Caught in the Act

After approx 35+ hours I'm calling this piece finished. Seeing it develop from the top left hand corner to a finish in the bottom right hand corner has been the most enjoyable part of this drawing for me, Image size is approx 8 x 5 inches, drawn on Mellotex paper which is the only paper I will be using from now on, due to its strength, I only used 3 pencils 2h hb and 2b, and lots of Blue tac, hope you enjoy looking at this as much as I did drawing it, all comments welcome.

"I Love My Life!" Nancy Daleo-Ware

I LOVE MY LIFE
23" x 18" Professionally framed oil painting of a Chihuahua rescue (wearing her all-time favorite tee). Image size is 10" x 8"
Four acid free mattes with museum glass, foam core backing, and preservation fit. Ready to hang.
Donation will be for Noah's Bark, Frida's rescuers.
Please email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net to inquire.

Irish Setter Puppy by Dawn Secord

This painting was just completed to take to the Irish Setter National Specialty.

Several months ago a similar painting of the same Irish Setter was painted. That painting, "Wanna Play" was completed to be part of an exhibit I was featured in at the Pinnell Gallery called "The Art of the Dog". The painting sold at the opening of the show.

"Wanna Play" was so well received by those at the opening of the exhibit I decided to do another similar painting - same puppy at probably the same sitting. This new painting is titled, "Wanna Play Too!"

It would be very interesting to hear which of the two paintings you favor. "Wanna Play" is on my blog under the month of April 2009 or on my website under the new painting page. To go directly to that page click this link: go see Wanna Play!

Dawn Secord

website: http://www.dawnsecord.com/

blog: http://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com/

A boy and his dog

Working a little larger, this one is about 9x12. It was challenging to paint the little boy, but I think I am satisfied with this version.
This watercolor painting can be had for $95 plus $7 S&H to the first emailer to lojomjnc@charter.net. 20% of proceeds will be donated to SPCA of SW MI.
5x7 Giclees are also available for $10 plus $5 S&H.
-Judith A. Johnson

"Huladancing With My Chi" Nancy Daleo

HULADANCING WITH MY CHI
The Chihuahua model for this painting is my darling Frida, rescued by Noah's Bark, www.noahsbark.org

(I wonder if Paris Hilton can do it.)
Professionally framed. Contemporary silver frame measures 29.5" x 37.5"
Oil painting measures 22" x 30"
Triple acid free mattes with foam core backing and Museum Glass. Preservation fit.

To inquire, please email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

Small Dog Equals Small Casein

This little JRT is our Little "Nell" on our deck, as she watched the comings and goings of the birds from their feeders behind the house, this past winter. It kept her occupied on warm winter days. This casein on canvas is only 4 x 4" and it will be put up on my website.

I work in my studio this Memorial Day listening to the wind whipping outside and knowing that tonight I need to cover all our annuals and veggies that have been planted due to the predicted frost. This is a common occurance in Maine....It is only spring still!!

Irish Setter Painting by Dawn Secord

This is the first piece in my new series - the "Country" series. My goal is to come out with a new painting in this series once a year for the next three or four years.

Each year I come out with a new painting that is put into print to be released at the Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty. The painting always has some commonality with the show venue. This year the show is back east so the setting for the painting is the Amish area with a horse drawn antique wagon.

The puppies in the painting came from all over the Country. Some are from the West, one from the North and some from the good ole' South. The main dog in the painting had over 300 photos taken of her to find the exact pose that would make her look like she was laying on the wagon seat. People sent me wagon photos from all over the Country as well. The wooden boxes were derived from photographing a wooden box used by a friend's uncle who was in the Navy. The box was for his personal belongings in the late 1800's early 1900's. The painting was a year in the making. The name "Classic Country" defines what I wanted to achieve with the painting - a country theme with old time country equipment and puppies just playing in a field.

This original painting is sold. Prints are available on my website or by calling my studio at 866-393-7111.

If you are interested in commissioning a painting there is a page on my website concerning commissions. Calls are always welcome on my toll-free studio line.

Dawn Secord

website:

www.DawnSecord.com

blog - Enjoying the Journey:

www.artofthedog.blogspot.com

Speckles

This was one of those impossible angles, but the puppy looked so cute, I couldn't miss the opportunity to paint him as he slept. Basset Hounds have a wonderfully distinct personality, and this innocent, velvety cuddlebug grew up to steal a roast - a whole roast!I like the way the colours in this one bounce off each other, a hint of the bright little personality snoozing so comfortably in his bed. "Speckles" is a 4 x 6 inch watercolour sketch and is available.

