Carol Santora, PSA

Stand By Me - Finished

2012-01-23T17:14:00.001-05:00

"Stand By Me"

image size 24"x18" - acrylic

Finished!

Simple Pleasures - Horse Painting

2012-01-21T16:10:00.000-05:00

"Simple Pleasures"

image size 24"x36" - acrylic

My Studio...

2012-01-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

Here are some views of my studio taken right after Christmas... work areas for my pastels and acrylics, easels for viewing work in progress... framing area in back... storage... library...

Stand By Me - Horse Painting

2012-01-11T18:28:00.001-05:00

"Stand By Me"
work in progress

image size 24"x18" - acrylic

Star's New Halter

2012-01-09T17:28:00.000-05:00

I began taking a weekly program called Women and Horses at the Ever After Mustang Rescue, Biddeford, ME, July 13, 2009. My purpose was to get close to horses, develop a bond and relationship, touch them, examine them and learn their anatomy, experience them first-hand - learn their personality so I could paint them better. Little did I know that the 8 week course would never end for me! For over 2 years, I worked with Reno Blue, born near Reno, NV in 1985. He is a very well trained blue roan mustang gelding that was a yearling when he came to the rescue. I have posted and painted his handsome face numerous times. (Check 2009 & 2010 posts)

Reno was adopted by the rescue in 1986, gentled and trained with the intention of placing him. "It was soon decided Reno would be a pioneer for his breed in the New England area, where mustangs were still distrusted and misunderstood. He would help to dispel the myths and inaccuracies and promote new adoptions. He lived up to every expectation and continues to visit schools, organizations, make public appearances and give pony rides to disadvantaged youth." He trained me well!

After going on a rescue with Mona (director of the rescue) in July of 2010, I decided to sponsor one of the mustangs. I had seen Star and tried to connect to her and photograph her many, many times during my visits to the rescue. She was as afraid of me as I was of horses before I took this program at the rescue. Star was very timid and afraid of most noises, and hates the camera even without a flash.

A year later, on August 11, 2011, I started working with Star to gentle her. She is a 13-year-old mustang mare who was named by the rescue when she arrived in Dec. 2002. "Although she had only minimal handling, she was trusting and in excellent shape. Her color is light Bay with a white star. She is approx 14.3-15 hands. She had been captured in the Calico Mountains Herd Management Area, near Gerlach, NV. on Dec.18, 2000 at 2 years old.

The first day I went into a pen with Star she stood at the back of it and I sat on a bucket and sketched her. I brought her some hay and left it near me, leaving her a small pile about 4 feet away from me. She came up to eat the hay very timidly after a long while and then she would back up. She pawed the ground and paced because I was in her space, but I just sat there, talking very quietly to her and leaving hay. Since that day I have worked with her at least once a week, most often, twice and some weeks 3-4 days. Each time there are very small steps and sometimes bigger set-backs.

It has been 22 weeks, and I have done many things with Star, and we have much more to do. She allows me to touch her face and nose and ears and eyes - all over. I can enter the pen and hook her to a lead line. I have groomed her all over except we haven't cleaned the hooves yet. She walks with me and does some ground work, and today she allowed me to put on the turquoise halter I bought her for Christmas. I worked on that for 7 weeks... first trying a larger halter and that last 3 weeks trying her new turquoise one you can see in the photo.

She has become my muse. Today after I let her out into the pasture, she turned and looked at me - letting me know she wanted me to take her picture!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T18:08:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas 2011!!!

2011-12-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

"Santa's Elves"

(Dixie and Biscuit)

Merry Christmas! Thank you to my family and friends that read this, my collectors and artist friends for your support throughout the year! Hope 2012 brings us all closer together! My hubby and I wish you all love, joy and peace, happiness, health and prosperity, and may all your wishes and dreams come true for yourselves and those you love this coming year!

Number Eleven - Pastel Cow Painting

2011-12-24T12:35:00.007-05:00

"Number Eleven"

image size 21"x16.5" - soft pastel

Finished!

Number Eleven - Work in Progress

2011-12-22T16:02:00.002-05:00

"Number Eleven" - Work in Progress

image size 21"x16.5" - soft pastel

In between working on my horse painting experiments in acrylic, I am working on a series of calf paintings in pastel. This little guy's ear tag was numbered 11...

White Steed - Acrylic Painting

2011-12-17T10:16:00.004-05:00

"White Steed"

image size 24"x12" - acrylic

White horses carry a great significance in mythologies around the world. They pull the sun chariot, carry warrior-heroes, patron saints and the world’s savior. Pegasus, the winged horse, is white.

