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After a grueling weekend and a couple big days of "studio rearrangement" (which equals extremely sore muscles!), I'm finally feeling better about my workspace and I started my new illustration "Little Traveler" today. 

This art features a delightful Bichon Frise, and I find this one especially close to my heart as we had a Bichon when I was growing up.  Brigitte was my first dog and she was such a joy.  I still miss her.

I made quite a bit of progress today -- I guess the new studio set up did inspire me, sore muscles and all. :)  Below is a mini gallery of photos I shot as I went along.  I still have quite a bit to do on this illustration, as there is an entire background scene I didn't show in the photos yet. Once I finish the bottom of her travel case, I'll start on the background.

--Silajai
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Just in time for Christmas, we now offer iPhone and iPad Speck cases!  We have 2 different phone cases available (iPhone3 and iPhone4).  What a perfect way to show off your love of your favorite animal art by Silajai!
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The long awaited illustration "Bath Time" is now complete!  What a fun journey this one was!

Get your fine art prints here or an entire range of merchandise featuring this sweet German Shepherd puppy here.

I've even designed an entire range of supplies which will be perfect for a groomer's business -- business cards, letterhead, greeting cards, labels, and even an appointment binder. (see below!)

I hope you've enjoyed watching the progression of this illustration. :)

--Silajai
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Another busy day in the studio!  First of all, I've made more progress on the "Bath Time" illustration.  I'm down to working on this little German Shepherd puppy's yellow ducky friend.  Almost done!

Secondly, if you'll take a look around the website, you'll notice some fun new products coming on board - just in time for Christmas!  Check out the ceramic ornaments I've added. These keepsakes will make great ornaments for the holiday season and beyond.  I've got another surprise coming soon as well....stay tuned!

--Silajai
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This sweet little German Shepherd puppy is getting closer and closer to his bath time!  Today I've finished one shampoo bottle and the towel he's laying on.

Take a look at the mini gallery below to see his progression so far.

--Silajai
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Today began with working on this little pup's back leg and front paw.  It still looks a bit awkward, but that's because there are things surrounding these paws which haven't been worked on yet.

When I'm doing an illustration, I usually try to complete the animal first.  That's what I've done here.
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 When it comes to the surrounding elements of the scene, however, I work from top left to bottom right -- this is to keep from smearing color.  Since I've completed the puppy first, I may smear his colors a bit - but with fur, it all blends together, so I'm not too worried about it.  Today, I finished the stack of bath towels behind him.  Tomorrow, I'll begin work on the shampoo bottles behind his head.

I hope you're enjoying seeing the progression so far.

--Silajai
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This little German Shepherd puppy in "Bath Time" is coming to life!

I put some more in depth progress photos below for your viewing pleasure.

Hope you enjoy!

--Silajai
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P.S.  Here's my "guard" dogs.   Don't let the relaxed pose fool you...they are fully alert and ready to scramble up off of that floor in a mere second. :)
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I guess you could say I'm on a German Shepherd kick.  Well, one of these beautiful dogs owns me, so it's to be expected. :)

So here we are again, this time with a German Shepherd puppy who is starring in my new illustration titled "Bath Time".  I hope you'll enjoy watching the progress of this one!

Currently, I'm just beginning the work on his sweet little face.
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This is Max, my studio-mate and the inspiration behind the recent paintings.  He is 4 years old, but still thinks he's a puppy.

I hope you don't get tired of seeing this breed appear in my art.  There will be another one coming up soon, as a fan of mine on the Silajai Facebook page sent me some delightful photos of her young German Shepherd too, and I already have some ideas in the works for an illustration featuring her.

--Silajai
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And it is complete!  I hope you've enjoyed watching the progress of Waiting for Santa.  This artwork is now available on cards & gifts in my gallery.

I'm getting ramped up for my next illustration, which will feature a German Shepherd puppy.
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Aha...this painting is on the home stretch now!  See - I *am* bound and determined to have it done in time for Christmas card sales in my gallery. :)

Today, I've completed the left side of the German Shepherd's face, and the tree skirt he's laying on.  Tomorrow, I'll be working from the middle to the right, and I always work faster toward the end...when I can see it coming to life.

You may not see another in progress photo, as usually when I get close to the end, I just finish it up since I'm working much faster.

I forgot to say before -- please excuse these cruddy photos...I'm shooting these right on the easel, where the lighting is right for my work, but not good for photos (I shoot all of my finished paintings outdoors just before I spray them with a fixative).

Just for fun, I've posted the entire in progress photo gallery from start to finish, so you can see the progression without having to go through my blog to see each one.  Click on the photos to enlarge them.

--Silajai
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