Happy New Year!

"Happy New Year!!"

In celebration of the New Year a group of artists from the Plein Air Artists of Riverside have met a couple times this past week at the Mission Inn, Festival of Lights, for nightly painting sessions.

As you recall, we were there on the 20th and I have already written about that experience in a previous blog. This week I chose to paint the entry looking north towards the Mission Inn. This is also the valet parking entry and it is very busy as most people use this entrance. The streets were very busy with onlookers and the lights were stunning once it became dark. I had seen the beautiful huge display of Christmas packages through the arch ways the last time I painted there and thought that would be a fun painting. After painting, while driving to a Mexican restaurant, we drove around the back side of the Mission Inn and thought we really need to come back and paint this view. At dinner we all decided we would come back the next day.


Upon arrival on Tuesday we decided a Margarita was in order to celebrate the New Year. We met in the bar of the Mission Inn. To our surprise they were all out of their regular size Margarita glasses and were told they would have to serve us the large size, but at the regular price. Sounded good to us. After indulging ourselves with these huge Margarita's we set out for an evening of painting. There is not much traffic on the back side of the Mission, but the lights are indeed beautiful. They just light up the building. The perfect display was also accompanied by the moon and one star. As I was waiting for the rest of the group to finish up on their paintings, I decided to capture the horse drawn carriage that awaited it's customers on the corner.

Another wonderful evening of painting, the weather could not have been better, the company of artists were great and food at a little Italian restaurant topped off the evening.

The four paintings that I have completed during the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn will be the start of a series of paintings. Prints and note cards will be available for the next Holiday Season.


I would like to wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. May 2009 be the best year of your life.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART!
Terry d. Chacon

"Shadow's Story"

A few months ago I was commissioned for a very special painting. Lynda Snyder asked me to paint a portrait of their rescue dog "Shadow" for her husband Dave for Christmas. When Dave was out of the house one day, my husband Eddie and I went over to their home in Grand Terrace to take photos and meet "Shadow". What a character, and what a wonderful story he has. It was so nice to see how well he has adjusted to his new surroundings and how loved this little guy is and it shows!

There are so many stories about unwanted and mistreated animals in this world, but this one has a happy ending. I don't know who is happier the Snyder's or Shadow. I think all of them were meant for each other and this is what makes my job as an artist so rewarding. Congratulations Dave and Lynda for taking "Shadow" into your home and treating him like the special dog he is and for giving me the opportunity to get to know him and paint him.

If you are not in the position to adopt an unwanted pet or pure bred dog, please think of them from time to time and donate to your local animal shelters or your pure bred rescue groups in your area. You will feel very good about your donation, just think your donation helped find "Shadow" the home he deserves.

Until next time, Enjoy the Art and "Shadow's story" below. Terry

(Be sure to share Shadow's story with your family and friends)

SHADOW’S STORY (written by his new dad Dave)

As near as anyone could determine he was born in December 2006. For us (Dave and Lynda Snyder) his story begins at the end of August 2007. The interval in between is mostly mystery although he sent pictures of a barren yard near a construction site to animal communicator Dr. Monica Diedrich.

August 2007. It had been 7 months since the Snyder’s beloved Tramp succumbed to a liver autoimmune disease. It was time for another rescue, time for a companion to 10 year old Australian Shepherd Brenna who was beginning to show her age. Enter Petfinder.com. Countless rescue group and government shelter sites were perused. Suddenly Lynda said “Look at this one.” The picture had been posted a mere 2 hours earlier on the San Bernardino County Devore shelter website. “Can we go see him?”

Within two hours we were outside his kennel as he kept pushing two smaller terrier mixes away from the fence. His fur was horribly matted, resembling the coat of a shedding buffalo. Later we learned he was infested with fleas and ticks. But inside that coat was a bundle of exuberance, energy, mischief, and love just waiting to be expressed. He licked our hands, and our faces, if we got them next to the wire. He was clearly sending a message. Dave looked right into his eyes and asked, “Do you know something we don’t know?” Immediately there was a resounding bark. The deal was sealed. We had just chosen each other, for better or for worse.

He had been found by animal control running loose near I-15 in Fontana. He could not be adopted out until the next day and there was still the matter of Brenna and whether they would get along. The next day we showed up a half hour before opening, wanting to be sure we were first in line. He overwhelmed Brenna who tried her best to get away from him. While Dave balked, Lynda said they would be fine.

