Doggy Artist strikes again!

This last week we had the reoccurring visit from the doggy artist. His name is Peanut and he obviously has a passion for paint when I am not looking. This time the little stinker couldn’t deny he had been the one who committed the crime.. he was sporting the evidence of his artistly passion! The guilty look as I snapped the photos cracked me up. Anyway, you’ll never know what is going to happen around the studio here. He is the sweetest little yorkie.. but should have been named Picasso!

Life-Changing Weekend-hiv aids orphans in africa crisis

I had the most incredible weekend. My husband and I were priveleged and honored to meet Dave and Jean Ohlerking. The Ohlerking’s are founders of the organization Children’s Cup. There was one thing I just really loved about them–is they are so intense! This couple has a passion to help the hurting and to share God’s love to those that many of us in the western world has turned a blind eye to.

Children’s Cup works to feed, clothe and educate Aids Orphans in Africa. They establish Care Point Centers . Currently Children’s Cup has 12 Care Points in Africa and are looking to
continually establish more centers around the world, as well as to continue helping in Africa.

Children’s Cup APPROACH:

It takes a comprehensive approach to the orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) issue and requires treating the whole child. A CarePoint becomes a central point for providing the multiple services necessary. Physical needs are met by providing a meal and vitamins daily. Immunizations and voluntary HIV/AIDS testing are offered. Volunteers teach HIV/AIDS education. Children’s Cup invests in these children mentally by making preschool, basic literacy programs and job training available. Social support is important, teaching life skills through a youth outreach program. Kids’ Clubs on Saturdays give extra support and moral education. Extra care and attention is given to orphan-headed households.

Dave and Jean are doing an incredible work to help these precious children. Aids has left over 60,000 orphans in Swaziland alone and the number is expected to rise. These little children are exploited in ways that are humanly unimaginable. It’s not uncommon for children as young as 2 years old to be raped. My heart broke as we talked at a local restaurant for hours. Within moments, I knew that this was a global problem- not just an africa problem , or an aids problem..and then I realized, this was my problem. Many of you have come to know me through my art, then you knew my heart to help and give back. I have to do something to stand up for the innocent and defenseless ones who can’t take care of themselves alone.

Soon you will be hearing more from me with an opportunity for you to join with me and Children’s Cup as we make a difference. Please consider helping feed, clothe, and love these precious little children.
I’ll post more as my mind can clearly communicate just what my heart is feeling!

The rock artist Bono, of U2 said it like this:
The poor are where God lives. God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is where the opportunity is lost and lives are shattered. God is with the mother who has infected a child with a virus that will take both their lives. God is under the rubble in the cries we hear during wartime. God, my friends, is with the poor, and God is with us if we are with them.

Original Painting or Giclee Print on Canvas?

Swaying in the Quarter, available as print on canvas here

I just recently recieved this wonderful email from a would-be collector wanting to know exactly what is the difference between purchasing an original vs. a giclee on canvas. I thought this information might be valuable to you.

> Hi Angel,>> I’m really interested in several of your pieces. I’m not sure which way> to go between paintings vs prints on canvas (remarqued edition). Although> the description of the prints on canvas (remarqued edition) sounds like I> wouldn’t be disappointed, what would be some negatives compared to> original paintings?>> Happy Mardi Gras,> Martin

Hi Martin-Thanks so much for your email. I appreciate your interest in my art. Hereare the pro’s and con’s of prints on canvas vs. an original painting.

Obviously an original painting is considered an investment that shouldappreciate each year as an artist continues to mature and expand their artcareer. Originals are more “collectable” meaning they would be the bestreturn for your money if an artist were to be later discovered as one of thegreat masters of their time. ( Like Pollock, Van Gogh, Matisse or Picasso)Resale value of artwork is much higher if you own an original.

Now while Iam not going to say I am the next Picasso, my career has been advancing and my work is becoming more valuable, causing higher demand. Of course, this also means the prices for originals increases as my career expands each year. Getting in on earlier work means you may be able to get a better price than waiting over the course of time, thus allowing you to snag a true jewel that will be worth so much more as time goes on.

