The Art of Being an Artist

The Joy of Creating

2011-10-09T20:11:00.022-04:00

THE JOY OF CREATING

Been so very busy and it's been long since I made a post. So here is my latest...

"They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night."

-Edgar Allen Poe -

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves."

- Buddha -

Prints, posters,cards available here

The Beauty of Florida's Swamps

2011-06-13T12:01:00.012-04:00

Mistress of the Glade

A Divine Mistress

In Nature's pieces still I see Some error that might mended be; Something my wish could still remove, Alter or add; but my fair love Was fram'd by hands far more divine, For she hath every beauteous line: Yet I had been far happier, Had Nature, that made me, made her. Then likeness might (that love creates) Have made her love what now she hates; Yet I confess I cannot spare From her just shape the smallest hair; Nor need I beg from all the store Of heaven for her one beauty more. She hath too much divinity for me: You gods, teach her some more humanity.

~ by Thomas Carew

Prints, Posters and Cards available here

It's hot , time to chill out...

2011-06-05T16:06:00.002-04:00

The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it. ~ Author Unknown

What a Wonderful World

2011-05-31T13:07:00.027-04:00

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~Vincent Van Gogh

There is a certain uplift and elevation one feels while listening to Louis Armstrong's beautiful song
What a Wonderful World. This painting is dedicated to the artist and his wonderful song.

Listen to his music here...

prints, posters or cards available here

City of Angels

2011-05-26T09:37:00.002-04:00

"The City's Love. For one brief golden moment rare like wine, The gracious city swept across the line; Oblivious of the color of my skin, Forgetting that I was an alien guest, She bent to me, my hostile heart to win, Caught me in passion to her pillowy breast; The great, proud city, seized with a strange love, Bowed down for one flame hour my pride to prove."
~ Claude McKay

acylics on canvas

This painting was inspired by a sunset after one of these rare storms in Los Angeles.
Cards, Prints or posters available below...

Siren's Lure

2011-05-23T11:02:00.009-04:00

SIREN'S LURE

digital painting, ©Susi Galloway

Ode

WE are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
And sitting by desolate streams;
World-losers and world-forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.

With wonderful deathless ditties
We build up the world's great cities,
And out of a fabulous story
We fashion an empire's glory:
One man with a dream, at pleasure,
Shall go forth and conquer a crown;
And three with a new song's measure
Can trample an empire down

We, in the ages lying
In the buried past of the earth,
Built Nineveh with our sighing,
And Babel itself with our mirth;
And o'erthrew them with prophesying
To the old of the new world's worth;
For each age is a dream that is dying,
Or one that is coming to birth.

Arthur O'Shaughnessy. 1844–1881

Storm on the Move

2011-05-21T21:17:00.010-04:00

"Why, now blow wind, swell billow, and swim bark! The storm is up, and all is on the hazard."

William Shakespeare

Acrylics on Canvas, View from Honeymoon Island to Clearwater Beach

Thunderstorm

2011-05-18T09:04:00.003-04:00

While doing some remote work at the East Coast of Florida, during a thunder storm, I created this painting while watching the forces of nature through a window. Tropical storms always capture my fancy!

Digital Painting

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain."

~Author Unknown

The Rockies

2011-05-17T11:09:00.009-04:00

Acrylics on canvas

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings."

John Muir

Golden Fields - Taos New Mexico

2011-05-16T12:02:00.010-04:00

Acrylics on canvas

"First I saw the mountains in the painting; then I saw the painting in the mountains."

Chinese Proverb

Artwork Video - updated with new soundtrack

2011-05-15T11:25:00.010-04:00

Daisy the Different Dolphin - Childrens Book

2011-05-13T13:15:00.010-04:00

Childrens book by Ali King is now available for sale. It the story of growth, and finding the power within to believe in yourself. In the beginning, Daisy is an outcast, because she believes what the other dolphins are saying about her. When Daisy is faced with a moment to act, she does, and she shines! She realizes then, that she had this gift within her all along!

