Art by Lori Rowe

The LLANO ESTACADO ART ASSOCIATION 2010 FALL OPEN

2010-11-03T13:25:00.007-04:00

THE LLANO ESTACADO ART ASSOCIATION 2010 FALL OPEN ART SHOW

took place on Saturday October 9th at the Lea county center for the arts. This was all new for me as i had just joined this association. I was told it was one of the oldest, most respected art associations in the state. This show was judged by LARRY WILCOX and there were ribbons and cash awards given. I told my husband Greg that I wanted to go even though I didn't expect to even receive an honorary mention, I fully expected the states best art to be there and I was eager to see it. I was right, the works were wonderful. When we got there I noticed right away where my paintings were, on opposite sides of the room, and we started making the rounds a piece at a time. Well, inevitably, I start chatting up some one and Greg and I get separated. Next thing I know, my laid back husband is dragging me across the room saying "look". It was RUBY, she's such a popular girl, she had taken the third place ribbon for Acrylics and Oils!!! For the first time in my life, I couldn't say a thing. Finally, excitement set in and I went out to call my sister, promptly dropped the phone on the cement and shattered the face of my I Phone. It was OK though, nothing could squelch my joy.

Art Gallery opening and Saving Grace

2010-09-22T14:34:00.010-04:00

This is Grace, she is the new logo for "Saving Grace pit bull rescue".

August 28th was the Grand opening of the Renovated Center for the Arts by the Lea county commission for the arts in Hobbs, New Mexico. I entered 3 paintings and a jury selected the two in the pictures above and another was chosen for gift shop.(below) This is the first time i have shown in a gallery and was honored that they called me to enter. The evening was a huge success with hundreds of people there.

Woman in Red and Tommy with Mommy

2010-06-12T13:29:00.006-04:00

Woman in Red and Tommy with Mommy Well, I haven't been very good lately about updating my blog or web site, sooo oo, today we post two finished paintings! The first is "Woman in Red" she is essentially ...me. I was quite home sick, so I just painted myself on the beach. You know, I can adjust to living just about anywhere, but when you come from the coast, it gets under your skin and you experience withdrawal when you can't smell the salt water, hear the sea gulls or stick your toes in the water. Right now I'm living in the Permian basin, translation, a dessert with the permanent smell of oil. Not quite the same as the ocean. :-/

These next two are of the same painting with a close up of Tommy the King Charles. Debora, Tommy's mommy commissioned this painting a couple of weeks ago and just was crazy about the way it turned out. Deborah is from the south east and of course I am in New Mexico so I didn't think I would get a chance to deliver the painting my self. But, as it happens, Deborah was here again two weeks later and I got to see her face as I unveiled the work, It is almost the best part of painting.

I will try to be better about posting from now on. As it happens, I think I have 3 more paintings in the studio almost ready to post!

Sassy 1993-2010

2010-05-05T11:14:00.001-04:00

Sassy

I got sassy on my honeymoon. Everywhere I went there was sassy. She was sooo tiny, she fit in the front opening of my coat. I was a newlywed and sassy was always there, when friends and family were far from me, she was there. when I was lost, there she was, when I was lonely, she was there. We got Sassy a sister and brother, I'm not sure she appreciated it, but she kept them in line. For almost 17 years, sassy was my constant companion, now, she is not there...

If you would like a portrait of your best friend, contact me...

SKY'S HARVEST NIGHT

2010-04-14T13:14:00.002-04:00

I've been wanting to paint Sky for some time now, I think its the "come on, give me a break" look in this shot. Sky belongs to my sister, who got her from my niece, who got her from her sister....so as you can tell, she is the family dog. I've been experimenting trying to get the right painting to enter in a wine label contest. Mutt Lynch Winery, in CA has a competition every year. The painting must be 8x8 or smaller, for me that is the challenge. I love large canvas. This year winemaker Brenda Lynch has decided to create a red blended from her finest barrels, and "in the spirit of all things dog," she's calling it "Muttitage." Only 500 bottles of this rare and exclusive wine will be produced with the winning label on it. 10% of the sales benefiting the SF SPCA. Mean while, PAYNE'S GRAY is internationally famous. I have got to say who would have thought? Not me! I sent Payne's Gray over seas to assist in raising money for SAD, Strays of Abu Dhabi, because as hard as it is to believe for us Americans, they have NO shelters, so strays are killed. It was hard to even type that. Anyways, I sent a giclee' of the watercolor on art rag and Artist and coordinator Laurel Moore loved it so much Payne's Gray became the face of the auction.

