A Special Thank-You from Matthew Mead to ME!!

What a great message to wake up to this morning from none other than designer/stylist/author/editor Matthew Mead!:

Lara,

Words cannot express the deep appreciation Jenny and I feel for the absolutely amazing portrait of Oscar. You have perfectly captured his essence in color and proportion and I was overwhelmed opening such a thoughtful gift upon arriving at Linda's. We just adore the painting and have shared it with family and friends alike who have had the same reaction. Thank you for sharing our special doggie with so many of your fans.

Best, Matthew and Jenny Mead

How good is that?? And then Linda MacDonald over at Restyled Home did a wonderful write up about my work as well! It's not everyday that an artist is recognized by their peers, so thank you Matthew and Linda! You have truly made my day! And be sure to stay tuned to their new magazine coming out soon called
Flea Market Style!

Meet Mathew Mead's Pup, "Oscar"...& A Giveaway at A Gift Wrapped Life!

Oscar, 11"x 14", oil on canvas (nfs)

I just wanted to share some awesome news! I recently was commissioned to do a surprise painting for none other than interior designer/stylist/author/editor Matthew Mead! Linda MacDonald over at Restyled Home asked me to do a painting of his pup, Oscar, for him and his wife as they were coming to her home for a photo shoot as they are launching a new magazine soon called Flea Market Style! You can read more about it here. Linda will be sending me a photo of Matthew and his wife with my painting very soon! Just so thrilled to hear that they are pleased with how it turned out! It was a true pleasure...thank you Linda! :o)
To have a portrait done of your precious pup feel free to contact me!

** Also!! A GORGEOUS GIVEAWAY will be taking place at
A Gift Wrapped Life! Click Here to learn more!

**AND I just selected the next lucky WINNER from those who originally entered my 1st ever Blog Art Giveaway...and can I tell you I had actually selected this one person but was sad to find that they are no longer following me for whatever reason :o( and I kind of felt like, well that's going against the rules of the original contest...so, I thought about it, re-checked again to see if maybe I was wrong, but no this person is no longer a follower so I chose another entry...and the winner is!!!Mason Dixie of
Who Says Dogs Don't Blog: the Day and the Life of Mason Dixie

***I also wanted to give a very SPECIAL THANK-YOU to my husband, Jonathan, it is his birthday today and I want him to know just how much he means to me...he has been so supportive of my work, loves me at my best & at my worst, and is my very best friend in life...someone once told me I'd never find my 'Prince Charming'....well they were wrong....mine came by way of the land down under, and yes he is my prince! :o)