"The Creative Spirit" - 5 new articles
Equine Art Horse Amish Style Buggy Horses
Simple Gifts
There is something peaceful and comforting about the sight of an Amish style horse and buggy traveling down the road. It takes me back in my imagination to another time, a gentler, simpler time when community and family were the core of life, and when faith was real and solid. These two horses were drawing a buggy through the town where my husband's late parents had lived. The owner was a very kind man who graciously allowed my husband to photograph his horses and buggy, and even chatted for a while. It isn't often you see two horses with a buggy; usually it is a single horse. But the man said they had been working together for eleven years and seemed to prefer it that way. Recently I read a book entitled Think No Evil, by Jonas Belier, who had been raised Amish and was still close to the community. The author tells the story of the Amish schoolhouse shootings from the point of view of the Amish themselves, but goes beyond that by giving us a glimpse into their community and way of life. He explains how generations of Bible teaching had enabled the Amish to forgive the person who so violently attacked their precious little ones. He describes their concern for the shooter's family and their refusal to seek any sort of vengeance or retribution. The more I learn about the people who are a part of the Amish and similar communities, the more I admire them. This pastel was done on Wallis Pastel Paper, and will be available through EBay, Art Helping Animals and Daily Painters on Tuesday. 20% of the sale will be donated to True Blue Animal Rescue. For more information at this time, please email me. Email Della  Animal Art Cats White Cat with Teddy Bear by Della Burgus "That's What Friends Are For"
Animals often develop strong emotional attachments, just like we do. Sometimes it is with other animals, either one of their own species or someone entirely different. A few weeks ago, I wrote about a friendship between and elephant and a dog. You can find all sorts of stories like that in the bookstore or on TV or the Internet. But sometimes a favorite toy becomes a best friend. Our little poodle had a toy lamb when he was a pup. We called it "Buddy." He knew it by name. It played with him, slept with him, was his constant companion until he loved it to death. We replaced it, of course - twice - with another just like it. Now he has a somewhat sturdier toy, a long blue dog, which seems to be able to endure the kind of "tough love" that Button gives it. Cats, being more independent, seldom become attached to inanimate objects, but this one does like her Teddy Bear. Actually, I believe the Teddy Bear belonged to one of the children in her family before he became her special friend. She can and does spend a lot of time away from him, but enjoys having him around, especially for her afternoon naps. She gets a little cranky when he does not occupy his regular spot on the couch. We all need friends. To find one who is loyal, caring, loving and accepting, visit your local animal rescue or shelter. They give a lot and don't ask much in return, just your heart. 20% of this sale will be donated to
Tabby's Place - A Cat Sanctuary Friends Pastel by Della Burgus 12 x 19 image size Matted and ready to frame  Best in America Pastel Artists
 Pastel, Maine Coon Cat, "Tiger" Tiger
by Della Burgus Pastel on Wallis Pastel Paper It is funny how the smallest things have tremendous impact on our lives. One day a tiny kitten showed up at the home of my husband's parents, Jesse and Zella. Jesse told Zella not to feed it, or "we'll never get rid of it," which, of course meant, "if you feed it we will have ourselves a nice cat." My mother-in-law would never dream of sending anyone away hungry, not even a kitten, so it seems that Jesse's prophecy came true. The kitten moved in and eventually had the run of the house. Zella continued to feed him and he grew into a very large cat. They called him Tiger. He loved to play in boxes and paper bags, to hide behind things and jump out at anyone passing by. He was a great cat, very friendly and fun, with just a little bit of an attitude. After my father-in-law passed away, he became Zella's close companion and caretaker. He took care of her by giving her someone to take care of. He was with her through her own final illness. He has a new home now, with someone who had known and admired him, and asked the family if Tiger could come live with him. It seems God still has a plan for his life. Albert Einstein once said, "There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." To me, Tiger is one of God's special little miracles, a gift given at just the right time. He had a job to do and he did it well. I don't know what sort of job he has now, but whatever it is, I am sure he is doing it equally as well. This painting is a pastel on Wallis Pastel Paper, the image size is 13.5 x 17.5, matted to size 18 x 22. It is mounted on foam core board and comes ready to frame. Frame is not included. It will be available through the Daily Painters and the Art Helping Animals blog, and also through eBay. 20% of the sale will be donated to Tabby's Place - A Cat Sanctuary.  International Artist Day
October 25th is International Artists Day and it's gaining support worldwide. This grassroots movement is not mainstream as yet but artists and galleries in communities everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon. Perhaps an overview is needed to explain the concept. In another article, she suggest ways to observe this great day:
This Blog brought to you only partially tongue-in-cheek by an artist who is tired of her relatives asking, "What do you do all day?" P.S. I didn't make up any of this - both the website and image are legitimate, and so are the articles.  More Recent Articles |
