LaurevaM: Gifted Artist

Ranked #786 in Nonprofits, #205,453 overall

Beautiful Gifts by LaurevaM - Inspired and Inspiring

Welcome to the Squidoo Lens for LaurevaM, AKA, Laurie Mitchell, an amazing 90-year young fine artist and lover of animals. Her work is even more amazing since she is a Post Polio survivor and does all of her art seated in a wheelchair. Check out her art and her bio...

LaurevaM

90 Years of Living and Giving...

At the age of two Laurie was stricken with Polio which was making the rounds that year. At the age of four the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles scooped her up, kept her as an inpatient/outpatient for ten years, finally releasing her when she was fourteen, saying there was no more they could do for her.During that ten-year period she experienced numerous orthopedic surgeries, including those on her right leg which was shortened to match the atrophied left limb. At various times she also wore casts, splints, leg braces, back braces, etc., and attended the in-house school when hospitalized.

During periods of rehab after surgeries she attended the school for handicapped children located in downtown Los Angeles. Though she still suffered from residual effects of childhood Polio, she married, raised a family, enjoyed a successful career as a graphic artist specializing in designing technical forms, including complex business forms, brochures, and advertising material for major corporations. After retirement she pursued the types of art that she'd always wanted to explore.

She attended college, and earned a Bachelor's degree at age 66. She has been studying and producing all kinds of art ever since! Her emphasis has been creating art and donating it to nonprofits. Reflecting on her childhood challenges, she feels she also received many blessings and now finds it especially rewarding to give back to those who are experiencing similar circumstances.

For the past several years Post Polio has come into her life, forcing her into a wheelchair 24/7. Because she can no longer use an easel, most of her work is done across her lap. In 2008 she painted an 18"x24" canvas, holding it with one hand, painting with the other. She enjoys experimenting with mixed media, oils, acrylics, oil pastels, watercolor, and drawing, and finds painting therapeutic. Laurie says that there is nothing she likes better than entering into another "zone" through creativity. She adds that her only wish is that her artwork will bring hope and joy into the lives of others.

Check Out LaurevaM's Princess Daisy Art!

http://www.zazzle.com/LaurevaM*
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And Luna the Wolf Dog...

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Luna the Wolf Dog

50% Wolf, 50% Husky, 100% Adorable!

Luna

Expressive mixed-media painting by Laurie Mitchell featuring Luna, the striking half Husky, half Wolf, as she lounges under a bush.

Laurie built up the subtle, velvety surface on an 8"x10" pastel board in layers of acrylic, oil, alkyd, and oil pastels.Gentle color harmonies, delicate shadows, and Luna's intense and sweet expression make this a great gift!

Wear Your Care for Cats & Dogs - Shop at Laurevam's Zazzle Store!

Shop at zazzle.com/laurevam* and help save dogs and cats! 100% of all artist's proceeds will be donated to Haven Humane and Raining Cats 'n' Dogs, both of Redding, CA! Furthermore, these are beautiful and cool designs!
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Cats & Dogs Totes

Travel, Storage, Shopping

Fun gifts for the dog and cat lover, these totes are an easy way to identify pet items while travelling, a cool place to put grooming gear, and a nice way to celebrate your pet while shopping. Help rescue abandoned cats and dogs while toting in style! Fun!
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Charlie

type=textExpressive dog portrait by Laurie Mitchell features Charlie and his ball on a blue blanket. Gentle mixed media pastel and brushwork and warm/cool color harmonies are balanced by crisp details on the ball, collar, and face. According to family legend, Charlie is a six-year-old Golden Retreiver with an I.Q. of over 300! :-) When he goes fishing with his owner Mike, Charlie is the designated "spotter." If he sees a school of fish he turns around with a big grin as if to say, "Hey, Mike, there they are!" 100% of artist's share of proceeds from sale of this product go to support Humane Societies and the RainingCatsnDogs Rescue Group.

Check Out LaurevaM's Other Fine Art at Zazzle!

Joyful, Colorful, Unique!

Lovely Abstracts, Florals, Landscapes, Seascapes, etc.!
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Check Out LaurevaM's Artful Business Cards!

Fun!

Distinctive business/profile card designs featuring some of Laurie's delightful art!
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Fun Fundraisers & Animal Magnetism

Small is Beautiful...Little Gifts = Big Support...

