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http://terrafirmarealestate.ca/?wordfence_lh=1 March 8, 2019 by Susan

Current Work In Progress

Marilyn Monroe ~ Flirty

Marilyn has always been someone who I thought was unique in her own right. She’d play the dumb blonde but in truth she wasn’t dumb in real life, just lonely I believe. She was loved and inspired by many.

Keep checking back for updates on this drawing. An update should be done this weekend, also keep a eye out on my Instagram at @blueeyeddrawing

Tools used:

~Graphite Pencils, Cream Drawing Paper etc… details will follow by this weekend as to what my preferred items to use for this drawing.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

March 8, 2019 by Susan

A Night To Remember

Sarah Brightman’s concert was held on February 3rd 2019, at the Met in Philadelphia.  I arrived early like I usually do, found a few fans that were waiting and I started conversations about past concerts and how much they adored Sarah.

 As time kept ticking away you were directed to the spot for the VIP entrance, about forty five minutes before the doors were open you’d heard the sound check.  I heard Sarah signing from the outside; thought that was pretty impressive but then again we are talking about Sarah Brightman the best- selling soprano here not some average Joe, Sarah is professional with a certain way she works, she has integrity with her job, holds herself with high standards.

Sarah Brightman Hymn Photo Shoot

I had put the finishing touches on my drawing a few days before.  I wanted to make sure I finished before the concert.  I completed the drawing which was one of Sarah’s new photo shoots for her new album Hymn (see above).  It’s always been a dream to have Sarah sign one of my pieces and I was going to see if she could.  I was prepared for her to say no, I wasn’t going to push the signing.  Nor was I going to be disrespectful to Sarah at the meet and greet. 

I met a few more fans from the official forum, I always enjoy meeting the fans knowing there are others like me out there it’s a comfort to know you aren’t alone!  We received an email a week before with details about the meet and greet and two of the things that were in the email was a) no gifts and b) not autographs.  I almost lost hope but when I heard another fan had Sarah sign her book that she wrote than it give me hope that maybe she would do it after all…

The doors finally open and we walked around to where the items being sold, purchased a few items for my collection.  I loved the two lithographs that were signed, on Sarah’s official website store she had the non signed lithographs.  I wanted the signed ones, bought a few other items, two items for a fan back in the UK  as well.  Items are reasonable priced; I wish the T-Shirts had more sizes bigger sizes actually.  And during this whole time my drawing laid in the protected cover for safe keeping in my oversize Dooney and Bourke bag. 

There was a section for an open bar for the VIPs, we could drink and hors d’oeuvres. We were getting to know one another where we are from, how many times have we seen Sarah… etc.  I decided after my beer to find my seat and wait. 

The concert was a little late, I know concerts don’t start on time but I know what I’m in for, it’s gonna be worth every penny I spent!  There were two seats on my left that were left open the whole time, I thought my Mom and Dad were with me at the concert. 

Sarah came out starting with Fleur Du Mal, one of my favorites and from there I was just amazed how Sarah performs the whole concert, at the top of her game.  Every song was done with perfection, and of course I tear up during Carpi Deim.  

Vincent Niclo and Narcis – two guest with her; both did one song on their own from their own albums.   I didn’t care for Vincent during the concert that was in the theaters, partly because he looked painfully uncomfortable on the stage. His voice… I didn’t hear a richness that I heard this time around.  Vincent actually changed with his presence on stage, confident and what he demanded from the fans was something I didn’t see before.  I liked this new Vincent… I hope good things for him to come.  As for Narcis I liked his voice, I’m not the type who likes a male signer to sing like he does but I see greatness there… good things will come his way too.

And for Sarah, one of many favorite parts… hearing Sarah sing Fly To Paradise!  That’s been my song since I lost my Mom this back October.  My Mom was going to come with me this time to see Sarah but sadly Mom past and this was one of the reasons why I did the meet and greet.  Fly To Paradise was a special song to me because it was one of the ones that helped me get out of the funk I was in when my Mom past… I listen to it even now and I blast it! 

