everything... "What did you say? You will give me $1,000 for this? Well... I do need to feed my kids... SOLD!!!"

finished!

2010-06-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

... and here is the finished sign. Long forgotten but still has its own beauty in color and texture.

Mexican Restaurant, Tucumcari, NM - WIP

2010-06-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, so usually when I work I have several pieces going at once. Call it me trying not to bore myself to death. I like to switch myself around when I get tired of working on one piece, I set it aside and pick up another for a few hours... then I go back to the previous with fresh eyes. It works for me :-). This watercolor I started last night and I am loving it already! I shot this photo when I was driving through Tucumcari, NM. Part of this strip of Route 66 was like a ghost town... ancient businesses now forgotten. Some really great old 50's signs rusting and dusty. I find these quite beautiful in their own way. Especially behind the lens of my Nikon. So, once I get my 500 or so photos on my mac at home I eagerly pour through them until the ones that beg to be painted surface, this was one of them. Stage one of painting... Watercolor on aquabord, 8 x 10" with daniel smith watercolors (of course). I don't know if I will ever go back to pastels, folks... I am hooked to my newly found medium. Forever? Dunno... for now? For sure. Update forthcoming....

All Geared Up - WIP

2010-05-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

A truly amazing 10 days in Ghost Ranch which filled me with inspiration and an overflow of painting ideas. Many projects were started there, including this beauty. Watercolor on Ampersand Aquabord (using Daniel Smith of course), I began tackling the many bridle and halter pieces that wrapped to and fro on this gypsy horses head who stood, waiting its turn at a show in Wales. The photo was taken by my friend Elizabeth, who is a master behind the lens. I hope to finish this soon as I have a show of my own here in the beginning of June. This among other pieces from my southwest trip will be there along with lots of photographs that I took. If you ever are at a loss for creative inspiration, take a jaunt out to the desert where Georgia O'Keefe herself fell in love with the mesas of color, you won't be sorry you did it.

"Victor Italico, 200 Years..."

2010-05-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

"Victor Italico, 200 Years..." watercolor on aquabord, 11 x 14"

Itt seems that I have branched out and found other things to paint. Not only am I an equine painter (and I love EVERY moment of it, btw) but I have found that I love painting old, ancient forgotten things, too... aged and intricate, historical, once loved but now disregarded beauties that really capture color and texture...things that my Nikon finds appealing, images that to me, have a beauty all in their own that will never be forgotten. So, finally, I finished this watercolor of a photo I took of this 200 year old, very aged looking violin (which, incidentally, had a gorgeous painting on the other side!). I am pleased with it. I am not sure about how I broke up the space. Not sure because the vision I had in my head seemed more interesting than the finished product. Oh well, this is just for practice anyway, right? You cannot judge until you try. My mom thought this was a soap dish, btw. I will be doing more instruments I think as I have more photos that I LOVE... I do, however, think I will refrain from the use of taping tho...

Violin - WIP

2010-04-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

'violin, 200 years' - watercolor on aquaboard, 11 x 14"

This is something a bit different for me, not only a watercolor BUT it is NOT a horse! I wanted to try and branch out, go for something with age and void of a heartbeat ;-). I love to take pictures, especially of old things, rusty and weathered. Mostly of ancient rail cars or just cars in general, long forgotten. I went to a fair last year and shot these old violins, all in a row. This one was intriguing, as it was over 200 years old, from Italy, and on the back was painting, gorgeous and detailed. I liked the painting, but I loved the shot I took of it just lying there on the table. So, I got out my brushes, blocked out my board and started working. I have this vision in my head of how I wanted it to look. 3 panes, all painted separately, so as to look like 3 paintings in one, but of the same subject. bear with me as it is being completed, this should be (hopefully) interesting.... More to come!!

Ready to Run - Watercolor

2010-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

"Ready to Run"

Watercolor on Ampersand aquabord, 6 x 6"

This is my first watercolor on the aquabord. Just thought I would share :-). He is for sale to any lucky horse lovin' art collector :-).

$75 + $5 shipping

Lexi and Faye - Watercolor

2010-03-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

"Lexi and Faye"

Watercolor on ampersand aquabord, 8 x 10"

Here is the watercolor I just finished a few hours ago. The horses belong to my good friend, Ella. I have painted Lexi (the mare) several times, she is lovely and I love her coloring! Faye is her first foal, looks like momma, too! Did I tell you I am diggin' these watercolors? ;-)

redstreakeart@yahoo.com

www.redstreakegallery.com

Gypsy and Foal - Watercolor

2010-03-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Resting."

