WELCOME TO SASSY SMUDGES!

Captivating ink/watercolor 5x7” single subject pet portrait. $85.

Sassy Smudges* features client requested paintings and animal antics: contact me to order yours.

(*All images/stories are copyright of Shelly Burden-Portrait Artist. Prices do not include tax or shipping. Gift certificates available)

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Shelly Burden-Portrait Artist
"Portraits can evoke strong emotions; this makes them a challenge but also gives them their charm. Whether working by commission from your favorite photo(s) or painting my own originals; my graphite and watercolor portraits are noted for their detailed and captivating expressions." Shelly
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"Domino" 5x7" ink/watercolor Private Collection of Artist
Sassy Smudge Story: “With the tips of white on her chin and a streak on her chest to match, we couldn’t resist renaming our feisty little rescue Shih Tzu to Domino.

Have often wondered if she has some poodle in her parentage as she doesn’t boast notably large Shih Tzu eyes, instead has dark button eyes making her look like a fluffy black teddy bear. (Of course I could make a quick call to Rachel at Natures Select Fort Worth and they’d deliver a pet DNA test right to my door – thereby satisfying my curiosity)

Regardless of heritage Domino fits so much personality into her small frame! From quickly skipping around corners on 3 paws, giving a delicate nose up to breakfast kibble as it does not contain steamed vegetables (as her supper serving does), doing her “stealth” act…waiting patiently for Bandit (our other Tzu) to turn away from his treat, chew stick, place on the bed, etc then sloooowly inching forward to completely take over or first “killing” the laundry then being ever so helpful by rearranging the piles.

If you want to add as much laughter and love to your home as our spirited Tzu girl has brought, give DFW Tzu’s and More a call. And say Hi to Cheryl, she helped us adopt Domino and can’t be thanked enough for all she does for the pups.” Shelly

Just as photographing a black dog can be tricky, painting them can be equally challenging. Too many highlights and they lose their rich tones, too few and definition of body shape and a shiny coat is lost.

The trick is to find a balance with lights and darks while keeping in mind the form beneath the type of fur being rendered. Shiny? Thick? Short? Curly? All handled differently.

My July 13-15 Art Journaling Camp is filling up quickly. If you’ve been pondering, act now to be assured of your child attending!

Inquiries may also come to me about scheduling your groups own private art journaling camp dates & times. (all ages welcomed)

“Summer Art Journaling Camp” by Shelly Burden-Portrait Artist
Creative art journaling utilizes all aspects of expression-through written words, cut & paste, paints, pencils or markers, etc. Ideal for all stages of creative development!

This fun Art Journaling Camp introduces 7-12 year olds to a variety of art concepts and materials while they build their own keepsake journal.

Classes structured with a different concept each day, are 1.5 hours long and costs $45 for the session. Materials included. (Registration necessary, payment due on or before the first day of class)

Date: 2:00-3:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. July 13-15
Space held for first students registered.
Registration/additional information: burdenzoo@verizon.net
Be the first to contact me to purchase and this striking painting will be yours. Or be a hero and give it to someone crazy about Shepherds! (5x7” ink/watercolor $85 plus tax)

Sassy Smudge Story: “It’s not about this particular portrait but our family had a German Shepherd for 15 years; Chico. He was a gorgeous boy and clever beyond belief. I recall tobogganing with my brothers when Chico suddenly appeared, he ran alongside our sleigh and to our outrage, grabbed the first boot he could snatch and took off with it. Which was our signal from home we had been out too long, prompting Chico’s being sent to “fetch.” Effectively managed by both parents and pup, don’t you think?”:O) Shelly

Did you know? Refer a friend, they order a commission, YOU get a gift! :O)
“Shotgun” 16x20” Client commissioned portrait. Contact me for a person & or pet portrait of your own, from 5x7’s starting at $85 to life sized.

Sassy Smudge Story: “I call him “my sugar” but actually his name is Shotgun. He is a 7 yr old Vizsla which is a Hungarian Pointer. The Vizsla is a majestic hunting dog, hence his name, after all you can’t go hunting without your Shotgun!

I have had the pleasure of being his “Mommy” ever since he was born. He loves people and although he is 47 lbs. he thinks he’s a lap dog ~ I actually have a photo album full of him sitting on different people’s laps. He is extremely intelligent and very sensitive. Every night when he is ready to go to bed he will go get his “night night sheep” out of his toy box and come to me with it in his mouth and give me that sweet whimper…..like “C’mon Mommy I’m tired, let’s go to bed.”