Art Exhibition and Auction The Animal Lover's Art Auction in support of the Strays of Abu Dhabi Location:Millennium Hotel - Abu Dhabi Time: 7:30PM Saturday, April 10Th

Ends:April 17Th 7:30pm www.straysofabudhabi.com Artist Laurel Moore, representative and coordinator of the charity art exhibit, said "The hotel Director of PR said she just adored it!(speaking of the poster) I was so pleased... "

SO WAS I! :-)

The 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book is available

2010-04-02T12:40:00.000-04:00

Did you know that April is Cancer Awareness Month? That is why today is the first day that The 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book is available To Order ! If you would like to preview or order a copy of the book, this is the link: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1252849 The Paws For Charity Art Book Project is a unique fundraiser that celebrates our love of pets, and raises funds for a human cause. The 2010 Art Book is a compilation of artwork and photography of dogs and cats submitted by 65 artists and photographers in 7 countries. All funds raised from the sale of these books are donated to The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, a registered charity with programs in over 50 countries. This charity also carries the Humane Charity Seal of Approval. Details about Paws For Charity are available on the blog: http://www.pawsforcharity.blogspot.com Tshirts, greeting cards, and wall calendars are also for sale with all proceeds donated to breast cancer charity.

PUBLISHED!

2010-03-12T12:24:00.001-05:00

Excited ALMOST begins to describe how I feel. Honored, choked up and downright incredible may begin to sum it up.

I am being published!

There were over 300 submissions... 65 were chosen...and of the 65, 21 were painters...and I AM ONE!!! I am overwhelmed by being included. Congratulations to all of the other painters and photographers included in this wonderful book. It is a privilege to be in this book with you.

"RUBY" is the painting selected to be in the "PAWS For Charity Art Book".

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to "The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade". This cause has a special meaning for me as my sister is a breast cancer survivor. I will be posting all links ans purchase information as it becomes available. The projected publish date is April 1st

JAKE

2010-02-27T12:15:00.012-05:00

Jake-12 X 12 watercolor on stretched watercolor canvas

This is Jake. Jake had a terrible start in life, he was what we call a chain rescue case. He spent his life on a short chain by himself in the yard until someone reported him. His original owner definitely feed him, but because he was always chained, he was VERY over weight and had little if any muscle tone. Jake was rescued by Peggie 5 years ago and his rehabilitation was swift. He was so week when Peggie adopted him, he could hardly get in the house, but,daily walks and the occasional visits with other doggy friends soon rehabilitated Jake and he got along very well. Daily brushing, and love brought out his sweet disposition. He was a HUGE wolf hound mix, but he was a gentle giant. I met Jake on a job in NJ. Of course I knew his mommy, Peggie, first. I would see her everyday around 3pm running the dogs, shadow,Patches and GG{good girl], in the field across from my house. Beau, my Aussie, would bark and generally make a raucous until one day I marched out side, introduced myself, and asked if Peggie would mind if my dogs came out to play with hers. This soon became a neighborhood event. Patches and Shadow moved on to wait for us all with tails wagging in doggy heaven, and Jake was adopted. I'll never forget the morning Peggie came home from 3rd shift to discover her house had been over run with fathers. She opened the door and ppooofff, feathers. It seems Jake was afraid of thunder. He tried to get on the bed to hide and he tried and tried tearing up Peggie's feather bed in the proses. It took forever to clean up those feathers.

Jake died 2/16/10 of bone cancer. This painting is done with love for Peggie. We will see you someday Jake "with tails wagging".