And they were, eventually working out the living arrangement between them. They have 2-3 play sessions each day now during which it is very evident Brenna is still top dog. Brenna has renewed vigor and now acts 3-4 years younger than before he arrived.

And how did he become “Shadow” since his original name was not known? Several names were tried without response. So since he followed us everywhere we tried “Shadow” and he responded. He now responds to Shadow, Shadster, Shad, Shaddie and Shadillac. It is a joy to take him for a walk or a ride in the car and watch faces light up. Shadow, the social butterfly, energizes people in the community the same way he energizes his forever home.

Christmas 2008. The last present is handed to Dave and he is told to close his eyes and reach into the bag. He pulls out something wooden. He opens his eyes and stares in disbelief at a portrait of Shadow painted by our friend Terry Chacon. He is touched to tears. Lynda slowly leafs through a 2009 calendar of Terry’s portraits of animals. Dave thinks “Wouldn’t it be something if Shadow was in the calendar?” Then there he was surprise number two. “Wow.” Then surprise number three. Terry, without knowing its significance, had chosen him to represent August 2009, the second anniversary of his choosing his forever family.

(As fate would have it, I did not know that Shadow was picked up by the Snyder's from the shelter in Aug. of 2007, and now he is Mr. Aug. in my 2009 calendar of Pet Portraits. Here is an email I received from Dave yesterday-

Terry:

I am totally at a loss for words. The portrait of Shadow is beautiful. My description, in Shadow's Story, of getting the present really says it all. You and Lynda have given me one of the most memorable gifts of my life. Thank you.

We will try to send you a picture later today or tomorrow.

Dave

what a great story!)

"Santa Has Arrived" Mission Inn Riverside, CA

"SANTA HAS ARRIVED"

Night Painting at Mission Inn in Riverside, Ca. I missed the first opportunity to paint with the Plein Air Artists of Riverside group on Dec. 10 for a night painting and I was bound and determined I would not miss last nights opportunity. As you recall when we went on our yearly trip to Catalina Joan Coffey and I decided to do some night paintings. It was so much fun that I could not wait for the opportunity again.

Mission Inn is famous in our area for their Christmas Festival of Lights (see a photo on this page) Mission Inn - Festival of Lights and this year they have really out done themselves. People come from all over to take advantage of this beautiful sight. Here is another article that tells a bit more about the Mission Inn that you might enjoy reading. Holiday light display makes California hotel a must-see - USATODAY.com

A group of artists met on the corner by the Metropolitan Museum in downtown Riverside and set up for a nights painting. Adeola Aryeloja and I had not painted in the previous outing so we were not aware of what was going to happen. Not shown in the photo are Katherine Lundgren who took the photos and Sharon Vandermeiden, Pat Ford who came later. Luz Perez kept telling us just sketch in what you want to paint and wait for the lights. She warned us that we needed to be prepared, as the darker it gets the brighter the lights become. So I quickly sketched my scene and waited for the moment. Oh my word! It was unbelievable. Not only was the scene breathtaking with color, but I could not believe how dark it was. I had purchased a Mighty Bright light for lighting on my easel and my painting. This little light came in handy on my palate but because I was set up under a corner lamp it was too bright for my painting. So I turned that part of the light off, it actually has 2 lamps on it which I am sure will come in handy if I don't set up under another type of lighting. I continued to block in colors as I saw them, as there were no details, just shapes of bright colors and darks. What an experience. The one thing that I really was not prepared for was how cold it would become. I found myself shivering, and really unable to put my brush down on my palate.

Our friends Pat and Lily came by and Lily said put your hood on that will help keep you warm. I guess I was at the point of freezing and could not think for myself. The hood did help but boy will I be more prepared the next time. We painted for about an hour and everyone seemed to be happy with their paintings. you can see by the photo how dark it is and yes, the lights is about all you see.

We met at a local Mexican restaurant to talk about the painting event and share some Christmas stories. What a great group of artists I paint with. We have decided that if the weather is good on Dec. 29, we will meet again and capture another painting of the beautiful Mission Inn. I am already planning my attire so I won't freeze.

