Diane Schuller

"Spring's Coming?" by Diane Schuller (http://www.dianeschuller.com/)


Diane is an award winning short story writer who has increasingly added photography to her creative endeavours. As a freelance photographer she incorporates editorial, environmental, and portrait work. Her favourite subjects are dogs and horses and the people who love them. Diane works from her rural home in northern Alberta and is fortunate to have three office assistants: two Australian Shepherds and a Springer Spaniel. Her husband supports and shares all her interests, as well as dog walking duties.

"I love capturing dogs in natural environments so never do studio work. Although I adore the low lying golden light near sundown, there is also something special about the soft yet reflective light on an overcast snowy day. When taking photos of clients’ dogs, my goal is to capture their dog naturally, whether at play or work, in a curious moment, or interacting with their humans. When I freeze those moments with my camera, revealing the dog’s true essence, that is the greatest feeling. My submissions reveal some of those moments; I call them life’s sweet ordinary." - Diane

Diane's web site: http://www.dianeschuller.com/
Diane's blog: www.dianeschuller.com/blog/

Upcoming Press

Just heard word from Modern Dog Magazine (a Canadian publication) that they will be running either a feature or review of our book in their September issue. Thanks to artist Lisa Graziotto (thehowlingcanvas.com) for helping to make this happen! Lisa's painting "Kaya" was done for the editor of Modern Dog and is on the top right hand side of page 15 in the 2010 Art Book.

Carole Akins

Carole Akins
website: CaroleAkins.com
(photo of Carole by Trevor Hoene)


Using a bold and modern impressionistic style, Carole Akins explores the magic of everyday life. She is inspired by the world's endless supply of chance, humor, and the unique personalities of people and animals alike. She celebrates these themes in her whimsical, vivid pieces using colorful bravado and the beautiful, complex combination of words and images.

Carole's artwork, entitled "Carpool" can be found on page 64 of the 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book.
And...you'll be able to purchase "Carpool" greeting cards shortly!

Shannon McLaughlin

Shannon McLaughlin

fromagephotography.com

Shannon is a Philadelphia-based modern lifestyle photographer who is focused on taking adorably sweet portraits of people and pets. Rather than posing her subjects in front of stale backdrops, she prefers to shoot casually on-location to capture candid moments that make people smile. Combining her Bachelor of Fine Arts with her eye for detail, Shannon aims to create vivid, stylistic shots that will be loved for years to come. When she's not taking photos, Shannon is working on illustrations of cute and cuddly pets, which can be found at shannonmclaughlin.net.

Shannon's photo "Sit. Stay. Love" can be found on page 56 of the 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book. Greeting cards of her image will be available soon!

"As an owner of five pets, I am passionate about animals and think this is such a unique way to raise funds for this unbelievably important human cause. I am honored to be in such great company in the Paws for Charity art book." - Shannon

Sheila Wedegis

Sheila Wedegis
website: http://www.labradorretrieverart.com/

Sheila Wedegis studied art in Boston but believes her real learning has been “the Doing”. Traveling the Eastern coast doing outdoor shows she now concentrates on her blog to get the word out about her Lab Paintings and Lab Rescue efforts. A recent quote from a Collector stated; “ Her paintings are outstanding…paints Labs better than anyone, capturing their souls” Sheila has her Labrador Retriever Art hanging throughout the United States, Australia, England, France, Spain and Germany.

Sheila's painting "Two Beauties" can be found on page 41 of the 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book.
“I paint what I love ,and that happens to be my love for Labrador Retrievers. Sharing my life with three and experiencing what wonderful creatures they are I became involved with Lab Rescue as well as other Dog Rescues. Paws for Charity was a perfect way for me to be involved.” - Sheila

Greeting cards with Sheila's painting "Two Beauties" will be available for purchase soon!