Other myths and tales tell of white horses that are divinatory, who prophesy or warn of danger; that triumph over negative forces. These magnificent steeds, whether visionary or metaphorical, are found in liturgical sources preserved in on-going traditions.

Christmas eNewsletter 2011

2011-12-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

The Christmas 2011 edition of the Santora Fine Art newsletter is now available, with a look at some of my latest paintings and a wish for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Click the link: Santora Fine Art Newsletter Christmas 2011 and you will be taken to my website to read it

The Golden Horse - Acrylic Painting

2011-12-08T15:54:00.008-05:00

"The Golden Horse"

image size 24"x12" - acrylic on cradled board

Dr Silvia Hartmann wrote 'The Golden Horse' fairy tale... a tale of the terrible loss and heartache that occurs when the spirit world is lost because it is considered unimportant to our daily lives.

Here, good is triumphant in love and the splendors of the future. A story of true magic, it shows us we have the power to change the world and live lives filled with enchantment.

And from that beautiful golden wild horse came the unicorn... and after years of abuse they were reunited...

"the horse reared up and screamed... its screams turned into song... and as it reared and sang and danced, the unicorn leapt forward and it joined the dance and it too began to sing and as it did, their voices blended into one of beauty and of wisdom, and as they danced together... their forms began to blend and meld and then there was just one horse, golden and beautiful..."

Snug Harbor Farm Holiday Art Show

2011-12-03T12:00:00.016-05:00

"Mini Shetland: Isabel"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Mini Shetland I: Tate

Mini Shetland II: Sam

Mini Shetland III: Maggie

Mini Shetland IV: Tate

Snug Harbor Farm Holiday Art Show opens today at 1pm, and runs through December 31. I will have 4 new miniature pastels of the mini Shetland ponies and a larger painting of Isabel on exhibit!

Blue Mustang - Acrylic Painting

2011-11-27T15:51:00.001-05:00

"Blue Mustang"

image size 18"x18" - soft pastel

Blue is the color of the sky, the ocean, and twilight... pure blue is the color of inspiration, sincerity and spirituality... deep blue is the color of truth and moderation.

Jackpot... Dog Portrait

2011-11-22T12:31:00.001-05:00

"Jackpot"

image size 10.5"x10.5" - soft pastel

My latest dog portrait commission...

Multi-Artisan Holiday Open House

2011-11-12T12:05:00.002-05:00

Lampwork Bead Bracelets and Jewelry

Custom handmade purses

Precious metal clay vertical silver pendant

Miniature pastel paintings

Hot glass sushi plate

Precious metal clay round silver pendant

Santora Fine Art in Kennebunk, will host a multi-artisan Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 19, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Carol Santora and three other artisans will exhibit there for this event.

Santora will introduce a new collection of original framed seascape miniatures, in addition to her pastel animal paintings. Her portfolio of 8 limited edition giclee reproductions of her collectors’ favorite images will be available framed and unframed. Her “The Color of Cows” and “Horses of a Different Color” fine art catalogs and art cards also will be available. There will also be an opportunity to place an order for a commissioned pet portrait in time for a holiday gift.

The other artisan studios represented in this event are Kennebunkport Designs, Sundancer Stained Glass and Steele Rose Designs.

Barbara Hill of Kennebunkport Designs in Kennebunkport offers a custom-designed line of handmade purses, totes, wristlets and change purses. Made from elegant, designer fabrics and tapestries, these purses feature multiple pockets inside and are made in a variety of styles with zipper or magnetic closures. Each handmade purse and tote is designed and handcrafted individually.

Deb Caron Plourde of Sundancer Stained Glass in Saco has been designing and creating stunning pieces of glass art since 1993. Her portfolio includes stained glass wall hangings, lamps, door and window panels and hot glass creations. Using special fusing glass, the sheets are cut, layered and designed to create glass jewelry, tiles, coasters and picture frames.

Employing a hot glass technique called torchwork, Plourde uses a special beadmaking torch to melt the glass rods that she winds onto a stainless steel mandrel to form a bead. A unique collection of earrings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets also will be available.

Jewelry artisan Lorraine Harvie of Steele Rose Designs in Scarborough creates hand-forged sterling silver jewelry hammered and hand crafted with beach stones and Swarovski crystal beads. She also has a line of Precious Metal Clay jewelry, PMC, which is clay composed of pure silver powder. The clay is molded and fired in a kiln, creating a pure silver piece that is then tumbled to a high shine. Colors are added through the use of sulfur or resins, creating one-of-a-kind pendants, rings and earrings.

Santora Fine Art is located at 23 Fletcher Street (Rte. 35). Light refreshments will be served. FMI call Carol at 207-985-2830.

My Muse...