©Book by Ali King, illustrations by Susi Galloway

The Traveling Tea Ladies - Cover Art

2011-05-05T11:00:00.030-04:00

Cuddle up with your favorite pot of tea, bake a batch of scones and prepare to settle in for a page turner where strong women, strong southern friendships and strong tea are steeped in mystery!

Artwork & Design, Susi Galloway

This book is perfect for the tea lover, the traveler, the foodie or the mystery buff!
The series, set in Dogwood Cove, Tennessee introduces the reader to Amelia Spencer, owner of The Pink Dogwood Tea Room, affectionately referred to as "The Pink Lady." The cast of characters stars Amelia's three fun loving friends. Together they are known as "The Traveling Tea Ladies" and murder and mayhem seem to follow them wherever they go!

When Amelia and the girls travel to Dallas for a homecoming/reunion trip, they quickly find themselves in the middle of murder investigation. When Amelia is targeted as the primary suspect, the ladies quickly begin their own investigation to discover the real killer!

Readers will enjoy tried and true tea room recipes from Melanie's own tea room, Miss Melanie's Tea Room in Johnson City, Tennessee. A recipe section and resource guide are included with each book in the series as well as her tips on making the perfect pot of tea.

Book coming June 2011. . .

Melanie O'Hara - Salyers

For more info on Book & Author please visit http://www.thetravelingtealadies.com/About_The_Author.html
Facebook

Check out also The Traveling Tea Ladies - Death in Dallas

Love Art - become an Affiliate - generate Sales - earn Cash

2011-04-03T16:14:00.009-04:00

I now offer an affiliate program. If you like my work and would like to share this with others I invite you to become an affiliate. As an affiliate you will have a chance to earn a referral fee on any resulting sales or new art commissions. To sign-up click on the image or link below. Once approved you will be able to log-in, track sales and copy a variety of banners and links that you can place on your blog, website or facebook page. Pretty cool, huh.
Sign up here

Charlie - Character Design

2011-03-14T11:59:00.013-04:00

http://www.susigalloway.com/

This handsome fellow is my latest creation. Isn't he the most handsome fellow you will ever run across in the woods? Coming soon to a forest near you...

Stay tuned and visit Hugh Kelley Productions often for latest updates.

When it Snows in Scarborough - Painting

2011-02-12T11:43:00.007-05:00

This new painting was inspired by a unique love story and a photograph from a friend who grew up in Scarborough.

Will You be my Valentine

2011-01-23T16:54:00.003-05:00

I am pleased to announce that this year I will be releasing a series of customized art cards. This first was created for upcoming Valentine's Day. It's title is "Will you be my Valentine". It was created from an original acrylic painting on wood 48" x 32". So in addition to my regular cards, be sure to visit my gallery named "Greeting Cards" frequently if you are looking for unique art cards fitting for many occasions.

FINALS -- Please Vote for my Painting!

2011-01-03T13:03:00.026-05:00

Thanks to all your hard work, my painting titled "BEYOND THE RAINBOW" has made it into the finals at baobaobags.com. If it wins in this final round it will be used as a design on their cool bags.

To VOTE please visit http://www.baobaobags.com/pages/home (orange button)

Or scroll down and...

1. click appropriate painting,

2. click the "vote" button at the bottom.

5. Please vote daily, you can vote once per day.

6. Spread the work and encourage friends to vote.

THANK YOU!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T12:58:00.012-05:00

Let Christmas not become a thing

Merely of merchant's trafficking,

Of tinsel, bell and holly wreath

And surface pleasure, but beneath

The childish glamour, let us find

Nourishment for soul and mind.

Let us follow kinder ways

Through our teeming human maze,

And help the age of peace to come

From a Dreamer's martyrdom.

~Madeline Morse~

Daisy the different Dolphin now available on Amazon

2010-12-01T11:29:00.016-05:00

I am pleased to announce that "Daisy the different Dolphin" by Ali King is now available for sale on amazon.com

Daisy the Different Dolphin is the story of growth, and finding the power within to believe in yourself. In the beginning, Daisy is an outcast, because she believes what the other dolphins are saying about her. When Daisy is faced with a moment to act, she does, and she shines! She realizes then, that she had this gift within her all along!