I hope everyone is enjoying their Holiday Season. My son Matthew will be home on Tuesday and my brother Bob and his wife Betty will be here early Christmas morning. On Christmas eve we will have a few friends over for Posole and home made Tamales from Eddie's sister Mary. This get together has been a tradition at the Chacon household for many years and we enjoy sharing it with our friends. I love the holidays. I would like to wish everyone a Wonderful Holiday! Everyone stay safe and enjoy your friends and families.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Be sure to subscribe to my blog for updates on my artwork and my Afghan Hounds!

AKC Eukanuba Invitational 2008

Eukanuba 2008 in Long Beach, Ca. I thought you might like a little insight into my other life as a breeder of Afghan Hounds.

This year we arrived on Wed. to take in some of the all-breed dog shows prior to the Eukanuba Invitational and get Apache ready for the show.

On Friday night was the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation Gala reception, dinner and auction. The photo is of the painting "Life is Grand" I did for the CHF to raise money for the health and research of pure bred dogs. I congratulate the winner, thank you so much for your generosity to this great cause and hope you will enjoy the painting for many years to come. Here is a copy of the Gala list of auction items that was made into a beautiful booklet for everyone in attendance to take home and keep. http://www.akcchf.org/pdfs/events/2008_gala_auction_items.pdf


Visit the following link to find out more about the Eukanuba Invitational Dog Show and all the winners at http://www.akc.org/ . The following link will help you understand what all goes into getting a dog qualified for this event. Dogs from 52 countries were represented this year. http://www.akc.org/

Apache getting ready for the big show.


















The next two photos were of the actual dog show. Our judge Mr. Ewe Fischer from Germany awarded Ch. Abaca ShaCone Native Spirit otherwise known as Apache to his friends Award of Excellence which also comes along with an invitation to Crufts Dog Show in London 2009 and 2010. Thank you Mr. Fischer for this award.

The last photo is of Apache and my friend Wynne Kalish from Miami. Every year at Eukanuba they have "Meet the Breeds". Each breed recognized by the American Kennel Club is represented. You get a small space to show some materials of your breed, talk with the public about your breed and they like you to have the dogs there also. Apache was a little reserved on the floor with everyone petting him, and Bob Stein suggested we put him on the table. Oh man, once up on the table he became the king of dogs. He was a big ham and took photos with lots of people including children. He would paw at them if they didn't give him enough attention.

Eukanuba is a fun event, if you have not gone, mark your calendars for Dec. next year and be sure to attend. I am sure your favorite breed will be there.

Apache all tuckered out after a big week at the dog shows! Hummmmm I think I see a future painting in this photo!!!!!

Until next time, enjoy the photos and the Afghan Hound Apache!

Terry d. Chacon

And the Winner Is!

"And the Winner Is". I started this painting a few years ago. It is a painting from a photo taken by professional photographer Michael Graat from Canada. The photo was such a treat to receive from Michael. Thank you Michael!

The Afghan Hound Club of America Breeder's Cup was held in Frederick, Maryland in 2005. Ch. ShaCone Abaca Delovely better known to her friends as "Tootsie" was awarded the Breeder's Cup winner by Floyd Gale. This was one of the highlights of my show career as an owner and breeder of Afghan Hounds. I loved the photo as it represents the feeling of showing your beautiful specimen, it is not an ordinary stacked photo and the one thing I especially love about it is her back foot which shows the true rear movement of an Afghan Hound. You can just feel those toes coming to full extension as she trots back towards the judge.

I knew I wanted to paint this photograph the minute I saw it. Unfortunately when you are painting something for yourself, it always gets put on the back burner as customers always come first. I have worked on this painting for quite sometime, when time allowed and it seemed to have gotten lost in my studio. I found it again when I was straightening out my studio and decided to go forward and get it done.

I am excited about the turn out. The remembrance of a very special win, the excitement of a very special Afghan Hound. "Tootsie" is the mother of "Mija" who is featured in my 2008 Christmas painting "He Knows if You've Been Good or Bad!". We have high hopes that Tootsies puppies will carry on her winning ways! Until next time, Enjoy The Art! Terry d. Chacon

He Knows If You've Been Good or Bad!