2011-11-11T09:15:00.012-05:00

"Muse"

image size 24"x18" - soft pastel

Here is a new acrylic I have been working on... Star, the mustang I work with at the mustang rescue, is my inspiration... Here are a couple of photos of her...

Fall Newsletter 2011

2011-11-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

The Santora Fine Art Fall Newsletter is now available... Enjoy!

Acrylic Paintings...

2011-10-20T09:31:00.000-04:00

I am working on a couple of acrylic paintings... will post work in progress soon...

Daylight and Darkness - Horse Painting

2011-10-16T12:17:00.007-04:00

"Daylight and Darkness"

image size 16"x12" - acrylic

Acrylic number 4... Eagle feathers keep appearing in the shapes of paint that I create with my hands.

"The creature most loved by the Great Spirit was the eagle, for he tells the story of life.... Through his eyes, he sees pleasant and unpleasant scenes, through his nostrils he smells good and bad odors, with his ears he hears joyful news and words that make him sad...."

"The eagle feather is divided into two parts, part light, and part dark. This represents daylight and darkness, summer and winter, peace and war, and life and death. So that you may remember what I have told you, look well on the eagle, for his feathers, too, tell the story of life."

from A Lumbee Legend.

New Blog - Miniatures of Maine...

2011-10-14T10:47:00.010-04:00

I started a new blog yesterday... above is the first post! I am working on a series of miniatures of images of Maine - boats, skiffs and the lighthouse at Cape Porpoise (my favorite painting place)... marshes along the Maine coast from York to Camden, and an animal or two - either a local farm animal or wildlife... or perhaps a more exotic great cat!

Most of the paintings are 4"x4" and are done of either Wallis or UArt sanded pastel paper that I've tinted cadmium orange or cadmium red light. It's a great way to use up the leftover pieces!

So check out Daily Paintings of Maine and let me know what you think!

Sweet Dreams - Horse Painting

2011-10-13T12:19:00.002-04:00

"Sweet Dreams"

image size 18"x24" - acrylic

A third acrylic...

Plains Phantom - Horse Painting

2011-10-11T14:51:00.006-04:00

"Plains Phantom"

image size 8"x10" - acrylic

Another experimental piece... this evolved from a more realistic rendering that wasn't working out the way I had envisioned it in my mind... Sometimes the best works arise from being free to 'destroy' an image or painting that isn't working.

Whisper - Acrylic Horse Painting

2011-10-09T14:06:00.002-04:00

"Whisper"

image size 16"x12" - acrylic

Back to my Experimental Series in acrylics... a few of my artist friends and I found a quiet studio to paint in while we were in Wyoming...

Opening Reception Pastel Show

2011-10-07T11:19:00.006-04:00

"Red Horses V: Noble Spirits"

Tonight there is an opening reception for the Pastel Painters of Maine member's show at River Tree Arts, Kennebunk. The show continues through October 29. Twenty-four artists submitted over 40 paintings... Noble Spirits is one of the 2 paintings I will have on exhibit.

My Gentle Side - Bear Painting

2011-10-06T14:04:00.001-04:00

"My Gentle Side"

image size 10.5"x8.5" - soft pastel

One of the paintings I did - the only pastel - while in Wyoming.

Gone to the Dogs Gift Certificate Winner

2011-10-04T13:47:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention... a name was drawn from all the visitors that voted at the Gone to the Dogs dog portrait show at the Wright Gallery for a gift certificate for $$ off a pet portrait. The gift certificate was won by Linda K, Congratulations!

Fritz is the Winner!

2011-10-03T14:50:00.000-04:00

Fritz is the winner of the Gone to the Dogs portrait contest - receiving 248 votes. Congratulations!

Voting 'Gone to the Dogs' Ended

2011-10-03T00:00:00.014-04:00

It's midnight...
Voting for Gone to the Dogs portrait contest has ended. Votes will be tallied this afternoon and the winner will be contacted first and then it will be announced here.

Thanks to everyone that entered dogs into the contest and to everyone that visited the show to vote, and to those that viewed the images on line and voted!

Sunrise Goat Island Light - Pastel Painting

2011-09-27T18:24:00.000-04:00

"Sunrise Goat Island Light "

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

This is my entry for 'Trust in Art' annual auction benefit... pre-bids are being accepted... the auction is Saturday, October 1, with preview at 4 pm, live auction at 5:30 pm, Atlantic Hall, Cape Porpoise.

'Gone to the Dogs' Reception

2011-09-25T23:05:00.000-04:00

Carol with her friends!

Nadia with guests

Shadow with her dad and portrait

Nadia with her portrait

Nadia's parents and family

Dave

A little Jack Russell visiting - one of his relatives - D'Arcy - was in the show!

