Strange but beautiful

This was a strange flower I saw on a walk one day. It almost looked bleached. I felt it was uniquely beautiful so I painted a picture of it. This is a 16 by 20 watercolor pencil picture on canvas. I hope you like it.

Christmas, Peace, and blessings

This is a picture that reminds me of peace. It is a calming one for me and I am sure I will give it to someone who is in my peace circle. I am hoping for a calm and quite Christmas. I hope your's is the same. May you find love and blessings through out the year to come.

Daisies

I gave this picture to my sister for a christmas pressent. she had daisies at her wedding and has always been fond of them. It is a 16" by 20" watercolor pencil painting on canvas. So does anyone out there is cyberspace care? I see at times people visit the sight but I rarely have new followers or have any comments. I wonder what you think. Should I continue with this blog or doesn't it matter? You be the judge. I would love to hear from you and would love feedback on my work.

Deer

This is a 12" by 16" watercolor painting on canvas that can currently be seen in Comstock Park on West River Drive at the Bargain Hunters Outfitters. I liked this picture because of the background. It is a matter of putting the color on and then washing it off. This is done many times with various colors. The extra water is taken of with a piece of paper towel. It is a washing technique. Its fun to do because of the contrast of the deer against the background.

Imannuel

This is a 16" by 20" painting I did for a young girl who I run into frequently at one of our local Chinese restaurants. I have known her for at least 4 years now and have always admired her. I have painted a picture for her at Christmas for the last three years. This year I asked her what picture she would like. She said she wanted one with a Cross That said Imannuel under it. So I came up with this. I hope she likes it.

I'm Frozen...Summer Flowers

These are some flowers I saw this summer. I liked how the color was changed by the light. White seems to be the most important color for texture and definition. These flowers even look warm. Today I finally finished getting the outside things put away and ready for winter. The Christmas tree is up and the cards have been put in the mail. Its colder than snot in this house. I cleaned the furnace filter so I guess I should just turn on the heat and stop complaining. It is interesting how the cold effects my pain level. In the summer it feels good when I jump into a cold pool. It seems to ease the pain in my back. The cold of this time of year how-ever seems to increase the bone pain. This adds to my frustration and irritability. Seems real circular to me.

Spike

This is a picture of Spike from the Joss Weadon shows including " Buffy the vampire Slayer" and " Angel. My friend is absolutely nuts about him so x-mas present here we come. It is surprising how many pictures I give away at x=mas. I am glad I have been given this talent because it is one way that I can participate in giving. People seem to like the 16" by 20" watercolor pencil paintings on canvas.

I had a comment about Dillon Foxx. It stated that his girlfriend to be wife has been totally left out of everything dealing with his life or death. Dillon's picture went to his son. His mother failed to communicate with me so I felt his son would be the best person to give his picture too. The writer is right though Erica Di Anne Porter was never mentioned in the obituary or any other information I found on line when I searched for next of kin.

Subtle Beauty

I don't know why but this setting seems very subtle to me. It is quiet. It is a watercolor painting on canvas. If I breath deeply I can feel the smell of the flowers. It also feels warm to me who is sitting in a very cold house. Please feel free to leave comments. It is only through your comments that I know you exist in the vastness of the internet.

Yellow Flowers

I enjoy this type of flower but I don't know exactly what it is. It is a water color pencil painting on canvas. It is a 16" by 20" painting. Take note of how the white gives this painting a

real denominational feel.

Memories of the Pow Wow

This is a 12" BY 16" watercolor pencil painting on canvas done after I went to one of out local Pow-wow's. I enjoyed this man's enthusiasm and his love for the dance. It was a beautiful sight and I hope I did the image well. Enjoy.

Deer Hunting Season

Here is a painting of a white tailed deer. It is a water color pencil painting on canvas and is a 12"X16" in a 16" by 20" matte. I like it because of the way I did the back ground. You add color and than spray it away and then add color and smudge it around. Then more color and more spray. I thought it would be good to show a live deer at this point in the season. About two blocks down the street a six point deer crashed through the window of the Good Will Store. They trapped it in the fitting room and eventually had to put it down. What some deer won't do for a buck. Ha Ha but yet a true story.

Tiger Lilly up Close

This is a watercolor on canvas painting. I blended the colors by hand which was quite the challenge. It is a 16" by 12" painting and comes matted in a 20" by 16" mat. Orange is one of my favorite colors so the Tiger Lilly is one of the flowers that fills my front ditch. It is a very prolific flower and produces a ton of orange when in bloom. I charge $125.00 for a painting like this. Give me some feedback on the price. To much? Not enough? What is your Idea?