Heather Anderson

www.heather-anderson-animals-in-art.com

Labels: commissions, dog art, dog portraits, Sheltie Hollow, http://heatheranderson-animalsinart.blogspot.com/search/label/www.heather-anderson-animals-in-art.com

Gus, Not Just Black & White

"Gus," 5" x 7", commissioned Shihtzu portrait, acrylic on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!). You can get one of these paintings of your own - it's super easy - just email me. I've got a handful of holiday 2009 slots left and am currently booking new customers for March 2010.

 

Gus is a darling little guy, a puppy mill rescue who got the Hollywood ending he deserved. Not all puppy mill dogs do. Please, if you are considering adopting a dog (in no particular order), visit your local shelter, find a rescue group (there are breed specific ones if you have your heart set on a particular breed - google them!), visit Petfinder or work with a reputable breeder. There are a zillion options other than going to a pet store, honest.

 

Ok, off the soapbox.

 

I love this painting because it is a black and white dog who isn't - gasp! - black or white at all. Study black and white objects with your eyes (not via photographs). Marvel at the shadows and how they are rarely jet or inky black but simply darker versions of violets, blues or greens. And those whites? Most likely pastel variations of the colors around them. Take those black and white objects and move them about, into different types of light (outdoors, indoors, diffused, etc) and with different colored surroundings. Study the changes and identify patterns - this will make you better equipped to work from photographs.

 

Thanks as always for looking at and sharing my paintings with your friends and family.

Kim Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

 

PS Are you an artist? then you might want to read my latest article at Art Career Experts.

PPS Thanks to Moira at Dog Art Today for the great article about my paintings. Hook yourself up to regularly read her blog - it's one of my favorites!

"Trois Petit Chiens" by Nancy Daleo-Ware

TROIS PETIT CHIENS

Three puppies, or as the french would say, "TROIS PETIT CHIENS."
These sweet faces are of puppies successfully adopted to loving homes.

Image: 9"x7" Acrylic
Frame Size: 16"x20"
Triple Acid-Free Mattes, Museum Glass, Preservation Fit

Ready to Hang!

www.artonplanetlife.etsy.com or email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

Work in progress

Last weekend, thanks to a surprise present from my wife, I attended a Mike Sibley 2 day Workshop, the first day was taken up with learning different drawing techniques, and demonstrations by Mike, on day 2 we were given a drawing exercise to complete, the image size is approx 8x6 inches, at the end of the 7 hours I had completed the left hand side of the chicken house door and part of the interior, I have continued to work on it at home over the last couple of days and I'm posting the work completed to date (approx 18 hours work). I hope to have this finished over the weekend

Painting a Dog a Day and Cairn Kisses by Kimberly Kelly Santini

It felt great to jump back into the Cairn Terrier painting, although it was not without a battle. As all paintings do, this one went into the uglies. Deep into the uglies. I could not figure out how to bring it back. I ended up "faking" a newly bold ultramarine underpainting in the background area since I had lost the original violet under too many glazes of gray. By "faking" I mean that I just painted the whole background out with paint straight from the tube. While starkly contrasting, it gave the piece the kick it needed to climb out of the ugly stage.

On the left or at the top is the completed painting "Cairn Kisses," detail of same painting on the right, from the Painting a Dog a Day project, 12" square, acrylic on canvasboard, depicting four terriers, $599. Proceeds from the sale of this painting will be donated to Col. Potter Cairn Rescue, the national parent of Calliope Cairn Rescue. Inquiries may come to me.

 

I will also be releasing a limited edition of 25 giclees of "Cairn Kisses" benefitting the same rescue. A giclee is a computer generated image that has been color matched to the painting, and is printed in archival inks on artists paper with a generous blank margin. The giclee images will be approximately 10" wide and signed in pencil. 

 

In the giclee the painting image will be cropped, which gives it an exciting and dynamic energy that is fitting to these bright little dogs. The cropped image will be similar to the detail illustrated above.

 

Once these 25 have sold, there will be no more. Giclees will be $49 plus $13 shipping & handling within the United States. Giclee orders can come to me.

 

Tomorrow is another pARTy, this time to celebrate the Preakness Stakes. Details will be shared on the Virtual pARTy blog later today, with updates periodically posted throughout tomorrow. Acclaimed equine photographer Juliet Harrison has granted one-time usage of one of her racing photos to Linda Shantz and I, a gesture we are very grateful of.

 

And this time around I'll document my process and create a mini-art lesson.

 

Thanks, as always, for sharing my paintings.

Have a great evening,

Kim Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Boots and Becky

It has been a while since I have done a canine commission. I must say, I really have missed painting dogs. I have a lot of reference material of this pair so I think they will show up again in my work. This is Boots and Becky, an 11 x 14 inch oil painting. This one came together pretty quickly for me!