The greeters...

Carol and Carol

Carol with her latest horse painting 'Untamed Spirits'

My hubby took photos last night of the opening reception of Gone to the Dogs at the Wright Gallery... several of the canines were in attendance as well! To see all the photos, please visit Facebook Santora Fine Art

Vote for Gone to the Dogs!

2011-09-24T00:01:00.053-04:00

Here they are - all 18 'Gone to the Dogs' dog portraits.
Now for the Competition...

4 WAYS TO VOTE – PLEASE VOTE ONLY ONCE

1. Come into The Wright Gallery, 5 Pier Rd, Cape Porpoise, ME and vote in person during the show.

2. Email your vote to: info@carolsantora.com - with 'Vote GTD" in subject line.

3. Post a 'comment' at the bottom of this blog post. Be sure to include your first and last name and the name of dog you wish to vote for.

4. Vote by 'comment' with full name and dog name on Santora Fine Art Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SantoraFineArt.

Voting BEGINS September 24 and continues through October 2. Only votes during this time will be counted. Multiple votes and voters will not be counted - one vote per email address or individual person. The winner will be announced in a post here October 3rd.

Please put “Vote GTD” in the subject line of your email, the name of the dog you wish to vote for and include your first and last name or your vote will not be counted.

Charlie and I thank you all for your support with this exhibit! See you at the opening reception!

Untamed Spirits - Horse Painting

2011-09-23T16:32:00.000-04:00

"Untamed Spirits"

image size 21"x20" - soft pastel

I completed this pastel painting inspired by 3 mustangs - Sue (center), Star (right) and Charlotte (left) - from the Ever After Mustang Rescue in Biddeford, ME, just before leaving for my annual Wyoming trip. It will be on display at the opening reception of 'Gone to the Dogs' at the Wright Gallery, Cape Porpoise, tomorrow at 4pm.

You are invited to 'Gone to the Dogs'...

2011-09-15T14:53:00.001-04:00

Everyone is cordially invited to the opening reception of 'Gone to the Dogs' - an exhibition of pastel dog paintings by Carol Santora, PSA. The reception is Saturday September 24, at 4 PM, at The Wright Gallery, 5 Pier Rd, Cape Porpoise, ME.

Come see the portraits in person... photos over the web do not do them justice! Voting starts then too! Hope to see you there!

Jackson WY visit...

2011-09-15T08:52:00.000-04:00

Photos from my visit to Jackson Hole and Dubois last year.... paintings to follow...

Mill Brook Gallery 'Artful Equine' Opening Reception

2011-09-10T10:55:00.002-04:00

Here are some photos of the reception last evening at the Mill Brook Gallery opening of 'Artful Equine'. I had the delightful opportunity to meet the gallery owner Pam's daughter's horse Sam. He's a 4-year-old and stands 17.5 hands tall. She works with him in dressage.

Artful Equine Exhibit Opens Today...

2011-09-09T14:00:00.000-04:00

"Trifecta"

image size 12"x12" - soft pastel

Another of my pastel horse paintings on display at the “Artful Equine Exhibit” September 9th-October 23rd at the Mill Brook Gallery and Scupture Garden, 236 Hopkinton Rd, Concord, NH. The Opening Reception is tonight from 5-8 pm.

Also Back in the Saddle Equine Therapy Center Fund Raiser will be held in conjunction with the exhibit on Tuesday, September 13, 5-7:30 PM.

Painting Mustangs...

2011-09-09T10:00:00.028-04:00

Charlotte painting...

Lady painting...

Maude painting...

Yesterday afternoon the mustangs were at the easel again... painting with their lips! Lady is a very accomplished painter, and worked on 3 pieces! Charlotte and Maude tried to encourage Sue and Star to join in but the 2 mares were happier observing their 'girlfriends'!

Siberian Majesty - Tiger Painting

2011-09-07T12:30:00.001-04:00

"Siberian Majesty"

image size 10.5"x10.5" - soft pastel

This painting was started as a demo for a local senior residence where I was teaching a class in pastel still-life painting.

Artful Equine Invitational Exhibit - Concord NH

2011-09-05T12:37:00.006-04:00

"Belgian Horse Power"

image size 21"x20" - soft pastel

I am one of a dozen artists invited to show in the 'Artful Equine’ exhibit at the Mill Brook Gallery and Sculpture Garden in Concord, NH. My pastel painting ‘Belgian Horse Power’ is featured on the invitation and gallery website. The show opens Friday, September 9, 5-8 PM, and continues through October 23.

I was interviewed in the article for the upcoming show that was published Thursday, Sept 1, in the Concord Monitor: Horse Sense - by Sarah M. Earle

The Mill Brook Gallery also represents some of my other pastel artworks.