Prints on Canvas offer a wonderful option for the collector who isn’t aserious art investor/collector. My giclee prints on canvas are archival for100 years and are color corrected to be as vibrant as the original. We use avery reputable printer, who prints each giclee individually instead of “massproducing”. The prints are on stretcher bars, so the appearance is one that looks just like an original painting on canvas. Each print on canvas is sealed with a sealant to protect the giclee. Another added value of purchasing a print on canvas as while they look just like an original, the cost is much more affordable. This allows my collectors to be able to start a collection of my work, and purchase several of their favorites to quickly amass a grouping.

If you just love my art for the art’s sake, this is a great way to go. I personally can not distinguish between the original and a print on canvas from across the room.

Remarquing takes a giclee to the next level, by having the artist actually hand embellish the print by painting on it. This adds originality, makes the giclee more unique and also enhances collectibility by having the artist place their “dna” on the piece making it more desirable. A good remarque also adds emphasis to the highlights of thework, further blurring the line between an original and a giclee.

All in all, the decision basically boils down to the collector. Many of my collectors only prefer to purchase originals simply because they desire to have an original painting. Others enjoy collecting prints on canvas due to the affordability . The bottom line is it really just depends on what youwant, both are a great option.

If you need anymore help- please feel free to email me. I’d love to help youmake the process as easy as possible!

Take care,

Angel

My new Baby Chihuahua

Here's a quick photo of new little baby. She's a real cutie but quite a handful . Lexie Lulu Maria is spunky, sweet and spicey all rolled into one. She has our hearts wrapped around her little paws . It's been so great to have such a healthy pup. She loves to snuggle while I am doing computer work, on the couch or anytime she can get someone to pick her up. I've jokingly told my hubby I need to get a baby-sling so I can get some work done. I do hope she settles into not wanting to be held while I am in the studio. I find it a tad hard to hold a paint brush in one hand, and the chi in the other arm. It leaves no place for me to put the palette!

I'm apart of a new artist collective that will be launching very soon. Once it's ok to give the go ahead I'll tell you all about it.

But I knew you all wanted to see pics of the newest baby here.. isn't she a cutie!

Hilton in New Orleans Decorating with my art

I am excited to inform you that my art print " New Orleans Night Light" has been chosen to grace the rooms in the newly remodeled Hilton St.Charles. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to broaden my realm of influence artisticly. For my collectors, my art going more " mainstream" only adds additional value to the work they own.

For me on a personal note, I see this as a dream come true. I've worked very hard over the last 10 years trying to be successful with my art. At times it has seemed that I was the only one that believed in myself. Somehow I managed to stick it out and now it is paying off. I have lots of anticipation for 2007. Suceeding as an artist is very difficult but one of the most fulfilling careers.

For all my collectors, be watching for a by invitation only sale on my prints on canvas. They look incredible .

More later. I hope to post a photo of my new baby sometime soon. She is a doll!

Back from Paradise

We just got back yesterday from a weeks stay in Cozumel. I wanted to surprise my hubby with a getaway for his birthday. The weather was gorgeous for most of the week. Cozumel is a wonderful place to ge if you love sun, water and being able to do nothing if you so choose. We stayed at Allegro Resort. The staff there is the most hospitable and warm group of people. The water is beautiful, the food ain't bad, and the snorkeling is phenomenal. We did a trip to Palancar, Columbia and " Hollywood " reefs and had a great time although the water was a bit choppy and that made it a bit more strenous. It was nice to take a break after such a busy time before Christmas.

Needless to say I am excited about some great new opportunities I'll be sharing with you in the near future. Just wanted to check in quickly to say I am back and I'll have new works up for all to see soon.

I'll post more photos of Cozumel once I get them uploaded and tweaked so you can enjoy the beauty even if it's just by photo.