Eye of the Iris

This is a watercolor painting on canvas of the inside of an Iris. This is somewhat of and older photo I dug up and then painted the picture. It reminds me of sci-fi stuff. I liked the swirl of the pedals. It is a 16 by 20" painting. Enjoy.

Memories from Summer

I was taking a short road trip this summer and a whole field of these flowers suddenly appeared as I rounded the hill I was on. They were so beautiful that I stopped and looked at them for a while. As is typical I had my camera with me and stamped a few pictures. I can still feel the warmth of that summer day. This is a 12" by 16" watercolor painting on canvas. It sells for $125.00 matted in a 16" by 20 " matte.

Cool Blue and Spikes

This is a painting of a blue flower looks very Spiky. It is a 16 by 20" watercolor pencil painting on canvas. Now that Art Prize is done my traffic is disappearing. No one has posted a comment for a month and I am getting unmotivated again. Well I guess I will just keep on trying.

It's a bear

Some times life is just a bear. I can not understand why I stumble and trip when I think I am on a role. I try to meditate, stay on the straight and narrow and then something happens and I am off to the races. It is like rolling down a hill. Momentum begins to build and then boom it's over. I wake dazed an wonder were I am. Reality bites. I would rather paint. I am tired of dealing with reality. This is a 16 by 20 inch water color painting on canvas. Enjoy.

Old Habits Die Hard

This is a picture I painted for Sarah Miller of her and her husband Paul Miller. Paul was one of the Michigan Casualties in 2010. The picture that was in Art Prize was given to Paul's father. I have been trying to paint in reasonable time tables so that my body does not suffer from the over exhaustion of non-stop painting method that I have done in the past. In the past I would paint until the painting was done one or two days later and then I would just drop and sleep for a day or so. I have been practicing painting for 8 hour and then quitting so as not to overtax my body. This method takes much more discipline. Well needless to say I started painting this picture and could not stop painting. I found myself exhausted after two days with a finished picture. I know it isn't good for me but I do so enjoy the time I spend in this wordless place in my brain that loves to paint. It almost feels like an addiction.

Rest in peace.

A friend of mine asked me to paint this picture. The woman died in a motor cycle crash. Rest in peace lady. It is a 16" by 20" watercolor pencil painting on canvas.

Flowers a change of place.

United States 33

Thailand 5

Turkey 4

Ghana 2

Lithuania 2

Myanmar [Burma] 2

United Arab Emirates 1

Australia 1

Brazil

Germany

I find it interesting that this blog is being see by people in the above country's. Myanmar were is that. United Arab Emirates? I continue to see how out of touch I am with the world. Ghana? It sounds familiar but to point it out on a map would be beyond my knowledge base. I really must study more of life's places. Well people from all lands can appreciate flowers. Hope you like these.

Pfc Shane Michael Reifert The Swan.

This swan was done for Kitty Reifert. She doesn't know it yet but will receive it when she gets her picture of her son, Pfc Shane Reifert. I got the original Picture from her blog, Myfallensoldier.blogspot.com. I drew it in appreciation of her blog about her son. It is so well written. She says that her son's on line gaming name was swan. When she went to the zoo this year on the aniversery of the last time she was with her son at the zoo, this swan put on a show for her which she caught on her camera. So thank you Kitty your personal insights.

Legacy Trust Donates postage.

This young lady died about a year ago from cancer. A friend of hers had this picture painted for her cousin who was very close to her. It is a watercolor pencil painting on canvas.

Life goes on. The pictures for Art Prize are all packed up and ready to be mailed. I will take them down to the Legacy Trust building who have committed to paying the postage for me. Thank God. I did not know how I was going to come up with the money.

Silence and the hidden gift

I find it difficult to talk today. I just want the serenity I can find in my work of painting. I was watching TV the other day and saw this program. It described a man who had a concussion and suddenly could play the piano. It sounded like some of the same stuff I go through. With the headaches and the obsession to paint only he just does it with a piano. Check it out the link is below.

http://science.discovery.com/videos/ingenious-minds-derek-amato/

Just because Watercolor

Just because I like it. This watercolor is done with the tube type paint. As is tradition my worn out body is now sick after the stress of Art Prize. I will take a rest and then continue.

Art Prize the end

Well I ran the gantlet and finish the race. I slept almost all day. This afternoon I watch the Tigers lose the game and I started putting the Art Prize stuff away. I would like to get the portraits delivered. Maybe a few day trips will do it. I would like to see the colors. I fell the need to get away. We will see.