Watercolor on aquabord, 8 x 10"

So, my new love is WATERCOLOR. I haven't really dabbled much in it, most of the time I hate the paper and the way it sucks up the paint and I have no control over anything, it seems. BUT, I have discovered aquabord (made by Ampersand) and WOW, the texture is fabulous! It allows you to layer colors, gives you full control over the paint and blending is a dream :-). I use Daniel Smith brand WC's because I was told they are the best, and they ARE! The pigments are fabulous! So, you will be seeing a lot of watercolors from me in the coming months... (or whenever I decide to do something else.. which is quite possible!) I can't wait to see what I am going to paint next! I hope you like them, too :-). Contact me at redstreakeart@yahoo.com for commission details or questions!

www.redstreakegallery.com

Great Dane

2009-12-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

"Great Dane" pastel on La Carte

I do a lot of pastel commissions, this is one of them. One of my favorite things to do is to immortalized someone's fuzzy loved one into a piece of art :-). Sometimes I don't get to see the person's face when they receive it (if the order comes to me from online), but the best ones are when I get to deliver the painting in person! I really love what I do.

"My Gypsy"

2009-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

"My Gypsy" Oil on Canvas

I have struggled with this painting like no other. For now, I am putting it aside to work on something else. I put some yellow ochre behind her head to see if I could fix the 'flow' of the painting. I am still not sure about it. Maybe something will come to me later on. I don't DISLIKE this painting, but I like parts of it more than others. Mainly, the gypsy horse. I think this is my first 'unsuccessful' painting. *sigh* Time to trudge on!

Gypsy Love - WIP

2009-12-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

"Gypsy Love" Oil on Canvas WIP

This is a better light shot of my latest painting I am working on. I am hoping to finish this up today. I am loving how it is turning out!

Lola

2009-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

"Lola" pastel on ampersand

My mother's cat, she is a himi and is a HUGE puffball! This was kind of an awkward pose, but her face was really cute and my mom mostly wanted it done so I could put it on a christmas ornament. The ornament looks good! Here is how it turned out :-):

So, if you ever have the idea of getting one of your fuzzy loved ones done in pastel or oils and think, HEY! I would like an ornament done from that! Well, here ya go folks, it can be done! :-)

Commission Sample

2009-12-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

"Glowing Limerick" pastel on La Carte

This is a side by side of one of my pastels next to its photo ref. (photo by the talented Elizabeth Sescilla, this is her horse also). This pastel was donated to the American Horse Foundation auction. I later did a very large oil of this photo as I just loved how it made Limerick glow!

Momma and Me

2009-12-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

"Fjord Momma and Me" pastel on ampersand

I love painting the relationship between momma and foal. I have done so many of these, they capture such sweet moments :-).

Ranger Makes a Friend II

2009-12-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

"Ranger Makes a Friend II" pastel on ampersand

This is a pastel I did a while ago for a gypsy horse friend of mine. Her horses have been painted by me many times as they are so inspiring! This is Ranger and he just loves kids, can't you tell? I have never met Ranger, but I see him a lot like Limerick in the respect that he is a big golden retriever, in your pocket kind of horse with a lot of love. Ella is a lucky girl to have him and his stable mates, brenna and Lexi. The first pastel was the one below. I love it also :-). I enjoy doing paintings mostly of horses, BUT if the picture shows that bond between horse and man... or in this instance, horse and child... I get itchin' to paint :-). Thank you Ella Cummings for having such awesome horses to paint!

"Ranger Makes a Friend" pastel on ampersand

2009-12-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! My artwork will be featured on the new Flip Mino HD cameras! Check it out! More designs to come, so far I have 5 up, and 2 out of the 5 got Flip Staff Pick! I am honored to have my work on such cool cameras. :-)

New gypsy painting WIP

2009-12-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

"Gypsy Smoochin'"

Oil on Canvas, WIP

This is not quite finished yet, just what I could get done in one sitting. Needs to dry for a day or two then I will go in and get some more value work done. I love painting Gypsy horses :-) These belong to my friend Elizabeth, they are Limerick and Ivy. Limerick has been the model for many a paintings for me. I love this guy! He is the first gypsy I ever met in person, too :-).

Gypsy Wagons

2009-11-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

"Gypsy Wagons"

Oil, 6 x 12"

I think I am finally finished this one, though I am not sure how I feel about it. I like the colors, but maybe I should have put a few more horses up there somewhere...

Gypsy on Green

2009-06-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Pastel on La Carte pastel paper - 8 x 10"

"This is actually a rework of a past pastel of mine. I really wanted to put a background on him and touch him up a bit more. He is such a handsome guy!! Of course, my favorite subject, Gypsies :-)"

(If you are interested in purchasing a painting from me, you can buy directly from here or email me at redstreake@mac.com.")

$85 + Shipping

Swish!

2009-04-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

Oil on Ampersand Board - 5 x 7"

"As many of you know, and if you don't know by now you will, I LOVE gypsy vanner horses! And there is something about the rump of a horse that I also love! ;-) This is of a friends horse just lazily grazing and swishing her tail, not a care in the world. If I had a tail, I believe I would be doing the same thing..."