New Orleans Holiday Art- St. Louis Cathedral Painting, Church Art

I've decided to offer this one of a kind gorgeous 40 x 30 acrylic original painting at a one time only price to make room for the remodeling of my studio space. I listed this at a bargain price of $525 on my collector's online sale. For a limited 24 hours I'll have this painting available at the price $395 including shipping and handling in the lower 48 US states.

Here is how it works.. just email me and I'll assist you with sitting up an online payment via Paypal. This is what I consider the best painting I created in November. YOu really must see it in person-- it's incredible. I think it will remind you of home but also that God is near by wanting to add value and joy to your day to day living. Great Christmas present for those that love old churches.

I"LL be very busy planning a holiday sale offer event for the next week or so. I"ll keep you posted! Btw, we put down our deposit for our new baby chihuahua.. we are all so excited we can't wait!

Talk about heartbreak! Never buy a pet on a whim

Our whole household has been grieving since Saturday night. We had a chance to fall in love the day before Thanksgiving.

My 2 teenage daughters saw a person selling puppies on the side of the road, and begged me to stop. Well, having 2 teenagers putting the pressure on- and my admitted dog fanaticism, of course I succumbed to peer pressure. We didn't know what was about to unfold but needless to say it was love at first sight. It took a little over an hour to convince my hubby, but he gave in as well. Our whole family has wanted a teacup chihuahua for quite some time now.

It was a very rash, quick decision. I had an uneasy feeling about committing the cardinal no-no of dog shopping: NEVER BUY A DOG ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I should have also suspected something when after the person was given the check I was told, oh by the way don't take the dog to the vet for a while because it is very susceptible to parvo and could get sick. A little alarm went off in my head, but being in the state of puppy love as I was I soon forgot it.


Tinkerbell was a doll, but after 24 hours we noticed she wasn't eating so well. Not to mention a runny stool, but I accounted that to stress from the change in ownership. We were so happy with her, and she was a perfect little lady. I even spent a whole evening making her puppy clothes because we couldn't find a sweater small enough for her and noticed she was very listless and cold.

After 2 days we were at the emergency after hours animal clinic at 11pm because Tink wouldn't eat and had started excreting a horrifying puddle of blood when she went potty. Heartbroken and scared we took her to the vet-- who immediately asked who we had bought the puppy from and told me that I had been sold a very sick dog. She had lost alot of weight and her temp was way below normal.

The vet was incredibly kind and good to our teary eyed possee of girls. She immediately went to bat for us and called the breeder , who she knew and told her the only moral thing to do was to take this dog back because her medical needs were going to be extensive. I honestly think the vet knew that Tink was very ill and didn't want our family to watch her suffer. I have lost one pet before 18 years earlier to parvo and it is a horrifficly brutal virus .

Our hearts were torn but as a family we decided that we couldn't risk taking Tink back into the home with our 2 other family pets. So we called the breeder who immediately started back peddling and giving me a hard time. Needless to say it was very ugly and hurtful to be accused of making this dog ill or being neglectful. The only thing the breeder would offer was another pup, which was out of the question because 2 heartbreaks can not be endured so close together. It then became an all out fight of name calling etc. because I told her if she took the pet back, she had a moral obligation to refund my money so I could find a healthy pet for my oldest daughters birthday which was the following day.

She agreed to take the pet back, but would not hear of returning my money. The vet had called her and told her the incubation period for parvo is between 8-14 days and there was no possible way the virus had been contracted while the dog was under our care. Unfortunately I had to stop payment on my check because this breeder is nothing more than a backwoods Cruella Deville without a heart or concious. The most heartbreaking part of it all wasn't the fact we were so sad, but that Tink was ill and we had no choice but to let her leave our hands.

Here are some very important things I learned from this experience:

1. Never ever buy a pet from a person who is not willing to allow you to see the environment the dog is raised in-- Cruella insisted we met her at a half-way point instead of me taking the pup back to her kennels. Looking back, I now know why.

