Join us this Friday and every final Friday of the month for the BIGGEST PARTY in town. Pendleton Art Center where 900 + people wander on 8 floors enjoying art! Make sure you come and visit us on the SECOND floor STUDIO 221, I have a special surprise, especially for all those Michael Jackson fans.
See VIDEO by clicking on the link below.
http://youtu.be/kSXZOaaPlPM
Fine Art by Dawn B. Dwyer Studio 221
I always say that the animals I paint are very special! This one was on the Board at Procter & Gamble as their V.P. of Canine Communication for 10 years and was so loved by the people that worked with her and encountered her at publicity events. She also graced the front pages of Forbes magazine. The Official Portrait of “Euka” by Dawn B. Dwyer now resides at the Mason, Ohio Business Center.
But let me also say this, ALL ANIMALS are special and when someone decides to honor them with an original oil painting there is no question in my mind how special they are. Animals add so much to our lives and even make us do things that we don’t feel like but in the end may be for our own good.
My two dogs drove me nuts with behavioral issues only to send me on this quest to stop the craziness. In doing so it has taken me on quite a journey that I will be sharing with you in my forth coming book. It will be a book that will enlighten you as well as make you laugh as Miniature Pinschers are the silliest dogs, very clever and they will push you to keep learning about them. They call them the King of Toys and I have learned so much being one of their disciples.
Here is a Link to the Event when the Official Portrait of Euka was Revealed.
http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/procter–gambles-canine-vp-retires
Looking to the Light by Dawn B Dwyer
I was once told by a Gallery owner that every painting has a story and this painting, Looking to the Light is no different. It started a little over 9 years ago when I was talking with a real estate client of ours. We were both telling each other how we had gotten puppies. To our surprise, they were both born on the exact same day. Laurie’s was a Yellow Lab named Rebel and mine was a Min Pin we named Ally. When we realized this, there was a special bond and when we spoke we would always ask about the others dog. Sadly eight years later Laurie told us that Rebel was diagnosed with cancer.
When I heard this there was a sudden urge to go to her house and photograph Rebel. We had lost a puppy at 13 weeks old and I remember how much I cherished the few photos I had. So I called Laurie and Billy and asked if I could come over and photograph Rebel so that I could do an oil painting of him. He was a beautiful lab and I felt compelled to do a painting of him. They thought their Realtor was a bit nutty, but they said, “Sure come on over if you want.” They didn’t get it and I didn’t either at the time, but this painting would become a very important painting for both of us.
Laurie, Rebel and Dawn at the SPCA Doggie Dash
Because I was doing this painting for myself there was no rush and in May when it was just about complete, I called Laurie and invited her to see the painting at an SPCA event where I was showing my art. Everything was done except a little work around the muzzle and the whiskers.
After that day, I got busy with other things and never did put the whiskers on until several months later. On Aug. 31, 2011 I decided to finally put the whiskers on and then enter the oil painting into a contest. After I added the last whisker, I immediately called Laurie to say it was done and to ask her about a title. When I called she didn’t answer the phone. The next day there was an email from Laurie in my inbox. I couldn’t believe what I read.
She said that when the phone rang she was at home but didn’t answer because they had just said goodbye to Rebel one minute before I called and were actually carrying his body out of her home when the phone was ringing. She said it was odd, as she was saying goodbye to him that she thought about the painting. When you look at the timeline, I was putting the last strokes of paint on the painting as Rebel was taking his last breaths. I have my doubts that this was all just a chance happening?
When I first showed the painting in my studio at the Pendleton Art Center, it was amazing to watch how people would gather around that one painting and marvel at how real it looked, it was without a doubt the show stopper. So I knew this was the painting to enter into one of the most difficult art exhibits/contests, ViewPoint 44. And now, I am proud to announce that “Looking to the Light” has been accepted into the ViewPoint National Juried Show. Only 70 paintings were chosen out of hundreds that were submitted from around the country.
I would like to invite you to The ViewPoint 44 Show held at the Cincinnati Art Gallery on 225 E 6th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202. The ViewPoint exhibition will be available for viewing Monday thru Friday 9-4 pm Saturday 10-3 pm till August 31, 2012.
Tangleweed to Perform at the Pendleton Art Center Final Friday July 27th
This is REALLY BIG and I am thrilled to share the news with you. Tangleweed will be peforming at the Pendleton Art Center this Final Friday!
The Chicago based trio Tangleweed will be entertaining at the Pendleton Art Center on July 27th for Final Friday’s art walk. They have basically waived their typical booking fee with the goal of assisting the PAC in being a hub of vibrant creativity in Cincinnati and to hopefully assist to bring in larger numbers of visitors during Final Friday.