He Knows If You've Been Good or Bad is my Christmas painting for 2008. Each year I paint a Christmas scene involving my favorite subjects the Afghan Hound. This years scene came about when "Mija" was playing in the back yard with her sister and did this wonderful playing pose which I happen to get a snapshot of. She is forever getting into things, tearing up paper and just about anything she can find so I thought it appropriate she be the main focus of this years painting. I can actually see her doing this at Christmas time, so she will be watched very carefully when the Christmas Tree and presents are put out. I guess Santa has seen enough and is turning in away and there will be no presents dropped off at the Chacon house this year! Thanks Mija!

All of my past Christmas paintings are available in 9 x 12 giclee's, matted with a plastic sleeve and they come with a certificate of authenticity. They are also all available in note cards. Check out my website for more details. http://www.terrydchacon.com/. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Oakmont Park, Redlands, CA

This week we painted at Oakmont Park. This was our last week to turn out paintings for the Red lands Conservancy Show. We had made arrangements to go out to Oakmont Park on Thursday morning. None of the artist had ever painted there and none of us had ever been to this park. It is a new park that has developed over the past couple of years. They are still finishing a parking lot for the entrance to the park.

We arrived at Starbucks, just off the interstate at 7:30 in the morning. We ordered our Lattes and headed off to the park. The park was unbelievable as we drove into the parking lot. This park is nestled out among the beautiful large very old oak trees with vistas every where you turn. Under the huge oak trees are picnic tables which were calling us for a picnic. After painting in the morning we decided to send out for a Baker's lunch and stay over to paint in the afternoon. We usually paint one painting and call it a day, but everyone was so pleased with their morning paintings that we decided to paint in the afternoon. Louise Smith took orders and went to Baker's for burgers and brought them back. We relaxed under the Oak trees and had a wonderful lunch. The only thing missing were the margaritas!

While having lunch I noticed this view from the picnic table and decided to try a little 5 x 7. It turned out to be the most beautiful little jewel of a painting. I really captured the essence of the feeling I had for this wonderful place. Almost gives me chill bumps every time I look at it.

We had such a wonderful experience that we all decided we should return the next day. We again met at Starbuck's and traveled out to the park. We had seeked out a view the day before that we thought would be a great painting site. Unfortunately neither of us who wanted to paint this view got a good painting. I scraped mine off and stayed to paint the view from the picnic area again in the afternoon using this larger canvas. This became my favorite painting of the day and probably my favorite painting of the Paint Out. My objective is to always capture the light the way it falls on my subject. But this particular painting to me is a WOW factor of what I try to accomplish. I am very pleased. I only wish I could do this all the time.

Well I need to choose 2 paintings for the art exhibit and get them turned in at 3 this afternoon. I am thinking of course that this one and maybe the one of the palms from Prospect Park. hummmmmm, this is always the hardest decision.

Overall this has been a fun event. Very casual and I have learned a lot more about my community and visited parks that I would never have gone to or known about. There are 19 parks in Redlands, I didn't get to go all of them, but hopefully I will someday have a painting from each park.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART!

Terry d. Chacon

"Darling" French Bulldog

Sold! note cards are available.

This is "Darling". She is loved and owned by Anne Bingham Freeman.

Every Monday I take a life drawing class at Anne's studio in Yucaipa, Ca. I have been taking this class for over a year now and I thoroughly enjoy it. I enjoy Anne's wonderful story telling and her wonderful talent. Some of the students change each session, some come and go, and some like myself have become regulars. The models are fabulous and very professional in their trade. We not only have the opportunity to draw the models, but each artists comes with their own talents and creativity to share with the group. OK, can you tell, I love this class!

"Darling" is the resident studio dog and comes in and out during our 3 hour class. Yesterday, she fell asleep with the sun coming through the window and just snuggled herself up on the cement floor. I could not resist drawing and painting her on site.

I had bought a small box of pastels at Dick Blick in Pasadena ( Art Supplies from Dick Blick Art Materials )when I was there last to start drawing & painting in my life drawing class. Anne suggest that we use different mediums and since I have always loved Pastels I decided I should give them a try. I am really liking them, so I might give them a try in my own studio and who knows, maybe in plein air someday.

"Darling" is available on note cards.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Mormon Rocks, hwy 138 California

While all the fires are going on around us, the PAAR painting group met at Mormon Rocks this morning. We all arrived around 8:30 and Camillo Granados had already set up and started his painting. We had this site planned for quite sometime and we all decided to go ahead and go even though we had no idea what we would find when we arrived. On the way out to the site which is about 30 miles from my house up the Cajon Pass the wind must have been blowing over 60 MPH. It was very hard to hold the car on the road. As we got to the 138 and turned west the wind seemed to start diminishing. Hard to believe the winds, because in Redlands there was no wind.

