Sydney Tibetan Terrier Pastel Drawing by terikor

This original pastel drawing by terikor titled Sydney has special meaning for me. Sydney was one of the many dogs I met when I was reporting for Examiner.com at the Westminster Dog Show last February. Behind the scenes in the staging room at Westminster you get to visit with many different breeds and learn about them. Not all dogs attending Westminster are just show dogs. Sydney’s story was an endearing one that immediately grabbed me and I knew that that I wanted to draw her portrait. This Tibetan Terrier was attacked by a Bobcat. The vets did not think she would live and if she did they thought she would loose her leg. Fighting the odds, Sydney persevered recovering fully going on to become number 5 in Tibetan Terriers. There is something about Sydney that reminds you of an old soul as you look into her eyes. Perhaps it is that she has been through so much. Those eyes captured me and this drawing is the result of my short visit with Sydney.

This unframed drawing is 8.5” X 11” and is priced at $100. 10% of the proceeds will benefit the Search Dog Foundation. You can visit their Facebook Page here.

I chose the Search Dog Foundation as the Charity for several reasons. First Syndey had tremendous drive to live just like the drive of those rescue dogs at the Search Dog Foundation who assist in finding people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. I also choose this charity because the Search Dog Foundation is the Etsy for Animals Charity of the Month making it befitting to honor the Search Dog Foundation in more than one venue.

Saluki Dog Art Mouse Pad by terikor

As our August Monthly Challenge Theme is "Anything Goes", I decided to share my breed of dog, the Saluki. Not only am I sharing the Saluki breed but also I am featuring an item that depicts one of my own Salukis. I chose to share a mouse pad of my Saluki, Zoe. Zoe was lure coursing when this picture was taken. I was so enamored by the photo that I decided to create a drawing based on the image. One can see by the smile on her face that she loves to run. This drawing is so special to me that I have used it to create many artsy products including this mouse pad. Actually I use this particular mouse pad at my desk so that I know Zoe is always with me.

The Saluki is the oldest recognized breed. Salukis come in many different colors but I prefer the Grizzle color because the mask around the face gives Salukis so much character. Salukis go back to the time of the Pharaohs. They were bred to hunt rabbits and gazelle. They are born to run but at the same time are very much the couch potato. Watch out they love to hog the bed.

A percentage of all my sight hound and Saluki items from terikor go to the benefit of Stola, Saluki Tree of Life. This is the national rescue organization for Salukis. Besides donating to Stola, I have fostered Salukis for them. Stola also calls on me to do home checks on potential homes in the Los Angeles area. Salukis have become such an integral part of my life giving me pleasure and unconditional love that I feel it is so important in my small way to give back to those Salukis in need.

Flying Colors Parrot Art by terikor

The sky is the limit and that is definitely the case for all birds. Birds can fly endlessly through the sky and than stop and take a breather. My acrylic painting, Flying Colors by terikor shows just that as a parrot sits perched on a branch of a tree musing as he decides whether to take off into the sky beyond. This artwork pays homage to our monthly challenge theme by showing the deep connection between birds and the sky.

While on vacation in Hawaii several years ago I took many photographs of Parrots. One of the photos was the inspiration for this acrylic painting. I was intrigued by the colors and how they reflected against the tree and sky.

I chose California Wildlife Center as the charity for Flying Colors because they rescue and rehabilitate birds. Once they are rehabilitated they are released back out into the Wild. Since a bird is the subject matter of my artwork it is only befitting that a charity that promotes the welfare of bird

March Magic Monotype by terikor

In different parts of the country summer is represented differently. In the marsh a stork surveys the scenery of a fallen tree. The stork can take a dip in the shimmering water that is ever present in the swamp. It is a quiet mystic and magical place with wildlife hidden in it midst. Marsh Magic, a monotype by terikor, depicts summertime blues, greens and purples in the marsh.

The charity I have chosen as the beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this Hand Pulled Print is California Wildlife Center as they rescue coastal birds and rehabilitate and release them back into the wild.

Purple Simplicity by terikor

I love working in my garden especially in the spring when the flowers are just beginning to bloom. One of my favorite colors is purple and the flower depicted in Purple Simplicity is one of the purple daisies that adorn my front yard. You will find various shades of purple in both the front of my home and in the back yard. There are purple roses, flowering vines and ground cover with tiny buds of purple flowers.