CYAN 5x5 Open Acrylic on canvas board

2010-01-28T13:13:00.005-05:00

I had a hard time naming this guy, but finally decided on CYAN, the Greek word for blue. This is the smallest painting I've ever done. It was painted for the 5Th anniversary art show for The Canine Art Guild. The Canine Art Guild is a group of fine art painters whose concentration is...you guessed it, canines. The idea is for members to creat a 5 x 5 picture and sell- it- for- a- price- yet- to- be- determined; with a 5 in it. There have been endless discusions about the price, eventualy it will be decided. Hopefully, a collage of these creations will be made, and sold. I think... Well, how about I post the information when it is finaly decided? -Lori

If you would like to check out all the talented artist go to www.canineartguild.com

THE GIRL'S DAY OFF

2010-01-11T19:01:00.008-05:00

The Girls day off was painted for a couple at church. Pat is visually impaired and Andy, her husband, is blind. The moment I spotted Andy and Pat I knew I had to paint the girls, Trivia and Linny. "They are 10 now" they said with heartfelt concern in their eyes. I understand that feeling, mine are 12, 14, and 16 1/2 now. They are part of the family...the kids. These 2 are extra special because they have a very special job, taking care of and helping mom and dad.

This painting is sold and all profits went to, guidedogs.com ,the school these two lady's were trained at. Any reproductions or commissions from or for Guide Dogs for the Blind will also result in a 25% donation.

16 x 20 Watercolor on archival watercolor canvas board

P.R. the Chrome Rooster

2009-11-19T14:35:00.012-05:00

Well hello, seems like an entire season has past since my last painting was finished. About 6 weeks ago I had a visit to my studio from our propane provider Mike. He enjoyed my work so much he returned a couple of days later with his wife. He pointed out one piece he thought his daughter would just love, "Bleu Lagon Dane" (right)

We continued to chat and he told me of his brother in TX that was just opening a restaurant named""The Chrome Rooster". He was excited and told me he would love to have something done as a gift for the opening. Well, time passed and I didn't hear anymore, this happens a lot in this business, but I couldn't get the image out of my head, thus, PR The Chrome Rooster. This is the largest piece I've done to date, and by far the most time consuming. I'm sure this is because I repainted the piece several times before I was satisfied. The Polish Rooster has always been a favorite of mine, so I enjoyed studying the intricacies of the "king" of the roosters. PR is done with... Open Acrylic, metallic compound mixed with an acrylic medium on 24" X 30" stretched canvas. Sold

Sisters - Something different

2009-10-16T14:50:00.005-04:00

I was home sick or family sick one day and saw a wonderful picture of three women on a beach holding hands and thought "why not?" So, weeks later, this is what I got... I was going to name it "We are Family" but settled on "Sisters " instead. I think the fear of my actual sisters not appreciating my talent affected this decision. I hope they don't examine it too critically. I must have been nuts to have set out to paint the three of us in the first place, but, what in the world was I thinking when I did it in watercolor??? I'm not sure weather or not to post this painting on my web site, maybe some of you could help me out and let me know what you think. I was really excited when I worked on this and when I felt I was finished very anxious to photograph it and put it out there so to speak, but one opinion I received squelched my excitement when the sky and palm tree were the only things complemented...OY VEY...I wish I was on this beach, I don't know where it is as my favorite beach in Cape May, NJ does not have palm trees, but it looks lovely anyways. I think if I could just smell low tide and hear the seagulls I wouldn't feel so far away.

Gi-tli in Turquoise or Gus for short

2009-10-02T14:16:00.005-04:00

It's been a long time since I have added anything new but I have been working. I have Gi-tli in Turquoise up again because he was recently Giclee' to auction off for a very good cause. He went to CASA of Lea County. CASA is "Court appointed special advocates" for foster children. I still had ALOT of work to do on him as I was not completely satisfied with the giclee'. He is a watercolor, and the results were so different.... So I went to work and practically repainted him. I felt like I gave away a child when I handed him over, but out of about 40 items, 30ish were bid on and he was one. According to my thank you letter, he went to a south west art collector and is happy in his new home. The auction was held at the Black Gold Casino in Hobbs, NM and was a well attended catered affair, everything being donated, and raised $45,000.00. Not bad for their first auction. And please remember this is Hobbs, NM. I have a new project in the works, it is a watercolor of 3 sisters on the beach...VERY new for me, so far so good, we'll see. There is also two other paintings in progress, a border collie, and a kitty looking for a home. I will however have to find somewhere to donate kitty, the humane society here is all but debunked and "Dogs Deserve Better" has been contacted twice with no response...I don't give up too easily, I'll find a good place to donation it. Well, in case you haven't heard, the Red Sox are in the playoffs, third year in a row, that is a new record for them! Here's to another World Series! Keep on painting...