More favorite parts, The Phantom of the Opera…  Sarah, I have to say sang it better than back when she did the Phantom Anniversary a year or two ago.  Sarah seemed rushed at that time but this time… at this concert Sarah did an amazing job.  She hit the notes which seemed to me without any issues and boy the fans did go crazy!  I have to laugh because security was trying to get us to stop clapping.  I get what they did it but sorry couldn’t have our excitement from a beloved song and Sarah basically sang it perfectly and of course we are going to show our thanks! 

Another favorite moment is when Sarah sang Deliver Me, this was one of Mom’s favorite songs… I just felt deep down they both my Mom and Dad were there in spirit. I knew my Dad of course loved seeing Sarah, he was the one who always got to see Sarah with me. ( During Symphony concert in DC we split up when the doors open to grab items that I wanted, gave Dad some cash to get stuff for me while I was getting other stuff… lol, my Dad thought it was funny but he understood why… so many people wanted stuff.  LOL ahh memories. )

And then the rush of the encore how you still kept on with the high, I kind of felt a bittersweet moment.  Sad that it was almost over and that magic Sarah has during the whole show almost gone and then the sweet awesomeness of meeting Sarah next. 

I was hoping at least Sarah would be able to take a quick break to sit down, grab a drink, take her high heels off, rub her feet and breathe for a few moments without speaking.  Hell I would have given her a hour… but not knowing how these things go… we waited until after the show,  Sarah’s team  grab us to head back were the drinks and hors d’oeuvre were and we waited for about 15 to 20 minutes.  She emerged in a lovely blue gown, her hair done and her makeup, I remember blue and gold.  Which made her eyes pop!

I didn’t go first, I was way too scared at first, I’m thinking oh gosh why am I scared, this is Sarah Brightman someone you respected most of your life.  She’s just like everyone else but with a big job.  I of course was trying not to shake… and bam that moment!

Sarah Brightman and Susan M Keller

She made you feel like you were the only person I the room.   I asked her if she could sign my drawing that I just finished a few days ago.  I saw Sarah reviewing it, I handed her my art pen and she actually signed it.  I thanked Sarah I think… at this point I just couldn’t believe it.  My dream finally came true after all of these years.  Before I left Sarah, I wished her a safe tour, she thanked me.  I think she was a little surprised with that but hey, you are in winter after all and bound to get some snow along the tour route!

I went back to gather my things and looked at the signed drawing.  I couldn’t believe it, I signed my drawing next to Sarah.  I was in awe… all the way home.

At home I kept the drawing in my purse, ended up bring it with me to work and from there it went off to get framed.  Thanks to my boss for taking it to the framers. 

A few days ago I just got my drawing back and I have to say the frame is beautiful, along with the mattes the colors just make the drawing itself pop! 

This piece is now in my private collection, not for sale.

Just wanted to end this posting with a thank you to Sarah Brightman, you really made my night back in February magical. Thank you, I know we fans weren’t suppose to get autographs. I just want to thank you for doing what you did. You made my dream come true!

Next update I’ve started to work on another drawing. Keep watching for that update. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. It’s been a pleasure!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: drawing, sarah brightman, signed, susan m keller, the met philadelphia, vip

February 2, 2019 by Susan

Artist Update – Sarah Brightman Hymn

Last Sunday January 27th 2019 was when I finished the Sarah Brightman Hymn drawing for the Febuary 3rd concert at The Met in Philadelphia. My goal is besides to enjoy Sarah Brightman’s concert is to see if she can sign this drawing along with me of course. If this happens, this piece will be my personal private collection.

Sarah Brightman ~ Hymn Portrait 2019

The image itself was done by one of my favorite photographers Simon Fowler. You can check out his amazing photography by visiting his website at: http://simonfowlerphotography.com/

Simon has been one of Sarah’s photographers for a while now, I’ve always enjoyed seeing what they both come up with for a shoot. Simon has worked with many artists including film.

Sarah on the other hand has been an inspiration to me all of these years. She has inspired me to continue to do what I love. She has paved the way for other artist like Sarah to make a name for themselves in the Classical Crossover. According to Ms. Brightman, her voice can reach an F6. Let’s also not forget that Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber credited Sarah for The Phantom of the Opera, the longest running Broadway show!

