Here are a couple of Pet Portrait Christmas Ornaments that I'm working on. Early stages but it gives you and idea of what they will look like. Or check out my earlier blog to see more.

Order yours for now for Christmas 2016!  $50.00 for an original painting to treasure!  Ready to hang on your tree.

Email a good photo of your pet to ellenhgh@gmail.com.

Works in Progress
4" x 4"
Acrylics on wood

Here are my original sketches and paintings for the Mardi Gras float for the Mixed Nuts group of the Krewe of Dionysos.  Scroll to the bottom to see how it all started.

Modifications were made.  For example, the back was totally changed but I have no photos of it.

The hanging beads obscured more of the float design than I estimated but they added color and sparkle, too!  The original request was for a collage that represented the whole state.

 If you saw the Krewe of Dionysos parade in Natchitoches, LA on Feb. 6 this year and took any photos of this float, please share them with me!!!  ellenhgh@gmail.com 

Pet Portraits on canvas or wood

Commissioned Pet Portrait Ornaments
4" X 4"
Acrylics on lightweight wood

Send a good photo of your pet to
   Ellenhgh@gmail.com
Ask about portraits on canvas.

Louisiana Food 

Works commissioned in 2015

Oils on canvas

10" x  30"

Tres Bien Antiques' Christmas Village

  Henry built an incredible base for this year's village.  He and Debbie and I put together the rest of the Village.  Debbie found a great backdrop for the corner and great icicles for underneath the sign.  The train went through a tunnel this year!!  I hope you went by Tres Bien Antiques on St. Denis in Natchitoches to see the Village and all of the other fantastic treasures!

Pet Portrait Christmas Ornaments. 

 4" x 4" acrylics on lightweight wood

$50.00 

(if you cannot pick up add $5.00 shipping and include mailing address)

Order yours now for Christmas 2016!

Email a good photo of your pet to ellenhgh@gmail.com.

Courir de Mardi Gras

Courir de Mardi Gras or Courir de Poulet?(Close-Up)
Papier Mache; mixed media
40" x  30" x 14"
$1000

 This is my hen who rides in the Courir de Mardi Gras.  She will be at the Eunice Community Art House for the January 30th ArtWalk.

The traditional Mardi Gras "run" or Courir de Mardi Gras reflects the lifestyle of South Louisiana's countryfolk as they celebrate before the beginning of Lent. The glitz and glamour of the Krewes with parades that feature elaborate floats and costumes are an important part of Louisiana's Mardi Gras culture but the Courir de Mardi Gras is just as important to people in some areas outside of New Orleans.
Making fun of royalty has roots that go deep into the history of the people who celebrate the "run".  Today they wear pointed hats, gaudy colored fringed clothing and masks that are homemade. Like the masks, the costumes are not made of fine fabrics or trimmed with bling and that's a good thing because other facets of this gem of a tradition include standing upright on horseback, and riding on horseback to visit homes and to beg for a chicken usually  accompanied by music and imbibing of beverages. When a family lets the chicken loose, the "run" to catch the chicken for the gumbo is on. The chase, a friendly, exciting competition, may involve trudging through muddy ditches before the poulet is finally caught.

 As you can see, in my version the chicken is riding the horse and will be chasing and catching...hmmm????

Courir de Mardi Gras or Courir de Poulet?
Papier Mache; mixed media
40" x 30" x 14"
$1000