Horse Portrait "Determined Spirit"

This horse portrait I felt needed a little more work
on lost and found edges. So a couple of days
before I entered it into the Gainesville Fine Arts Association Winter exhibit -
the pastel and I "had a little chat".
But after I finished the painting, placed the
museum glass in the frame and sealed
it up - to my dismay I had forgotten to photograph
the final portrait!

Help, I need an artist assistant!

Oh well...so this image is not the pastel as it exists now,
but it's the only photograph I have to post now.
I was thrilled that my pastel portrait,

"Determined Spirit" of this
horse with such grace and beauty
receive Best of Show in the
GFAA Winter Members' Art Show.
The exhibit runs until March 24th at
Trinity in Gainesville.
There are over 65 works of art on display.
So gallop on over to view it.

An Australian Terrier

When going for a walk, joggers would often
comment about our dog, "What kind of dog is he?"
they would ask.

"An Australian Terrier", we'd smile and say.
On this cold day I am reminded of him.
After 14 years of our walks in the all kinds of weather,
we miss him.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

This painting was created in response to concerns
about our current economic climate and as my reaction
to the hearings of officials going before Congress
asking for bailouts.
Just like Dorothy
we are in a strange land and - we just want to go home.

The painting is on display in the President's
Gallery at Santa Fe College in the 2009 Florida
Open Juried Exhibit until March 5.
Look for it, as you exit the gallery -on your way home.

Edgar Degas Pastel Box -1870

Photo © 2008 Karen F. Rose

A selection of over 500 H. Roche pastels from
La Maison du Pastel
on display at the musee d'Orsay

Photo ©  2008 Karen F. Rose

Edgar Degas pastel box from 1870. With all those
pastels- how to choose?

Photo © 2008 Karen F. Rose

Whenever I am involved in a workshop students

always buzz with conversation about equipment.

prochade boxes, the best easel to use

and their favorite brush or pastel.

Can you just imagine Edgar Degas with this

small little box of pastels at the Paris Opera!