Boston in Red

2009-08-11T13:35:00.007-04:00

Boston in Red

Original watercolor on canvasboard - $300.00

I enjoyed painting this Boston Terrier with thoughts of the Red Sox never far from my mind. I was one of those children raised on the Boston Red Sox, I always say I think I was breast feed in front of the games. My mom would watch even when dad was out to sea, and she clipped the standings and articles about the Sox to send to him while he was gone. The sox are one type of religion in our family, they are never far from our thoughts or conversations. I guess it is suitable to dedicate this one to mom and dad whom both past away in August 10 years and 1 day apart. They, unfortunately, did not get to see the Sox win the world series in 2004 and 2007, but were hardy Sox fans none the less. For all those that felt my (our) pain as the Sox were swept by the evil empire (Yankees) this last weekend, just remember; 8 wins for the Red Sox - 4 for the Yankees this season. And if those Yankee fans give you a hard time, tell them the stat's and to kiss your MLB butt!!! ;-)

Gi- tli in Turquoise

2009-07-16T16:49:00.004-04:00

Gi-tli in Turquoise

Well it's been 2,460 miles,1 1/2 months and 2 relocation's since I've posted anything new....I hope you all haven't forgotten about me. As you can see, this area influenced my latest watercolor. I never know what is going to come out when I sit down to paint. I start with a certain image in my head and it morphs with the paint and canvas. Gi-tli (gee lee) is the Cherokee Indian word for dog, so, dog in turquoise...I try to use colors as the titles for my work. My studio is ALMOST ready, so painting will be enjoyable again. till then, enjoy.

Snobox

2009-05-28T20:38:00.005-04:00

Well, we are moving, and yes I am packed BUT I just had to paint Snobox. Greg and I meet Snobox walking her owner in Port Jefferson, NY. What a face, Isn't she something? And I just love the white boxer. She never once barked and was just the friendliest girl. She was on her way to the beach when we met, but she stopped to give us a smile and a minute of her time.

Mooo ving

2009-05-21T15:24:00.008-04:00

Somehow I feel like I should at least post once a week. We are getting ready to move, which means that I have packed the majority of my equipment. It also means that my husband is home, this is the first time I have had access to the computer since Fri. 15Th, and I have to admit, I don't get any painting done when he is around. I really am hoping this is a temporary thing. We should be going to Eunice, New Mexico for our next Job. If you don't know where Eunice is just look south of Roswell, NM, it's pretty much the middle of nowhere. And I am anxious to get settled. This time of year I usually have bought out the nursery's and spend many hours a day in gardening bliss, my heart aches every time we pass a nursery. But in this "self employment " business one is supposed to learn PATIENCE. I'm not a patient woman. Thus the acrylics and watercolors. I have however been going on day trips here in Long Island and have photographed some wonderful animals, and even had the opportunity to feed the giraffe, I do love the giraffe's. I feel in love with them in Glen Rose TX on a safari. Well enough of me....I hope I will have something to post for the art world soon, until then happy painting.

Cayenne

2009-05-06T12:59:00.005-04:00

Watercolor seems to be my new love of late. I started in watercolors but didn't really have a clue what I was doing. As a result, I experience a lot of frustration instead of enjoyment.

Cayenne is the dog I wanted when I was a kid, the big friendly, playful, Irish setter. The dog you hung out with because you wanted to not because there wasn't any thing to do. To bad she never existed when I was a kid, as an adult I have had many dog members of my family that fit the bill.

