Shortly after mid September I received a request for a commission of 8 pets for a client in Georgia. My lack of blogging skills have not been for lack of anything other than time. But the portrait was completed and shipped out just in time for Christmas and is currently on display in her residence.
On a sadder note,the autumn of this past year saw the loss of 3 beloved animal friends.
Alexander:
Pandora Chunk A Butt:
And Princess Shiva:
The passing of my little muses makes being inspired a troubled and often unfocused kind of melancholy.
Shortly before loosing Pandora (very unexpectedly) I acquired a new little muse who is just a momma's boy:
Boo Garou Bordeaux Blanc:
November I went down to Chicago to follow Anubis to a Sci Fi convention. The result was less than stellar. My original was one of only a few and easily one of the 4 most expensive pieces there. In conjunction with it being the only Egyptian themed piece made it something to look at; but, nothing to take home.
And Arakho still sits on my dining room table awaiting his remount. (If that ever happens)
Blissfully, this year I have had many new friends and artists that I have been able to get to know on Facebook. And after several months of chatting I have been reminded of how small the world is and how a decent resource for Pet and Wildlife artists is seriously lacking. After writing a few articles for the Networking Pet Portraits group I entertained starting a book to be used as a reference for budding (and experienced) artists to use for tips, techniques and information. After talking with a few people however it seems that information changes so often that it was reconsidered and is being posted on the Web in Word Press:
What sounded like a small thing has already blown into quite something. I have already written 4 articles and posted a few links for learning how to package art for shipping. And there is further plans for video tutorials, and advice. But the idea is really trying to find an organized way for artists to get some of the tools and tips without spending hours on the internet. It got a few artists following it already so hopefully the momentum with that will build.
I am really hoping I can find some chatty artists who are wanting to donate some time and effort to write a few articles for the.... I'm not really sure what you would call it... A Blog??
Also in the works is a Pet Artist Show to be held in conjunction with the Great Lakes Pet Expo. The two big hang ups I'm hitting are artists willing to participate, and organizing it with the show director. If this develops into anything further I am more likely to post in in the Net Working for Pet Artists! page (Facebook)
or the Pet and Wildlife Artist Forum:
than here since there seems to be no one really following this blog.
Also in News is that I replaced the old Kodak Easy Share camera with a Canon Power Shot.
I was so impressed I jokingly posted:
"I think I bought a camera that's smarter than I am!"
I am so pleased I just can't wait to get out to a zoo with this thing!
But with 2011 over with now, it's time to look at 2012... and see what the future has in store for Morning Hawk Creations...Do I stay or do I fold? Not sure. Most of the expenses for running this as a business get paid with funds out of pocket not income from commissions or sales, so that really is a big factor for 2012. And I have no shows booked right now (which is a new thing). In the past two years, vending at shows has not paid for any of the show's expenses, or brought in new clients; and that cannot happen again. The past two TICA shows showed less and less in profitable sales (and interest) which didn't even pay for the gas to get down there, let alone booth fees.
Thus the show schedule, vending, website, and other formalities with a business may be cancelled or disconnected.
But nothing is set in stone yet and I will have to see how my meager sale affects my status with the IRS. If it's favorable than things will continue on. Otherwise, sadly expenses will need to be trimmed, which may in fact call for a closing of shop. But until then, I'm still looking for snow; and time with my new camera.
C'mon Kodi-
Let's go outside.
