Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The holidays are upon us. I would like to invite you to check out my website again. I have added christmas ornaments and also christmas cards to it. www.gretchenhashheffner.com

Here is a sample of what you will find. If you are interested in either or any of the artwork, please contact me directly at southernescapeart@yahoo.com

Getting ready for summer art camp

Hi everyone, don't fret, I have been painting! It's is just most of my time has been occupied by getting ready for summer art camp. I am again teaching the 4-6 year old children. Many have been with me for the last summer or two so I just love seeing them again and how much they have grown. The difference is I am only teaching two weeks not four. Needed a break this year for a little and also wanted time to be able to create my own art along with spending time with the horses and the newest addition to our family... Hobeaux - a pitbull/mastif cross. He is a love! Showed up on our doorstep about three weeks ago. Anyway, I just finished two new paintings - one is a small watercolor of an ocean cliff with a lighthouse and the other, a small acrylic equine painting. Both will be posted soon.

Thoroughbred Racing Museum of Aiken, SC

I have had the honor of being chosen as one of four artists to have work selected to be for sale at the Thoroughbred Racing Museum. Four of my silverpoints were chosen. I am so excited by this opportunity. A portion of the sale price will go towards the Thoroughbred Racing Museum, a beautiful piece of Aiken's history. The image is titles "Worth The Look". Silverpoint is a technique where the artist actually draws with a piece of silver on a prepared surface. When the drawing is finished, it is left to tarnish, much like a silver tea service would, after the artist is happy with the darkness of color, it is then framed and tarnishing ceases. It is a rare artform. Please visit www.aikenracinghalloffame.com/Online_Art_Gallery.html to see all artwork available

Please visit / Grand Opening

Announcing the Grand Opening of my booth space and "Antiques and More" on Pinelog Rd. & Powderhouse Rd. in Aiken, SC. The shop is now open but the Grand Opening will be Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22 from 10 -5 pm both days. There will be gift certificates drawn every hour and also I am offering 15% off all artwork inclduing my notecards. Please stop by.

Young Racehorse Prospects

This time of year is always a time of reflection. The new year will be soon upon us. I was going through my photographs that I use as inspiration for my paintings and ran across this one. Young racehorses: their future is yet to be told, will they be the next GREAT one? This year marked the anniversary of my great aunt Jane"s passing. I cannot believe it has been a year. I talk to her often and more often than not when I have needed support or help it has come. I believe it is her watching over me just as she did when she was here on earth. I always called her my guardian angel. I don't know what the new year will bring but I will embrace it< as it comes for better or worse.

"Hi There"

A new horse painting. Its done in my favorite palette of colors. 8 x 10 framed in a simple black frame. $50. if interested please email me at southernescapeart@yahoo.com

I need your votes!!!

Please vote for my artwork. I have entered an international art competition. Thank you for your time. Please go to this link http://acrylics.winsornewton.com/en/win/gallery/?start=97

Pink & Green Whimsical

Another print of Whimsical. I love pink and green - I am a preppy 80's girl. It is 6 x 9. Unframed. $25.00 email southernescapeart@yahoo.com if interested.

"Whimsical" horse print

I have been experimenting with linoleum block printing. This is one of my images. I have done them with gold, orange, green, pink and blue printing ink. Pretty pleased with this image. It is titled "Whimsical". 5 x 7. Unframed as of now so prints are $25.00 each. Email southernescapeart@yahoo.com if interested.

"Face to Face"

I have been trying to keep to my promise of giving myself time in the studio everyday. "Face to Face" original is in permanent collection but giclee's are available. $100 each 12" x 18" archival inks and paper. Please email if interested southernescapeart@yahoo.com

Being Brilliant

It's finished!!! I love the colors. I am so pleased with the results. Loose but just enough detail. I have titled it "Being Brilliant". A play on words... the horse's movements are brilliant and the colors used are brilliant. It is 20' x 24' and painted in acrylics. $275. Please contact me at southernescapeart@yahoo.com if interesting in purchasing.

Horses In Paint

This past weekend I taught a two day workshop on Horses In Paint. It was great. The talent that the artists had was so refreshing and it made my job so easy to help them find their own style and help them along the way. I was really happy with the results. Saturday am we worked on anatomy. I was able to borrow a skull, foot and hock bones to use. Then after lunch they sketched their photos on their canvas and start with their color washes. Sunday was spent finishing the paintings. They looked awesome. Good job to all! I have attached the one I started on. It just has the start of color washes on it. The workshop was held at The Aiken Center For The Arts.

Apple of my eye

This one I have titles "Apple of my eye". It's a mixed media piece, 10 x 8. Unframed as of now. The blue background is not showing up well here. Same issues as the pears. Will try tomorrow to get a better pic of it outside. Speaking of outside, the weather has finally turned and is the high 60's, tomorrow is supposed to be 73. Awesome! We have planned an all day horse day. Bathing, riding, etc... Can't wait.

Sand road in Aiken

Here is the latest version of the painting I have been working on. As you can see I have modified things. I am still in the layering stage, trying to settle on the final version so that I can go in with thicker paint.