Ingrid

2009-04-30T12:29:00.008-04:00

INGRID - When I first went to little shelter I met Ingrid. I just couldn't forget her. So, I thought maybe if I paint her and offer the painting for free with the adoption people will take more time to notice her. She is sooo lovable and sweet, I really wanted to take her home myself. This is her story;

When Ingrid came to Little Shelter, she was in very bad condition - in fact she was dying. Ingrid had spent the first years of her life chained to a fence. While on that chain, Ingrid gave birth to litter after litter of puppies and didn't know the joy of human love. When she arrived on our doorstep her body was emaciated and her abdomen was extremely distended. Tests revealed that Ingrid had late stage heartworm and her heart muscle was severely damaged. Ingrid was near death for quite a while and we weren't sure she was going to make it, but after having 14lbs of fluid drained from her chest cavity, lots of TLC, and expert vet care, Ingrid pulled through. To ensure that Ingrid's heart continued to serve her well, Ingrid needed to be placed on life-long medication and the vet responsible for saving her life recommended Viagra! Viagra was originally developed as a heart medication, and for Ingrid it has truly been a life-saver! Now, more than one year later, Ingrid is feeling much better. Her medications and special dietary requirements have proven to be costly, but we will continue to provide her with all of her medical needs. Please help us continue to provide for Ingrid and others like her, while they await new, loving homes, by making a donation to help with their care. http://www.littleshelter.com/index.htm

NEW WORK!

2009-04-21T13:44:00.003-04:00

PAYNE'S GRAY

This is the first watercolor I have done in a couple of years. I feel excited about my work again! Sometimes you flounder until you swim, I was close to drowning. This week I swam the English channel...

A Critical time at Angels Gate (edited)

2009-04-14T13:44:00.003-04:00

Hello, This is Fritter. Fritter has been donated to a very worthy cause. She is going to ANGELS GATE. Angels Gate is a shelter and hospice, a really awesome place. I encourage you to visit there site http://www.angelsgate.org/ . They house all critters, not just dogs and cats, and this shelter is for physically challenged and hospice animals. They have recently relocated from a 1 acre home on long Island to a 100 acre site in Delhi, NY, approx 150 miles north of Manhattan. I spoke to Susan at AG briefly on Easter Sunday. She had just returned from doing 20 loads of laundry at the public laundry. Their dryer has kicked the bucket. Along with the dryer, there is an entire typed page of things these wonderful people need to help these animals. Susan also told me about a "fence raising" they will soon be conducting. Art for Shelter Animals has also run an article on this shelter. http://artforshelteranimals.blogspot.com/ I will be interviewing Susan as soon as she has a moment extra. Until then, I hope you will all check out the site on your own. Lori Michelle

Painters Block-edited

2009-04-10T08:11:00.004-04:00

The ability to paint seems to have left me these last couple of weeks. Has that ever happened to any of you? I spent one Sunday trying to paint this one image I had in my head and washed the canvas multiple times. I use watercolor pencils to rough sketch my paintings. What do you all do, or not do, when “painters block” takes over? It may be what is happening AND not happening here that has caused it. As most of you know, we live on the road, because of my husband’s job. This job in Blue Point NY will end May 23, Greg has been applying for permanent positions since December. We have never lived anywhere longer than 5 years; ever…I’m really hoping that we can find a permanent place. The thing that weighs on my mind is the unemployment rate and the economy. The other loathing fact is I have to pack up and move this s… again, argg. OK, as long as I’m venting, I feel I must get this off my chest. I am to be carried on a known web site. I have a signed contract that took 3 months to finalize, the painting's they want to carry have been delivered, the day the contract was signed, and a month later the only thing there is on that site by me is my biography. No “Ruby” no “Bleu Lagon Dane”. I admit, I check every morning like being there is going to make me famous. It’s pathetic. . . On a much happier note, I put pansy out by my front door. And I have another painting ready (I painted it last month and it is finally dry) to donate to a deserving shelter. I thought I had one picked out, AND THEN I read that they had killed over 400 dogs and cats last year??? Sorry, they won’t be getting any paintings from me. Until I’m painting again, I sign off Lori Michelle

