MAINE OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP AUGUST 8,9,10

JOIN ME IN PORTLAND MAINE ON AUGUST 8,9,10.  THE WORKSHOP IS HELD AT ROUX&CYR GALLERY AT 48 FREE STREET PORTLAND, ME 04101.  CALL 207-576-7787 TO REGISTER.  THE PRICE IS $350.00 FOR THREE DAYS.  IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH MY WORK YOU MAY GOOGLE DON HATFIELD AND GET FURTHER INFORMATION.  SEE YOU IN MAINE.

Her Wine And Book

This model was so lovely that it was very difficult to do her justice.  I took it this direction simply because I didn't know what else to do.  Anyway,  it seemed to work out.  A friend said to me recently when I told him I am turning 70 in May--"...Don, your best work is still ahead of you."  I did not believe him for many reasons--but who knows--after all it was the great Dan McCaw who said it--a man who does not dish out much BS when it comes to art.  OK, let's go Don.  Think I'll take a nap.

CLASSIC HATFIELD PAINTING "CELEBRATION" HITS MARKET

THIS PAINTING IS 36X48IN.  CALL JEFF BROWN AT 415-518-3729.
info@lilypadgallery.cominfo@lilypadgallery.cominfo@lilypadgallery.com

BABY PORTRAIT BY DON HATFIELD

This was hard.  I thought it would be easy, but....!  They loved it.  I will be going door to door to seek baby, dog, horse,  cat, golf fish paintings to raise money for Trump.  Maybe he will appoint me to a position--like, O well--let me see--maybe a door stop!  Anyway, pray for my soul.

COCO CHANEL BY DON HATFIELD

''SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY'

I read the book and was fairly disturbed by what I read, and the, behold, I was asked by a friend to do a portrait of  Coco in exchange for an electric piano for my kids--so--what the heck!
An old flat photo was my reference, but I added the cigarette smoke and the torso--I think it works.

Hatfield Cove Scene

This 36by48 in painting was a commission from a retired naval officer.  He wanted something done in classic Hatfield style that was reminiscent of his three children--two girls, one boy, with dad.  He was not concerned about likeness but wanted the relative sizes to be accurate--all of which made this painting very difficult.  I used about 6 pieces of reference material and completely made up the rocks and water and sky.   When it scanned my printer said it was one of my best--made my afternoon.  The family liked it so all is well.

I am sorta stuck in commission ville, but it keeps me in the paint and in the money.  I am pinned with hugh expenses for my kids and I love meeting the responsibility with my art--God's great gift for times like this.  Maybe someday I will do a painting without hearing voices from clients--if I never do--that's OK--but a dear friend said to me the other day"....Don, your best stuff is ahead of you, and you will get to it."

So far it looks like my Summer workshop in Harbor Springs is not going to make it--not enough interest.  People are sick of me and my work.  But I know Donald Trump will save me!  We are keeping the offering open just in case for a few more days--so if you are interested call me at 707-815-5790 or Julia McGrath at (248) 842-8656.

20-20 is airing their treatment of Rachel's story on June 10.  Check for local times.

Down the Road--Don

BEACH PORTRAIT

Just finished this very difficult painting.  It's 36X40 and provided all of the problems of creating likeness, effect of light, composition, atmosphere and a few other things.  One hears many voices doing these commissions--all of which drive me crazy!  Anyway,  I am happy for the work.  I know I can count on Donald Trump to help me.  How do ya like me now?  See ya down the road.  DonI AM DOING A WORKSHOP IN HARBOR SPRINGS, MICHIGAN FROM THURSDAY,  JULY 28 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 31.  CALL JULIA MCGRATH AT 248-842-8656 OR EMAIL:  juliaswatercolors@gmail.com for details  HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT--THIS IS THE 4TH YEAR AND THEY ARE FUN.  YOU CAN CALL ME AT 707-815-5790 ALSO.

Don Hatfield's Destiny

www.nbcnews.com/video/dateline/57146601

Improved Version

34by30 Mother With Child

I went back into this to try and "fix" it.

WAITING TO SEE THOSE I LOVE

My niece, Cathy, dug this pic up.  I had never seen it--my Brother, Harold (SC footballer), my Mom (rt), and my Aunt Ruth in the early 60's.  I wept at this one!  Almost all of my dear family, many friends, and acquaintances are gone now.  How I miss them.  Will I see them again?  Does death shut the door forever?  Does the grave have the last word?  Death is an enemy, and no words can make it a friend--certainly, but thanks be to God that His Dear Son defeated death, hell and the grave, and that every knee will one day bow and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.  A new heaven and a new earth is what I am waiting for--no more tears, fear, separation, or misery.  I have this strange assignment for the duration of my life--that of raising my dear daughter's three orphaned children.  I never envisioned this, but I am beginning to feel like I was created for this task, and that my whole life prior to this time was preparation. So...in God's economy one never knows what he will be summoned to do.