Our meeting point was the Ranger Station, however, we had no idea that this was actually a great place to paint. We decided we would just all meet there and then figure out where to go.

To view and read about this formation of rocks go to Cajon Pass, California.

I must say when we arrived the back lighting on the rock formations below this huge mountain was incredible. I especially liked the rock in the back that came to a point, all of the formations were really neat, but I really liked this one. I quickly set up and started my painting so that I would not lose the light as it was peaking over the top of the mountain. I was thrilled with my painting as were others with theirs. A very good day for PAAR painters. Thank you Ada (our locations chair) for suggesting this location. I know several artists want to go back.

A very sad note as we were starting to pack up and leave our friend Camillo got a call that his friends house had just burned. There was now a fire in the Corona area. I am very worried about him and his family as they live very close to these fires that have just erupted.

My friends Abbe and Fran just went through the fires in Montecito and this morning we woke up to a fire in Sylmar. Abbe called to reassure me that our friend Ed and his 9 dogs had been evacuated and were safe and felt their house would be OK.

I am hoping the best for my friends as I am watching the horrific fires now in Anaheim Hills clear up to the Corona area. Say a prayer for all of us, these fires are horrible and can pop up anywhere as long as the winds are blowing.

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART and pray for California. Terry d. Chacon

Redlands Bowl, Redlands, Ca.

The Redlands Bowl. I have a lot of fond memories over the years of taking friends and family out for a beautiful evening of music and entertainment at the Redlands Bowl. And for 75 years this is free to anyone who wants to attend!

Today a group of us who are painting the Redlands Parks for the Redlands Conservancy show at RAA went to the Redlands Bowl. Smiley Park is on the group of sights for us to paint. As you recall some time back I painted Smiley Library. I believe it was in May. The Library is situated to the right of the Bowl. The beautiful Redlands Post Office is down the street about 1/2 block another beautiful building in Redlands that I want to paint to add to my collection of Redlands paintings.

Here is a link to more info on the Redlands Bowl. The Redlands Community Music Association

It was a very warm day in Redlands today. Here it is Nov. 12 and I am sure it was 90 degrees and they say it will be warmer tomorrow. All in all a perfect day for painting and I am not complaining.

What I really liked about the scene I chose today was the shadows on the bleachers in front of the Bowl. The huge trees were behind me where I was set up to paint, keeping me cool all morning. They made for a very good composition as the top of the trees point you right towards the bowl. Sometimes you just get lucky!

Until next time, ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Be sure to take a look at my newly redesigned website. Lots of Christmas goodies for you and your loved ones. Also, a lot of the paintings I put on my blog are also for sale. If not the original, prints and notes for sure. Just contact me at shacone@aol.com

Pass Artist Association Demo

"Prospect Palms" painted on location.

This week has been very busy. I had been asked to do an art demo for one of the Art Associations in Beaumont California. When asked to do the demo I asked them what they would like me to demonstrate and they said Plein Air. So I thought about this for quite some time as to how I could do a Plein Air demo inside. My first thought would be maybe I could get them to all meet me some place and I could actually demonstrate on site. The best scenario would be to meet the artist on location, but since I knew that was not an option I started thinking of what my approach would be for my demonstration. I thought well, I can go paint a scene on location, take a photo and paint the scene again for the demo. This is exactly what I did.

On Wednesday morning at 6:15 a.m. I met some of my fellow artist friends at Prospect Park in Redlands. Since we are still painting for the Redland's Conservancy Plein Air show they were eager to meet and paint with me. The week before we had figured if we arrived an hour earlier, we would capture some of that beautiful morning sun. Unfortunately when we discussed getting there by 7 a.m. we didn't realize that the daylight saving time would change over the weekend. So to get the normal 7 a.m. sun we would have to be there by 6 a.m. We gave it a try and most were there by 6:30. I set my easel up and sketched in the scene I had wanted to paint and waited patiently for the sun to come over the rise and glisten on the Palm trees before me. It was everything I had expected and had seen the week before when we painted at the park. I quickly did my painting as the shadows were changing so fast and the light was moving, but was able to block it all in and come out with a nice painting. I really wanted to capture the contrast in colors on the far right Palm. It was just amazing. When I finished I took a photo for the demo the next day. By this time the shadows had really changed, but I figured the scene was fresh in my mind and the approach would be the same for the demo, I also wanted to make sure I simplified the subject as I knew I only had 1 1/2 hours to do the demo. I actually ended up having about 1 hour and 15 minutes so I had to really work fast.