Brandy - Welsh Corgi Dog Portrait Commission

2011-09-02T12:34:00.003-04:00

"Brandy"

image size 12"x12" - soft pastel

My latest commission...

Frozen Gaze - Tiger Painting

2011-08-29T12:59:00.005-04:00

"Frozen Gaze"

image size 10.25"x10.25" - soft pastel

A Bengal tiger...

Zana - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #18

2011-08-24T14:26:00.007-04:00

"Zana"

image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #18 - Last One!!!

Last Gone to the Dogs Portrait Tomorrow

2011-08-23T14:28:00.001-04:00

"I wonder who it will be?"

The last (but not least) Gone to the Dogs dog portrait will be posted tomorrow...

Check back to see who the 'lucky dog' is!

All dogs painted were drawn at random. If your dog was submitted but not selected, I am available to do commissions in any size or pose you wish. Please inquire by Email.

Powwow at Mustang Rescue

2011-08-23T10:34:00.003-04:00

Chalupa grazing behind the teepees

Sunset behind the teepees

Native artisan Dennis working on a coyote headress

Reno, DJ and Shasta running in the field behind the teepees...

Shasta and Cassidy watching the powwow from their 'front row' seats!

Stalls at entrance to Powwow

KCO Inspirations

I went to my first Powwow at the Ever After Mustang Rescue, Biddeford, this past Saturday and Sunday. No photos can be taken during honor dancing in the sacred circle or smudging... I did take photos of the mustangs during the day, the sunset after the auction Saturday night and some of the booths...

Winnie - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #17

2011-08-22T14:28:00.002-04:00

"Winnie"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #17

Biscuit - Dog Portrait for Gone to the Dogs...

2011-08-19T13:27:00.002-04:00

"Biscuit"

image size 10.5"x12.5" - soft pastel

Here's a portrait of my Biscuit for the 'Gone to the Dogs' Portrait Show and Competition. I couldn't choose one dog portrait over another for the invitation...

Baldur - Icelandic Ram Painting

2011-08-17T13:20:00.001-04:00

"Baldur"

image size 8"x10" - soft pastel

This painting is done on Jack Richeson pastel paper. It's very toothy and the pastels handle differently on this surface. I like the pre-tinted terra cotta background.

Baldur is an Icelandic ram from Pondview Farm in Limington, ME. I met and photographed him in 2009 on Farm Day... his rough white horns and heavy curly coat were the perfect subject to try with this new paper!

Mustangs in Motion 2011

2011-08-15T16:30:00.000-04:00

Lyda Pola of Starlight Farm in Gorham, ME, is a horse trainer whose focus is natural horsemanship and the relationship between horse and rider. She brought Sunday, a now 3-year-old mustang she adopted as a yearling, to perform several ground exercises.

Last year she was the tandem horse for Lyda's presentation. This year Sunday demostrated her training in backing up and moving forward with Lyda letting out and pulling in the lead line. They ran side by side to music and at one point with Lyda only holding on to her mane, using her body and voice to communicate to the horse.

Casino Art Show Tonight....

2011-08-13T10:02:00.001-04:00

"Tastes Awful"

image size 18"x18" - soft pastel

This pastel of a beltie cow bull will be on display at the 56th Annual Kennebunk River Club 'Casino' Art Show in Kennebunkport, ME. The invitational juried Casino Show will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday August 14, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, August 15. Preview Party by invitation is tonight 6-8pm.

Amber Eyes - Tiger Painting Demo

2011-08-12T13:13:00.001-04:00

"Amber Eyes" - 15"x14," pastel painting demo from last night at River Tree Arts, Kennebunk, ME, for the Art Guild of the Kennebunks.

Chance - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #16

2011-08-11T12:27:00.000-04:00

"Chance"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #16

Pastel Animal Demo at River Tree Arts Thursday Night!

2011-08-09T09:37:00.001-04:00

Thursday night I am doing a pastel demo of an animal... at River Tree Arts, 35 Western Ave, Kennebunk. Come to the demo from 7 - 8:30 pm to watch and see which animal I paint!

Chevas - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #15

2011-08-08T12:29:00.003-04:00

"Chevas"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #15

Skipper - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #14

2011-08-05T12:24:00.000-04:00

"Skipper"

image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #14

Mustangs Painting...

2011-08-04T16:00:00.008-04:00

Shasta

D.J.

Lexi painting #1

Lexi painting #2

Speckles

Speckles checking to see if we have enough paint...

Cheyenne and Grace approach the painting...

Grace starts painting...

Cheyenne gets in close as Grace paints...