His favorite thing to do is swim. I took him to Grapevine Lake every day until we purchased a home 2 years ago which of course, had to have a pool. His favorite pool toy is this lime green football and as many times as you throw it, is as many times as he’ll go get it. He loves when we have company and he gets to show off ~ people are amazed he will swim for 3 and 4 hours straight.

I always want him to be in my life that is why I am having this portrait made which will proudly be displayed above the fireplace in our formal living room. My Mom has said that I should have named him Lotto because of the way I spoil him. She’s wrong though, I’m the one who hit the Lotto the day he came into my life. I will love him for ever. “ Lisa.

Adore that last paragraph! Met Lisa at the spring GAP art show/sale, her enthusiastic & upfront nature shone from the onset. She wrote this about her portrait: “Wow – that is him! LOVE IT!” :O) Thanks Lisa, was fun working with you and learning about Shotgun.

Just have to share! My business is now being linked on the DFW Tzu’s and More Rescue site. :O) You gotta’ check out those adorable faces! This is an organization near and dear as we adopted our feisty “Domino” from Cheryl who is involved with DFW Tzus. I am so pleased to be partnering with them to help the pups; as with all rescue organizations I donate 10% of any commissions received from that source!
Enjoy then feel free to share this post to any other lab lovers you know as this 5x7” ink/watercolor sweet furry faced painting is for sale! ($85 plus tax, 10% off for previous clients) From Sassy Smudge sized to larger than life, contact me for this beauty or a portrait of your own. Inquires always welcome.
“Harvey” 8x10” ink/watercolor SOLD (Thank you!)
A "big for breed" beagle with an even bigger heart! This painting was commissioned by a NY gentleman as a gift to his girlfriend…looks like Harvey isn’t the only guy with a heart of gold!
Sassy Smudge Story: “Harvey’s around 9 yrs old and has been with my girlfriend, Linda, for about 3 yrs.
He is a rescue dog; kind of chubby for a beagle but that’s mostly because he loves food more than anything else. He’s also very obedient, doing tricks for treats and has a beautiful howl when he’s excited.
Harvey’s a very gentle dog, you can feel the love just by being with him, I’ve been very fortunate to have spent time growing close to him.
Even though Harvey loves food, walking is a close second! He smells everything around him, normally trotting along, but as he has Lymphoma cancer he now slows as he tires or when he isn’t feeling well.
This dog has been everything to Linda: a gift, a blessing. His diagnosis has been very hard on her. In time Harvey will pass but he has given a million memories and hopefully this portrait will help keep his memory alive for years to come.” John

All animals should be so fortunate to have found a loving home such as Linda has provided and friendship John has given.

“Bandit” 5x7” ink/watercolor. Private Collection.
Character painting of your pet: $85. Contact me.
Sassy Smudge Story: “Bandit is a Shih Tzu that takes his companion status seriously. He adores being with his family, following us everywhere, but admit he’s more apt to be a shadow when food is involved. Although affectionately teased for being “fluffy” or “big for breed” there is no denying his admiration for “people” food. When not inhaling his (Natures Select) kibble, he’s the only dog I know that also whimpers to be served bananas, steamed carrots, green beans, blueberries and cantaloupe.

Bandit has been a special part of our family for over 10 years, taking it upon himself to go to bed only when the last of the family members has called it a day and racing to greet and gift with one of his toys when we enter the house. He is a sweet, cuddly, loving boy and we are so fortunate to have found him!” Shelly

“Daisy” 5x7” ink/wc Private Collection (Thank you) For only $85 have a portrait painted of your special pet.
Sassy Smudge Story: “Daisy joined our family three years ago. She was my daughter's 6th Birthday present and we all fell in love with her immediately. She is energetic and fun loving. She loves playing ball, going on walks and flushing birds from our shrubs. Daisy is a little mischievous. One of her favorite games is stealing socks. If you don't happen to notice, she will bring it right up to you and then run like lightening out of the room. She never tires of trying to elicit a game of chase.” Dawn


In Memory of Molly” 5x7” Ink/watercolor. Commission
Sassy Smudge Story: This thoughtful gift was commissioned by Janet for her Aunt’s birthday. Sadly Molly recently crossed the bridge but her tender nature and sweet, friendly disposition is lovingly remembered. Janet’s aunt says she recalls the sound of Molly’s collar rattling as she walked and her “I’m so excited to see you” basset bark whenever they had visitors. Janet also had this to say, “My aunt lives in a small town in Indiana and is a retired school teacher, she never married. She is an exceptionally smart, gracious, well poised, practical women. Molly has been her best friend for 13 years and they were never apart from one another. Molly helped Aunt Liz survive breast cancer. As you know dogs are wonderful companions for seniors and prolong their lives. Molly and Aunt Liz walked at least twice a day Molly's entire life, it was great exercise and an enjoyable time for both.”