2. Find a reputable breeder who offers a bill of health guarantee covering genetic defects, parvo and COCCIDA, as well as corona. You need to insist on a 10-14 day money refundable parvo/coccida health guarantee. Most breeders don't want to give you that kind of guarantee- to which you need to ask if you have a clean, healthy environment -- then why not? Call your local vets/obedience schools for recommendations.

3. Find a breeder who only sales 1-2 breeds max- if they carry multiple breeds then most are only in it for the money which usually isn't indicative of a great puppy raising environment. Cruella and her wicked assisstant had a smorgasbord of pets, chihuahuas, yorkies, bostons, schnauzers, jack russells, something shi-poos, and poodles, shitzus--you name it she had it.

4. Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store. Too often these puppies come from "puppy mills". If you don't know what a puppy mill is, look up the term "puppy mill" on the Internet or call your local animal shelter. The only way to stop puppy mills is to stop buying puppies from pet stores. This does not include those pet stores that have shelter puppies available for adoption.

5. The breeder should ask you questions before they agree to sell you a puppy. Such as: Do you have time to care for a puppy properly? Can you afford feeding/grooming costs? Where will the puppy live (indoors/outdoors)? Why do you want a puppy? Do you have children?

6. Ask the breeder; How many litters do you have a year? Breeders producing more than 1 or 2 litters a year are probably not paying enough attention to the genetics and health of the puppies.

7. Ask the breeder; Where were the puppies raised? How have you socialized them? What you're looking for here is an indication of what kind of socialization the puppies have had. Socialization is so important to getting a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog. Puppies should have been exposed to people, other dogs, new situations, normal household sounds and activities in order to learn. A puppy raised without this important social interaction can be shy, fearful, aggressive, or have other problems as they get older. Dogs need to know how to play, how to handle new situations, how to relate to people.

8. Ask the breeder; When can I take the puppy home? Puppies usually go home between 8 and 12 weeks. Avoid anyone sending tiny puppies home.

You can learn alot about this breed here: chihuahuas

Fortunately, my family and I are healing. We have learned a very hard, heartbreaking lesson. We have disinfected our house and are now on the waiting list for another puppy from a lady who raises 1-2 litters a year and keeps the pups indoors with her. She has agreed to hold the puppy extra time for it's series of vaccinations to be in place with a complete parvo series before we bring the puppy into our home.

Oh, and if you live in north Louisiana and are considering a chihuahua email me and I'll give you Cruellas real name--she lives in the Luna area. Unfortunately one of the "posh" pet boutiques in Monroe brings her in a few times a month to sale pets to unsuspecting buyers and she also sets up in West Monroe in commercial parking lots. Beware!!!

Photos from my Chairish the Children Charity donation

I donated a chair for the northeast Louisiana Children's museum in October. The event was to raise support for the costs of operation. It was a fun project, but next time I think we'll go for something else, anything but a rocking chair!

Take a peek!

It's a really simple process, first you prime the raw wood furniture with 3 coats of gray spray paint primer, then paint your base coat colors 3 coats so it is not splottchy, then you begin to freehand your designs. I must admit I did use a sharpie to detail some outlines, as it became a little tedious. Then once all the freehand artwork is dry, you simply seal with 3-5 coats of clear laquer sealant. I used a spray. It only took 14 hours worth of painting, not including the drying time between coats. But whoever purchased this chair will definitely have a one of a kind,
and you know it is going to be worth millions one day! ;)

Next year, I think I'll paint a footstool! Ha!

Boston terrier digital pet portraits pop art

New Orleans Jazz Art Prints, boston terrier art

My most recent painting, Relief and All That Jazz is now available as a giclee print on canvas. You can find out more info on my site HERE I am offering a special introductory price of $150 for a stretched 18 x 24 print on canvas. That's an incredible deal!
I was so tickled to be able to donate this painting to a charity event held by eSentio Technologies for New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund The donation of the painting resulted in a $900 donation price given directly to NOMHR, which made my day. Together we will rebuild our beloved Crescent City.