Art Prize one more day

Well there is one more day of art prize and I am ready for it to end. I find myself very exhausted. For the last four days I have been fighting Hives and inflammation from an allergic reaction to medication. I look quite puffy in this picture. One day and I can rest.

Art Prize 2011, Casualties

I feel honored to have painted the portraits of the 2010 Michigan Casualties in the war of Afghanistan and Iraq. I have bee an artist now for only four years and I know little about how the art world works. I paint to express my feelings about things. I was a social worker for over 25 years and I miss the career that let me help others and make change were change was possible. I have gained entrance into Art Prize for the last three years. My art is not big nor gaudy. My art is a simple statement about the projects I have taken on. Honoring these Casualties must not be mistaken for a cheap attempt to make some money. For me Art Prize is an opportunity for me to continue my expressions of concerns without the voice I once had to rely on. I do get frustrated with the lack of equal opportunity in this contest. I also realize that I was able to reach more people with Art prize than without it. These are my thoughts about this controversial subject that is so news worthy these days.

Sincerely,

Elaine Hoogeboom

Art Prize 2011 Causualties

I will be at Art Prize 2011 from 5:00 to 9:00 today. Come on down and pay your respect to " Our Boys." Watercolor pencil Paintings on Canvas. Hope to see you there.

Art Prize 2010

This is a picture of me and my display for Art Prize 2011. It was taken by Emily Hanson. Both the Hanson's and the Standfast's I am

hungry and the dinner smells Delicious. I am tired and my body is full. Good night all

Elaine

Mikies Minutes, Art Prize 2011

As I sit here at Art Prize I am reminded about Mikies Minutes. This is a fund raiser to get phone cards to the service men over seas. A mother came through and told me that her son who was oversea's recently called home. It cost him two hundred dollars. What an outrage. How many 20 year old boys spend 200 to call there parents. This should be free. Well it is not so this get involved and go to: www.MikiesMinutes.com and donate some money for phone cards for these guy and gals overseas. Mike's parents are working very hard for this cause. Think about helping this cause.

Art Prize 2011, Casualties

Well I am down at Butterworth Hospital with Art Prize. The big vote is done so now I can just have fun. People have told me more than once this display tears your heart out. I want the people to look at these young men and get to know them. I refer them to this sight to get more information on the men. I challenge them to look into their eyes and know them better. To make the sacrifices that they made is outstanding and the deserve our respect for their gallant efforts.

Art Prize 2011, Casualties

The last day that the vote counts for me. Traffic for Art Prize 2011 has been very, very low at Butterworth Hospital. These water color paintings on canvas will be seen by probable less than 1% of the crowd. RIP

Art Prize News

No Pictures today. Art Prize is very slow. I have tried everything I know to try to get traffic with no success. I feel like I am letting the Boys down. They deserve so much more attention than they are getting. You are all welcome to try anything to get the traffic to come down to Spectrum Hospital Butterworth Campus in the Atrium. I will try to be there every day except This Wed. Hours are from:

Hours
Opening Day 6PM-10PM Monday-Thursday 5PM-8PM Friday & Saturday 12PM-10PM Sunday 12PM-6PM The hospital is open more but these are my hours.

Spc. Joseph Dennis Johnson, Art Prize

This is Spc. Joseph Dennis Johnson. This is the picture I did for his mother. It was to small for Art Prize so I just gave it to her earlier this year.

Art Prize is again a big disappointment for me. My venue is dead with only few people from art prize coming through. The people who do come through are very positive about the work but probable won't vote in Art Prize. I don't even feel I will make the top 25 in the Hill side district. It is not about winning it is about doing a lot of work and it still does not get seen. I feel I let down all the family's that lost their loved ones. I can only go with the current yet I feel like I only swim against the current.

Zack and Willa

Here is my two favorite kids, the grand kids. This is a watercolor pencil painting on canvas of them. They bring me so much joy that it floods my heart every time their names enter my mind. I am so blessed to have them in my life. I hope you enjoy the picture but it is more for me than anything. Thanks for stopping by.

Spc Shane Hasan Ahmed, Art Prize 2011

This is Spc Shane Hasan Ahmed. Shane was married and had a stepson and stepdaughter. I was unable to contact them to tell them about Art Prize. His parents were also very reluctant to talk with me. Shane was said to be a well liked student by both teachers and fellow students. He was conscientious, brilliant, respectful and quite. He was in the same company as Pfc Shane Michael Reifert and was killed 8 days after him. Shane was able to communicate with the Afghanistan people and also was able to teach some of his fellow soldiers the language. Shane was killed in Afghanistan on11/14/2010 at the age of 31. His portrait can be see from Sept21 through Oct 9 at Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus in the Atrium.

