Risa, Mi Amiga Para Siempre

Risa, my Forever Friend, Australian Shepherd.  Pet Portrait for Day Of The Dead Design 2014, Dogtoberfest for Handi-dogs event.

In progress.  Still needs some tweaking.

Studio Muse Risa Girlie

Risa, 14.7 years. My studio muse and BFF.  Some days are better than others, but all are golden and make me love her all the more :)

Valentine Postcards

Some mini Love notes for Valentines. My fun cookies, mosaics and my aussie muse, sweet Risa.

Meeting Risa:

My sister had purchased two aussie puppies, one for her family and one for me. A little boy and a little girl. When she let them in from playing in the yard the little male barreled thru the door past me and into the kitchen. The little girl ran thru the door and and straight into my arms. She "had me at hello". I knew she was coming home with me and she is the BEST gift I have ever received. Now, at 11 her body has slowed down even though she is still such a puppy at heart. She is the world to me and I have changed my lifestyle and work to be with her.

Aussies do not do well alone - they are a breed that needs to be with their human most of the time. the herding breeds are incredibly intelligent, active dogs.

AZ is having it's 100th birthday and I have the honor of exhibiting my mosaic Gila Dream at Tohono Chul Park.

And in this auspicious Year Of The Dragon I have taken a part time job making Moonlight Cookies!

Really fun to make and eat "~)

Siempre - Always

Siempre - Always is what I know - that our pets forever remain in our hearts. My aussie Risa is gazing at Kitty Kat in the mesquite tree.

This leash rack is inspired by the love we keep for our pet companions.

Custom orders are welcome. You can contact me here and at my website www.suebetanzos.com

Mosaic mixed media on recycled cabinet door 13x9".

Risa - Belly Rubs, please?

Risa asking for even More belly rubs! She is so easy to spoil. This is a rich red, which I loved working on. Now for the next one, another aussie since I am in an aussie painting mode. I love the breed and am really working to get more exposure in this genre of dog painting/portraits. I love dogs, but aussies are my passion - intelligent, intuitive, quick to learn & respond, a pleasure to train.

Stay tuned for more paintings and a very cool mosaic project. Hint, it has to do with a wonderful wildlife organization ...

Risa Star Gazer

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed" -Albert Einstein-

Risa and I (not pictured) wondering at the cosmos;

"Why are we here, what else is out there?"

"How beautiful."

Gila Mosaic & Risa - Watz Up!?

Grouted and Finished! A jewel like Gila Monster. When seen up close the real life Gila reptiles are beautiful with their beaded skin. Slow moving, they are part of the Fragile series I am working on. For the next mosaic class, Coyote the trickster will be featured and students will have the opportunity to interpret coyote folk tales in artful mosaic booklets. Ages 8 - 13. Can't wait to see what they come up with!

And Risa, constant companion doing her Watz Up face.

Glass Nature series

Working on the nature series for the desert wildlife flora and fauna. They include little bats, kit fox, raptors, mice, coyote, lizards and more. After finishing the paintings and mosaics, sections will be cropped for the little glass jewelry.

My next series is already on the drawing board - endangered species, both plants and animals. While I work Risa periodically comes to check up on my progress, ask me to take a break and come out and play. Sometimes I can take five and I do! Then I get back to it, refreshed :~)

Starting my local wholesale to establishments that resonate with my work and ideals. Botanical gardens, Wildlife museums, zoos.

Spirit Booster

Collecting proverbs and quotes is a hobby I have been at for many years. Notebooks, journals, sketchbooks, all filled with them. Written in the margins, or organized into pages. Mark Twain, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Albert Einstein to name a few. Oprah calls them Spirit Boosters and I think I will too - it fits. Each post I will try to remember to include at least one. This one is from the contemporary author of Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert:

"There is hardly a more gracious gift that we can offer someone than to accept them fully, to love them almost despite themselves".

That is Risa's gift to me and I am thankful every day for her K9 companionship.

Holidays, Avatar, glass Pins and Mosaics

Hello again! Been out of touch but now that the holiday haze is winding down there is much to tell. Time sped by in a blur. Christmas was spent with my family and so special. for New Years Eve a friend and I went to see the new movie Avatar in 3-D and it was Great! Had a fabulous, beautiful dinner prepared by my very talented gourmet friend, a very cool movie and then some bubbly to drink in 2010 complete with wacky 2010 glasses, sparkly hat and flashing champaign glasses. A perfect evening!

The little glass pins and pendants are a hit and had a few mini mosaic commissions. The Risa mosaics are charming dog lovers and enclosed is one of the commissions for another Aussie with a Risa pose. Risa Star Gazer sold twice! Poses can be repeated, but never duplicated so each little mosaic turns out unique with turquoise gem pieces.

Mantra for 2010 - Live What You Love.

St. Francis and Risa mini Paintings Mosaics

Wow! The day after Thanksgiving. Feels like any other day and it's back to work. Had a lovely dinner and ate Waay too much. Had highly nutritious coffee and apple pie for breakfast - mmm! those leftovers are tasty!

Starting new reverse glass paintings and pieces - they are small and pretty cute.All of the mini mosaics have gems, stones, beads, glass and often mirror. Size range is 7 - 12 inches. 

Never tire of St. Francis, wildlife & Risa subjects. Risa Star Gazer will be used for some holiday cards and gifts.  As you can tell,  I like Starry Nights and Risa will be gazing up at the brightest star of Christmas.

Hope there are those out there that are reading - leave comments :~)  I know I should work Facebook page, but no time! Will get on there shortly and put something  up!

My Best Girl Risa

Here is my best girl and Muse - my 24/7 Aussie companion Risa. 

Her cheerful, patient, very intelligent personality and     companionship is one of the reasons I am so grateful that my business keeps me in the studio at home. She is my cheerleader and keeps me on track!  My very  own Dog Star (Sirus).

In the winter when the weather is cooler she comes everywhere with me - she is a fabulous public relations making friends wherever she goes. Her beauty and sweet personality draws the public to her like a magnet. I am the sidekick!

Here she is asking "is it snack time yet??!" (anytime is a good snacktime) and hanging out in "the pit" - a plain dirt work and play area. She loves to lay and sun in the dirt - especially after grooming or cleaning!

Risa will have her own blog or little site very soon - "assoonas" I can make time, get time, get it together, etc..