I have added some photos from the demo taken by my husband Eddie. He went with me to set up some artwork for the art association members to look at. The demo was really a lot of fun. I really appreciated the attentiveness of the artists, the questions and their enthusiasm for my work. It was a great day. I never thought of myself as a teacher or a demonstrator of my work as I feel I have so much more to learn. However, in saying this I realized yesterday that I have come a long way and I do have something to offer other artists who might be interested in starting a Plein Air career. It was a lot of fun sharing what I have learned and I really appreciate all who have shared their talents with me.

Terry explaining her beginning approach to Plein Air (painting on location).

Terry getting close to completion of the painting.

Artists viewing Terry's painting up close.

"Prospect Palms" Finished demo piece.

After a long day a group of us went to one of our PAAR members Solo Exhibition which was in conjunction with Art's Walk in Riverside California. Ada M. Passaro has an exhibit that you do not want to miss. Her pastel work is fabulous. Be sure to go by the Riverside Visitor's Center. The show will be up through Dec.

My new website is up and running, please take a look. I think my webmaster Debbie Fulkerson did a fabulous job with the site. It is user friendly and from what I am hearing everyone is loving how easily and quickly all the pages load up. There are several pages to look at and the buttons to see all of the artwork are on the right side of the home page.

http://www.terrydchacon.com/

Remember Christmas is coming up, so this is a great time to start shopping and thinking about presents for friends and family. My website is doggie, kitty and Plein Air friendly! Be sure to look on the Ceramic Tile page for the new images of the murals I did for the Ayres Hotel in Redlands, Ca.

Looking forward to your comments. Until Next Time ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Redland's Parks

This week has been a very busy week, but I did manage to go out and paint with a group of Plein Air artists a couple mornings. My webmaster and I are completely revamping my website. Boy is this a hard job. It may have been easier to start over! NOT! In order to stay one step ahead of people who seem to think it is OK to copy other artists works, I have taken every image off my website and put do not copy across the front, then Debbie has had to put them back on along with some new and exciting images of new paintings. I really hate doing this as I think it really takes away from the images, but I know you all understand. I am hoping my new website will be up including my ceramic tile mural page by next week, so I am getting very excited for it's debut. And yes, you will read it first on my blog which has a new look also.


On Thursday morning we met at Ford park again to try and capture the reflections in the water. I already have painted their twice, but others had not and wanted to go so I am always eager to go to Ford Park and give it another try. The paintings we are doing are for the upcoming Plein Air Show put on by the Redland's Consevancy and Redland's Art Association. This years theme is Redland's Parks. The first painting at the top of the page, I call "Red Bench At Second Pond". I think it is hard enough to paint one pond let alone trying to get the distance and atmosphere by adding another pond. At first I didn't like this painting, but I have to say when I took photos to add to the blog, I liked it a lot better. Sometimes when a painting starts to dry the underpainting colors start coming through, which makes for a much better painting.

After painting we met at "Panera" for a bite to eat and Joan Coffey wanted to come over and see the puppies. She had not been able to come see them when they were younger so she was so excited. Although I think they were much more excited to see and play with her. Joan took the photos of the girls after they were done playing.



















The next painting is my favorite of the week. The forecast was calling for rain and we didn't know how much time we would actually have to paint. It was so captivating the way the sun kept peaking through the clouds. I knew once I laid in my bottom colors that I would have to really paint from memory and not change anything in order to capture the light on the palm tree on the left, skimming over the orange trees in the grove in the foreground, across the valley in front of me and that amazing strip of light by the mountains. I told my friend Joan that I was afraid of painting this scene as I didn't think if I could make it look believable. I hope you can see and feel the mood of this painting. If you can then I did my job! I know someone has to do it!!!!!