This is the last of the Series. Art Prize is 4 days away. My anxiety is high and although I hope a lot of people are educated by my entry I also hope that emotionally it does not totally whip me out. I have asked for volunteers to help me with the process. I have prepared everything that I can to be ready for the process. I plan to get some good sleep. God help me to do the best I can I put it in his hands now.

Pfc. Shane Michael Reifert, Art Prize 2011

This is Pfc. Shane Michael Reifert. Shane was a young man who wanted to be a soldier all his life. Even as a child he was involved with civil war reenactments. He was a hero to his two young cousins. He modeled integrity, courage, and bravery long before the war.

Shane's sister and mother are also blogging their experience of losing a brother and a son. It is well written and well worth the Read. The address is http://myfallensoldier.blogspot.com.

The watercolor pencil painting can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at the Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus in the Atrium. Art Prize is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan from Sept. 21 through Oct.9

Hours

Opening Day 6PM-10PM

Monday-Thursday 5PM-8PM

Friday & Saturday 12PM-10PM

Sunday 12PM-6PM

Shane died in Afghanistan on 11/6/2010 at the age of 23.

Ruppert P 390, Cpl Jeffrey Standfest

This Is Ruppert P 390. He is a Marine War Dog who was killed by an IED. 23 days before his partner Cpl Jeffrey Standfest. I am sorry I did not have this picture earlier as I would have added it to the Art Prize 2011 entry. I still will probable take it with me for viewing during regular hours. He was killed in Afghanistan and his partner was hurt. Jeffrey lived the next 23 days with out his partner and then was also killed also. Rest now in peace, Dawg.

Spc. Joseph Thomas Prentler, Art Prize 2011

This is Spc. Joseph Thomas Prentler. He joined the Army to follow in his grandfathers footsteps. He was the type of person who loved to make people laugh. He was the type of guy who was concerned more about others than himself. He had completed the Calvary training and was very proud of this accomplishment. He died in Afghanistan on 10/4/2010 at the age of twenty. The watercolor pencil painting on canvas of him can be seen Sept. 21 through Oct. 9 at Art Prize 2011. The venue will be At Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in the Atrium. Hope to see you there.

Feel free to make any comments or give me any feedback so I know you are out there.

Sgt. Anthony Dennis Matteoni, Art Prize 2011

This Sgt. Anthony Dennis Matteoni. Anthony was a special young man who found out that he and his wife were going to have a baby the day he was deployed. He found out that the child would be a girl two days before he was killed. The picture to the right is the one I drew for Avery for fathers day. She has a great mom and a hero for a dad. Anthony was from Union City, Michigan. He died on 10/1/2010 in Afghanistan at the age of 22. I painted a watercolor pencil on canvas picture which can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at Spectrum Hospital Butterworth Campus in the Atrium.

Spc. DeAngelo Barnell Snow, Art Prize 2011

This is Spc. DeAngelo Barnell Snow. DeAngelo was an exceptional young man who was an artist with drawing, airbrushing, and tattooing. He was also an exceptional dancer. DeAngelo had seven brother and 7 sisters between the families of his mother and father.

Deangelo's father Barnell and 9-year-old Devin were killed in a robbery that had gone bad approximately one year before DeAngelo lost his life. DeAngelo came from Saginaw Michigan. He was killed in Afghanistan on 9/17/2010 at the age of 22. The watercolor pencil painting on canvas portrait can be see from Sept. 21 Through Oct. 9 during Art Prize 2011. The painting will be displayed at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Atrium.

Please feel free to make comments so I know you are out there. Also feel free to join the blog as fan's.

Senior Airman James Arthur Hansen, Art Prize 2011

This is Senior Airman James Arthur Hansen. James was the only soldier that died in Iraq. Tragically he was killed when a piece of shrapnel pierced through his chest and out his side. He was observing a the second of a five controlled demolitions. These demolitions were not performed by the civil Engineering commander. The report indicated that several safety procedures were not followed which was very upsetting for all that new the Hansen family. It is very hard to understand why such reckless behavior was allowed to go on and the cost was the life of James.

James joined the military to follow in his fathers foot steps. He was also going to school and had only two or three classes to go before getting his college degree in Public Communications. James was from Athens, Michigan. He died on 9/15/2010 at the age of 25.

James portrait can be seen Sept.21 through Oct. 9 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus atrium during Art Prize 2011. It is a watercolor pencil painting on canvas.

