Here is our first submission for December......

Peggy Schenkels - Guardian Angel

Hi Shazza,

I have to admit, this challenge wasn't the easiest one for me. I couldn't for the life of me figure out what to do ... the painting is extremely difficult to follow (which you know I love to do), and the criteria weren't all that easy either!!! I mean ... how do you include a stable (and make it look nice!)???

So, it took me quite some time to get a clear image in my head of what I wanted to do, but once I did, it came together beautifully. The picture shows my 1 month old son (picture taken 11 years ago) and our German Shephard Jenny, who passed away several years ago. She was extremely protective of my kids, and this picture means a lot to me. It really shows her wonderful and kind nature.

I painted a "brick structure" which represents the stable as the background, and copied the angel from an image by a very talented artist named DJ (http://djpettitt.typepad.com/djpettitt/), which I'll include on my personal blog. The achieve the brick structure I used gel medium and sand before painting, and the structure in the wings was made with mere gel medium. I'll put some close-ups on my blog as well.

Though I struggled a bit at first, once again I'm very happy with the result. Thanks Shazza, for always making me have to use my imagination and creativity that little extra step further!

Love xxx Peggy

Peg! You are an amazing artist and no matter what the criteria you always come up with something 'jaw dropping' :) I Iove how you used the angel image and used gel medium to create the dappled affect on the wings...amazing! and painting a brick structure for a stable........just a brilliant idea. I love this layout and I love the photo you used. This is so inspiring, the DT and followers will love it. Well done! - cheers Shazza