Little Shelter donation: Picture to be auctioned off

2009-03-31T09:08:00.006-04:00

I arrived at Little Shelter on Sunday the 29th of March around 1pm, Little Shelter is open 7 days a week to make it accessible to all and was established in 1927 as a no kill shelter. When we arrived I was surprised to see the place was so busy there were no parking places (the girl scouts were doing field work) even though they have a generous amount of parking. We found a safe place on the side of the road and locked our own gang in the truck. When we entered we were greeted right away by a friendly staff, and when I introduced myself they seemed genuinely excited that I was there. After a few minutes, Ms. Jodi Record, the on site manager, came out to great us.(I brought my husband Greg, to take pictures and to make sure our pack of animals didn't grow) Jodi brought us on a tour of the facilities and answered my questions for the next hour and a half. Never once did I feel as though I was taking up her precious time. The facility houses up to 65 dogs, and at the moment has 40. As soon as one leaves, they go to the pound and bring in someone new. The dogs have dots of different colors to indicate their level of friendliness. Little Shelter also houses their dogs in "different levels" meaning, new dogs are housed in a separate area until they are adjusted. Little Shelter is not equipped to house or adopt trouble dogs. On a personal note, I have worked for vets, been in to many shelters to remember and have done surprise visits to kennels for my own dogs, and I'm not sure I've been in a cleaner place. With 40 dogs, you expect some smell however, there was very little to mention. Jody knew the story of each and every dog, and kitty we visited. They have 400 Cats, beautiful Cats. They are housed in an open area of joined rooms with too many litter box's to remember and the cats have the freedom to go out on a large out door porch that was built by a generous doner. There were many kitty climber's and even part of a tree 5 feet high the room was built around. There were a line of kitties waiting for their turn to lie up there. My husband who is not generally fond of kitties disappeared for quite a while playing with said kitties. I almost though he was going to take one home. All those cats and not a fight or grumble did I hear, my cat could learn a few things their. Little Shelter employees 43 staff members and has too many volunteers to count all who were busy walking feeding and generally taking care of the group. They have a yearly budget of 2 million dollars and are dependent on donations. The donations are up a little, but are still 50% off. If you are interested in adoption a pet, you make out an application form. Cats are $100, Dogs 1+yr=$110, puppy's=$160. All of the pets have been examined, spayed or neutered and have been microchiped. A great deal for a life long friend. Little shelter is proud to be the only shelter with a pet food pantry for those in need. again, you are required to fill out a little paper work but how awesome is that. There will be an article on their food pantry in "News Day" next Monday, I believe April the 6th. This was a wonderful experience and the kicker was they treated us like we were royalty visiting. Everyone seemed to know about me, what they didn't seem to realize is what a gift they gave me...

Little Shelter Animal Adoption Center

33 Warner Road, Huntington, NY 11743,

631-368-8770

http://www.littleshelter.com/

Daisy

2009-03-26T10:35:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone, today I added Daisy to my line up. She just had such an irresistible face when I met her walking her human I had to take her picture; and 4 months later, here she is. Yesterday I confirmed a home for "Home" the painting. It is going to a wonderful organization called "Little Shelter" http://www.littleshelter.com/. They will either place it in an online auction or it will be entered in a silent auction. I am just tickled that I can help the animals without having to adopt them all myself, ha ha.

Spring

2009-03-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

Spring is almost sprung! Things here are hectic now that I have so many sites, blogs, and links that even I have a hard time remembering which ones I have updated and which ones need to be updated. My work has been added to Cayucos Art Associations web page(Cayucos is on the central coast in CA), YA! I will add a link on the Right for anyone interested. The most recent news is I have joined "Art for Shelter Animals". This is an awesome idea and site. We paint an animal of our choosing, usually a shelter cat or dog, then donate the painting, free and clear, for the shelter to sell, reproduce, donate as a gift, make a calender or greeting card...anything they can do to help in support for the shelter animals. I think it is just too cool for school. I posted my first donation, HOME, I hope you all like it. P.S. Why not join my blog?

http://artbylorirowe.com is finally up and running!

2009-03-14T09:04:00.001-04:00

Hi, I finally got everything in one place. If you have been following http://artbylorirowe.com then you know this web page went through a progression of changes. As things are added I hope to keep you all updated. Some very exciting news, I have been picked up by another web page that wants to sell some of my work,YA!, when the contract and legalities are finished I will add a link for that site, I think you will enjoy looking as I did when I first found it. Another art organization will also be showing my art, as soon as that link is ready, I will also include it.

BENJAMIN FRANK-DANE

2009-03-07T10:54:00.002-05:00

Today I added a favorite painting of mine, BENJAMIN FRANK-DANE. He is an addition to a series of wonderful Great Danes already in my collection. I hope his charm and intelligence show through.