Comments on: Heather Laws – The Commissioned Animal Portrait

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 05:38:57 +0000

In reply to Susanna Jarvis. Ohhhhhh Susanna, I am so so SO very sorry to hear this sad news. Thank you for taking the time to notify us all of Heather's passing. She struck me as such a gentle soul with so much caring for others. I really am glad and honoured to have her work here on the HowToPastel blog as a memorial to her talent and the joy she gave others through her art. My deepest condolences to you and all who call her friend and family.

By: Susanna Jarvis

Susanna Jarvis — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 12:28:30 +0000

Sadly, my dear friend, Heather, who bravely fought ovarian cancer for several years, has passed on April 24, 2021. I hope artists and animal lovers alike will continue to enjoy Heather’s beautiful paintings and encouraging words. This world has one less bright light, but I hope there is another world where Heather is still walking Jesse and Elliot along the lake shore, riding Maggie through a sunlit forest, and, of course, spending golden afternoons painting her stunning pastel portraits of our animal friends.

By: Heather Laws

Heather Laws — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 13:41:51 +0000

In reply to Teri Carter. Hi Teri, Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my journey. Yes, my dry spell was very difficult, to say the least, but the most important thing for me was to keep at it. I would have been easier just to give up, but I continued to push through that strong urge to pack it all in. There were tiny triumphs along the way and I had read that many other artists, including some of the masters, had gone through similar lengthy dry spells. Knowing this made me feel I was not alone in my suffering and gave me the courage to ride it out. As a result I feel my work has evolved and I am not afraid of taking risks. I encourage you to keep at it Teri, you will triumph in the end Happy Painting! Heather

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:03:15 +0000

In reply to Teri Carter. Thanks Teri! I'm delighted that this specific part of Heather's journey resonates and inspires you. It was a long period for Heather to go through with that unworthy feeling (certainly, it must have felt like forever!) and I admire her for sharing that low point with us.

By: Teri Carter

Teri Carter — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 13:51:23 +0000

Beautiful work and I love how Heather takes us on a journey through her career. Probably the most inspiring part was how she went through two years of artist block where she felt like her work was “garbage”, then came through it to have new energy and passion. Oh, how I can relate to going through artist block. Heather’s words give me hope to keep painting through those times. Thank you Heather and Gail for this inspiring article.

By: Heather Laws

Heather Laws — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 13:33:03 +0000

Thank you so much Sandy for your lovely comments about my work. I’m pleased to know that you found my blog so meaningful to you. Take good care and happy painting. Hugs. Heather

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 23:55:03 +0000

In reply to Sandy Gordon. Thank you so much Sandy! And of course, I can't take any credit as it was written by Heather and filled with her amazing work. And I completely agree with you - one of those dogs is about to lick my hand I think :-D

By: Sandy Gordon

Sandy Gordon — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 23:52:42 +0000

This is one of the most interesting and beautiful Blogs I have seen here. The artist has the ability to make me feel I’m actually with the animal and it is alive. It makes me want to experience it many times. Many thanks Gail for the introduction to Heather’s work.

By: Heather Laws

Heather Laws — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 20:38:32 +0000

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you for taking the time to read by blog and I would love to see your portrait of Dupre and your own work as well sometime. Our charges bring such pure joy and unfettered love, when they pass on we feel that loss so profoundly. The portraits we create become an expression of that love and a timeless memory to treasure for many years to come. Please do send me a message on social media, I would love to see your portraits. Take care. Heather

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 02:13:09 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth Spona.

Liz, thanks so much for sharing your love for your very special companion. I’m glad you have a painting of Dupre and can see why Heather’s skills as an animal portraitist gives so much pleasure to her clients.

I’ll be looking for that painting of Zurie-girl!