©Book by Ali King, illustrations by Susi Galloway

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T16:11:00.002-04:00

"All that we see or seem is but a Dream within a Dream."
Edgar Allan Poe

The Loneliest Muse

2010-08-09T13:50:00.057-04:00

About the Book:

Hope faces the greatest challenge a Muse has ever known! She lacks a talent in which to inspire others. Hope is a young, black Muse who looks to be a child of six or seven but in actuality is over 200 years old, and resides on the island of Leisha with her eight sisters the Greek Goddesses of inspiration. Though loved by all, it is foreseen by Delphi the blind Muse of prophecy that in order for Hope to find her talent and fulfill her destiny she must do what no other Muse has ever done. She must leave the island of Leisha. Hope is scared and unsure about her sisters decision but Clio the Muse of history assures her it's the only way. But she will not go alone, aided by a beautiful, golden swan boat whose magic can take Hope to where she is needed most, she sails off into the approaching dawn uncertain where the boat will take her.

THE CHARACTERS:

Hughes is a rainbow colored land dragon who lives on a tropical island with cliffs. He is telepathic and is able to communicate by touch via sound.

Sandy is a mer-girl who was separated by a big sea-quake.
She is afraid of water and lives in a jade grotto on the island that rose up out of the water.

Iggi is a grumpy 4ft fairy with tiny wings that seem to have a mind other own.He is always being mistaken for an elf. He owns a doll named Tuff.

Cal a near-sighted centaur boy with red hair -Cal....is near-sighted and hides the fact

Art, Poetry and Epic

2010-07-25T14:45:00.005-04:00

My recent artwork titled "SIREN'S LURE" has inspired Poet and Writer Francis Don Daniels (Donny). He wrote an amazing Ekphrasis titled...

THE TIMELESS SPELL

THE TIMELESS SPELL - THE EQUATION

THE TIMELESS SPELL - L' ENVOI

(An Ekphrasis or ecphrasis is the graphic, often dramatic description of a visual work of art)
----------------------------------------------------------------

SIREN'S LURE

THE TIMELESS SPELL- AN EKPHRASIS

Woman
of infinite beauty
eyes of crystal
and celestial body
horizon where sleeps
the eternal sun.

Goddess of Seduction,
Sorceress of the Seas,
a thousand lips of kisses.
Immortal seed tempting
love and charm
like a dream you came to me
and I fell into your arms.

Out on the blue deep,
I, but a lone seafarer
when you came.
So shrill the siren call
I could not tell
the sky from the sea.
Endless hours of hope and despair
driven by your lure, is it to end
without your love-

To be my Calypso
bound
to the Earth
revolving
black to gold,
tracking
with the seasons
the oceans' ebb and flow
to end upon the jagged shores
of the lost and gone,
kept as your pawn
my captured soul.

In the hourglass
the sand that flows
is me, from
life to life
in a timeless spell.

Lost
on a desert caravan
I roam the dunes
of ancient time,
withered and parched
and mind awry,
forlorn
of your magic waters.

What man or immortal
has betrayed you,
so bled your heart
from ill-promised love
that with resentful will
all men you scorn?
To suffer the pain
of your broken heart;
To be the fuel
for your sadistic love;
To burn and be
your redemption.

And now
leaving me
as between
Scylla and Charybdis-
the machine existence
of modern man,
despoiled of native sentience
to endure living by drugs
and surigal means
and worship
the gray mattered brain.

Return me
to where you found me
out on the deep blue sea,
as the fishes
who swim at you side
or the coral
who color your reef,
to live in the waters
of your crystal eyes.

Woman
in my mind
the hourglass flows
only for you.
If only I can keep
this heavy heart adrift
lest it drown
in its sinking sadness.

