The world just got a little smaller

Well this past weekend I went out to the Midwest Horse Fair which is something I have never been to. The first day I was stuck in traffic for 1/2 hour; the second for 2 hours trying to crawl the last mile to the fairgrounds. No place I have ever been has had this kind of traffic congestion and walking around it was like an all horse version of Disney World with the way the crowds were. But despite what was supposedly 50K people who were there, I still found people who I knew, or knew me. Which was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. I went with my game face on determined to make the most of my weekend, and in the end only could muster up enough for 2 days not all 3. I was far too exhausted to do the 3rd day. But with thousands of reference pictures and having talked with dozens of breeders, handlers, trainers and vendors I had really made the most out of the weekend and have learned a lot about how far I have come in my perspective of my business and representing myself. I treat everything with the same respect I am given and in turn are respected for my perspective, decorum and understanding. From TV personalities to internationally recognized trainers and breeders, I was floored to be respected and appreciated rather than dismissed and turned away. It may have something to do with my attitude or maybe my talent speaks for itself but I noticed that to those whom I did drop business cards with I received wide eyed surprise and genuine compliments. Coming home with stacks of new contacts and potential clients was the bonus to having the opportunity to photograph such beautiful and powerful creatures that more than once I was choked up and moved to nearly tears. My long list of studies has always included horses and inane amounts of knowledge about breeds, training, dressage, gaits, tack, all became apparent as I was aware of what I was looking at, while many others were just stunned or confused.  Along with the personal gain I learned several things that I didn't know, but as always tucking it away for some later use. I smiled a bit while I heard about how everyone had been bugging the re-en actors about WW2 horses and horses like "Joey" from Warhorse. Mostly because the public recognizes what is popular, not what it true, which was a point that got repeated over and over though out the weekend. Many of my pictures did not turn out as I hoped but non the less I have hundreds to work from.

Busy Busy where did the time go...

So it's mid April and I keep trying to stay on top of this blog better but things keep cropping up. Got caught up on The Breakout which is nearing it's completion, and still looking for an outdoor tent for vending. Next weekend I am off to the Midwest Horse Fair to scout the show and get reference pictures. A newer project is heading up the Sheboygan Dog Run volunteer committee. I have four people that are heading up various areas within the park including surveying the usage of the park by the public. It may turn out to be a short project as I am hearing not a lot of people would like anything done with the park, and we may hit a brick wall with the town of Wilson about making improvements. It is proving to be a huge learning experience though even if I don't get any credit for any of the improvements. A totally art note would be that I am being invited to speak to some high school art kids about being a professional artist, using social media, agents and representing yourself. With all this going on plus 45 hr weeks I haven't had much time for doing the art part of my business, but having lots of art is no good if you have no one to sell it to. So all this networking will help out down the road.

Well you never know

Since the holidays wrapped up there hasn't been a whole lot that has happened around here. I have been playing with the new camera (which I love). Actually taking into consideration the prospect of adding photography to the list of things I can accomplish, and offer. So far what I am seeing out of my attempts and the new camera I could see it working rather well. I already two photography sessions booked so I guess it's going to be a regular thing.  My photography at Beaver Creek is turning some heads as well, so it turns out that well you never can tell. I missed the cut off for the Kohler show :( but I will look at others instead. Went off to my first show with intents to build up my contact list and added a few but also (almost) came away 1 painting less (if the Breakout was complete and not a WIP it would be gone) Yesterday's show at 4H was a wonderful reintroduction to a show with a fresh new crowd and a large gate. Even if I wanted to I couldn't walk away from the crowds! They had 3 building and trailers with vendors and while my stuff was on the higher side there were still folks selling saddles and tack for as much so it didn't seem outrageous. Got my show toes back in the water again and found myself kicking myself for not buckling down and getting something more done. But then I miscounted and only brought 4 struts when I should have brought 5 so I was lacking a little space for display, must remember to come a bit earlier next time. Am also going to look at getting shirts made because well at places like that tack show, a t shirt done well would have fit in as well as a custom button up shirt or the suit I intended to wear but didn't have time to put on. So much to do and so little time must adjust my schedule so that I plan for mistakes, but then again, you never know.