Purple Simplicity is a Monotype by terikor that depicts the simplicity and beauty of this single flower. This hand pulled print is framed and double matted with a hint of green border.

The charity I choose as the beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this flower monotype is the Etsy for Animals Charity of the Month, Ratbone Rescue.

White Cloud Panda Bear Note Cards by terikor

When I think of eco-friendly or green the first thing that comes to mind is our forests and those animals that depend on it for their habitat and survival. I chose the Panda as the fauna because it is one of many animals dependent on our green flora to live and the panda is one animal everyone is intrigued by as there is something very enchanting about them. The green background represents the forest that the Panda lives in. So much of our wildlife depends on our maintaining the balance of our forests.

The panda depicted in these note cards by terikor is Bai Yun, which means White Cloud. Bai Yun is the female panda at the San Diego Zoo.

This pastel drawing was created by applying water with a brush to the soft pastels. After I reapplied the soft pastels for texture.

The charity I have chosen to benefit from the sale of these note cards is California Wildlife Center as they rescue and save wildlife in Los Angeles County and the California coastline.

Ipo's Dream Dog Art Coaster by terikor

To each of us our house pet is special. We all love the unconditional love our pets give to us. Some people prefer a dog to a cat or they love both. Others prefer a particular breed. It really does not matter because they are all our pets and have their special place in each of our homes. In my case I have 4 Salukis and a cat and they pretty much rule the roost.

terikor chose this tile coaster called Ipo’s Dream to represent the March theme of house pets. I met Ipo, a Cocker Spaniel on one of my trips to Hawaii. He was the devoted pet of some friends who lived on Maui. I did several drawings of Ipo because he was such a love and had the most expressive eyes. As an artist I love capturing the essence of animals through the eyes. Your house pet can tell me so much as I look into his or her eyes. In all my animal art the eyes play a predominant role.

Since Ipo was a Cocker Spaniel, I think it only appropriate that I donate to a Cocker Spaniel rescue and as it turns out the Etsy for Animalsl charity of the month for March is a Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Life's Little Paws. I therefore choose this rescue as the beneficiary from the sale of this Tile Coaster and all my other Cocker Spaniel artwork.

Head to Head Horse Print by terikor

Love is always in the air in February and animals abound in love whether they give us unconditional love or they love each other. Depicting this months challenge theme, I chose a print I created from one of my original drawings of two horses, called Head To Head. Through these horses eyes you can sense the closeness and the love that these horses have for one another. There is a romantic quality to the simplicity of this artwork by terikor that enhances this love.

The charity I chose for this print is Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue Inc. Since the print depicts thoroughbred horses, I felt it appropriate that a rescue related to horses be the recipient of a percentage of this print. Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue Inc was created to facilitate the placement and rescue of retired racehorses.

Arctic Frolic Polar Bear Pastel Drawing by terikor

There is no better animal that exemplifies a wintery white than the Polar Bear; therefore terikor chose the Arctic Frolic, a pastel drawing of a Polar Bear to be my challenge entry for the January Challenge “Winter Whites and Icy Blues”. There is something about the Polar Bear that draws people in especially some of their delightful antics. My drawing of the Polar Bear is created in a gestural manner. The head of the Polar Bear is defined but I use lines to indicate the body. With the assumption that less is more, I let your eye fill in the rest. In the case of Arctic Frolic the polar bear seems to be playing around with his hind in the air.

Unfortunately the polar bear is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act because of Global Warming. By choosing the Polar Bear to represent Etsy for Animals January challenge theme, I am also letting people know that we need to assist in saving the Polar Bear from extinction. Consequently my choice of charity for Arctic Frolic my Polar Bear drawing is Polar Bear International since they are one of the most well known Charities assisting in research and helping the Polar Bear.

Jourdan Springer Spaniel Dog Art Magnet by terikor

Dogs and cats love treats and toys, but what are they to do when their human mom forgets to buy the goodies for them? To help them remember it is a great idea to have a refrigerator magnet all set and ready to hold your furry companions shopping list. Cori’s Pawtraits makes an assortment of magnets to choose from. This magnet is called Jourdan and features a lovely Springer Spaniel who looks like he is reminding or saying don’t forget my treats please. The magnet is accented with a luscious red.

The charity designated for this magnet is Old Dog Haven. They specialize in rescuing dogs of all ages especially those that are senior citizens. All dogs need a safe haven but seniors need it more then ever because they cannot always be re-homed.