20% of the sale of this painting will go to NCARES, the shelter that my friend runs.

(If you are interested in purchasing a painting from me, you can buy directly from here or email me at redstreake@mac.com.")

$75 + Shipping

SOLD!

Lemme Tell you a Secret!

2009-04-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

"Lemme Tell you a Secret"

Oil on Ampersand Board - 5 x 7"

"My friend Elizabeth has a shelter where she takes in dogs who need help. This is one of her shots from her place. I loved the sweetness between the two!

20% of the sale of this painting will go to NCARES, the shelter that my friend runs.

(If you are interested in purchasing a painting from me, you can buy directly from here or email me at redstreake@mac.com.")

$75 + Shipping

SOLD!

Helping.

2009-04-06T13:31:00.001-07:00

"Helping"

Oil on Ampersand Board - 5 x 7"

"I took this photo when we visited friends of ours in NC. My kids loved helping with the horses. I thought this was a really cute shot and had to paint it :-). For those of you who have animals and kids who like to 'help', this would be a great little painting for you!

(If you are interested in purchasing a painting from me, you can buy directly from here or email me at redstreake@mac.com.")

$75 + Shipping

SOLD!

Sweet Candy Jane is finished!

2009-04-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

"Sweet Candy Jane on a Run"

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas - 16 x 16"

"I finally finished this piece as you can see! Thanks to Gretchen Stribling for allowing me to use her photo of her gorgeous horse!! Sorry it took so long to post it! I have been a busy bee with my oils as of late, you shall see!

(If you are interested in purchasing a painting from me, you can buy directly from here or email me at redstreake@mac.com.")

$450 + Shipping

Sweet Candy Jane

2008-10-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

The latest gypsy painting on my easel now! Sweet Candy Jane :-) Belongs to a gypsy friend of my Gretchen Stribling. This photo was really a great shot, Gretchen thought it would be a good one to paint, showing the movement and playfulness of the gypsy vanner! It has taken me a while to get back to this painting, but I hope to finish it this week! After spending my Sunday at the Feathered Horse Classic and rubbing noses with some of the most incredible Gypsy horses around, I am more motivated than ever to pick up my pastels and brushes and transform my photos I took into works of art! Keep this blog address handy! Some of my best artwork is coming up soon!!!

This piece is a 16" x 16" oil on canvas. Another few hours and it should be finished. If you are interested in having your Gypsy commissioned as a painting, contact me at redstreake@mac.com. I would love the opportunity to paint your horse!

A little something different...

2008-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is something I needed to do to challenge my brain. Something 'non animal' related. I wanted to see if I could do it, firstly. Secondly, I had to take a break from my norm for a bit. Was having artists block. I took a bunch of photos of the trains that we have here in Cowan, TN at our little museum. This is the first of a series of paintings I am doing from these photos. They are fun, the colors are great and it just makes me focus more on something other than horses for a bit. Oh, I am still doing the horses! But just adding another element into my basket :-). Hope you like it!

Hildy and her Toy

2008-04-13T15:29:00.001-07:00

When I went to visit my son up in Baltimore, I managed to shoot a bunch of photos of his dog, Hildy, playing with this horse toy. She was so funny with this thing! The look on her face when I approached her was hilarious! Almost like, "I DARE you to take it from me!" I loved the color of her eyes and the contrast of the ball with her fur. It isn't finished yet, still have to work on the ball and a few more details in Hildy, but I wanted to post the progress anyway. Hope you like it!

3 gypsies, finished!

2008-03-14T20:50:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to share with you what the final painting looks like! Finished the 3 Gypsies :-). I am still not so sure about the background, I will be staring at that for a while... I might change it, might not. Depends on my mood. For now, though, this will do. I didn't do this as a commission, so if I want to do something different, hey - what Jen wants, jen gets! I mostly just really liked this photo that my friend Lien in Holland sent me of her horse. It inspired me. I like it. Whether anyone else likes it remains to be seen. I paint what makes me happy these days... Tomorrow I think I will start a big painting... Gypsies again? Or Fjords... I like fjords, too. Or maybe cats? I might have to go a different direction if i actually want to start making money in my gallery. Selling art must happen at some point. So far I have a 'collection' of nice gypsy oil paintings ;-).
Cheers all :-)
jen

3 Gypsies

2008-02-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, not as per doctor's orders, I am not in bed resting as I should be (just had major abdominal surgery folks), but instead, I am painting. Ah, the sacrifices of an artist. But seriously, it is boring to lie in bed all day! The pain meds allow me to be able to sit up at least so I can get some work done at the easel. I was able to get this much done on the Gypsy painting today. I love how it is turning out :-). My friend Lien in Holland let me use this photo as a ref for this painting. The horse (whose name is Tommie) to the right is hers. He is just gorgeous! I know the little guy is hard to see but it sort of gives a little bit of a Bev Doolittle effect to me. It is just for fun anyway... Keeps me from lying around in my bed all day. Also keeps my mind off my pain. Always a good thing! Will post the finished piece soon!

