RiverRockArt - WHAT I'M DOING THIS MONTH..BLOG

March 29th, 2018

3/29/2018

This year has been the worst for the flu. Just when Hubster and I thought we were getting over the flu for a couple of weeks, we are now both down with bad colds. So tired of feeling crappy!

On a good note, the desert is starting to bloom in places. The oleanders have white and pink blooms starting. The temps this week will reach in the nineties. Wow!

Anyway, I'm still alive, just trying to get well. Hopefully soon!

March 11th, 2018

3/11/2018

Last night, Hubster and I got to see our niece, Rachel Dean (Composer) and David Brush (Composer/Lyricist) perform at the Hormel Theatre in Phoenix. Rachel is also the rehearsal pianist at Hamilton: An American Musical in New York which we are sooooo proud about... among all of her other accomplishments and shows that she is working on. All of the songs were awesome last night and after the show we all hung out and talked for hours. David is such a great guy, too. I really enjoyed talking to him. It was a fun night and will see them again when they return in January. Such talent!

Suzanne Kuzminski (George & Murphy Memorial Portraits)

2/28/2018

Showing some past work that maybe some of you haven't seen. Suzanne was kind enough to send me a photo of George & Murphy together a few years ago. They were such special dogs and it was an honor to paint them both.

Memorial Portrait of Cooper (Commission for Aaron Schlicting

2/26/2018

Cooper was a special part of Aaron's family. He was so loved and those big brown eyes could melt your heart. It is so heartbreaking when a member of our fur family has to leave us. Until you meet again at Rainbow Bridge, rest in peace, sweet Cooper.

Flu

2/23/2018

It's been awhile since I've posted. Hubster and I got the flu a week apart from each other. He got it first and passed it on to me. We both are feeling so much better though. I have a scratchy throat and cough today. Just happy to be up and around without feeling so dang crappy. Hope the head-achy heavy head feeling doesn't come back.

My thumb is healing nicely also. Thanks for the well wishes!

February 03rd, 2018

2/3/2018

Warning...graphic photo. I had a slight accident while giving Coco a haircut and a bath yesterday afternoon. While I was carefully cutting her fur around her eyes and face, she nipped me something awful. It happened so fast and blood went everywhere! She nipped my thumb and her tooth ripped down the side of my fingernail and thumb. She didn't get hurt, just me. I have scissor cut her fur since she was a year old and have never had a problem and she is always so good about it. I probably should have driven to town and gotten stitches because the wound is pretty deep, but I'm butterflying the band-aids to fuse it back together and have it wrapped well. I cleaned it thoroughly with hubsters help which hurt almost as bad as the bite itself and put topical antibiotic cream on it too. It throbbed for hours last night but today it feels better, but oh so tender and will be for quite awhile, I'm sure. Not going to be able to paint for awhile. Grrrrrrr! On the plus side, hubster will have to wash the pots and pans. lol

Rest in peace, sweet Whitey.

1/28/2018

Today is a sad day. Our precious Whitey passed away during the night. He had been losing weight the last year but as far as we knew, he didn't have any major health problems. He was 15 years old. We took him in with his brother when they were kittens. He was such a loving guy. My husband is heartbroken, as they had a really special bond. Whitey's brother will miss him too. Rest in peace, sweet Whitey, until we all meet again at Rainbow Bridge. Miss you!

Memorial Portrait of Jake (Commission for Dr. David Campbell)

1/24/2018

Jake was such a special part of David's family. He will be missed so much by everyone. Until you meet again at Rainbow Bridge, rest in peace, little one.

Memorial Portrait of Benjy (Commission for Frank Scaglione)

1/15/2018

I can start showing some of the commissions I painted in December.

Benjy was such a sweet little boy that passed over Rainbow Bridge in December. He was so special and loved by Frank and his mom. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, sweet Benjy. It was an honor to paint you.

Nice visit!

1/13/2018

One of my good friends, Candee Aaron, made the long trek out in the desert to our house yesterday, and we talked for hours and got caught up on so many things! I've painted so many of her furbabies over the years. It was fun to see her, and when she was ready to leave, she pulled out this sweater for Bitsy. She handmade it too and I think Bitsy loves it! She was shivering this morning too, and now she is all nice and warm snuggled up in her bed. Thanks again, Candee! Puppy kisses from Bitsy!

Happy New Year!

12/30/2017

I'm so thankful for all of the commissions I received this year. It's always so hard when a pet that is so dear to us passes away. Every memorial painting and portrait I did was such an honor to do and I thank everyone for choosing me to paint their precious animals.

I'm currently working on a commission for the new year. I'll show some of the paintings I did in December in January. I need to spend some time cropping and editing the photos for this blog, so I'll do that when I get some time.

I wish everyone a Happy New Year! I'm so glad 2017 is over! It certainly had its ups and downs for me health-wise, but I'm doing really well now. I look forward to what the new year will bring and continue what I love to do most, which is to paint for all of you.

Thanks again, everyone!

Celebrating Teddy image

Happy New Year Pictures

Merry Christmas!

12/23/2017

Merry Christmas from my furkids to yours! Little Baby, Coco, Bitsy and Gabby!

Memorial Portrait of Baby Jack (Commission for Nicole Kline)

11/7/2017

I squeezed this commission in between my Christmas commissions and finished it a couple of days ago for Nicole and was happy to do so. Baby Jack passed away too soon in his short 5 months of life here on this earth. He was loved so much by Nicole's son Isaac. She asked me to paint him this memorial stone in remembrance. Baby Jack had an eye condition which is evident on the right side. I think it made him look more unique. It was an honor to paint him and I hope it brings some comfort to Isaac. Rest in peace, sweet Baby Jack. Until you all meet again at Rainbow Bridge.