I've recently joined forces with art.com to make my prints available at a much more economical price for my collectors. Poster prints are available at very reasonable prices.. You can view my selection of New Orleans art prints available here: clicking the link will take you right on over to art.com so you can see prices, and reasonable framing options.


I've been working on a few pop-art pet portraits of late as well. It's just a passion I can't seem to shake. Take a look at a few new ones, of boston terriers--of course one of my favorite breeds. That makes Boudreaux happy to hear! He's getting on up there now and only has a few exciting adventures these days. The last one was helping the bricklayers in our neighborhood by ingesting mortar.. not so happy ending but fortunately he has an iron constitution and no permanent damage. Thank Goodness. A few more boston items have been added at art.com. Just search Angel Turner Dyke. I'm also doing pet portraits for Christmas presents this year. Email me asap if you are interested.


More later, lots to get finished today.

On a personal note, I've fallen in love with lavender essential oil. It's so good for you and so relaxing in a hot tub after a long days work. You should try it~

Louisiana Artist Painting New Orleans St. Louis Cathedral Video

Artist painting in progress

Here's a close up view of the painting I worked on recently. Enjoy

Life in General

Things here have been busy. I've been working on a few projects and have had several commissions come in. Tomorrow I'll spend the day in the studio working. I am wanting to have a paint-a-thon so I can do a special collectors sale in the next few days.

We have been enjoying the rain for the last 24 hours or so- it's been so hot and dry we needed it. I went and had a nice lunch with my Mom today, we really enjoyed the visit. Then I went snooping in the artsy area of town looking for studio space. It seems I am just getting more cramped in my present situation. Hopefully we will find a solution before long.

Have you seen Lady in the Water yet? It's a very interesting movie. I enjoyed it immensely but my family totally missed the point. The plot is a deep one..

Well got to get some rest so I'll be fresh for painting tomorrow.

New Orleans Photography Poster Prints Added to my site

I've added a whole new section of new orleans photography prints to my website today. You'll find Bourbon Street, French Quarter, Mardi Gras and Jazz photography prints available in color, and black and white. The prices are incredbile as well as the quality ! Go ahead and take a look around.
Www.neworleans-paintings.com
Just click on the scrolling marque announcing the prints on the front page and it will lead you to it.

I have been very busy with work, working on 2 commissions as well as making many more of my works available as poster prints.

More to come later.

The desperate pleas of a New Orleans artist

Hope you enjoy my first attempt at vlogging!

Quarter restaurant-updates and louisiana weather

Quarter restaurant of Las Vegas will be opening this weekend and I am excited to announce that 14 of my prints in a 18x24 size will be gracing the walls. This is a chain so I have been told that there are plans for opening at least a dozen this year. That means my art will be dispersed in several locations throughout the US. I look forward to working with the management and art director in the future. As usual with any new project, there were a few glitches but that is to be expected when working cross-country via various means of communication. Now I'll have to plan a trip out to Vegas to see it all myself. I should have photos soon to post.

I am working on having a series of new orleans posters made soon that should make my art prints in a price range that is easily affordable to everyone. I've been working steadily for the last week preparing art proofs and getting the preliminary print files together. The poster option will be hosted by the largest online art company and is really exciting for me..more on that soon. Hopefully I'll begin to have royalties coming in monthly from the sale of the posters. Residual income has been a goal I have been striving to meet with my art, but takes alot of planning and research to be successful.

I've just recently been learing about vblogging and video production as well--soon I'll have video clips from the studio so you can see how works progress over a period of time. The next series of paintings will be called the Faces of the JAZZ GREATS. I am looking forward to getting back to some extended painting time soon.

On a personal note, the dog days of summer are upon us and it is hot as a six shooter here. I wish we had a pool so I could relax a bit on down days..maybe that residual income will help go towards the pool kitty.