Matt and Limerick

2008-01-27T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Yes, I know, where the heck have I been?? Long story, but I am back and with my muse at my side :-) (well, 2 muses who are now 3 1/2 and making a rukus wherever they go! My twins are growing like weeds, need to quit feeding them!). Basically had an accident at my gallery, an SUV crashed into it after being open only 2 months. Took a while to get back up and running again, I sort of lost my creative urge there for a while, got out of my painting groove, stopped doing ebay for a while... lost my focus. Not sure where my "MOJO" actually went, really. Some people have 'writer's block', well... I had Artist's block! I was busy for the holidays, i had about 21 commissions to finish, but commissions are different.... I wanted to paint something that I WANTED to paint for a change, ya know? So, after those were finished, I went through photos, and this was one that my friend Elizabeth had taken of her hubby and her Gypsy horse Limerick after their workout one day. I just loved how Lim's tail was swishing about... I had painted this horse probably a few dozen times, actually. I WANTED to do him, so I broke out my oils, got out my canvas and started painting. This is the result of about 6 hours of work. I feel SO much better now! Just being able to paint what you want for once makes you relaxed, serene, at peace... not sure how to describe it, really. I mean, don't get me wrong, I really like to do my commissions! But most of the time I don't get to see or hear reactions of customers once they get their artwork. I don't get feedback, or see expressions of joy. A painting like this, however, which is mostly for me... I feel instant satisfaction. Because it really isn't for anyone but for the sheer purpose of just DOING IT because I want to. And also because I know that Elizabeth will like it, and she will get a print of it (eventually...) and she takes such awesome shots and man, there is nothing like working on a painting from a really awesome photo.... seriously. So, thanks Elizabeth :-). I really don't sell these paintings, they just sit in my gallery for the heck of it. For show. For my own satisfaction so I can look at it and say, hey, I did that :-). It is cool to me.

Just about finished...

2007-10-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

This was a very challenging piece, indeed! I am not that comfortable with painting humans, I prefer animals. So, working on this painting really forced me to get over my hangup and tackle my insecurities. I love rendering the relationship between horse and human... this was a great photo to paint from :-)

Me and my Clyde - WIP

2007-09-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is just the beginning of a new painting I started today. Blocking in the colors right now, before I go in with more detail. I am trying to do this really 'loose' so I don't stress out on the details. It is amazing how my style of oils has changed since I began using pastels! I used to paint really tight, then I stopped using oils because they stressed me out too much. Now, after about 2 years off oils, I picked them up again and I find myself painting MUCH more loose and relaxed, as I do with my pastels. I LOVE this technique so much better and I think I am finally finding my 'style'. With the help of fabulous photographers who are kind enough to let me use their photos as reference material, I can turn out decent paintings. The work in progress shot shown here is painted from a photo by Laurie Comfort (www. sunflowerphotography.com). I will post the finished piece when I actually FINISH this...

Dressage - finished oil!

2007-09-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Finished! This oil is 24 x 30" and it turned out pretty good! I think I like the look of the more fuzzy horses (gypsy vanners) than this horse, more fun to paint, but overall I think I am satisfied :-) THis will be hanging in my gallery in about a week! I MIGHT offer my larger pieces for sale online, haven't decided yet. Shipping charges are like $45 for a painting like this. Is it worth the purchase? Would you guys buy a big painting like this and pay a hefty shipping charge? Or should I stick to selling these babies locally? Either way, they are a blast to paint, my next one has already been started! Thanks for looking!

C'mon, let's move them out!

2007-08-31T20:27:00.001-07:00

I loved this photo by Laurie Comfort of Sunflower Photography! She takes some great shots that really inspire me to paint! I am not sure my pastel does her photo justice, but it was fun to do. I tend to leave out the backgrounds, focusing more on the subject. This piece will be up for acution in my ebay store soon, proceeds will go to the Franklin County Humane Society . They are my local animal harbor of which I recently became friends with the owner. I pass their shelter 6 times a week, really wanting to help in some way... I am very proud to be able to do something to help them, even if it is just minimal payments from the sale of my quaint little paintings. Every little bit counts, people! :-)

New gypsy tee shirts!

2007-08-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Something new and fun is being created here at the gallery! I am designing some new tee shirts with gypsy horses on them. These are samples of the first design I have done. My new friends at the local screenprinting office did some samples for me and they look terrific! They do a really great job over at 2nd Base screenprinting. I will be designing 5 more to go with this series, so check back often! I really like how they turned out! Printed on 100% cotton, each tee is individually printed, so each is a tad different than the one prior. They can be printed on any color tee shirt, too! They will be offered for sale soon so keep checking back! Comments and suggestions welcome!!