Cheyenne paints her own!

Tuesday I went to the mustang rescue to paint with the mustangs! The horses are very talented and it's interesting to watch them! Some are careful 'painters' and some jump right in! Some are cyrious but cautious, and a couple have done this before! All their paintings will be for sale at Mustangs in Motion, August 14... and at the Pow Wow August 20 and 21 at the Ever After Mustang Rescue. Contact the rescue FMI.

The mustang artists are Shasta, DJ, Lexi (she completed 2!), Speckles, Grace (Lexi's mom ) and Cheyenne.

Shiva and Hailey - Dog Portrait

2011-08-02T12:32:00.000-04:00

"Shiva and Hailey"

image size 12"x16" - soft pastel

Another custom dog portrait between the Gone to the Dogs paintings... These 2 girls are very sweet and amazing service dogs. Shiva is a 6-year-old and Hailey is a 'retired' 11-year-old.

Fritz - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #13

2011-07-30T14:22:00.002-04:00

"Fritz"

image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #13

Lighthouse Flock - Pastel Painting

2011-07-27T14:03:00.002-04:00

"Lighthouse Flock"

image size 8"x11" - soft pastel

A fun little painting in between the dog portraits of Goat Island Light, Cape Porpoise, ME.

This painting was created for the 'Antiques and Good Things Auction' at the Kennebunkport Historical Society. Preview party Friday, July 29 at the Town House School from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

The auction will be held under the tent at the Town House School - antiques, artwork, and fine collectibles -beginning at 10 a.m, Saturday, July 30.

Farm Day in Maine - 2011

2011-07-25T17:09:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was Farm Day in Maine... my hubby and I visited 3 farms...

The first was Applegate Farm in West Newfield, Maine... They are a deer farm and manufacturer of biodiesel to run their facility. It was a fascinating presentation! They have 'red deer', about 18 right now... they had as many as 120 at one point, and these deer are considered wild.

They have 76+ acres for the deer to roam, vet them, give them vitamins and barley, grain and care. They raise them for meat, however I myself do not eat hooved animals. I find deer very graceful, peaceful and shy. We were fortunate to have been driven out to the pasture, and were able to sit in the Kubota and observe them while Pat Dolbec talked about the deer with much caring.

Next stop was Frelsi Farm in Limerick Maine... Frelsi Farm is known for their Icelandic sheep, goats and sheepdogs. They also have a breed of Icelandic chickens and roosters that fly and crow all the time!

The bearded goats had dreadlocks and reminded me of fairy tales of Rip vanWinkle and Father Time.

When we entered we were greeted by a dozen Icelandic Sheepdogs... much smaller than I imagined. My hubby was playing with a couple of the puppies... very sweet! It was fun to see them run together to greet new visitors to the farm, barking with fur flying!

One of the Icelandic sheepdog puppies...

Known for their Icelandic Sheep, Frelsi farm has a regal llama to keep watch in the center of the flock. When the sheep disperse, he does too - or is it a she?

Our last stop was Leary Farm, the only dairy farm in Saco, Maine. We've visited Leary Farm on previous Farm Days. They have 100 head of Holsteins and rotate 50 for milking, selling the milk to Oakhurst Dairy, who collects it every other day, no matter what the day.

Jim Leary toured us through the facility and introduced us to the calves... a 4-day old, a 5-day old, two 2-weeks old and a pair of Normandy-Holsteins, called 'Normandy', (father was a Normandy, mother was a Holstein) that were 2 months old. The Normandys are males and are a project for his children. They will be trained to wear halters and then the yolk to be work oxen (rather than sold for hamburger).

The Leary's have run the farm for generations and the children name the cows... and work the farm along side their parents. A 7-day-a-week job, 24 hours a day.

Norman, one of the Normandy cows...

The 4-day-old calf.

Sarah - Golden Retriever Dog Portrait

2011-07-23T17:13:00.006-04:00

"Sarah"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Another dog portrait between the Gone to the Dogs Portraits! Sarah is a very sweet and petit golden retriever...

Cover of the Tourist News - July 21, 2011

2011-07-22T13:44:00.001-04:00

The cover of this week's Tourist News!

Molly Joy - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #12

2011-07-21T14:33:00.005-04:00

"Molly Joy"

image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #12

Molly - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #11

2011-07-18T10:28:00.003-04:00

"Molly"

image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #11

Ruby - Wheaton Terrier Dog Portrait

2011-07-14T14:38:00.001-04:00

"Ruby"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

A pet portrait between pet portraits...