See more art at www.patriciagetha.com
Oils, Watercolor, Graphite, Acrylic, Colored Pencil, Photography, and now experimenting with Pastel and having fun in the process!

English Setter '' Molly ''

Molly belongs to a couple of friends Roger and Marina, and was photographed by a mutual friend who gave me permission to use the image, After approx 18 hours work, I'm calling this finished. I've toned down some areas and fine tuned and cleaned up others. Drawn on Bristol Board, image size is approx 7x5 inches which is larger than normal for me.

Best Time of My Day - Carol Chretien

BEST TIME OF MY DAY
8x10
oil on canvas
Carol Chretien
***
Anyone who knows a Dalmatian KNOWS this expression...this is the "listening to my Dad's footsteps coming home" and after that very still moment....an explosion of pure dal exuberance and welcome.

Will be offered soon for

DALMATIAN RESCUE OF TAMPA BAY

20% goes to the rescue when sold.

questions: carolchretien@aol.com

German Shepherd Dog by Dawn Secord

This is Parker and she was a German Shepherd Dog. Parker passed away three years ago.

I understand Parker was a wonderful and loving dog. Her best friend was a pug named Pugsley.
When Parker's owners came to view her portrait at the gallery they had tears in their eyes. They expressed how surprised they were that I could capture so much detail from the photos they had. Many times people don't take photos of their pets with regularity. When they decided to have Parker's portrait painted they found they had very few photos of Parker and none that were what we were looking for as far as ideal photo reference material. Right before I started the painting they found a photo, long forgotten, that turned out to be the perfect reference. The photo was small and old - but valuable!

Monarch butterflies have great significance to Parker's owners so I put a Monarch in the painting at their request.

Sure wish I could have met Parker.

To see a larger image of her painting please go to my website at http://www.dawnsecord.com/.

Thanks for taking a peek at my work!

Dawn Secord

website: http://www.dawnsecord.com/

blog: http://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com/

"Friends Sharing Secrets" by Nancy Daleo-Ware

I don't know what the secret was, but I know they are very happy to have each other to share it with.

Acrylic on Bristol with uv protective coating, image measures 10" x 12"
Double acid free mattes included with foam core backing measures 12" x 16.

Dedicated to my friend, an avid animal advocate and artist, Janette Slack.

If you are considering adopting an animal, please remember to check your local shelters and rescues, even if you're looking for a specific breed. There is most certainly a rescue that can help!

A donation of the proceeds will be donated to Noah's Bark at www.noahsbark.org

Available on www.theartofrescue.blogspot.com and www.artonplanetlife.blogspot.com

To inquire please email waredaleo@sbcglobal.net

Brittany portrait by Terry Albert

My latest painting, of a Brittany, is finally done.  You may remember the sketch in my previous post. It was very challenging for me, because the client asked me to include the property where he hunts, a cornfield that his parents own. Bobwhite quail scattering in front of the dog, a winter cornfield covered in patchy snow– all were fun and HARD to do! This is a scene in Iowa, featuring his Brittany, Louis. 

As I got close to finishing, I went back in several times for little fixes that made a huge difference in the final work. I always try to let a picture sit a few days so I can get away from it and see any last minute things that need changing. I had to go in and remove some snow, because the dog didn't stand out enough against the background (white dog against white snow–tough to do). Then I had to tone down the field because it seemed too scattered and choppy to me. Usually the dog is large with a subordinate background in my paintings, so it was fun to do a landscape. Painting the Brittany was almost like painting a miniature-- I used a magnifying glass! 

Most of this picture is done in acrylic. I love being able to add a wash to tone down an area. In watercolor, a wash will lift the background. In acrylic, once it's dry you can't lift the paint. I also like being able to go over the details with a solid color, rather than transparent like in watercolor. Sometimes that is the best way to get a strong white, and details in the fur over the edge and into the background. 

I hope you like Louis' portrait! Visit my web site to see more of my pet portraits. 

Greyhound

I've always had a soft spot for Greyhounds, so many are used for racing and then just abandoned when no longer useful, this one was perfect for drawing in graphite due to his white and grey colouring, he is drawn on Bristol board approx image size is 4.5 x 4.5 inches, drawing time approx 20 hours.

She Touched My Paw, Gently Leaned Against My Cheek, and Softly Kissed Me...by Nancy Daleo-Ware

Yes, the longest title for a painting ever! But it's the truth, so I had to write it. These sweethearts were both rescues from Noah's Bark Rescue. The kisser, was found pregnant at the age of eightish. This tiny, sweet, girl was living on the streets. The kissee, was found at two weeks on the streets in Hollywood. Both are in a home where they are adored.