Dressage - WIP

2007-08-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest work that is on my easel right now. A large oil (boy, am I getting into those large paintings!) of a dressage moment. It isn't a gypsy, but it will do :-) There is something about painting this big that really makes me feel as if I have accomplished something. I really get into my groove, it relaxes me... Check back soon for another painting I have in the works! All these original paintings will be sold to benefit my local animal shelter.

Glowing Limerick - Oil painting

2007-08-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

I am breaking out my oil paints and trying to do a series of larger works that I can put in my new gallery. This is the first in the series, my good friend Elizabeth's stallion, Limerick. I really love painting this horse, partly because he is so darn handsome, and partly because well, he is one of the first gypsy horses I have painted (from the very beginning!) Yes I know his head is tucked around him, but his stance is so magestic and awe inspiring, especially the lighting! Elizabeth took a great photo, which inspired this painting. Commissions are available in this size if any of you are interested!

The next painting will be a gypsy wagon that is being pulled by another lovely gypsy horse named Esmeralda. Check back soon!!
cheers!
jen

Light of Cin now available!

2007-08-14T17:40:00.001-07:00

Recently, I had a great opportunity to design a book cover for a very talented author, T. Lee Tabone. This was a really fun project and I absolutely LOVE the story! The cover design was done with a mix of pastel and digital art. I drew Cin on La Carte pastel paper and then scanned him in, manipulating the rest of the cover in Photoshop CS2. Here is a bit about the book: “The Light of Cin” is a spiraling tale of a teenage girl named Aja, who uncovers her true identity with the help of a majykal little dog named Cin. Cin comes to Aja as a guide and through dreams takes the young girl into the past and future – to faerie realms and alternate dimensions." It has recently been published. If you are interested in reading this great story (of which I highly suggest you do!) you can purchase a copy here. I will also have a link on my website. Enjoy!

Gypsy Valentine and Indica

2007-08-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

I designed a logo for a gypsy horse ranch in NC called FiresideGypsy Vanner Ranch. They have a gorgeous mare there named Valentine, andshe just had a really lovely little filly named Indica. Their human mom was generous enough to let me use her photos of her gypsies as reference material for this pastel. It is being auctioned off for charity in my ebay listings. If you would like to bid, or have any questions about this pastel, OR if you would like to commission one of your horse, you can email me at any time!

Fuzzy Fjord Foal

2007-08-07T21:07:00.001-07:00

There is nothing I enjoy more than a newborn foal, especially a fuzzy furry one! (well, aren't they ALL fuzzy and furry?) This little fjord is done in pastels, my medium of choice. He is done on an 8x10" piece of La Carte pastel paper and is up for auction in my ebay store at this moment! 20% of his sale will go to benefitting NCARES, my friend's animal shelter. Click here to see the auction and make a bid!

Redstreake Gallery opening soon!

2007-02-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

Exciting news! My gallery will be opening soon! Sure this is just the temporary location, but it is a great starting point! As I build up the gallery space, my permenant location will be renovated and hopefully by the end of this year, I will be in it! I like the idea of starting small, so my temp place will work great :-) I will post photos soon! Along with the gallery, I am totally revamping my web page, created a new logo (see left) and am starting to market my new gallery presence. Lots of exciting stuff going on in the Redstreake world! Check back soon, more progress to come!

A few crazy horses...

2006-10-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

So, I was in the mood to do some silly stuff. When I went to visit the Ricci ranch in NC, I met their haflinger, Emmy Lou. She was making some silly faces and I was lucky enough to capture one with my camera. Thusly, the resulting aceo emurged. I love doing horses, but painting hilarious faces is almost a MUST. They are unique and one can't help but smile at their silliness. The other aceo is a vanner that really has his nose in your business. I call it "You got a carrot? I KNOW I smell a carrot... definitely...". Click here to bid and win this funny muzzle!

Click here to bid on Emmy Lou! Not much time left!!

Westies, Westies and another Westie...

2006-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

It was a westhighland terrier week for me :-) These adorable dogs just command attention. I had a few people ask me to do some aceo's of them, so here they are :-) My friend Mary does incredible paintings of Westies, and she is now going to be the proud owner of one very soon! I am more of a big dog kind of gal, so my dal is perfect for me! These three aceo art cards are done with pastels on La Carte pastel paper. They are up for auction now in my ebay listings!

2006-08-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more beautiful than a gypsy face. Molly is no exception. She is as pretty as they get! She is an 8 x 10" pastel done on La Carte pastel paper. She is up for auction here and 20% of the final sale will go to an animal charity called NCARES.