Now you may ask, why would a band from Chicago care about the artists at the Pendleton Art Center. Well, one of the band members is my cousin. He knew that I had recently moved into a Second Floor Studio at the Pendleton Art Center and was trying to think of ways to bring in more visitors. My cousin is Paul Wargaski and he is also a very successful violin maker in Chicago. Paul is the innovator of the Suitbass (A bass instrument that disassembles into it’s own suitcase for travel). Back in 2007 the suitbass was born out of a greater need for compact mobility as Wargaski was the bass player for Tangleweed and they were booking more performances across the country.
The Suitbass was built from a vintage Amelia Earhart suitcase.. Something he calls “Workable Art” which Wargaski will be playing during his performance at the PAC on Final Friday! “I’m really looking forward to seeing and hearing the infamous Suitbass I have heard so much about. The Suitbass alone would be worth the trip to the Pendleton,” says Dawn.
Tangleweed’s performance at the PAC will not only help me but all of the artist’s at the PAC and raise awareness to the artist community in Cincinnati.
Various types of artists from several different states are all coming together for this one evening at the Pendleton Art Center with the hopes of helping each other through synergy and ultimately helping all the artists at the PAC.
I will personally will have a guest artist Mindy Fisher from New Hampshire showing her work as well as showing some jewelry and art from an artist living in Mali who Scott Judd (Tangleweed’s guitarist is helping). It’s basically artists helping artist in more ways than you can imagine. But we would be happy to share our stories when you drop in to Studio 221 during this Final Friday at the Pendleton Art Center!
Pendleton Art Center 1310 Pendleton St.
Final Friday from 6-10 pm.
Second Look Saturday 11am -3pm
Paul Wargaski on bass, Billy Oh on fiddle, and Scott Judd on guitar to complete the group.
About Tangleweed
Tangleweed was originally formed the summer of 2004, presently with Paul Wargaski on bass, Billy Oh on fiddle, and Scott Judd on guitar to complete the group.
Tangleweed has been on the top ten charts in the UK and is a band of three forward-thinking musical reactionaries from Chicago, Illinois. While the band’s instrumentation is standard bluegrass, their music is anything but with a repertoire both broad and deep. Their four CDs have garnered critical praise and worldwide airplay, earning the band invitations to appear at major festivals and high profile venues around the country.
Tangleweed combines high-energy performances with impeccable musicianship and a wide-breadth of influences to create a unique sound that is simultaneously modern and old-time.
The band has been hailed in reviews worldwide as a welcome breath of fresh air for lovers of stomping string band music and high lonesome harmonies.
Check out their most recent release “Please Punch Richard for Me” at www.tangleweed.org or you can go to Pandora.com, and type ‘Tangleweed’ into the search box. You’ll get a station with Tangleweed, Split Lip Rayfield, The Hackensaw Boys, and a bunch of other like-minded neo-traditionalists.
Dawn B. Dwyer, Creating FineAart You’ll Want to Pet! Studio 221
Just take the stairs up one flight. I will have lots of new art to show because I will have two guest artists this month! There will be jewelry from Mali and camel hair pillows … oh my! And the art of Mindy Fisher from New Hampshire. Her art is whimiscal and fun and she is also the creator of Tangleweed’s coloring book which they will be giving out and also the creator of the music cartoon video our guest band Tangleweed has on their website. So lots of fun things to see and do. I have also worked a little more on my 30 x 40 horse paintings as well as a Doberman Pinscher painting. So get out of the house on Friday and have some fun with us at the Pendelton Art Center!!!
This is the process that I did to create the official portrait of Euka. I will post a few pictures each day till we have the completed painting. So be sure to check back each day to eventually see the completed painting.
Creating a portrait of an animal always starts with a photograph. Once I have the photo I will work with it to find the perfect composition. Euka got to sit on some chairs for this photo because we wanted to be sure she would givet off the essence of feeling important. By elevating her from the floor it changed her demeanor.
I was also looking for a certain light to make the portrait more interesting. So there is cool light coming from the window on the right side of the portrait and warm light in the shadow.
Next I did a quick oil sketch to block in the shapes of the painting.
YOUR BEST YEAR EVER … Welcome to 2012!
Did you know that in ancient Rome, the month, January is named after Janus the god of the doorway? In fact, it was a tradition to symbolically close the door on old troubles and open another to new possibilities.
Nice idea!
I thought this painting would be a great one to feature this month because of the story it tells. It just fits in with the new year and the endless possibilities the new year offers to all of us.