Ruby's mom was the winning bidder for a 9"x12" framed pastel pet portrait donated by me to the 2nd Annual Animal Welfare Society Gala Art Auction benefit in May this year. Ruby celebrated her 1st birthday on June 25... I photographed her after a romp with her mom on the beach and playing in the ocean... she loves the dog park, too!

Greta - Gone to the Dogs Portait #10

2011-07-11T13:49:00.008-04:00

"Greta"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #10

"Wading for High Tide" Boat Painting

2011-07-09T15:47:00.001-04:00

"Wading for High Tide"

image size 6"x16" - soft pastel

Paint the Port auction benefit is tonight at the Kennebunk River Club 'Casino'. This is my plein air auction painting done at Cape Porpoise.

Max - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #9

2011-07-08T13:45:00.000-04:00

"Max"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #9

Elf - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #8

2011-07-05T11:29:00.001-04:00

"Elf"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #8

Last Light of Day - Boat Painting

2011-07-02T13:06:00.001-04:00

"Last Light of Day"

image size 10"x8" - soft pastel

Another break from painting dog portraits... although I LOVE to paint them!!!

D'Arcy - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #7

2011-06-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

"D'Arcy"

image size 10.5"x10.5" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #7

Shadow - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #6

2011-06-28T13:47:00.000-04:00

"Shadow"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #6

Little Lamb - Sheep Painting

2011-06-27T15:41:00.004-04:00

"Little Lamb"

image size 6"x6" - soft pastel

In the middle of all the dogs paintings, this 'little lamb' begged to be painted...

Annual Open House, Free Raffle & Sale Today at Santora Fine Art...

2011-06-25T10:00:00.002-04:00

'The Mod Squad' free raffle painting

original framed pastel of Beltie cows

Barley - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #5

2011-06-24T08:43:00.000-04:00

"Barley"

image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #5

Nadia - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #4

2011-06-21T13:02:00.000-04:00

"Nadia"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #4

Annual Art Sale Starts Today at Santora Fine Art...

2011-06-20T10:00:00.032-04:00

Santora Fine Art Annual Art Sale starts today! Select originals start at $99; select giclees discounted 25%, and purchase The Color of Cows and Horses of a Different Color together (personalized if you wish!) for $40.

Gallery hours 1-4 pm today (Monday, June 20) through Friday and by appointment. Please visit my website http://www.carolsantora.com/ and if you see something you like, call or email for more info. Unable to be here for the event... email/web orders accepted with invoice/payment through PayPal!!!

Niki - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #3

2011-06-18T13:22:00.000-04:00

"Niki"
image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #3!

Goat, Sheep, Lamb at Wolfe's Neck Farm

2011-06-17T12:54:00.000-04:00

Just 3 of the many photos of goats, sheep and lambs I took last week at Wolfe's Neck Farm.

Heron at Wolfe's Neck Farm

2011-06-16T14:00:00.000-04:00

I got this great photo of a heron at Wolfe's Neck Farm last week, and then he flew so gracefully up into the sky and my camera batteries decided to go dead...

Dingo - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #2

2011-06-15T11:24:00.001-04:00

"Dingo"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Gone to the Dogs Portrait #2

Harper - Gone to the Dogs Portrait #1

2011-06-13T14:47:00.011-04:00

"Harper"
image size 9"x12" - soft pastel

Here is the first painting for 'Gone to the Dogs' art show and competition!

Wolfe Neck Farm Belties & Sheep

2011-06-12T14:44:00.002-04:00

I did a painting of these belties at the farm...

Photos of 'Caramel' and 'Chocolates'!

2011-06-11T10:48:00.011-04:00

'Caramel' in the middle!

'Dark Chocolate' and 'Milk Chocolate'!

Here are photos of some of the cows I was observing while doing my plein air painting Caramel and Chocolates the other day!

Caramel and Chocolates - Wolfe's Neck Plein Air Cow Painting

2011-06-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

"Caramel and Chocolates"

image size 8"x13" - soft pastel

Yesterday I went to Wolfe's Neck Farm and did my plein air painting for the silent auction. There was a herd of cows in the barn all crowded around each other trying to stay cool. These e kept an eye on me... and after about an hour one at a time, they all meandered out of the barn, stopping in front of me to 'moo' and move out into the rear field!

Tomorrow I'll post some photos of the animals...

June 2011 E-Newsletter

2011-06-08T16:04:00.000-04:00

Just posted: the June 2011 Santora Fine Art Newsletter... It includes updates on the 'Gone to the Dogs' Competition and details about the 'Annual Open House, Free Raffle and Sale'. Enjoy!

Gone to the Dogs Entry Photos...

2011-06-01T18:51:00.001-04:00

Here are all the dog photos for the dog portrait competition...

Last Day for Entries - Gone to the Dogs!