I have added a lot of new products to my website lately! For example, gorgeous
wooden ceramic tile boxes, keepsake
ornaments and gift
cards!

Check out my website, christmas is just around the corner and if you have a friend or family member who loves animals, I might have the perfect gift for them! I use Paypal as a secure way of dealing with purchases directly off my website. It is EASY and I also gift wrap! :-)

Beautiful Gypsy Vanners...

2006-08-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am back to drawing my favorite subject, GYPSY VANNERS! Wendy Ricci is nice enough to let me paint her incredible horses, you should see them for yourself here. Their beauty never ceases to amaze me. I have me so many vanner owners over the past few months. One day I WILL have one of my very own to love and cherish. I was raised around horses for the first 16 years of my life, so they are definitely a part of my soul. I love the smell of tack and horse sweat ;-) My husband doesn't understand that, but hey, I don't understand his affinity for golf ;-)

WOW!! Big Cat Auction NOW on EBAY!

2006-07-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

CHECK THIS OUT! 38 artists, 38 ORIGINAL pieces of art the size of a playing card. All for sale in one auction where 100% of the final price will go to Happy Paws Haven in Alabama. This is a huge event!! A MUST SEE! If you want to own 38 incredible pieces of original art AND help a bunch of critters all at the same time, the go check out the Big Cat Auction NOW! 9 days left and counting..........I did one of the cards in the set, too!

Latte, the Birman cat

2006-07-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

I saw the coolest cat on flickr.com last week. His name is Latte and he belongs to Kenny, who adores him completely! I asked kenny if I could paint his cat, as I thought he would make a terrific model! He agreed, and I have done several pastels of Latte in the past week. You can see this one and others that I did in my ebay store. 20% of the sale price will go to NCARES, a very generous animal charity in NC. HELP US HELP THEM!!

Siamese Samantha

2006-07-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is Samantha, a gorgeous Siamese cat. I would love to have one for my self, but if I bring home another cat, my husband will divorce me! So, I have to be satisfied in just painting them :-) This gorgeous pastel is up for auction in my ebay listings! Click Siamese Cat to see her! Thanks for looking!

Truly Golden #3

2006-07-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is another in my "Truly Golden" series. I love how this one turned out. Her fur is so soft, you could almost stroke it! I am doing a few more Goldens, one will be donated to the Golden Retriever Foundation auction. I hope it brings in lots of $$ for them! This pastel is 8 x 10" done on La Carte pastel paper. Prints will be available soon!

Stoneclear Springs water bottle logo!

2006-07-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Another project finished! This pastel above is the new logo for Stoneclear Springs, a wonderful spring water company in Vanleer, TN. Tom and Jane Edwards found my artwork on Ebay and loved the style of my pastels. They invisioned their new label to be something like that, using their percheron horses. After contacting me, my husband and I went to meet their team of gorgeous horses, took tons of photos and fell in love with these gentle giants! (the largest percheron was 19 1/2 hands!) From the photos that we both took, I worked on the pastel that would be their new label design. This was the hardest pastel I have ever done. Once it was finished, I decided it was the best thing I had ever done, too! :-) Thanks to Tom and Jane for the chance to design this for them! Hope you like it, too!

One beautiful Gypsy...

2006-06-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is one beautiful Gypsy Vanner! I had the privilege to do a pastel of this lovely lady. Owned by Stephanie at the Harlequin Farms, they breed quality gypsy horses, and this is one of them. Measuring 16 x 20", painted with high quality pastels on Sennelier La Carte pastel paper. She was a pleasure to do :-) I hope that the owner likes her, too!

2006-06-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Exciting things are happening via my website lately. I have transformed the whole site and can now accept payment via paypal for any item you see on there! I am trying to build up my dog inventory, so I did these 4 pastels. All of these are available as 5 x 7" prints, which you can purchase through my website. The originals are also for sale. Have a dog that you think might make a beautiful pastel? Email me about it! Right now I am working with my art rep to design gift cards, post cards, calenders, stickers, etc. with my artwork. As these things come about, they will be added to my website. SO, check back often!

The Rear View....

2006-05-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

A sort of different approach to the portrait. A very touching scene with mother and baby, these two gypsy horses are content. Signed prints will be available, matted to fit an 8 x 10" frame, and 20% of the sale will go to PEARL, the Palmetto Equine Awareness and Rescue League. I do a lot of charity work for them. If you are interested in helping out horses in need, buy a print!

Just in time for Mother's Day!

2006-05-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

This is another pastel of Connor, the Gypsy colt, but this time he is with his momma :-) A perfect scene for Mother's day! Prints are available in my store! Buy one for your mom today!

The King's Curtain Call, aka Connor the Gypsy Horse

2006-05-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous little colt is Connor, a gypsy vanner horse that belongs to my friend Elizabeth. Connor is already spunky at the ripe old age of 4 days! :-) He is done in pastels on La Carte paper. The original is sold to his momma, but there are prints available in my ebay store!