Woman
of infinite beauty.
~~
Copyright 2010 Francis Don Daniels. All Rights Reserved
Donny can be contaced at http://thetaplay.blogspot.com/

Mistress of the Glades

2010-07-22T15:04:00.010-04:00

Mistress of the Glade
©2010SusiGalloway, do not copy without permission

I will be your fire
when passions grow cold
and faces gaunt with despair
to warm your senses
like colors
of newborn Spring,
like orchids
blossoming
in air, or
whetting cries
of the heron's romance,
to dreams
oozing
from your still eyes
before dark night is dead.
~
Forbidding shadows,
lost loves appear.
How they tease the mind,
impale a fragile heart.
But I, your jinni-
as ubiquitous gods
saved ancient day
shall cloak you
in the mysteries of my might
and by my duty
keep vigil at your side
until ominous night
is safe.
~
Make me your harp!
Even
as the waters sigh.
What if my waves
are crashing
like its own.
The passion
of our tone
will wash harmonies
so sweet upon the reeds
that lost stars be seen
and forsaken winds
relinquish
their pleas.
~
The glades of gloom,
dark antipathies flee,
and love reborn
out of the dying eve.
~~
Poem by Francis Don Daniels
Copyright 2010 Francis Don Daniels. All Rights Reserved
Donny can be contacted at http://thetaplay.blogspot.com/

Indepence Day Street Banners

2010-07-09T21:41:00.008-04:00

"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." ~ Abraham Lincoln

3 of these images are hanging in downtown Clearwater as street banners in Celebration of Indepence Day. They will be available as prints, posters and cards soon.

©2010SusiGalloway, do not copy without permission

The Route Out

2010-06-22T19:20:00.028-04:00

"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" - Thomas Jefferson

I dedicated this new painting to my good friends at "The Route Out".
It expresses passion and inspiration for Life, Liberty,Freedom and the pursuit of Happiness!

A viewers comment on The Route Out :

"I had no idea about this petition...but i have become so entertained by not just this country but by world events.... that i decided about 4 months ago to write 100 facts about what i have observed over the years. some simple; some very complex...that most people wouldn't even understand with a dictionary,thesaurus and possibly a doctrite degree.. i found it totally amusing to find this so many months later... because FACT #66 on my list was that in this country....there is one thing to remember when you have just finally had it..."there is 1 way in and 1 way out and it don't matter where you live cause it goes ALL THE WAY THROUGH"... AND THE PIECE OF ART THAT IS BEING SOLD to represent the idea that if something doesn't change soon...we may just have to hit the road...looks like route 66...which is exactly the one i was talking about in fact #66." ---- Sign the Petition!

Support The Route Out - Buy a Print !

The Route Out is based on a every day common sense code of conduct. It promotes for leaders and public figures to adopt this common sense code of conduct in their day to day operations. What is currently missing in our society to some degree is the simple agreement of our basic conduct and how we interact with each other – things such as being trustworthy, being competent, being fair with each other, or giving to others what we would wish for ourselves. It's not hard to imagine that our government could benefit from some of these such elements. For more info visit www.therouteout.com.

Siren's Lure

2010-06-09T10:58:00.005-04:00

Been working on this painting for a while...and finally completed it. Available as prints, posters and cards.
©2010SusiGalloway, do not copy without permission

The Gulf of Mexico

2010-06-03T11:42:00.018-04:00

“Our task must be to free ourselves...by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” - Albert Einstein

I dedicated this painting to the Gulf of Mexico. And rather than showing oil slicks and wildlife in their sad state I wanted to show the Gulf in it's full Beauty so we don't forget how it's supposed to look like. Available as prints, posters and cards.
©2010SusiGalloway, do not copy without permission

Landscapes that inspire me

2010-05-22T16:31:00.008-04:00

A shot of me from a recent trip near Death Valley. If you are following my blog posts, like my work and wonder what inspires me, it is landscapes like these. Deserts and mountains, rugged landscapes with big skies is where is feel most at home. These are the places that I enjoy capturing with brush and paint.
©2010SusiGalloway, do not copy without permission

Dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico

2010-05-07T16:04:00.011-04:00

A children's book I just completed for a client titled Daisy the different Dolphin . Story is about a lonely, but unusual Dolphin called Daisy that lives in the Gulf of Mexico near Clearwater beach. Her life changes when she conquers her fears and becomes friends with a small boy and rescues him from a big shark. Book will be available for sale soon. Seems appropriate with the current oil mess in the Gulf....hopefully BP will clean up their mess soon so we can continue to enjoy the Gulf's beauty and wildlife!
©2010SusiGalloway, do not copy without permission

Charmaine

2010-04-24T14:26:00.027-04:00

This commissioned portrait titled CHARMAINE was painted in acrylics on canvas as a memento of of this ladies trip around the world. It's showing Greece and Las Vegas in the background. The photos below show the images that inspired the painting.