2011-05-31T12:02:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day for entries for the 'Gone to the Dogs' pet portrait art exhibit and competition!

For details follow this link on The Wright Gallery website: Gone to the Dogs

There are 30 entries so far... All paintings will be done in soft pastel, with mat and frame. The image sizes will be either 9x12 (horizontal or vertical) or 10x10.

Tomorrow all the dogs photos will be posted!

Poultry in Motion - Rooster Painting

2011-05-30T11:30:00.001-04:00

"Poultry in Motion"

image size 6"x6" - soft pastel

A third painting of this handsome guy...

Ruler of the Roost - Rooster Painting

2011-05-29T10:17:00.003-04:00

"Ruler of the Roost"

image size 6"x6" - soft pastel

Another rooster painting...

"Gone To The Dogs" - Deadline Approaches...

2011-05-27T10:05:00.000-04:00

"Gone To The Dogs" - Enter Your Dog!

Just 5 days until the deadline to enter your dog in the exhibit and competition "Gone to the Dogs" at the Wright Gallery, Cape Porpoise, ME. Gallery artist Carol Santora will randomly select dogs to paint from photos sent from across the country and elsewhere!

The finished paintings will be displayed and voted on during the special gallery show at the Wright Gallery. Anyone can enter and the People’s Choice painting will be awarded to the proud owner!

For your dog to be considered as an entry please send your favorite “chest view” photo to info@carolsantora.com with the subject line “Gone to the Dogs”. Entries must be received by June 1st. There is no charge to enter. June 1st the photos will be drawn and the painting will begin!

The competition paintings will also be displayed on The Wright Gallery website, the Santora Fine Art website and on Facebook where anyone can join the voting by “liking” their favorite.

All paintings will be for sale but cannot be shipped until after the show. If you can't make it to the show and wish to reserve your favorite painting, just send an email to info@thewrightgallery.com or call the gallery at 207-967-5053. Payment will be due after the announcement of the People's Choice winner.

On Parade - Rooster Painting

2011-05-26T13:00:00.000-04:00

"On Parade"

image size 7"x9" - soft pastel

That gorgeous Blackrock Farm rooster just begs to be painted... even when he's strutting!

Mini Shetland Ponies - Snug Harbor Farm

2011-05-25T11:33:00.002-04:00

She wants to paint!

Such beautiful manes and tails...

These Mini Shetland ponies were so cute! The female in the top photo was the largest of the 4... she was very curious about my continued presence yesterday and my painting equipment! She is the subject in most of the sketches and gesture drawings I did. At one point she went into the middle of the field and stood sideways, posing for me with her head up so I could draw her!

Shetland Pony Studies

2011-05-24T18:37:00.000-04:00

This morning I visited Snug Harbor Farm with 2 other artists to do some plein air painting. It's been rainging here for weeks now... I decided to do gesture drawings and studies of the Mini Shetland ponies. Most of these took only a few seconds.

At one point after I had been sketching for a couple of hours, one of the female ponies went out into the field and actually stood side-ways with her head up, and stayed that way for a few minutes so I could do these 2 larger sketches! I concentrated on the head and didn't get to draw her luxurious mane. Tomorrow I'll post some photos of them, and this female, who was very curious about my continued presence and activities!

Morning Outing - Rooster and Chickens Painting

2011-05-21T12:05:00.006-04:00

"Morning Outing"

image size 7"x10" - soft pastel

A painting from poultry at Blackrock Farm...

Ewe Lookin' For Me? - Sheep Painting Demo Done...

2011-05-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

"Ewe Lookin' For Me?"

image size 10.5"x10.5" - soft pastel

15-minute demo

This is the finished 15-minute demo painting from May 5.

Gone to the Dogs - Entries Coming In...

2011-05-18T15:39:00.000-04:00

"Happy Girl ~ Gretchen"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Almost 20 entries have been received in a little over a week since the competition was announced. Click this link for details... Gone to the Dogs Exhibit & Competion at the Wright Gallery and enter your dog today!

Ewe Two - Sheep Painting

2011-05-16T17:04:00.001-04:00

"Ewe Two"

image size 10"x15" - soft pastel

A pair of Shetland sheep from Tylerfarm...

What's Up With Ewe? - Sheep Painting

2011-05-13T12:59:00.000-04:00

"What's Up With Ewe?"

image size 12"x9" - soft pastel

Yet another Rambouillet...

Shropshire Sheep...

2011-05-11T17:04:00.000-04:00

Today I went to a pastel paint-out that was rained out - in search of some sheep reference photos. I got some great pictures of this flock of Shropshire ewes and lambs. The lambs didn't mind the misty weather and played - jumping on each other and butting heads!