NEW!! Cafe Press Store now open!

2006-05-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

How cool is it to have stamps with artwork on them! Not only that, but artwork of an artist that you LIKE! If any of you are fans of my work, I am happy to announce my new CafePress store! I am just starting to populate it now, but so far I have postage stamps, (see example above), some post cards and postage pals available! In the near future, I will also have gift cards, mugs, tiles and other such things with my artwork on them. If you want to check it out, be my guest! Let me know what you think!

Westie with Bubbles... #1

2006-05-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at doing a westhighland terrier. I think I might do a few more and make a "Westie with Bubbles" series. I love how this one turned out! I don't collect animal art, but this pastel, I must admit, would look nice on MY wall! I have prints available for anyone who is interested in having one. 5 x 7" prints and limited edition ACEO's to be exact. Check my store soon for updates!

Lots of catching up to do!

2006-05-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

Fjord horses are one of my favorite breeds, next to the Gypsy Cobb, of course. This fjord belongs to my friend Lisa, she has several gorgeous horses! I love how this pastel turned out, very majestic! I plan on doing a few more fjords "working" in the coming weeks. Of all my pastels, people seem to like these the best :-) I don't mind... I love to paint them. Now all I need to do is sell enough to buy a REAL horse! I can dream, can't I?

NEW original pastel ACEO's!

2006-03-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am trying my hand at doing pastels in a smaller scale. I thought it would be fun (and challenging) to do ACEO cards, which are highly collectible! Little mini paintings. Above are samples of some I have done the past few days. They are up for auction in my ebay store! I plan on doing a bunch of these in the future. It is a great way to use up scrap pastel paper, too! I hope you like them :-)

Truly Golden

2006-03-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like a beautiful golden retriever! Soft, shaggy fur and a eyes that always want to please. I am doing a series of these right now, I hope you like them! I will offer limited edition ACEO cards of these as well as open edition prints! Actually, most of my work is offered as prints, except for the private commissions. And with that, if you ever are interested in having your lovely pet immortalized in pastel, email me! I would love to paint them! There really isn't a more rewarding feeling than painting someones pet and waiting to see what they think! I love it! I would do it for free, IF I HAD MONEY, lol.

2006-03-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

This beautiful dalmatian is a charity piece I did for the Save the Dalmatians organization. Those folks over there need as much help as they can get, so I wanted to do my part! I have a dalmatian that we rescued as a puppy and she is the absolute best companion I have ever had! I think dals get a bad rep sometimes, but most of them are well mannered, sweet and loveable pups! If you are interested in helping out this organization, check out my auction here, make a bid, and know that you are helping out a dog who needs you AND are getting a gorgeous original pastel painting as well!

Also, I have listed many prints on arbyus.com. Those prints are being sold for charity auctions, and a percentage will go to my charity of choice. (on the auction, it will say where the $ is going!). Check out my charity listings over there by searching REDSTREAKE, or if you want to see what others have to offer, do a search on A4C (art for critters). Beautiful works of art there at reasonable prices, too!

Maarten drawn with a few colors....

2006-03-15T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is a quick pastel I did of one of my twins while I was in Paris this Christmas. I didn't bring my pastels overseas and was going on withdrawl! So, I went to the local art store and bought a simple set and some paper. I don't think it turned out too bad since I only had a few colors to work with! (like 24!) He is still a cutie, even if his eyes look slightly crossed ;-)

Pink Poodles?? NO! Really?

2006-03-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

How crazy is this pastel! My dear friend Eliza said, "You should do a pink poodle, they are 'in' you know!" Well, I don't know how IN they are but this was definitely a strange subject! How do you get a reference photo of a pink poodle? Borrowing an image from the ref library on wet canvas, I sort of winged it. The result is what you see here. Will I ever do pink dogs again? Probaby not. Do I like how this one turned out? SURE! Will anyone buy it? God only knows... lol. She is up for sale in my ebay listings if you are interested in buying her! :-)

Working with awesome photographers!

2006-03-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Lots of stuff going on lately in my studio. First, I am excited to be a part of the Art for Critters establishment. If you want to do some good and save the animals, I will be offering 40% of selected pieces to PEARL, an equine rescue establishment and the Black Forest Animal Sanctuary! Buy an original painting from me and help out a fuzzy friend in the process!

An exciting thing has happened and I am really inspired to paint! I have met 3 incredible equine photographers who have graceously given me permission to use their beautiful photos as source material for my paintings! A big thank you to Lacey Carnell, Gerald Wheeler and Anne Bevan! Without you, beautiful paintings couldn't be created!

Feathers are not my friend!