November 06th, 2017

11/6/2017

While we wake up to another beautiful day, I can't stop thinking about the horrific heartache, anguish, and anger the families in the Texas church massacre are feeling. I can't even imagine what they are going through. From 18 months old to 77 years old...gone... and others injured and in critical condition. What a senseless act of hate. What is our world coming to? It can be so beautiful and so ugly at the same time. My heartfelt prayers go out to all of them and all of the other families that have lost their loved ones this year through these senseless acts of murder. We are supposed to go on "because the United States is so strong and we can get through anything"...but these families will never get over what has happened to them. Gun control...mental illness...the debate will go on forever. We cannot legislate away evil. It is horrifying! Tell your family that you love them every day. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see something, say something! You never know what may happen.

Happy Halloween!

10/31/2017

October 23rd, 2017

10/23/2017

Fall Fantasy

autumn fall fantasy transparent vintage pictures

The rest of the year I will be working on Christmas commissions. Sorry, I can't show photos.

The weather has been beautiful. The nights are definitely cooler. The stars seem closer and clearer at night. The deer have started coming out at sunset along with all of the other desert critters. The nightly choruses of the packs of coyotes are heard every night. We can tell there are some youngsters, as they are learning to howl.

I was looking out of my art studio window a couple of days ago and saw a big hawk sitting on a branch of our Mesquite tree. It was beautiful, and big! I didn't have enough time to get my camera and take a photo. I thought I might scare it away. I just enjoyed the short time I got to marvel at the beauty of nature and appreciated the time I got to spend just looking at it. It was preening its feathers and looked right at me for just a second. Such beautiful eyes! I will never forget it. It flew away a short time later.

Fall is different here in central Arizona than the rest of the states. We don't have the changing of the leaves...unless you drive up in the northern part of the state.
Really, we only have 2 seasons. Mild and hot! I am looking forward to digging some lightweight long-sleeved shirts and sweaters, leggings and boots out for those cooler
days in the winter ahead. It's nice to be able to spend more time outside during the day, now that summer is over. The bunnies are out in full force.
So cute to see their cottontails bouncing around all over the place. I picture all of the animals dressed up like Beatrix Potter's illustrations.

So, the end of the year is nearly upon us. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be arriving soon, and I'm so thankful for so much and hope you are too.
I wish everyone a great holiday season!

September 18th, 2017

9/18/2017

Fall Squirrel Glitter image

I think we can finally open the windows again after a long hot summer, here in Arizona. No more 3 digit temps, please! It got down in the high sixties last night...nineties expected today and the rest of the week. I actually had to pull out a faux furry blanket last night and Bitsy was burrowing under it this morning. I think I even heard our resident coyotes in the distant last night...or maybe I was dreaming. Fall is in the air. I love this time of year!

Past work...

9/15/2017

I came across this painting while I was going through some of my past work and thought I would show it again for fall. It is getting close to pumpkin season and Halloween. I really had fun painting it. I hope you enjoy it too!

At Dawn We Ride! Painted for Betty Haynes

9/14/2017

I painted this silhouette painting for a good friend of mine, Betty Haynes. I know she likes horses and the header of her Facebook page says...At Dawn We Ride! Betty did something very nice for me during my recent surgery recovery and I wanted to do something nice for her in return. Thanks again, Betty!

September 08th, 2017

9/8/2017

Watercolor Skies...

9/3/2017

Last night, I captured these watercolor skies right after a dust storm blew through. It looked like we would get some rain, but we didn't. The photos were all taken in about a 15 minute period. The sun was just setting and the colors changed quickly. Only God could paint the skies so beautifully! I'm glad I got to see it!

Secret Commission

8/31/2017

I wish I could show you what I'm working on, but the person that commissioned this painting doesn't want it shown until her friend receives it. So, I'll have to show you the album in a week or 2.

From my friend, Lori.

8/31/2017

I received such a special post on Facebook this morning from my friend Lori Neuburger Howell. This is what it said...

We received Lilly's mini portrait from Maggie and it's just wonderful ❣️
So nice to have our three fur babies together in such a special memorial, now we just need two more, we must add Rascal and Freckles. And I'm thinking our granddog Rocky also.

Thank You Maggie, your talent amazes me, I love how I can feel her in the eyes you captured so beautifully ❣️

Thank you, Lori! It was an honor to paint your fur babies. You will all meet again at Rainbow Bridge. I just know it! ❣️

August 28th, 2017

8/28/2017

People have been asking how I'm feeling. I'm doing well, although each morning when I wake up, I don't know if it is going to be a productive day or not. I'm still healing and it will take more time. I still have a lot of fatigue and tiredness and some pain in my lower abdominal region, which is normal. I was happy to paint Lilly the other day and was so happy to get back into my art studio. So, I'm just taking it a day at a time. Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers during my recovery.

My sweet kitty

8/28/2017

This has been Little Baby's favorite sleeping spot most of the summer. She never slept in the bathroom sink before then. It is one of the coolest spots in the house in the summer. There is an A/C vent on the ceiling that blows down on her too. Smart girl. It is a bit hard to wash our hands when she is in there. lol She's going on almost 18 years old and still looking good. We rescued her from the Humane Society in Phoenix when she was a year old, shortly after putting down our first Little Baby that looked almost exactly like her. Love her so much!

New Profile Photo

Maggie Stoller, Arizona wildlife artist.

Gabby, Bitsy, Little Baby, & Coco...my studio companions and furry friends.

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Maggie Stoller

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