I'll post more later...I should be sleeping but this insomnia has been relentless since January..nite sleepyheads

oh if you haven't voted for me yet.. please do at www.myartspace.com
all you have to do is join and search AngelTurnerDyke (no spaces) and then you have 20 votes. You can give them all to me it you want.. I'd appreciate it~there is a little more than a week left..I really need a vacation!

Random act of kindness needed! weekend update

Things have been great here. I spent the weekend renovating the studio.After a quick run to Targ`et for storage stuff, we are on our way to a more organized studio existence. I will be launching out into my abstract works once again soon. I'll post more about them later. I love abstraction and have missed it so much! Also I need your help if you wouldn't mind giving me a vote for the myartspace.com contest. So far I have 53 votes and could use a bunch more. So your help would be appreciated, those random acts of kindness could actually help me to win the trip of my dreams. After dedicating myself to this career since the late 90's it would be cool to see the work pay off with something like that.. Here is the deal:


I have entered a competition and need votes to win. A little forward on my part, but one has to try and if I win I get to bring a friend (perhaps you?).

All voters must become members of www.myartspace.com. This is an easy JOIN process that does not require upload of any images and its free. Each member has up to 20 votes which may be used on one or as many Artists/Photographers as you wish.

To view and vote go to www.myartspace.com (you may need the latest version of Adobe Flash 8, this is a free download). Click on VIEW CONTESTANTS (at the bottom of the page, use the scroll bar to the far right!)

Enter my Login name (AngelTurnerDyke-with no spaces) in the box marked FIND BY HANDLER OR NAME. Click FIND. My gallery and my photo should appear in this list. Click on the large green ">" to see my work.
Below is a URL link that should take you directly to my gallery. In the event this does not work correctly for some reason, the search technique above will work fine.
http://www.myartspace.com/?dest=Y29udGVzdGFudHOkMzQ4NDRhMDJkODcxN2FhMqQ0MTA0NDlkZmQ2MTJiYmFmpDI0NTQ0YTAyZDg3MWU4MDQ=
Many thanks
Angel

Help me win the trip of a lifetime! Newest Jazz Painting

If you are a fan of mine, friend of mine or just a really nice innocent bystander, I am asking you for a favor. I have entered the myartspace.com contest and am hoping to win a weeks artist retreat trip to the French Riviera. Why you might ask? Because after working hard at this career and dream, to be able to spend time painting there would be a dream come true. I am a dream chaser, always have been and might as well go after this one. Dreams can come true.

The voting begins July 1st, all you have to do is go to myartspace.com and search for Angel Turner Dyke and give me a vote. I sure would appreciate it!
I've been working on a new painting this week.. it is almost finished.. here is a sneak peek of it. I hate to reveal it all before it is finished. So take a peek and let me know what you think of my newest jazz painting! I love the softer tones this is work is exhibiting. Something about it is so soothing! I love it! I've still got alot of detail work to do before this one is finished. I'll post it later when it's complete!

Antebellum Anniversary

I've been busy this week..Tuesday my husband and I celebrated our 19th year anniversary. Seems like just yesterday. To my surprise, he had arranged a secret over night get away to Vicksburg. I love historical towns-- they inspire me. We stayed at the Cedar Grove Inn
an antebellum plantation. You can actually see a cannon ball stuck in the wall shot into the home by the Yankees.

My hubby Joel is so wonderful. I feel so fortunate to have married my soulmate. We have been through alot but it has been worth the few ups and downs. He is my rock and my best friend. Joel I love you more today than I did 19 years ago.

I've been working on a new painting in progress.. I'll post tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!

Latest project now completed

I recently had the honor of working on a stage / lighting project. Basically we worked as a team to add lighting elements and art to modernize the stage at Life Church West Monroe.
Here is a look at the completed project, along with the 7 large abstracts I painted.
It was alot of work, but alot of fun as well.

Right now we are working on several projects that could be large scale. Negotiations are under way. I'll keep you posted once we have some ends tied up.

I've also relaunched my more serious abstract site, thought it is not 100 %
www.angelturnerdyke.com

out for the night now!