The world offers us endless possibilities. We just have to be ready to act without hesitation when the opportunities arise. Because sometimes it is just a fleeting moment. So now and then, we just need to take the chance, remove our shoes and get our feet wet.
pet portraits | wildlife | marine life | nature
I will be easy to find, just come into the Pendleton Warehouse Studios and take the elevator straight up to the top floor (8th). STUDIO 804-B
Final Friday and Second Look Saturday
Not only will you be seeing my work but also 8 floors of Studios will be open to the public. Studio walks are a lot of fun and held the Final Friday of each month from 6 pm to 10 pm. Studios of the Pendleton Art Center are open to the public, giving guests the opportunity to view creative art space, as well as purchase one-of-a-kind artwork directly from artists. Second Look Saturdays offer another opportunity to experience the Pendleton and its artists from 11 am to 3 pm. Below is a link for information about the Pendelton Art Center/Cincinnati and directions.
http://pendletonartcenter.com/cinci_wh_f8.html#whf8804B1
Work in Progress 16 x16 oil "Angel in the Night"
Making progress but still have a ways to go!
This painting was inspired by a night dive I did. With only a flashlight in hand to illuminate the darker water at 60′ an Angel Fish appears with all it’s beauty.
Help ... I need a Title for this 20x16 work in progress.
I really need help with the Title of this piece, so if something comes to mind please leave it in the comment section. The painting is not complete yet but close enough for you to get a feel of it and an idea for a title.
Painting is almost ready for the SPCA Doggie Dash Reveal!
This event has always been a lot of fun! It is not only a walk but there are various vendors to visit prior to the actual walk. I have been a participant of this event for many years and both my dogs and I love it!!! I have even come alone with just my dogs and ended up meeting new friends by the end of the day. There are usually lots of goodies your dog will enjoy as well. In the past there have been over 600 participants and it is quite amazing to see all the beautiful dogs that come to this event. It’s quite a spectacular view and inspiring to be a part of this large wave of animal lovers that come together for the Doggie Dash. We all gather to have a great time with our pets (otherwise known as the furry family members), while doing something very important…raising money to care for animals in need.
SPCA Cincinnati Doggie Dash in Motion!
“Pretty Please …” 20×16 oil/canvas by Dawn B. DwyerThis painting was a lot of fun to do as I collaborated with my niece who was on a secret mission in PA to photograph this pup so that we could paint it together here in Ohio. She wanted to do an oil painting for her father. So as I did this painting, I was also helping her to do her own. She did a similar painting of this same pose in a 12″ x 12″ and gave it as a gift to her father. After she went home to PA, I continued to work on it until I was able to get the look I wanted. Every dog owner knows this look.
Inv#3006 Available for sale
Winner of "CAT Scan" Oil Painting Announced at Pig Roast!
Winner of Raffle for the “CAT Scan” Oil Painting was announced! Dawn B. Dwyer, Derik’s Aunt and the artist of the painting presented the painting to Viv Hageman at the Pig Roast Benefit for Derik Saturday evening July 31, 2010.
Derik Congratulating Viv on Winning
Derik congratulating Viv Hageman on winning the “CAT Scan” oil painting. Oh but wait … there is much more to this story.
The Winner, Viv Hageman surprises Derik with the Painting!
Viv, is such a thoughtful and giving person. She told Dawn in advance that she wanted to give the painting to Derik. She said, “Although the painting is beautiful it really belongs with Derik, it was painted for him and it is about him and even named by his father.” So after a photo was taken with Viv, Derik and the artist, Dawn, Viv turned and said to Derik that she wanted him to have it.
Derik giving a big hug to Viv for her generous gift!
Derik naturally said, “No, no … it’s yours Viv” But after Viv insisted Derik gave Viv a big hug!
And a big kiss for Viv!
And a big kiss for Viv! This is really a heart warming story that surrounds the painting “CAT Scan” and its ultimate journey to Derik. So many people were a part of this incredible journey through their donations that were made prior to the raffle, the generous people who offered their time by collecting donations for the raffle and of course for Viv who maded this thoughtful gift back to Derik.
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September 30, 2010
Sadly on the morning of September 30, 2010 Derik lost his battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma at the age of 23 years old. Derik did not like being alone in the hospital and seemed to always have a crowd around him when you visited him. When he passed, he was not alone. The room was filled with his mother and father, sister, aunts and uncles, cousins and very close friends.
His passing was a surprise to friends and family because with all the love, prayers and support we thought for sure he would be a survivor of this cancer. We were all comforted by the love and support that he received during his time of need. On Thursday, October 7, 2010 there was a Celebration of Derik’s Life at the same location that we held the Pig Roast Benefit. Once again there was a large group of friends and family that gathered to share their stories of how Derik touched their lives and what knowing him has meant to them. It felt very good to hear what a special person Derik was and how many lives he touched during his short life. It was also said at the “Celebration of Derik’s Life” that although his life was short, his purpose was fulfilled in the 23 years he was here, as he lived his life to the fullest and with a great smile on his face. His smile and spirit made an impression on all of us.
We believe that Derik is in a better place now and his spirit will live on inside so many of us.
Dawn B Dwyer, Artist 