I think of Moses--had it all, screwed up, was run off for 50 years or so--then God gave him something really interesting to do.  So for all of you half--assed christians out there--get ready!  God's love will find you at some point and  give you something interesting to do--guaranteed!  Don't worry you will love it.  Talk to ya down the road.  Don

Babe in Arms

Did this for the son of an old collector

CBS 48Hours Airs Rachel's Story Tonight at 10:00PM PST

This is a re-run of Rachel's story.  Four years now and it is still of interest.  For those wishing to donate to Rachel's Children's Fund click on this linkhttps://www.gofundme.com/g4bew.  The private school, St. John's Lutheran in Napa, CA, is a magical place for Rachel's kids, Eva (8), Ariel (6), and Alex (4)-- it has given them a beautiful supportive environment.  The funds go to their tuition.  Thanks, Don Hatfield

New York TV Shoot

An Orphan's Dream

Here is the dream of a 5 year old, Eva Winkler,  shortly after she was orphaned by the murder of her mother by her daddy:  (parentheses and punctuation inserted)

I dreamed there were…” two seats and one seat inside dad’s car and one car behind and three seats inside mom’s car.  We were all happy together, and we went on a picnic. Once we got there we were laying on the grass looking at the clouds.  We saw a baby angel in the shape of a lamb in the clouds—a lot of happiness together—me,  Alex (9 months), Ariel (2 )years.  Once we got home, were were playing, and once it was night time we all went to sleep and when it was morning we went to the picnic, and after the picnic we laid and watched the clouds—the heart shape of the cloud came down on our family—a triangle cloud—and it was a happy ending—the heart shaped cloud came down on all of our family."

I found this forgotten file the other day and was moved by it as you may imagine.  The images are so poignant that I thought it was alright to share--the lamb, the heart, the clouds etc.  It is a Jungian treasure trove of meaning.  As a Christian I can only wait on God to reveal the final meaning of this loving, reconciling, healing vision.  My guess is that it prefigures a "...new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwells...where God will wipe away every tear.."  And where the work of the Lamb of God will be complete.  

It is amazing how such dreams and visions arise in a wounded child.  In this often dark world I need a few of these myself from time to time--my life is organized around such visions, such in-breaking of clarity, such revelations.  We are not orphans are we?  I celebrate daily my guardianship of Rachel's three gifts to the planet and look to God to shepherd His little lambs.

In two days I fly to NY to tape an interview on a live talk show, Security Brief.  I tend to get wired up for this stuff--pray for my soul!  

See ya down the road,  Don

Don Hatfield To Appear On Security Brief With Paul Viollis

I will be flying out to NY to tape a live interview on the talk show Security Brief on September 18.  It's about Rachel's murder, and it will feature my take on all of it.  They will show my artwork as well, and I will be asked for advice for those dealing with dangerous people in their homes--namely sociopaths, murderers, and other whacks.

Paul Viollis is the talking head--a seasoned veteran who has dealt with home security issues for decades.  You may view the show's web site at http://securitybrieftv.com/

After Dateline's tabloidesque treatment of Rachel's murder I said...."no more of this crap!"  But this show seems to offer a protocol that is well intentioned.  I was OK with the shows I viewed--sooo--we shall see.

I hope the show draws contributors to GoFundMe http://www.gofundme.com/g4bew

I have noticed that when Rachel's story is re-run on TV that there is an uptick in donations and requests for my art work.  I am grateful for this.

I have been smothered in commission work and have been unable to supply my gallery with new work, but at least I am employed.  I am now raising the kids without a nanny (to expensive) which gives me tremendous opportunity to do hands on training--it's so sweet.  Those young mothers have nothing on me--I am as fast, competent, and creative as any of them--just ask me.  My new role as live-in householder, artist, spiritual guide and grandpa gives me wonderful opportunity to scream at these innocent children.  It really works for about 5 minutes--then I receive massive input from Eva (8) and Ariel (6) about how I should employ other means of creating order within a loving home!

I get lots of laughs out of my role as guardian to these angels.  Eva wants me to stop chewing tobacco and so feels free to trash my Copenhagan whenever she finds it.  She is too young to understand the benefits of tobacco--right?  Ariel, the "quiet shy one" actually runs the whole house from the shadows and is the first to point out if we are lost, out of milk, or late.  Alex, now 4, is a non-stop question man.  I feel like I am under his constant verbal attack--I often hide in the bathroom to escape.

I have drawn the kids into the chore cycle, and it is amazing how smoothly things are running.  I have plenty of time to paint when they are at St. John's School from 8:30 to 3:00--that is, if I don't get caught up in my new addiction--blitz chess!   O yes, 3 min speed chess online where inferior players can defeat highly skilled veterans by successfully hiding their queen until time runs out.  I did an all- nighter chess marathon the other day and ran my rating up to 889--that's big for a hack.  Of course I reverted to screaming at the kids in my absolute fatigue the next day--lesson learned--rest once in awhile, stupid.

Anyway that's it for now--I looks like this will be a big painting year as opportunities keep rolling in--all part of God's wonderful love and care.  See ya down the road. Don

HATFIELD SUMMER WORKSHOP AT HARBOR SPRINGS MICHIGAN

1. http://juliaswatercolors.com/workshops:  hit this link for information

1. http://juliaswatercolors.com/workshops
2. CALL JULIA AT :  248-842-8656

RECENT COMMISSION

When the Kids were young

DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME

The expression of boundless energy!

I was crowned King by Eva at bedtime.

 Alex and Mercy making plans at the pumpkin patch.

Alex making a hard right!

Eva in stare down mode.

Ariel and Gina are inseparable

MY CHILDREN

Study for Dr. Mouw of Fuller Seminary

Here is a commission piece I received from Fuller Seminary.  I am not done, but I like where it is headed.  I hope to get back on the painting track after all that has gone on.  Pray for my soul. Don

SUMMER MEMORIES
Here is an add that my New Jersey gallery just ran.