Welsh Corgi Tile Coaster by terikor

With a theme like “Thanks for the Smiles”, who could resist not picking the Corgi? This dog breed is known for their smiles especially the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. terikor has a series of art products, gift tags, note cards, magnets, mouse pads and tile coasters that depict the smiling corgi as if to say thank you. I chose this tile coaster called “All Smiles” as my representation of the theme. This Corgi is very happy and would cheer up any kitchen.

One of the many charities I donate to is Old Dog Haven and is the charity I elected for this tile coaster because they specialize in the older dog. It is so important that senior canine have a safe haven and that is exactly what Old Dog Haven does for all dogs especially the older ones who are not always re-homed.

In The Dark Cat Note Cards by terikor

All cats prowl around at night. If you are the proud owner of one you have often heard them going bump in the night. The black cat is probably the most representational bumper in the night as it can be scary and ominous especially as Halloween approaches. Black cats are thought to be superstitious to some and are the hardest to place in rescue. This is a misnomer because the black cat is just as lovable as any other cat. Because black cats are not as easily placed, I felt that this color of cat is the ideal subject to represent this month’s theme. In The Dark represents a silhouette profile of a beautiful black cat. The original drawing by terikor was a commission that I decided to have created into note cards.

Hopefully by seeing beautiful images of black cats in art more people will become aware of the need for forever home for them.

Tabby’s Place is one of several charities I donate to with the sale of my cat art. I choose my charities I donate to based on the type of art I am depicting.

Western Dreamer Horse Drawing by terikor

Looking at the theme for the September challenge, there are all types of farms with some specializing in a particular animal or product whether it be a dairy farm or a horse farm, etc. I decided that the horse would be the best way I could exemplify this month’s theme. Having spent time in Lexington, KY enjoying the scenic landscape of lush grass on the rolling hills and the magnificent horse farms with every type of equine breed, my horse art began to evolve into a softer and looser style. The influence of this trip was very apparent as I began to draw a series of horses in pastels called my “Dream Series”. Western Dreamer by terikor is one of my favorites of this series. In this drawing using a soft palette, allowing the horse's emotional state to best be depicted.

At this time a percentage of all my horse artwork benefits Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue. This horse rescue is located in Maryland and I discovered it when someone involved with the rescue purchased one of my drawings. Although they purchased a drawing of a cat and dog, I decided to begin donating to this horse charity on all my equine art.

Take Five Reptile Print by terikor

This Monotype was made specifically by terikor for the EFA’s August Challenge, Reptiles. It is my first venture at creating a piece of art showing any kind of reptile. I always love new artistic challenges and experimentation because it shows my growth as an artist. In addition I get to add something new and different, in this case a lizard to my portfolio.

I chose to create the lizard as a Monotype because I feel I am more fluid and loose with this medium and I employ brighter colors. Lizards can be very colorful making the use of this medium ideal for conveying what I wanted to portray.

Take Five portrays a lizard sunning itself on a rock. The background of this Monotype represents the both a sunny day and a rock. Like humans this lizard is taking a respite by lying in the sun; hence the title “Take Five”.

I choose California Wildlife Center as a charity to support because they assist so many different types of local fauna. I figured this rescue was befitting of benefiting from the sale of this particular piece of artwork.

Sunset in Paradise Watercolor by terikor

When I think of the theme “In the Deep Blue”, I think of the wonderful colors that the ocean waters can display from reflections of the light at different times of the day. terikor chose "Sunset in Paradise" for July's theme because the sea in Hawaii is the most colorful and the Hawaiian sunset creates an even more beautiful array of colors that have exudes both a romantic quality as well as inspirational.

Sunset In Paradise was created while I was on vacation in Kauai and shows how relaxed and loose I was with both my subject matter and colors.

I let my individual pieces of art dictate which charity should be represented. In the case of Sunset in Paradise it is the California Wildlife Center because they assist Marine animals and birds. Although they are not located in Hawaii they do assist coastal animals and are located in the beach community of Malibu, California. I also like to support animal charities in California, my home state.

The Deep Sea Dolphin Art Print by terikor

When I think of the beach I think of the ocean. One of the unique mammals of the ocean is the Dolphin. I am fascinated by the intelligence of the Dolphin and how they communicate. Therefore I chose the Dolphin to be my representation of the theme “Off To The Beach”.

The Deep Sea is a monotype by terikor showing four dolphins frolicking in the ocean. Monotypes are a form of printmaking whereby an original inked or painted image is transferred from a plate onto paper. Each print is a unique work and is not repeated. Monotypes are also referred to as hand pulled prints.