SPC Bradley David Rappuhn, Art Prize 2011

This is SPC Bradley David Rappuhn. He was an anti-armor specialist in a Ranger Regiment. Bradley was was due home in July but his tour was extended 45 days. This was his first deployment. He had been injured earlier ( Memorial Day) and still had a piece of shrapnel in his that could not be removed. His mother described him as easy going. He liked fishing, BMX biking, motor cycles, bowling and his dog Bill. His mother said she never new exactly were her son was in Afghanistan because he was with a highly secretive unit of Specialists. Bradley's portrait can be seen during Art Prize 2011, from Sept 21 through Oct. 9. It can be viewed at the Spectrum Health, Butterworth Campus Atrium. Bradley was from Grand Ledge, Michigan. He died on 8/8/2010 at the age of 24.

Cpl Paul James Miller, Art Prize 2011

This is Cpl Paul James Miller. For reasons that I don't know about this is one of my favorite pictures. Paul looks so young and innocent that it is hard to believe he was on his 3rd combat deployment. He was married to his high School sweetheart after he graduated and they planned to start a family after he returned home from Afghanistan. His favorite sport was fishing with his father who was devastated by the loss of his son. Paul was from Traverse City Michigan. His portrait can be see at Spectrum Health Butterworth campus Atrium During Art Prize 2011. This is a photo of the original watercolor pencil painting on canvas. Paul was killed on 7/19/10 at the age of 22.

Feel Free to give feedback on my work I appreciate the input.

Elaine

Cpl. Daane Adam Deboer, Art Prize 2011

This is Cpl. Daane Adam Deboer. Daane packed a lot of living into his short life. He hiked the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail while raising money for for the Susan B. Komen for the cure, Breast Cancer charity. He enjoyed extreme sports like skiing. Daane lived in Grand Rapids, Ludington, Michigan as well as Valparaiso, Ind. He died on 6/25/2010 at the age of 24. His portrait can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Atrium from Sept.21 through Oct.9,2011. This is a photo of the watercolor pencil painting on canvas that was done for Art Prize.

Spc. Joseph Dennis Johnson, Art Prize

This is Spc. Joseph Dennis Johnson. Joe was as fun loving mischievous type of a guy. He was never one to sit by the sidelines and watch. His mother gave me the picture on the right, stating it best portrayed Joe's spirit. I painted it for her and then painted a picture of just Joe for the Art Prize Competition. Joe's portrait can be see at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus Atrium. Joe is from Flint, Michigan. He was killed on 6/16/2010 at the age if 24. He had been in the military for four years prior to his death.

Cpl. Jeffrey R. Standfest, Art Prize 2011

This is Cpl. Jeffrey R. Standfest. Jeff was a natural leader and had a very balanced attitude. He was a great athlete and and a lot of creative ability. He was know to others as a focused, logical, open minded, and somewhat driven individual. Jeff enjoyed playing guitar and making up funny songs. Jeff's partner was a Marine War Dog named Ruppert. Ruppert died about one month before Jeff when an IED exploded killing the dog and injuring Jeff.

Jeff was from St. Clair, Michigan. His portrait can be seen at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus Atrium during Art Prize 2011. The dates are Sept. 21 through Oct. 9. Jeff was killed on 6/16/2010 at the age of 23.

1st Lt. Joel Christopher Gentz, Art Prize 2011

This is 1st. Lt. Joel Christopher Gentz. He was a combat rescue officer which is one of the most highly trained airmen in the Air force. He was an EMT/paramedic. He completed the Army Airborne School, Dive School, Air Force Survival School and did a rotation at a trauma hospital. His dream was to one day become an astronaut.

In addition to his job Joel also decided to set up a service to bring toys to the children of the war-torn nation. He called the toys "Kid Bombs." He died before completing this project. It is said that Joel was a peace maker not a fighter.

Joel was from Grass Lake, Michigan. His portrait can be see from Sept. 21 through Oct 9 during Art Prize 2011 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Atrium. After Art prize the families will receive the original painting. All of the paintings are water color pencil on canvas paintings. He was killed on 6/9/2010 at the age of 25.

Cpl. Anthony Aitilio Dilisio, Art Prize, 2011

This is Cpl. Anthony Aitilio Dilisio. The day he died he was told that he could take the day off but he decided to go anyway. His family didn't want him to go into the service but he wanted to go. He wanted to fight. He wanted to be a hero. He was stubborn and a born leader. He was 25 yards outside the camp when a van of enemy fighters fired upon them. They all died but so did Anthony. Anthony was from Macomb, Michigan. He died on 5/30/2010 at the age of 20. His original portrait, a watercolor pencil painting on canvas can be seen during Art Prize, 2011 at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital Atrium. Art Prize goes from Sept. 21 through Oct. 9.