2006-03-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

Feathers and pastels just don't mix, lol. Well, I certainly haven't mastered it, that is for sure! I did an attempt at a rooster here and for the most part, I am happy with him. But his feathers are not so impressive. Could be better! I will have to work on that. Art is a road of trial and error, some things work and well... some don't! I am sure someone will fall in love with the handsome guy, tho! We shall see!

This goat, however, I am happy with :-). Another white Saanen, as delicate and sweet as can be! I love these goats :-) She is for sale in my ebay store, so go have a look if you are interested! The rooster is as well, COCKADOODLEDOOO!!!!!

2006-02-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

Good morning all! (or the few that actually see this blog, lol) Finally getting over pnemonia and back to painting for me! Last night, I wanted to paint this horse, Hoka, a Fjord filly that belongs to a client of mine. I LOVED this photo, her forelock is so wild! So young and innocent, just thought it would be perfect to paint in pastels! So, here is the result! I love it when my customers send me photos of their horses, its very cool :-)

Gypsy cob not gypsy vanner!

2006-02-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I have been in touch with a very nice woman in Ireland who raises Gypsy Cob horses! (she informed me that 'vanner' is sort of a fabricated name here in the States for the gypsy horses). Thanks very much to Deirdre for letting me use her amazing photos of her cobs as reference materials for future paintings! Wait until you see what I have in store for the next week! Beautiful pastels of beautiful horses! Make sure you come back often to see! This horse here is Romeo, he is a Palomino gypsy cob stallion. He has lots of girlfriends ;-) He is a pastel on La Carte paper, about 9 x 12". Check back tomorrow for more (I hope you think it is beautiful!) art!
Jen

Very productive day today!

2006-02-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, it was a very productive day today, dispite having bronchitis and a sick baby! I was able to finish several pieces, including this main coon cat, a goat and a hereford cow portrait. Whew! So far I sold 2 today of the three! The cat is still up for grabs in my ebay auctions. Go check her out if you have time, she needs a loving home :-)

Aussie anyone?

2006-02-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty busy the last few days! Lots of new art coming out, including this aussie. Don't you just love his blue eye? I used to have one as a kid, and my dal mix is half aussie. Really loveable dogs, the perfect companions. She is up for auction in my ebay store, if you are interested, go check her out! Again, if any of you have any good ideas as to what would make a good painting, let me know! :-)

A cow by any other name...

2006-02-11T21:10:00.000-08:00

...is just as sweet! It was definitely a cow's night tonight. I finished 2 of them in pastels. The first is a highland calf, so fuzzy and cute, really hard to pass up this face! It is on auction in my ebay store! The other, a little calf, so sweet and innocent, really wanted to stay home with me! But, I can't keep them all, and I am sure he will find a nice home! (Also available in my auctions). The cows seem to sell well, so I will keep doing them. Plus, they are really fun to paint! Tomorrow... not sure what I will paint but I am sure you will see it here soon! Maybe a goat... humm.....

Rottweiler, anyone?

2006-02-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

Fresh off the drawing table, I bring you Casey, the Rottweiler. He belongs to my friend Elizabeth, who has LOTS of dogs she has adopted over the years. How big her heart is! I will be working on a pastel of all her furry friends so you might be seeing them as they happen, right here! Casey is done in sennelier pastels on La Carte pastel paper. I tend to stick with one medium for the long haul! I tried to go watercolor, but for me, pastels are more silkier, butterier, and more satisfying when you see the finished product. Btw, did you know that on a pastel stick it says "Breathing pastel dust might be harmful...". Crap. Just another thing we have to worry about. I am sure I have breathed in a whole stick by now!

Tomorrow, hopefully I will get another baby calf done! Till then...

A new day, a new blog...

2006-02-08T01:06:00.000-08:00

The day in the life of a fine artist. This is a new blog I am starting in hopes that it will allow people to see what I am working on lately. I hope to show new and upcoming art that will be for sale on ebay. Some of the paintings I will be doing will be commissions, private pieces, etc. I will let you know if it is available. This will be a bit more current than my personal website. If you have any questions as I go along, feel free to message me, or comment, etc. I am easy :-)

The painting to the left here is one that I finished a few days ago. This is a pastel, 9 x 12" on La Carte paper (assorted pastels including sennelier, which are my favorite, and rembrandts). A young Gypsy Vanner mare. The reference photo I used for this piece was taken and used with permission by Gerald R. Wheeler, a fabulous equine photographer in katy, Texas. He has lots of lovely photos of Gypsy Vanner horses (one of my favorite subjects to paint!)

The pastel of the lamb enjoying a yummy flower is just a small one, 5 x 7". I have so many pieces of my pastel paper that is about that size, I thought I should try doing something with them. So I am doing a series of baby animals on them. They would look so cute framed as a group! More on that later! Thanks for checking in! - Jen