This medium enables my artistic expression to become more fluid and loose. By employing colorful palate in these works I have also added a new dimension to my art.

An integral part of my art is being able to donate a percentage to charities that help animals in need. I try to match the charity with the individual art piece. With all my sight hound art, I donate to my breeds rescue, Stola. My cat art donations go to cat charities and in the case of The Deep Sea, I chose California Wildlife Center because they assist coastal mammals and birds.

Orchid Flower Watercolor Art by terikor

I love flowers and working in the garden so I thought for this months challenge theme flora and fauna it would be exciting to share my favorite floral piece from my shop , Orchids in Paradise. I created this watercolor while on vacation in Hawaii. Whenever I travel I love to bring some form of art medium along so that I can hopefully create something when I am in a very relaxed mode. With Orchids in Paradise I was fortunate enough to be staying at a hotel that offered a watercolor workshop with a local Hawaiian artist. Prior to this I incorporated watercolors with some of my pastels. This original artwork fits our theme because it represents the tropical flora atmosphere of Hawaii as well as the beauty of Orchids.

Experimenting in different mediums is exciting to me and creates challenges that help me to grow in my artistic ability. Watercolor is a newer medium for me. I like that it is more fluid and can be extremely colorful.

As with all my work I donate a percentage to various animal charities. The charity I have recently been very inspired to assist is the Search Dog Foundation because not only do they help dogs by rescuing them from shelters, they train these dogs to help humans like those who were victims of the earthquake in Japan and other natural disaster.

Whisker To Whisker Dog and Cat Note Cards by terikor

Dogs and cats play such an important part of our lives. They’re always there for us rain or shine giving us the unconditional love we so desire.

Choosing “Whisker to Whisker Note Cards” from terikor to exemplify Etsy for Animals’ April Challenge, “Raining Cats and Dogs” was an easy choice. “Whisker to Whisker” features a dog and cat cuddling up together in a loving relationship. When it is raining, our dogs and cats cuddle up to keep warm and stay out of the rain. I can just envision cats and dogs on a rainy day circling up together, keeping warm by the hearth of your family’s fireplace during a rainstorm.

The original drawing of “Whisker to Whisker” came about when an invitation was needed to an animal charity function I was participating in. The event was Volunteers of America’s Senior Companion program, which helped provide pet food for needy seniors’ pets. I created “Whisker to Whisker” as the design for the invitation. The original drawing was purchased several years later as a gift for a Veterinarian’s office in Maryland with the proceeds benefiting one of the charities I donate too regularly.

In the case of “Whisker to Whisker” it has turned out to benefit many different animal charities. Currently a percentage of the sale of this set of note cards will benefit Search Dog Foundation. This national organization benefits both dogs and humans. The Search Dog Foundation rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to become search and rescue dogs. Ultimately they partner the dogs with firefighters and other first responders to assist finding humans buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. Currently there are 74 Search Dog Foundation teams located in California, Florida, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah. The value of these search and rescue dogs is quite evident as we recently saw in Japan.

This organization is dear to my heart because of the invaluable work they do to help both animals and humans.

On the Border Cards by terikor

"On the Border" by terikor depicts two Border Collies enjoying the cozy close comfort of one another. In thinking of the March challenge theme of "Sweet Shelter and Cozy Comforts", I had to pick the words "Cozy Comforts" in picking an item from my shop that fits this theme. What is cozier than two canine friends sharing time together?

To me, giving back in any way I can to those animals that play such an important part of my life gives me the greatest pleasure. My art would not thrive without those animals. I am thrilled every time I sell an original piece of art or one of my art products enabling me to give back to animals in need no matter how much it is. Getting the thank you notes from the various charities I donate to means a lot because I know I have helped in a very small way.

Loyal Companion Dog Note Cards by terikor

"Loyal Companion" was an easy choice for terikor when it came to choosing an entry for February's Monthly Challenge "Companions Corners". The title of these note cards says it all. The Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) is known for its loyalty to its owner and human companion. Therefore this breed is the perfect loyal companion.

My canine companions are Lexi, Gabi, Zoe and Keli, who through their love have taught me so much. There devotion has inspired me to give back to both my breed and all dogs through my art. Pastel is my favorite medium to convey my love of animals especially dogs. I donate a percentage of proceeds from art sales to various rescues around the United States.