Exotic Noblesse

2010-04-19T14:44:00.003-04:00

©2010SusiGalloway, do not copy without permission

This exquisite piece was painted for a gentleman in the United Arab Emirates. It's unique design and colors, combining typical Arabic elements with western heraldry give it an aura of aristoctratic, exotic noblesse. It's become one of my favorite heraldic paintings.

Cool T-Shirt Designs

2010-03-09T15:55:00.013-05:00

Enjoy my artwork?
It is now available as unique, cool designs in my new store. It is affordable and makes great gifts for yourself and loved ones. Available at http://www.zazzle.com/artist_susig*

Daisy the Different Dolphin

2010-03-03T11:09:00.005-05:00

Just completed illustrating a new book Project, 'Daisy the Different Dolphin'. Story is about a lonely, but unusual Dolphin called Daisy that lives in the Gulf of Mexico near Clearwater beach. Her life changes when she becomes friends with a small boy and rescues him from a big shark. Book will be available for sale soon..

Artwork: ©Susi Galloway

Artwork: ©Susi Galloway

Culture Kids!

2010-02-16T11:39:00.015-05:00

Inspiring girls to explore and learn their heritage, other cultures and languages. Please see video clip below for more details.

Artwork: ©Susi Galloway

Artwork: ©Susi Galloway

Video Clip:

Concept & Idea: ©Summer Pfeiffer

Children's Book --- Froggie's Courtship

2010-01-12T10:41:00.023-05:00

Excerpt:
The snake who had a heart of gold, wanted to help his friend
and said that unrequited love was no good in the end
So they started off together in the swampy haze
to set about the changing of Mr. Froggie’s ways.... ©Grace Dinnery

Children's Book - Where Are My Pictures, Mommy?

2010-01-11T18:53:00.012-05:00

Children's Book -- The Little Apple

2010-01-07T11:17:00.013-05:00

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T14:19:00.007-05:00

"Seek joy in what you give... not in what you get"

" Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty;
not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. "
--- Charles Dickens

New Painting.....

2009-10-12T14:12:00.015-04:00

New painting almost finished...I was creative over the weekend.
Inspired on an recent adventurous camping/boat trip to an island in the Gulf of Mexico. Fantasy or Surreal...I'll let you be the judge of that. I love this piece and hope all you fish and art lovers will too.

Where Are My Pictures, Mommy?

2009-10-01T16:14:00.019-04:00

Artwork and Design by © Susi Galloway

Where Are My Pictures, Mommy?

About the Book:
This story about a journey taken by one couple to become a family. The purpose of this book is to explain to children that there are different ways to become part of a family and that there are remarkable similarities in the parental experience. The story is about two sisters, one who joins the family through adoption and one who joins through pregnancy.

This book provides positive examples of children who embrace their own stories and it sets the stage for readers to have their own conversations about their own families and how they came to be. When parents read this book to their children, they should ask them how they think the characters feel about finding the photographs and what kinds of questions they might have.

Story by Mary Anne Amato, illustrations by Susi Galloway.

Book available for sale soon...

The Little Apple - now available for sale!

2009-09-07T13:32:00.012-04:00

Artwork and Design by © Susi Galloway

About the Book:
The Little Apple (by Deborah Smith Ford, illustrations by Susi Galloway) is about life on an apple farm. A child’s take on the daily work, play and other responsibilities of a farm. A sneak peek at a child’s personal feelings when it comes to family, friends, home, pets and the farm. Intimate details are lived and remembered - every scent, sight, touch and sound form such lasting memories for this child as well as for the readers. Experiencing The Little Apple will help to either bring back days of ole for some, or conjure up ideas of what it would be like to live on a farm. Maybe even wet the appetite for a delicious, home baked apple pie!