Acrylic on Arches

Size: 5.5" x 5.5" with 14" x 14" white matte and acid free foam core.

Available on www.artonplanetlife.etsy.com and www.theartofrescue.blogspot.com

$10 will be donated to Noah's Bark. To view pets available for adoption, please visit www.noahsbark.org and select Petfinder.

Nitro

Nitro was found in the woods during a trail riding expedition. On our way to the park we saw this little dog at a crossroads and tried to pick him up as he was obviously lost; we were far from anywhere he might have called home. At that point he was way too scared and we were unsuccessful in capturing him. But my girlfriend was undaunted and during the next 4 days returned to the site with food and after many failed attempts was finally was able to grab him. He has turned into a great little dog with some weight gain and attention. My friend calls him a Poo Tzu, a likely cross between a poodle and a shih tzu. She thought that she had found him a new home with a family but the young son and Nitro didn't get along so she has taken him back for good and he has a home forever with lots of company!
This original 5x7 matted (8x10) watercolor is not for sale, but I am offering 5x7 giclees for $10 plus $5 S&H. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to the SPCA of Southwest MI.

Judith A. Johnson

Brussels

Brussels will either grow up to be a mischief maker or turn out to be Yoda in dog form. His striking gaze takes one aback a bit, he has such presence even as a puppy. Who know whether those ears will go up or down, or how big he will get- this pup is going to be full of surprises. I believe he has found a forever home, but there are always other pups available at SPCA of Southwest MI
This original 5x7 matted (8x10) watercolor is available for $60 plus $5 S&H to the first emailer to lojomjnc@charter.net.
I am also offering 5x7 giclees for $10 plus $5 S&H. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to the SPCA of Southwest MI.

Judith A. Johnson

Her Majesty, a Royal Terrier by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Her Majesty (Nellie)," from the Painting a Dog a Day project, 8" square, terrier portrait in acrylic on canvasboard, not for sale. Want a Dog-a-Day portrait of your own pet? it's super easy - inquiries may come to me.

 

I've been creating artwork to send to a new (to me) gallery in Alabama. As per my usual arrangement with galleries and special events, I try to send paintings representative of their particular area or clientele's likes.  In this case I was asked to provide them with a few terriers.

 

This is Nellie, who belongs to mentor, friend and fellow artist Kathi Peters. I've painted Nellie before (most recently yesterday and in January 2009), and you will see lots more of Nellie on Kathi's blog, along with some beautiful paintings and insightful musings (By the way, if you are in the Lexington, Kentucky area, Kathi has a solo show opening at Gallery B this Friday evening).

 

My new paintings will be in transit to the new gallery next week. I am very excited about the clients and faces I'll meet as a result of this partnership - and I promise to share links and other information as the details get firmed up. Wouldn't it be great if a roadtrip resulted from this, too?! Keep fingers, toes and paws crossed.....

 

Did you see the changes I made to yesterday's daily painting? I am so much happier with it now - I've added a little mini-art lesson to the blog as a means of explaining my dissatisfaction, and what I did to correct that.

 

So now I'm off to glaze some paintings, conquer a slippery stack of paperwork and enforce some kind of basic organization in the studio. Probably will all go more smoothly with some chocolate. I can take care of that!!

 

Thanks for sharing my paintings with your friends and family,

See you tomorrow,

Kim Santini

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Rotweiller

This Rotwiller was photographed by a friend of mine, who is a professional photographer. The fun part was to get the Tan markings to stand out against the dark Brown hair, but to still look Tan coloured, drawn on Bristol Board, size is approx 4 x 3.5 inches

I love collies

This was another "Rolex dog," and one I kept running into throughout the day. Each time he took my breath away he was so beautiful.
This original 5x7 matted (8x10) watercolor is available for $60 plus $5 S&H to the first emailer to lojomjnc@charter.net.
I am also offering 5x7 giclees for $10 plus $5 S&H. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, one of our local rescue organizations.
Note: If this is your dog, No. 1, I hope you recognize it! and No. 2, I will send you a free print if you email at lojomjnc@charter.net

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are delightful little dogs - beautiful puffs of fluffy fur with a big doggy smile. A huge personality is packed into this small package, and I imagine life with a Pomeranian is never boring.
It was the mass of fur that intrigued and challenged me . . . how to depict all that hair so that it appeared to stand out and have depth. I decided to try this in watercolour to make it even more of a challenge, and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. Soon, I think I will do another Pomeranian in Coloured Pencil to see what challenges lie in store for me with that medium and a long haired dog. This 8 x 10 watercolour is available for $195.
Heather Anderson
http://www.heather-anderson-animals-in-art.com/