If each person looking at Laurie's beautiful pet portraits on magnets purchased even one, the lives of cats and dogs might be improved or even saved. Why? Because she donates 100% of her artist's share of her Zazzle sales to Haven Humane and Raining Cats 'n' Dogs in Redding, California . Sometimes our smallest gestures can carry big hope. Thanks for your kind generosity!
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LaurevaM's Lucky Pups ... :-)

Great Animal Rescue Charities

Laurie puts her art where her heat is and wil be donating proceeds from the sale of her Zazzle art to help cats, dogs, and other animals.
Check out two of Laurie's favorite organizations!
Raining Cats 'n Dogs Rescue Group
Wonderful Animal Rescue Organization!
Haven Humane Society
Wonderful Humane Society!

Fun Pet Grooming Supplies at Amazon

Furminators do a great job if you read all instructions and treat your pet gently with them. With time and care this may become a favorite grooming activity for both animals and owners.
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Fun Pet Clothing on Zazzle

Finally, Duds for Dogs! :-)
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Check Out Laurie's Cool Totes on Zazzle!

Colorful, Practical, Earth Friendly! Great Gifts!
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Animal Rescue Fiction for the Kindle...

What's Your Favorite?

Moving stories about our four-legged (usually) teachers!

Wild Cat (Starlight Animal Rescue) by Dandi Daley Mackall

Wild Cat (Starlight Animal Rescue) by Dandi Daley Mackall

I haven't done anything with my life. . . . I need more...0 points

Animal Rescue Team: Hide and Seek by Sue Stauffacher

Animal Rescue Team: Hide and Seek by Sue Stauffacher

It's autumn in Grand River, and that means getting more...0 points

Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson

Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson

In the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, Susannah more...0 points

Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts by Lucy Dillon

Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts by Lucy Dillon

An irresistible novel about women, men, and the dogs more...0 points

A Small Furry Prayer: Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life by Steven Kotler

A Small Furry Prayer: Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life by Steven Kotler

Steven Kotler was forty years old and facing an existential more...0 points

Cool Alley Cat Products at Zazzle

Expressive mixed media portrait of Alley, a brown tabby, whom Laurie says was
"loving, as only cats can be". Alley got her name from being rescued in an alley.
According to Laurie's sources, Alley is no longer with us, but died happy.

This is an intriguing design. The muted colors, harmonious touches,
facial expression and extra long fur add their unique charm. All artist proceeds
from the sale of this work go to support animal shelters. Fun gifts for cat fans,
animal lovers, and many others!
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New Products by LaurevaM at Zazzle

Beautiful, inspiring, fun!
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Dog Books at Amazon

Woof!

Great Gifts for Dog Lovers!
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Haven Humane Society in Redding, CA

What to Expect When Adopting through Haven Humane Society!
Pet-Adoption
Helpful info on adopting a pet.
Haven Humane listings at Petfinder.
This link will take you to a Petfinder page with
photos and info about cats and dogs ready to be
adopted!

Humane Society Donations Welcome!

Give Our Animal Friends a Helping Paw...

LaurevaM's art and life are all about giving, especially to critters in need. Here's a chance to make a small donation and a big difference in the lives of cats and dogs. Thank you!

The Humane Society of the United States seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals-a world that will also benefit people. We are America's mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation and neglect, as well as the most trusted voice extolling th

Cool Books on Painting Animals at Amazon

Have a Pet Inspiration?

Here are some books on learning to paint your favorite critter friends!
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Your Kind Comments are Welcome!

Thanks for Stoppng In!

  • RinchenChodron Mar 9, 2012 @ 8:07 pm | delete
    What lovely pets! I love the wolf/dog in the bush! And great that you donate to animals.
  • profilesincolor Mar 10, 2012 @ 9:31 am | delete
    Thanks so very much! Appreciate your kindness! :-)
  • d-artist Mar 8, 2012 @ 7:54 pm | delete
    Lovely Paintings! I love doing art and will paint for the rest of my life...
  • JoshK47 Nov 30, 2011 @ 11:08 am | delete
    What lovely artwork! Thanks so much for sharing - blessed by a SquidAngel!
  • gottaloveit Aug 20, 2011 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    What beautiful artwork and what an inspirational story.
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profilesincolor

LaurevaM, AKA, Laurie Mitchell, an amazing 90-year young fine artist and lover of animals. Be sure to check out her awesome art in her Zazzle shop: ww... more »

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