Canvas Preparation & Supply Care by Kelly Moran

Zoe, the heroine in my recent release, New Tricks, is a pet groomer, but she’s also an artist. Her medium is primarily acrylic and her style is surrealism, so I’m channeling her to offer some advice.

  • Prep the canvas by applying Gesso, which is a white paint mixture that fills in the pores and covers the surface smooth. You can apply as many as ten thin layers or a couple heavy ones. Be creative in application with strokes to set any mood you wish. Allow to dry thoroughly before paining.
  • After care is very important. An alternative to paint thinner to clean brushes is vinegar if you don’t like the fumes. Be sure to rinse brushes thoroughly and completely dry on a flat surface to ensure longevity.
  • Store all materials in a cool, dry place. Recap tubes and close containers to avoid drying or thickening of your paint. You may wrap brushes in plastic wrap to prevent them from losing shape.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” — Degas

 

Loving someone is something you never forget how to do . . .

Zoe Hornsby has enough on her plate. Her pet grooming business tucked inside her friends’ veterinarian clinic is busy, and all her free time outside of work is dedicated to caring for her mother’s ailing mind. Dating is certainly not on her agenda. For all she cares, the town gossips of Redwood Ridge, Oregon, can set their matchmaking sights on someone else. Because no way would she consider sexy veterinarian Drake O’Grady her perfect guy. Once upon a time, she may have harbored a little crush, but he’d only had eyes for her best friend. And the crazy attraction building between her and Drake now? Down boy, down.

After Drake lost his wife to cancer, he’s finally clawed his way out of grief and beginning to feel more like a part of the human race. But he’s appalled to learn his prying family thinks he’s ready to jump in the dating pool. And the woman they thrust at him couldn’t be more inappropriate. As his dead wife’s best friend, Zoe is off limits. Even if they seem to share a common sadness, she is too potent a personality to get romantically tangled with. Yet she’s making his heart beat and blood roar like he never thought it could again. And he doesn’t want to just exist anymore . . .

“Moran’s knack for connecting with her characters on a deep emotional level makes her latest a Top Pick.” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars, Top Pick

Praise for the Redwood Ridge Romances!

“The chemistry is sizzling in this series opener.” —Library Journal

“Full of warmth and heart. Laced with humor, tenderness and heat, Puppy Love is a winner.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

Puppy Love is a riveting romance that will pull at your heartstrings and not let go.” —Patrice Wilton, New York Times bestselling author

“Tender and emotional, Moran writes characters who touch your heart and romance that will take your breath away.”—Marina Adair, #1 National bestselling author on Tracking You

“Tracking You is sunshine, inspiration, humor, and heart rolled into one small powerful package. One taste is never enough.” —Night Owl Reviews, 5 stars, Top Review Honors