It seems I’m doing a shot out of two very popular artists and yes I am but also it’s to give credit where it’s due – for the photo I used for this drawing and a little background if you don’t know who Sarah is.

Fast forward to today Feb 2nd 2019! Sunday Sarah will be touring in Philadelphia at The Met! I decided to do the meet and greet and this is where I am hoping Sarah signs my drawing. If it does happen, this piece will be in my personal private collection. It will be professionally matted and framed. So let’s hope come Sunday night after the meet and greet I’ll have an update… as for now the Krylon Workable Fixatif is dried so if Sarah touches the piece the graphite won’t a) get all over her outfit and b) all over her hands.

So for now, this is my update… a little background on what was used for the drawing they are the following:

~Canson Artist Series Cream Drawing Paper – 90 pound 9×12

~Staedtler Mars® Lumograph® 100 Set – Premium quality drawing pencils (2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

January 18, 2019 by Susan

A Trip – Coming Soon!

Every year I keep saying to myself I will visit Maine; while every year I end up not making it.  These past two years have been hard, losing both parents in just a matter of a year apart has taken it’s toll on me.  Yes I know there are therapy groups that can help, there are therapy apps that can help and talking can help.  Yes I know all of this and for some time now I’ve done pretty good on my own.  I went to my doctor talked with him as to what is the game plan to figure things out.  One of the things that’s helping is some anxiety medication, and of course having high blood pressure doesn’t help so I’m on that too.  Baby steps I said only because it’s over whelming what he wants done.  All in due time! I’m pretty sure once he (doctor) finds out about the trip he’ll be happy with it.

And for a while now I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to do.  And I figured it out, it wasn’t really hard I didn’t put forth the effort because I kept going back to this one piece of photography I bought off of Etsy.   The photography was of Nubble Light House in York, Maine.  I don’t know why but I love this lighthouse.  Actually I’ve always been fascinated over light houses and the rich history that comes with light houses.

So, I sat down this past Sunday (January 13th, 2019) and wrote out my PTO request (paid time off).  I decided to go the week of my birthday to Maine!  And now I’m in the planning stages for this trip.  I am excited and basically can’t wait! 

And now my next question will there be photography? 

Yes – over the holiday time I purchased a used Nikon D610 (full frame), and my other Nikon D7500 is a refurbished camera.   I am also in the process of making sure my lens will have the proper filters needed for this trip and I can’t forget the tripod! Plus I’ve had a request for photography… so I need to make sure I do this!

I was told it’s going to be cold/chilly and I’m fine with that.  That’s not going to stop me from doing photography or even drawing.   I made room reservations and now all that’s needed is for me to drive up.  It’ll take about 6/7 hours heading north.  That’ll be the longest I’ve driven… and I figure have a few five hour energy drinks with me and I should be good. 

From now to then I will be planning the trip, but I will also still work on the drawing as well as photography.   I just wanted to make an announcement of this awesome adventure. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

January 14, 2019 by Susan

Work In Progress – Sarah Brightman Hymn Photo

I am back after a much needed time off from drawing. My current work in progress is a portrait of Sarah Brightman who was the original Christine from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Which to be frank, is my favorite musical.

I had started back on January 1st, 2019 – working in Staedtler graphite pencils. The paper is Canson Artist Series Cream Drawing Paper pad, that’s wire bound, 90 pound 9 x 12 inches. I do my best to work with the top of the line items. Just depending where I can get my hands on new materials is the key and how much I am willing to spend.

Sarah Brightman – Work In Progerss – By Susan M Keller

Why this picture – it’s my favorite from Sarah’s Hymn photo shoot.

Why another Sarah Brightman drawing – well after all of these years being a fan Sarah has inspired me through out the years. She stays true to her craft inspires me by how she captivates her audience.

I can’t help but admire Sarah. So this is why I am drawing this piece, plus I will be seeing Sarah live on Feburary 3rd, in Philadelphia and I will also be doing the meet and greet! So I am hoping Sarah would sign this piece.

So until the next update on this drawing… thanks for stopping by!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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