Janet wrote me to say this of Molly’s portrait, “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” :O)

“Westie” 5x7” ink/wc. Original available. $85. plus tax. 5x7” Prints or Note cards (5/pk) for $10. Contact me

"Sneak a Peek"

"Sneak a Peek"
The original is already spoken for but quality prints (8x10” for $20) and greeting cards (5/$10) are available of this image. Great gift ideas!
“Tippy” 5x7” Original ink/watercolor $85. plus tax/shipping

What a nice surprise to receive this note last week: “Still love all of your newsletters - I read every single one of them! And I have to say that our favorite pic of Phoebe is the one that you did for us. It by far brings her "back to life" more than any photo we have of her. I have never been so happy with a purchase before in my entire life. You have no idea how much joy you have given us with your painting! Thanks again, and keep up your fantastic newsletters!” Marcy

On occasion I’ve been asked, why doesn’t your client just hang the photo? Why have a portrait painted?
The reasons are varied and I’m sure you have some thoughts of your own, but I’ll let you in on a few of mine…

- Although special to us, few photos we have are worthy of framing and sharing.

- The background “noise” is omitted from my portraits; allowing the expression and features to be showcased.

- In larger works I incorporate a number of photos, designing an image that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

- Paintings alter red or glaring eyes truer to life than Photoshop.

- Portraits evoke an emotional response, especially cherished memorial paintings.

- Paintings have fine stroke nuances witnessed with every viewing.

- Artwork is a valuable commodity. Irreplaceable.

- They make treasured gifts that are remembered and enjoyed for years. Money well spent.

Contact me for a portrait of your own.

I never tire of painting these furry faces or hearing their stories, thank you for making Sassy Smudges possible. As always, you are welcome to forward this onto any other animal and art enthusiasts you know.
Shelly
Portfolio
Facebook Studio Site: Shelly Burden-Portrait Artist (click "like")

I appreciate your sharing my work with others- if a commission comes from your doing so you can expect a special gift of thanks to arrive in your mailbox.

(Repeat clients receive 10% off and 10% of any commission from staff/fosters of 501C rescue societies are donated back to their organization)
This 5x7” portrait is available for purchase. Only $85. (plus tax/postage).
Note cards (5/$10) & prints (5x7" for $10)
Contact me for this painting or to commission one of your pet.

Peek here to see images not shared on Sassy Smudges!

Slideshow: Previous Sassy Smudge Images

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SASSY SMUDGES!

Sassy’s mailing list of pet/art enthusiasts continues to grow, pet paintings passed jury inspection for art shows and won judges awards, portraits are being commissioned and animals in need are being helped. I am eager to see where the next year of Sassy Smudges will take us.

Excuse me while I celebrate with a bit of chocolate. :O)



A Note of Gratitude:
-That you allow Sassy Smudges into your already demanding inbox.
-That you pass this link onto your friends, family and coworkers.
-For your product purchases and commissions.
-For attending my demos and events, I love meeting you in person!
-For sharing your photos and stories- I’m a sucker for those furry faces.
-That you email such glowing comments about the Sassy Smudge paintings.
-For becoming a fan on my Facebook studio site.
-That you take the time to view my online portfolio.
-For helping animals in need while giving your furry family a safe forever home.
-For your enthusiasm.

And last but not least…
Gratitude that I have this amazing job- it continually surpasses my goals and surprises with the direction. Thank you for being a part!

Did you know?

-I teach weekly “Art Antics” Classes for Kids 7-11!
"Create your own masterpiece while hearing stories about other artists, learning fun art facts and why different styles exist."
$25 per class or $80 for 4. Space registration is necessary, supplies included.
Contact me for more information.

-I also specialize in larger works; watercolor pet or timeless graphite people and pet portraits. Besides keeping up with the demand of Sassy Smudge images and preparing for pet events I also participate in juried fine art shows/sales. My portfolio shows what else is happening in the studio.

-I offer 10% off to repeat clients.

- I donate 10% from commissions by 501C rescue society volunteers back to their organization.

- Notecards, sketches or small works are given for referrals that turn into commissions.
If you love my work (both furry family paintings and non furry family portraits), please share it with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, church family, vet, groomers…the list is endless!

-For only $10. you can have a 5x7” print of your portrait, keep the original safe at home and enjoy an exceptional copy (thanks to my Epson printer designed specifically for printing artwork) at your office or for others who care about and for your pet.

-Note cards of images are available: 5/$10. 5x7" prints $10. each.
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