Until next time, ENJOY THE ART and the puppies! Terry

"Life is Grand"

"Life is Grand" is a new painting I just completed for the AKC Canine Health Foundation. The painting is oil on wrap around canvas and measures 30 by 24 inches. Every year this foundation has a Gala Event with live auction along with the Eukanuba Dog Shows in Long Beach, Ca. starting Dec. 11 through Dec. 14. The Gala is Dec. 12.

This year Catherine Bell and Karen Mays asked me to donate another original piece for their event. The event is such a worthy cause and I feel compelled to help out when I can. This painting was done from a photograph I took at Shylo Ranch, Denver, Co. in Sept. on my way to the Afghan Hound Club Nationals in Michigan. Dash the Whippet and Teensie the Chihuahua were so comfy on their overstuffed doggie bed that I could not resist taking photos. They both were so tired that they could barely open their eyes to look at me. I was told that Teensie loves to get behind and snuggle up to Dash when he is lounging on the doggie bed. Especially when she is cold. I was so excited when I returned home to view the photos I had taken and to find out I had this great photo from the experience. I had been trying to figure out something special for the Canine Health Foundation and when I saw the photo I knew this would be the one I would have to paint. I hope the painting grabs you the way the photograph did me. I also hope it grabs the bidders at the Gala and brings in a lot of money for the foundation.

Two years ago I donated the original painting "Come Out and Play". This painting brought in over $4000.00 for the foundation. I was very pleased with the outcome. The winners were Joe and Carla Sanchez of Temecula, Ca. who are large supporters of the CHF. Thanks Joe and Carla.

As with "Come Out and Play" Giclee prints and notecards are available. I will donate 20% at the end of every year to the AKC Canine Health Foundation from the purchases of works done from these 2 paintings.

Here is a link to Canine Health Foundation with information about the Gala Affair.

AKC Canine Health Foundation - 2008 Gala by the Bay


To see prints and notes from these paintings and more, please go to my website: http://www.terrydchacon.com/

Until next time: ENJOY THE ART! Terry d. Chacon

Thank you once again for visiting my blog. I hope you will share my link with your friends and family who might also enjoy my artwork.

COMMENTS:

Catherine Bell (AKC Canine Health Foundation-2nd VP) writes:
Hi Terry,
WOW! WOW! This is just great. This should make people stand up and salute you!
Can't wait to see how much the dogs will make from this! You are so kind to do this and I will never forget how much you have meant to me and this organization.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Warmest Regards,
Catherine

Karen Mays (AKC Canine Health Foundation-Board member) writes:
Hello Terry:

The painting is simply gorgeous. To say I like it is an understatement! It will be a great addition to the auction and we are so grateful that you were willing to do this for us. Words cannot adequately express my thank-you for sharing your talents to support the Foundation and its goals. I know you had a busy schedule this summer and I appreciate the time and effort involved in the creation of this exceptionally beautiful piece.

I am eternally grateful!

Karen

Cindy Vogels (AKC Canine Health Foundation President) writes:
The painting is fantastic and I know just who might be interested! I’ll be sure to email them the photo. Many, many thanks for your beautiful addition to our auction!
Cindy Vogels

Tustin, Ca. PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT 2008

This past few days I have been traveling back and forth to Tustin, Ca. for their 2008 Paint Out. Twenty two artist from around southern Ca. started painting on Wed. and were able to show their efforts at a show and sale on Main St. in downtown Tustin. On Thursday Luz Perez and I went down for our first day of painting. We arrived around 9 a.m. in the morning and checked in at the Parks and Recreation Department. We drove around the area marked Old Town and looked for differently possibilities to paint. I really like painting vista's so I was drawn to the mountains in the distance and was trying to situate myself in an area that I could include them. My first painting was a downtown scened of Main Street, just off of El Camino Real looking east towards the mountains. I really liked the red building that was situated on the right side and worked around that as my focal point for the painting. I don't usually work around a focal point, unless there is a definite one in mind. The cars also draw attention to the red building.

After painting in the morning we decided to rest and go have lunch before painting an afternoon painting. Because of the traffic down the 91 freeway we knew we would not be able to start back home until after 6:30, so we still had plenty of time. At the restaurant we ran into another PAAR member Helen Bell. We had already finished our lunch and special drinks for the occasion, so asked Helen to join us for coffee after we painted our afternoon painting. The Steven's House is a local historical house in downtown Tustin. The house used to be surrounded by Orange groves in it's early years but now it is surrounded by office buildings. I was happy to paint this house as I am always drawn to Victorian houses. I can now add this painting to the series of Victorian Houses I already have painted for future shows. The sun was peaking through the large trees on the right of the house just enough to light up the roof top and the front windows on the Turret. After painting we had our coffee with Helen and we all started back home around 7 p.m. Boy what a tiring day, but I was very happy with my Steven's House so felt comfortable that I would have something nice to turn in for the exhibit on Saturday.