To order visit: http://books.trafford.com/08-1298

Enchanted Florida

2009-08-24T13:59:00.007-04:00

©Susi Galloway
My latest painting....
The perfect moment....when sun light and storm clouds combine almost magically, and it's viewer feels like the moment must be captured...That is the time when Paintings such as this one are being created.

What a Cool Character !

2009-07-15T13:13:00.014-04:00

Artwork and Design by Susi Galloway

Perhaps, you are probably wondering just who is this fellow, this Mr. Joseph with the high spirits, the harmonious smile, the delightful swagger and the entertaining, dancing feet?

He is the main character in Hugh Kelley's new book titled TELLIN'!

Excerpt:
"Now, it just so happens that there is a “Tellin” this afternoon at the residence of Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Annie. The children refer to Joseph William Garner as “Mr. Joseph.” Mr. Garner would be too formal and calling him Joseph would hinge upon improper decorum between children and adults. There are certain courtesies between strangers, and certain courtesies between friends, just as there are proper courtesies between adults and children. Thus, the term “Mr. Joseph” seems to be somewhere in-between and is very acceptable to all concerned. It has a positive respectability, yet demonstrates a definite familiarity and warmth."
©Irish Creek Productions

About the Author:
Dr. Hugh Kelley has been an accomplished screenplay writer for the past 20 years, authoring over 31 motion picture and television screenplays. Dr. Kelley has received the "Poets, Editors and Writers Award” and was also a nominee in the Hollywood Media Access Awards.In addition to television and cable, he has also authored six books for children and, as a Hanshi Kudan (9th Grade Black Belt) in Karate Do, Goshin Do and Kobu Do, Dr. Kelley has written several Martial Arts Books as well as having authored the screenplays for "CAGE and CAGE II" and the $56 million MGM film production entitled "WARRIORS OF VIRTUE." In addition to his writing experience, Dr. Kelley also had his own daily television show, which he wrote, hosted, produced and directed. Dr. Hugh Kelley has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Creative Writing and a Master of Arts Degree in Creative Writing as well as a Ph.D. in Literary Arts and Publishing.

New Children's Book...coming soon...

2009-07-11T13:23:00.046-04:00

Froggie’s Courtship:
How a friendly Snake helped a Frog to find his true Love...

Excerpt:
The snake who had a heart of gold, wanted to help his friend
and said that unrequited love was no good in the end
So they started off together in the swampy haze
to set about the changing of Mr. Froggie’s ways.... ©Grace Dinnery

About the Author:
I was born in Norfolk, Virginia and raised in Emporia, Virginia by my mother when my father died. Although he passed early in my life, I remember them being hard workers who instilled some of life's most important values and their ability to share their love with me. I began writing verses for family...birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I took a few college courses I felt could help with my writing. I have traveled extensively and moved numerous times. No matter what I lost or got rid of, my writings have always followed me. They were misplaced for about 10 years and I thought I had lost them for good. Wanting to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren, I thought of this as my way of sharing my life with them and anyone else who may have an interest.Thus, "Memories from My Heart". ©Grace Dinnery
Website: www.memoriesfrommyheart.net

Thunderstorms at Juno Beach

2009-07-02T14:50:00.006-04:00

Painting by © Susi Galloway

After intense heat comes the rain.....
While doing some remote work at the East Coast of Florida, inspired by intense storm clouds, wind, thunder and lightening I created this painting while enjoying the forces of nature through a window. Powerful tropical storms always capture my fancy! :-)

It's HOT in Florida !

2009-06-26T10:57:00.006-04:00

It's been so hot lately here in Florida, that the daily Storms are welcome entertainment and a break from the heat. Thanks for fans and air conditioners!! The two paintings were inspired by the often extreme weather of Florida.

Paintings by © Susi Galloway

[acrylics on canvas: --- available as print]

Happy Lizards!

