Profile: Sabrina Helas

Sabrina Helas
cookiesandwaterphotography

Sabrina's photo "Kaiser" is on page 15 of the 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Sabrina's perspective is vintage and her focus is green. Using natural light and the unique spirit of each of her subjects, Sabrina Helas mixes documentary-style photography with a genuine understanding of dogs, children and their nuances.

Sabrina is an eco-conscious entrepreneur running two boutique photography businesses—Cookies and Water Photography (cookiesandwaterphotography.com specializing in our furry dependents) and Milk and Cookies Photography (milkandcookiesphotography.com
specializing in children). After getting herself fired from corporate America in early 2005, she was able to follow her life long dream of becoming a professional photographer.

Ultimately being drawn to the genuine, she abandoned the entertainment industry, stopped moving between New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and settled in Eagle Rock where she now lives with her husband and their two pups. . Her next project, The Senior Project (title TBD), finds Sabrina expanding her portfolio yet again. In this chapter of her work, she will be capturing the wisdom and life in the faces of our beautiful wise elders.
PS. a big congrats to Sabrina....she got married a couple of weeks ago!

Profile: Blenda Tyvoll

Blenda Tyvoll
blendatyvoll.com
blendastudio.blogspot.com
Etsy Shop

Blenda's artwork entitled "Beloved" is on page 11 of the 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Blenda is an expressive artist who paints in a variety of mediums which help to convey her vibrant inner spirit. She studied art and design at Marylhurst University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Blenda is an award winning and published artist, an active member and recent past treasurer of the Watercolor Society of Oregon, and a core group member of Open Studios of Beavercreek. She continues her artistic journey as a full time artist, exhibiting her work at Howden Art, Oregon City OR, in jury selected shows, at her studio and on her website, BlendaStudio.com.

Her paintings have been purchased by collectors worldwide, including Great Britain, France, Portugal, Australia, Canada, and throughout the United States. Blenda lives in Oregon, USA with her husband, Joe, a dog Zippy, two cats, three horses, and a 12 year old pet chicken named Gerdy. (Now that's an old chicken!).

Blenda's Artist's Statement--- " My style is defined as original, intuitive, and imaginative, creating paintings based on an emotional response to a subject. The most consistent elements in my paintings are simple shapes, harmonious color, and expressive line. I want to express to you, the viewer, a unique perspective of life by telling my story, using the language of paint and brush."

Profile: Kimberly Owen

Kimberly Owen
onceuponabluecrow

Kimberly's artwork entitled "Hugs" is on page 35 of the 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Here is a bit about Kimberly, from Kimberly:

I never went to school for art, it's just my passion. I actually went to school to become a cosmetologist. I was in that industry for about 10 years and then Iwent to work for an electronics company in the accounting department for 11 years.

I owned my own clothing retail store for about 4 years and had tons of folk art hanging on the walls, which in some crazy, winding way led me to where I am today. I closed the store and started selling my inventory on ebay and instead of buying folk art pieces I started making my own and selling those on ebay as well. I love mixed media. Love making dolls too.

Profile: Pat Nadarajah

Pat Nadarajah
pawzitiveart.ca

Pat's artwork entitled "Sadie" is on page 22 of the 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Here is some info about Pat and her art, taken from her website:

I am a Canadian self taught artist who currently draws and paints wildlife and pet portraits. I live with my husband, 2 daughters and 3 border collies. I have always had a love for animals as did my parents and sister.Growing up there was always one or two cats in the household.I began drawing when I was old enough to hold a crayon. It wasn't until 4 years ago that I decided to get serious about drawing again. Balancing a full time job, family and many activities, I found drawing relaxing.

My first choice of medium was graphite. Since I loved animals and was surrounded by a couple in my own home; I started with dogs.I would describe my style as realistic but I also strive to capture the personality of my subject. A couple of years and a few drawings later, I wanted to try a new medium.

Pastels had always intrigued me. I decided that to learn the medium I needed to take a course to help me along. Well after travelling all the way to the UK to take a course with Vic Bearcroft, renowned wildlife pastelist, I have now fallen in love with the medium. The trip was a turning point in my life and art career and along the way I can proudly call Vic, my mentor and friend.

I have had many positive artistic influences in my life. My father was a gifted writer and artist. He always encouraged me to draw and bought me some wonderful books and supplies. I have also been privileged to meet some wonderful inspiring artists in my artistic journey.

Profile: Jennifer Dotter

Jennifer Dotter
inthemeantime.typepad.com

Jennifer's lovely photo of Lucy called "Longing" is on page 17 of the 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Jennifer and her Air Force pilot husband live near Omaha, Nebraska. They share their home with Lucy and Leo, two sweet, goofy, and spoiled Labradors.

She is dreaming of the days when they can spend their days splashing in the waves and digging in the sands of the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Northwest.Jennifer and Jon just moved last week into their first home. Hey, Jennifer, are all the boxes unpacked yet?

Profile: Karen Davis

Karen Davis
karendavis.me.uk
Blog

Karen is one of the UK participants in our 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book. Her artwork "Magic Cat" can be found on page 14.

Karen is an artist, illustrator, and dreamer. She studied at the Maidstone College of Art in Kent, England and has a BA Hons degree in Graphic Design/Illustration. Karen has illustrated for childrens picture books, magazine work, greetings cards, and gift wrap. Her clients have included : Bodley Head, ABC, Radio Times, TSP,WWC, Roger La Borde.

Karen is inspired by animals, nature, magic, folklore, fairytales and music. Isn't her contribution to our book a wonderful combination of her inspirations?

Profile: Melanie Hughes

Melanie Hughes
nutsycoco.blogspot.com
nutsycoco.etsy.com

Melanie's photograph "Frolic And Play" is on page 13 of the 2009 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Here's a bit about Melanie, in her own words:

I'm an amateur photographer who was born outside of Cleveland, OH, grew up in Charlotte, NC, spent a few years in LA and is now back in Ohio in Columbus where I hope to stay for a long time! Except for a black/white photography class in college, I'm self-taught and love taking photos of nature, architecture and especially my pets (2 dogs and a cat). Macro shots of flowers are also some of my favorites. I love spending time on creative activities and when I'm not taking photos, I'm usually either sewing, making jewelry or knitting. Aside from my creative activities, I love spending time outside, enjoying the fresh air by going for walks/runs with my dogs, working on my yard or hiking at local parks.