Friday morning we left a little earlier so we could capture the early morning sun. My choice today was the Vintage Lady boutique on El Camino Real, just off of Main St. This tiny little boutique was nestled in behind this large tree. Another point of interest to me was the tower on the church. We were only allowed to paint 3 paintings during the paint out, so since I could see the tower on the upper right, I decided I could combine 2 paintings of sites I liked into one.

I was really torn between this painting and the Victorian house as to which one I should turn in for the exhibit. Eddie really liked the Victorian House so I went with his choice. Since the judges were not pre- announced I really couldn't say which one they would like. After lunch on Friday we finished up some last minute details on a couple of paintings, waited for the traffic to die down and came on home.

On Sat. the artist were allowed to set up their paintings and artwork in Old Town. Since I had never been to this event, I was reluctant to do this. But after saying that and being there I would definitely give it a try. We were, however, able to set up our paintings we did from the week.

Brighton Smith a young man (just a senior in High School) won the $1000.00 prize for his painting. What a delightful young man he is and a terrific artist. He has a very bright future ahead of him and I was very happy to meet him. The photo is with him and his mom. What an exciting day for him and all who were there to see him win. Congratulations Brighton!

This was a very nice event. Tustin's first paint out. I definitely will be going back to this great little town. Here is a link to read more about Tustin. City of Tustin, CA :: Homepage I highly recommend taking the tour of this little town. Nice people and beautiful places to paint. And to the ladies at Oscar's Bar & Grill, you make great Lemon Drop Martini's!

Until next time, Enjoy the ART! Terry d. Chacon

PS: I will be adding some of my Christmas note cards (all breeds), Christmas Giclee's and some other Afghan Hound items to my Ebay store this week. Be sure to take a look. Here is a link to my Ebay Store: eBay Store

Christmas is just around the corner, custom orders are still available until the end of Oct. Pet portraits make the best gifts, email me with your interests.

If you would like to purchase one of the paintings on my blog, giclee's of the paintings or notecards, please let me know. shacone@aol.com.

Mija & Frida

"Mija"














"Frida"


Over the weekend we went to Santa Barbara to pick up my two girls from the last litter of Apache and Tootsie. Apache's registered name is Ch. Abaca Shacone Native Spirit and Tootsie's registered name is Ch. ShaCone Abaca Delovely. I have owned and bred afghan hounds since 1973. OK, yes I am telling my age.....They are the most wonderful breed in my opinion. They are very cat like so if you like the disposition of most cats, you would love this sighthound. Yes, they are in the sighthound family and they were used to hunt in Afghanistan and they still use them to this day.

If you would like to learn more about this breed please go to the Afghan Hound Club of America website. Afghan Hound Club of America, Inc. I must caution you that they are not a breed for everyone. The maintenance involved is a lifelong dedication. If you feel you have that, you might be a candidate to be owned by one of these special creatures. But most people like wash and wear dogs. These are not!

Meanwhile, I keep the girls in the litters and my long time partner in dogs Abbe Shaw keeps the boys. There were 3 boys and 2 girls in this litter. I thought it would be fun to share with you the girls and possibly blog about them from time to time as they grow up. I know many of you that are signed up to read my blog are collectors of Afghan Hound art or Plein Air works, so I hope you will enjoy seeing & hearing from time to time about my other life with the dogs.




Right now these girls have such different personalities. Mija is more playful and Frida is very serious, although she will play and do things with Mija, she just is not the initiator. They have been in Santa Barbara since the end of Aug. and this is just a 24 hour observation. This may change as they get used to their new surroundings again. But for now I would say Mija is more dominant. I like keeping 2 puppies out of litters to grow up together. I think it is easier for them to adjust if they have a friend and definitiely easier for me not to have to entertain one puppy as it is growing up.

Until next time, Enjoy the photos, Terry


PS: Your comments & questions are always welcome and please share this blog with your family and friends.