2009-06-15T13:46:00.003-04:00

Artwork and Design © Susi Galloway

This happy, cheerful Lizard family enjoying a good time in the desert was created as a side decoration for a Sand Rail (off road vehicle AKA Dune Buggy)
--------------------------------------
A comment from the Sand Rail owner:
I bought the sand rail in 2005; it was turn key and ready to go. I wanted to buy something fun for the family. It was a chance to go out of town, spend time with the kids in a completely safe, harmless, and fun environment. Opportunity came knocking, and it provided a means to expose teenagers to healthy lifestyles and hobbies. It was great to see kids exposed to old fashioned camping, games, and hanging out with family and friends.

While camping in the sand dunes, you see very interesting designs on other sand rails. I like to decorate with lizards and had always envisioned a lizard design before the fire.

In February of 2009, we suffered an electrical fire. The sand rail burnt up and we decided to rebuild. We loved going out to the sand dunes and camping. I knew we would miss doing it. After we started the rebuild, we wanted to create a cute, fun design that reflected our personality.

I reached out to Susi and she helped me create the design you see here. This lizard family depicts our family, camping in the Arizona dessert. -- J.C.

Trip to the Southwest

2009-06-05T11:37:00.004-04:00

Painting by © Susi Galloway

Just returned from a trip to the American Southwest. Over the years I have lived and traveled in many beautiful places. Yet there is just nothing as breathtaking as the deserts, badlands and mountains in the old West. One can never quite get enough of it. The scenery, the big skies..... it's a feast for the eyes for anyone, especially artists. Needless to say, a series of new Southwest paintings are waiting to be painted. Stay tuned and visit often for updates....
[acrylics on canvas: --- available as print]

Good Morning Florida!

2009-05-17T22:24:00.003-04:00

Painting by © Susi Galloway

"Good Morning Florida"....,said the Pelican. There is something very refreshing about those beautiful, lush and bright Florida Mornings. Enjoy your Monday and have a great week!

[acrylics on canvas, available as print]

The Little Apple - childrens Book coming soon...

2009-05-11T09:40:00.009-04:00

Artwork and Design by © Susi Galloway

About the Book
The Little Apple is about life on an apple farm. A child’s take on the daily work, play and other responsibilities of a farm. A sneak peek at a child’s personal feelings when it comes to family, friends, home, pets and the farm. Intimate details are lived and remembered - every scent, sight, touch and sound form such lasting memories for this child as well as for the readers. Experiencing The Little Apple will help to either bring back days of ole for some, or conjure up ideas of what it would be like to live on a farm. Maybe even wet the appetite for a delicious, home baked apple pie!
To order visit: http://books.trafford.com/08-1298

About the Author:
Deborah Smith Ford has not only had a farming lifestyle in her background, but she has been a teacher, dental assistant, missionary and currently an actress in film and television, as well as a lookalike to the stars! One of her "claims to fame" was that of the national commercial, Citracal, a calcium supplement, in which she represented the product on TV, radio, print and the internet. She credits her ability to drive stick shift as one of the main reasons she was cast, as driving a tractor was a criteria in landing that gig. Deborah has penned many an unpublished “novel,” but now one of her goals is to make them a reality. She resides in SW Florida with her veterinarian husband, Alton, where they raised two daughters, Courtney Patterson and Leah Jean.
Visit www.debsford.com & www.matrixlookalike.com

Watching Clouds

2009-05-10T16:02:00.003-04:00

Painting by © Susi Galloway

Enjoyed a lovely moment at the beach today....
That empty chair.....yes, it is reserved for YOU.....
[acrylics on canvas, available as print]

Turquoise Earrings

2009-05-08T13:58:00.003-04:00

Painting by © Susi Galloway

Doesn't this paintings speak for itself.....it's one of my personal favorites. -- I love turquoise!
[digital painting, available as print]

Midnights Dream in Los Feliz

2009-05-08T13:40:00.003-04:00

Painting by © Susi Galloway

One of my personal surreal favorites. It was painted from a roof top in Los Feliz, Los Angeles.[acrylics on canvas, available as print]