"Teacher's Pet"

I am off to the studio table to work on "Teacher's Pet" today, and hopefully to finish him. Occasionally, I'm asked to donate work to local groups or sometimes to the online groups that I belong to as giveaway items or in this case to help with fundraising. I work so slowly that often it is difficult for me to fit everything in, but I feel it is important to give back when you can.

Late last fall I was contacted regarding the donation of a piece for our local school system's fundraising event this month, and of course I said yes...after all, where did I get my interest in art and have such fabulous art instruction under Paul Fell, but in a public school system. I don't know if Paul realizes the important impact he had on me as as my art instructor, but he certainly is a major reason I pursued art as a career. Teachers can be very special people that help guide us into the adults we become, so as I was creating this piece and thinking back to my school days, I thought of Paul.

This is what evolved from those memories. School books, wood pencils, penny loafers and of course an "apple" for the teacher. My husband looked at the piece and made a comment about being the teacher's pet, and that became the title of the piece. It just seemed to fit.

He is my first apple headed figure, and let me tell you the painting on this little head was a challenge. I do think he looks very "apple-like" though, and that is what I was going for. I have the little sweater vest, hands, and base to paint so when he is completed I will post an update for you to see.

This work will be auctioned off in just a little over a week so I better get him finished!! I hope he makes you smile and coaxes someone to be generous to help make the fundraiser a success!!

Have a great week!
Laurie