And Busy Busy with the Holidays

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:

 Animal Art Resource

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)

 Networking for Pet Portrait Artists! (facebook)

or the Pet and Wildlife Artist Forum:

Pet and Wildlife Artist Forum- Melanie Phillips  

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.

Remembering the Fallen

The past few weeks have been filled with unrelenting docudramas about September 11, 2001. Only a few have moved me to tears- none faster than the sound of a search dog that found the four victims in the rubble of the WTC. They didn't build up to it...it just happened and my heart caught in my chest because I hadn't heard anything of "Cadaver Dogs" being brought in yet. That dog- which in the eyes of so many was "just another dog" became a hero in a single loud bark. It was solid, resilient and hopeful. And everyone stopped. The dog continues to bark (the dog is off camera so you don't see the dog- just the rescuers) and it gets louder and louder and people start shouting "Hey we found someone ALIVE DOWN HERE!!"  Hours and days of digging and hoping, searching and praying were found, received and acted upon by a well trained determined search dog.

I'm not a political person or an flag waving 4th of July Patriot. I don't agree with everything this county decides it needs to do or the things people think they need to get involved in on "behalf" of our country. I think sometimes it gets us into a hell of a lot of trouble. But this time trouble came to us. And it wasn't the politicians who paid the price- it was the citizens. And it was the CITIZENS who showed the POLITICIANS how it needed to be responded to and handled. It was the citizens who were the heroes of 9/11 not the military, and not the government. When you look out and you decide who you want your heroes to be- look in your own back yard- the police, firefighters, EMS: the first responders, & the search teams (including dogs). I watched that tragedy like everyone else in America- I cried till I was sick- I was scared, I have family in New York that worked at the WTC. It was personal for me too. But when I hung a flag that night it was not to support a military retaliation, or a patriotic need. Because NATIONWIDE it IS the first responders who are always there putting their lives on the line, and if it happens are the first to die- trying to save the lives of others. I hung a flag in honor of their bravery, selflessness and sacrifice. Not one rolling into Manhattan that day thought of anything more than how to save a life. They inspired and brought the best out of this nation. The moment I hung that flag I can say I was proud- for a grim while I was proud -Not of my country- but of my countrymen.

Thank You,

to all those 

Firefighters, EMTS, Police, and Search Teams

who stop and put their lives on the line

so that others may live.

The military have several holidays celebrating their heroism and devotion to duty and county.

Sept 11 is for those who aren't military who gave their lives and risk their lives on a daily basis.

It's not that I am not supporting the troops but let's recognize the everyday heroes too.

Summer is winding down

The sun sets a little earlier, it's cooler at night, and the geese are overhead again. Yup, summer is starting to wrap up but I still have a few weeks of fun and warmth before pulling out the fall and winter clothes. Participating in making the Sheboygan Dog Run a success is really giving me a lot of opportunities to meet people and see a lot of variety of dogs. Some really beautiful pictures to be had for sure.

But soon the golden color will be from the leaves and not from the setting sun. It will be too cold to paint outside. But hopefully I have done enough networking to keep the interest flowing throughout the winter season. Was down a vehicle for a little over a month and sadly my shoulder does not allow for me to ride my bike back and forth to work enough to go long without one. A new Dodge Dakota with enough horses to make Kodiak blush, is the new ride around town. It will be off again to the parks for some more pictures long before the snow flies.

 Have been working on a new complex piece called "The Breakout" 

Of the 9 horses I have 3 started. It will hopefully be finished before the horse show September 24th.

Dog Park Commissions

Here's the first of a few portraits for dogs from the dog park:

Who says they have to be girly?