Becky Boggs

Becky Boggs
Her book: Through Nature's Door
Her second book: The Touch of Friendship and Healing

“As a breast cancer survivor and animal lover, I am very thrilled to be part of Paws for Charity 2010! I'm so happy that the proceeds from the book will benefit and support breast cancer patients, while at the same time celebrate the bond we have with our loyal and faithful pets!” - Becky

The photography journey for Becky Boggs began with her recovery from breast cancer surgery in 2001. She quickly became on a mission to find a way to capture the healing beauty and comfort that nature provides and take it to breast cancer patients. She created a book, to be given to newly diagnosed patients. She also provides nature's healing in a variety of medical settings to give solace and peace.

I think it's wonderful that Becky uses her photography to help heal and comfort others.
Her photograph "May I Come Too?" features Jack and is on page 21 of the 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Becky is also the photographer of the photo "We Share Pink Ribbons" on page 20. The story of Carol and Belle will be posted soon!

To order one of Becky's books, please email her at: wvgardengirl@insightbb.com

Print Article - NGNewsletter

An article has been printed in the North Grenville Newsletter, a bi-weekly publication in Kemptville, Ontario. The article features artist Kate Green and her painting "Pepper".

You can read the article by clicking on this link. The article is on page 8.

Melissa Langer

Melissa Langer
web: www.pugnotes.com
blog: www.pugnotes.blogspot.com


Melissa is featured on page 38 of the 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book.

Melissa Langer lives in Louisville, Colorado with her husband, Fred, her parrotlet, Gilbert and her pug, Emmitt. She loves to paint pugs and other dog breeds she lovingly calls Pug Pals. Capturing the spirit of each dog for people to deeply connect to and enjoy is the true focus of her efforts. Her paintings embody the toothy grins and wagging tails that happily greet us throughout our lives. Melissa's passion is working with acrylics on wood. She loves how the paint glides across the wood, often revealing a subtle natural grain of the surface below. Melissa's joy in life is to share her art with others.

"The Kiss" by Melissa Langer

"I know I have succeeded when my artowrk lights up the viewer's eye with a spark of recognition of an old friend. Whether the connection is from childhood or current day, that kind of smile is always contagious." - Melissa

Suzanne Bird

Throughout the year, I'll be posting about all the artists and photographers who have contributed to the 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book. I'd like to kick this off by featuring photographer Suzanne Bird.Suzanne Bird

Web: photobysuebird.com

Blog: photobysuebird.com/blog/

Sue is one of the founders of Paws For Charity, and throughout the years has generously contributed her photography and designing skills to our various projects. When I was the owner of a dog biscuit company, I sold a product called "Crunch for a Cure", with all proceeds donated to breast cancer charity. Sue photographed breast cancer survivors, and designed the packaging for these biscuits. Her work is always outstanding, and I have missed collaborating with her since I moved to a different province.

Sue started with a photojournalism diploma from Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Throughout a short career as a staff photographer for several major dailies, Sue won numerous awards. In 2002, she decided to build her own business revolving around capturing the bond that exists between people and their pets in an artistic and editorialized way. She currently runs her own Animal Lifestyle Photography company from her country studio in Carp, Ontario. She has worked for clients across Canada and US and is regulary featured in Dogs in Canada, including the cover photo for their 2010 annual issue.

Sue contributed two feature pages of breast cancer survivors (page 3 and page 40). Her submission to our book, entitled "Katie" (page 16), features a little girl with autism loving her working dog. Her dog has opened up her world.This photo was featured in an article published in the December 2009 issue of Dogs in Canada. You can read about it here on Sue's blog.

Hard or soft?

If you are sitting on the fence, wondering whether to order a hard cover 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book...or a soft cover 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book...here is a photo to show you the difference in size.

I have both versions of the book, and I must say that spending the extra $11 for the hard cover version is well worth it. The hard cover is truly an Art Book that would make your coffee table proud!

2010 Book is here!

The 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book is ready for ordering! Click on the Blurb badge below to see a little preview.

2010 Art Book ...

65 artists raise fu...

By Paws For Charity

Book Preview

This year's book is bigger than last year...8 x 10...and has more pages...75 pages instead of 39...and more artists...65 instead of 37...and more images...96 instead of 37. I ordered the hard cover copy as a test, and it looks fantastic! A true coffee table book.

And remember...all proceeds are donated directly to The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade.