Irish Setter by Dawn Secord

I just finished this portrait of Katie and Rowan - Irish Setters. Their owner commissioned me to do the painting last year.

We were able to meet up in Wisconsin in June where I photographed the dogs and spent some time with them. The moment I walked into their hotel room and looked at Rowan I said, "That is a Hoolie pup!". Turns out that Rowan is a Hoolie grandson as is my young male, Drew. Both boys are 2 years old - give or take a few Months. When I was painting Rowan my husband walked in my studio and said with a question in his voice, "Why are you painting Drew?" Hoolie can sure put his stamp on his get.

It was a pleasure to paint Rowan and Katie. It will be hard for me to ship the painting off, and then again, what's new? It is always a bit hard for me when my paintings leave!

If you are considering having a painting done of your dogs, please go to my website and click on commission information or email me at fff@linkline.com

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

enjoying the journey: http://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com/

commission information: http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html

prints for sale: http://www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html

gift items: http://www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

Old Town a new watercolor by Molly Poole

"Old Town" 8"x10" watercolor on paper.

I was in my studio all day yesterday messing around, getting increasingly frustrated that my ideas not materializing on paper the way I imagined in my head. I had BIG plans and nothing was working.
Late in the day, tired, crabby and ready to call it quits, I thought about the painting of "Scout in Canoe" that I painted for a client years ago and wished I had
one with my Lucy in a canoe.

Got started and jumped into painting this watercolor relaxed, having a bit of fun and not caring about the the end result...

I really like how it turned out and I hope you enjoy viewing it as well. To see more of my work visit granitedog.com

Gina II ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Gina II," 6" square, Golden Open acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord commissioned pet portrait of a mixed breed dog, private collection (THANK YOU!).

Yesterday you got to peek at an in process portrait of Gina, a profile view - I finished that piece up today, and added a jpg of the final painting to the blog here. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Gina was a rescue chosen specifically because she got along well with children. She got along so well with kids that she was known to pounce and knock them to the ground in her eagerness to share some love - which, as my client pointed out, with tile floors could be a near death experience. She didn't use doors - it was quicker just to jump through screens (her family is now enjoying a screened in porch, an amenity they simply couldn't consider prior). And she made a regular habit of leaping the 6' back fence to visit with all the neighbors up and down the street (they brought Gina home when they tired of her company). She also was a most excellent studio companion to my client, always critiquing the paintings that came off his easel but tactfully keeping her opinions to herself.

I am grateful for the opportunity to honor her life with a little bit of paint, but with such a huge personality, I couldn't stick with only one portrait. There were too many facets to Gina's memory.

Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Brandy a new watercolor commission by Molly Poole

"Brandy" a young Bernese Mountain Dog is my latest completed commission watercolor portrait.
In all the photos provided by the client, Brandy had her ears "pinned" back and smiling. There is no doubt this girl is one happy soul!
Her happy spirit really shines through.

You can see more of my original work and commission work at granitedog.com.

My latest commission

Here is Banjo my latest doggy commission. Kendra wanted a portrait as a birthday gift for her mum so we painted him in Oils on a 30 x 40cms deep edged canvas.
You may also like
http://www.suelinton.com.au/
http://suelintonartist.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sue-Linton-artist/326640555492?ref=mf

The Pleasure of creating art!

A class I taught recently said it all! 

Now, how can you not smile at their obvious delight at having created such amazing dog paintings their first time out?
That's 12 year old Ashley and 8 year old Natalie with their acrylic paintings.
M Theresa Brown- Fine Art Portraits
Painting Portraits-the Family Dog DVD

Pretty Please (Squidge) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Pretty Please (Squidge)," 8" x 10", Golden Open acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord pet portrait of a mixed breed.

Last Friday I got a phone call from Tails Pet Media Group. They were working on an article, wanted to include some original artwork and thought mine would be the perfect match. Hoever, there were looming deadlines for building the composition, creating the high resolution jpg and final submission of the piece. Was I up to the challenge?

What do you think my answer was?

I had photos in hand not 30 minutes later and a bio soon afterwards. I spent the weekend painting in my head, and came into the studio this morning ready to go!

My chosen muse, Squidge, hails from an accidental litter between a Yorkie and a Chihuahua (dare I say spay and neuter please ?!) and was headed to the shelter with his littermates. Fate intervened, however, and they found homes before that drastic step was taken.

So now he has a fabulous life packed with love and attantion and toys and treats, all while honing his acting skills.

Oh, and one more thing - Squidge really truly controls the world with his eyes alone. Which will come in handy when he's auditioning for the lead role in the next Spielberg movie.

Turnarounds are not always this quick, but inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me .

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family (and a big thanks, too, to Tails Pet Media Group for introducing me - introducing all of us - to Squidge).

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year(2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years(2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Bear Mountain and Framed Prints

A view from the tower

    It has been a couple of days since my last post so I thought I'd post a quick update before I go to bed. It is 1:30 a.m. and I am tired. I need to shift my days around and see if I can actually paint early in the morning. I have so much on my plate these days- between being a mom, painting, marketing, networking, packing for my move....there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day.

     I headed out with my Border Collie, Tess, to Bear Mountain today thinking it would be a fine day for plein air painting.  Boy, was I wrong. I need to pay closer attention to the weather forecast. What was I thinking? My brushstrokes were drying as fast as I layed them down. I did take some nice photos so I may try a studio painting. Thankfully, I had brought a picnic, a blanket, lots of water and a good book and I just settled myself under a tree and had a  really nice few hours! Even Tess wanted to just chill out. I did climb the tower and the views were just incredible. Plus, it was nice and cool in there.

Bear Mountain Tower

    I have two framed prints that are looking for walls to hang on! The first print image is a reproduction of a Bullmastiff watercolor titled - Waiting. The original is sold.  This image  measures
5 x 7 and is matted and framed with a black enameled metal frame. $30 includes shipping to the US.
If you would to purchase or see more photos email me!

Waiting

    The second reproduction is one of my best selling giclee dog reproductions. The unframed watercolor original is available here. The painting is titled A Matter of Trust. This is an archival 10 x 8 reproduction printed on acid free paper with archival inks and is framed, matted and signed. $50 includes shipping.  For more photos or to purchase drop me an email,

A Matter of Trust

 

   I am really off to bed now. Very sleepy! Good night!

All the best,
Deborah

www.DeborahOSullivan.com
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Patch ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Patch," 8" square, Golden Open acrylics on Ampersand gessobord, private collection, portrait of a rescued Greyhound, not for sale. Patches belongs to Brenda and Chris Lynch, owners of Mutt Lynch Winery (see the vineyards in the background?!).

I am so excited to have won the Mutt Lynch Winery label contest. And I'm even more excited to be a part of "Rusty"s wine release at the Dog Days of Summer event (August 14th, 2010).

I'll be there, tasting the wine and all. And signing the limited edition giclee (archival prints) of my wine label design.

But I'll also have my camera in tow, shooting references for future Dog-a-Day portraits. Proceeds from all portraits booked over the Dog Days weekend will support the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.

So, if you want to crash the party, get yourself a ticket here. And bring your dog - they are welcomed. And then get yourself on my calendar.

And THEN you can meet Patch. The real, live breathing Patch. And have a glass of Rusty. I'll join you. Promise.

In the meanwhile if you cannot wait, inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year(2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years(2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Bogey ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Bogey," 6" x 8", painted sketch, Golden Open acrylics on multimedia artboard, commissioned pet portrait of a rescued Beagle, private collection (THANK YOU!).

Want one of your own? it's easy - sketches (like Bogey above) start at $29. Inquiries may always come to me.

Bogey is a rescued dog, following in the footsteps of Puddles (who I painted back when the Dog a Days were just starting), another rescue.We recently discussed on my studio Facebook page whether rescue dogs were more appreciative of their homes - what do you think?

Rescues have been on my mind as of late. Probably because I am prepping for a number of events in the coming months, all involving adoptions, rescues, and animal shelters. It breaks my heart to think of all the deserving animals residing in shelters and foster homes around the world, not to mention those scraping out a living on the streets. It's a rough world out there, and they didn't ask for this.

That's why I'm going to ask you to perform a random kindness for a homeless pet. Not everyone can afford financial contributions or even donate their time to their local shelters, and that's ok. But take a look around your home - do you have old blankets or linens? dog toys that aren't being used? catnip growing in your garden? call your shelter or find a rescue group in your area (Petfinder is a great source) and ask - you'll be surprised at how basic their needs are.

Consider it your birthday gift to me. Any takers for birthday cake?

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

'Ador-A-Bulldog Calendar Contest'

'Ador-A-Bulldog Calendar Contest'

Proud Sponsor of the Ador- A- Bulldog Calendar Contest

will be sending a custom painting to one

of the 4th place winners

Click the link to see all the other sponsors

Artist Q&A Day

With a bow to Karin Jurick, one of my favorite daily painters and the one I first saw executing this idea, I'm designating tomorrow, July 19th 2010, as my first ever Artist Q&A Day.

An Artist Q&A Day is just that - a day I've designated to answer all your questions.

Your art and studio related questions can be posted via comments to my blog. I'll work my way through them during the course of the day, doing my best to answer everything to the best of my abilities.

I will only respond to questions posted as comments to this particular post on my blog - this will allow for the community of readers to share in the conversation and eliminate any repetition. Because my blog is moderated (darn those spammers!), your comments will not show up immediately, but if you choose to subscribe to the comments feed, you will be notified when there is activity.

I don't know if I need to define an end time to the day - we'll play it by ear to start out with and see what the volume is.

And if you like the Q&A Day idea, I'll schedule more of them.

I'm looking forward to the dialogue this will spur!

Talk tomorrow.

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Maya, Inspiration Times Four ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Maya," 6" x 8", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, portrait of a rescued Cattle Dog/Red Heeler, $324, with proceeds supporting my local no-kill shelter. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

Maya has inspired quite a few lives. Firstly, she captured someone's eye and was pulled from a shelter and sent to a cattle dog rescue. Maya's current "Mom" learned of her via word of mouth and investigated. Living with the high energy and intelligence of a cattle dog takes a special person - these dogs aren't for everyone. But this match, Maya and her new Mom, was a perfect one. She now lives with her extended family in a home where she gets the mental stimulation, activity level and the unconditional love that these dogs thrive on.

Maya then inspired photographer Beth Adams (Candid Canine Photography), who shared imaged from their photo session with me. Beth saw the visual connection between Maya's photos and my artwork in the fall of light and soft range of colors. Then she learned I was owned by a cattle dog myself. The rest is history.

Because Maya then inspired me to paint her. Two times over. You see her Dog-a-Day painting above, and below is a new collage (I'll borrow Elizabeth St Hilaire Nelson'sphrase "paper paintings") also bearing her likeness. This image is the cover of the guest book I'm creating for my "Happily Ever Afters" exhibition at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary next month. It was created using layers of painted papers, scrapbook paper, tissue, foil, acrylic paint and other printed materials.

The guest book will carry rescue stories and experiences from people who are able to view the show as well as collectors of Dog-a-Day paintings. The contributions will eventually be edited and published as a stand-alone volume, with proceeds benefitting homeless animals. More details to follow, so stay tuned to this Bat-Channel.

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Watching for Beepa ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Santini

"Watching for Beepa** (Rory and Phil)," 6" square, Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, portrait of two Yorkshire Terriers, not yet for sale. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.


Last week I went to a friend's house and played with her yorkies, Princess Aurora (Rory) and Prince Philip (Phil), along with their three pups. There's nothing like a morning spent with energetic little souls to set the tone for a fabulous day - and for some exciting paintings. Of course my camera was in tow and I've spent the last 5 days reviewing and composing how best to use the photos.


This is my first painting. I promise there will be more.


But meanwhile, I'm going to frame these two up in preparation for the 50th Annual Thumb Area Artists Exhibition opening later this month (at Margot's Gallery - details here). Hopefully they make the cut and get juried in.


Let me know if you are interested in purchasing, and I will share the details once the piece is framed and available. And if you are interested in a puppy - a couple of them are awaiting new homes.


Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.
Kim
ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com
www.paintingadogaday.com


**"Beepa" is Rory & Phil's Grandfather, who showed up at lunchtime with a sack of chicken nuggets and sandwiches for half the neighborhood. Unfortunately, Beepa's in the hospital right now, and could use a couple handfuls of prayers, if you are so inclined.

Do you go with what you know or do you branch out?

I'm a fairly new pet portrait artist and chose watercolor as my medium of choice. After painting and selling pet portraits for seven months, I've become quite well versed in the way the medium flows and how to create life like portraits. But, as a creative person full of ideas and energy, do I want to lock in and stay with what I know?
Or, do I branch out. Branching out makes more sense to me. I've been purchasing a host of different products and mediums to make creative art with, from acrylics, enamels,pens, ornaments, Aceo's.
By pressing forward and moving in a positive energy flow, I've been able to get those Rescues to link with me, and to help them with 15% of my profits. I add each Rescue on my Artfire sales page, so when I receive the orders I know what rescue to donate too. Then the rescue has a link on their site and they don't have any hassle of answering questions.  My next venture is to create a bulldog painting once a week and post that for sale too. I won't just paint the dog as it appears in the photo, but will use my creative spark to create something fresh and new.

If you are interested and seeing all the new and creative ideas I'm working on  please feel free to stop in on my FB page and take a look. Pam's Watercolor Pet Portraits

So, ask yourself - do you stay with what you know or do you branch out?

Sisters (Sarah & Chloe) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Sisters (Sarah & Chloe)," 6" x 12", Golden Open acrylics on canvasboard, commissioned double pet portrait of Basset Hounds, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

My clients were looking to add a puppy to their family when they visited Sarah & Chloe's litter. There were only two pups remaining needing homes, and how could they possibly choose just one? So both the girls came with them. And have enjoyed the sort of life that every dog deserves - long walks and great cuddle time.

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year(2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years(2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Golden Retriever Puppy by Dawn Secord

This is another one of my mini paintings. The subject is a young golden retriever pup. He is probably about 12 or so weeks old.

When I was photographing him he was romping around as any pup should. Then he ran out of steam and fell asleep in the middle of the floor. Who couldn't enjoy spending time with such an adorable subject.

Check on my blog for a video of me working on this painting.

If you are interested in me doing a mini portrait please feel free to email me for information. My email address is fff@linkline.com

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

commission information: www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html

prints for sale: www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html

Chillin' (Buffet) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Chillin' (Buffet)," 5" x 7", Golden Open acrylics on board, commissioned pet portrait of a yellow lab, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

Ok, I've just gotta give a shout out to Buffet's extended family. They can count rescue after rescue after rescue among themselves. It even went so far as their supporting a shelter dog I painted until he found a new home, which warmed my heart to no end.

Buffet, however, has a warm and happy home. But there are many who don't. Please call your local shelter or rescue group and ask how you can help out - warm blankets (old towels/linens) and/or time spent walking kenneled animals is just as appreciated as adoptions.

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Have I been barking up the wrong tree?

As a pet portrait artist I like to help animals and give back. But, my marketing efforts are not always well received. I've been contacting Rescues for about a year now, asking them if they are having any fundraisers and would they consider having an artist provide a percentage of sales to the benefit. Yet, no one really had the time or energy to say yes. Then I started creating my own events on FB telling a particular Rescue that I would be giving them 15% of my sales for the month of my event, and if they
would be kind enough to let me post on their wall. That went over okay, but not much feedback
or help marketing from the Rescues. They took my 15% of all my hard work and marketing and said
thanks for the donation. I've sent letters to all the rescues in Florida asking them if they might
want help and perhaps share a reciprocal link to my web page. Still no one cared to do this.
Don't rescues want money? Lately I was encouraged again by a fellow pet portrait artist to reach out again. She shared her letter she often sends and I used it as a basis for my letter. It was not much different from my previous approach. So, this week - I sent out my letter to over seventy five rescues - two responses. One said  no, we don't do that - but we will sell you a spot on our page for a link
at the rate of $150.00. - One other said no - we don't want your fundraiser or percentage of sales, but you are welcome to give us a free painting to auction.
My new friend gave me a e-mail of one of the rescues she uses - and yes, the woman quickly responed yes, she would love to place a link on her page and on FB too. I asked her for her web page and FB name - yet I'm still waiting! I don't know who the rescue is. But she says she wants my help! : )
Finally after several postings on my page and donating to one Bulldog Rescue on my own, they
said yes, we would love to provide you a link and post your wonderful paintings as examples
for 15%. This all took over 8 months to accomplish with reaching out to over ten rescues per week?
So, I do wonder - was I barking up the wrong tree?
I'm going to try FB ads next.Come see my paintings here

Airedale I & Airedale II, Sketches ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

FROM THE LEFT: "Airedale I" and "Airedale II," each image approximately 8" square on a 9" piece of Multimedia Artboard, done in Golden Open Acrylics, painted sketches of two Airedales, $95 each. Inquiries (including booking your own pet portrait, from miniature size [4" x 4"] to larger than life) may always come to me.

I enjoy doing partner paintings - these two are intended to "look" at each other. The connected horizon line and similar colors further link the portraits.

This is the first diptych I've paintd on the Multimedia Artboard - I like how this surface allows me to build up loose blocks of color and glaze. It's the perfect surface for my painted sketches.

I'd love to do some more of these and explore other breeds, maybe even incorporate collaged elements. What do you think?

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork and musings with your friends and family.

Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

www.paintingadogaday.com

FACEBOOK: Kimberly Kelly Santini

TWITTER: ksantini

SHOP ORIGINALS & LIMITED EDITION GICLEES: at my Etsy shop

ORDER CUSTOMIZED NOTECARDS & REPRODUCTIONS: at Imagekind

COMMISSION A PET PORTRAIT: contact me

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE: contact me

READING MATERIAL: Preview and order each of the Dog a Day books at the publisher's website: The First Year (2006-2007) and That's 14 in Dog Years (2008). If you would like your copy personalized, order them through me.

Sheltie Summer

June was an unbelievably busy month, and it took me all of it to get this painting finished, little bits at a time. This is the second in my series of Sheltie Seasons - Sheltie Summer. One of our dogs loves to lie in the shade of the flowers where he can reach out and sniff one of the blossoms. To me, this is the essence of Summer - time to relax and smell the roses - literally.
Sheltie Summer is an 11 x 14 watercolor painting on Arches 140 hot press paper, and I am pleased with how it turned out and how my SEASONS series is progressing.

Generations by Dawn Secord

Here is my "surprise" release for the ISCA National. "Generations" was a commissioned painting. The painting features three direct generations of Irish Setters. When I was looking at the senior Irish I kept thinking to myself, "boy does that dog look familiar!!" So, I asked the owner what the blood line was on the dog. To my surprise she is the 1/2 sister to my dog, Jewel. I KNEW that dog looked familiar!!

When I started showing the painting to Irish Setter breeders many asked me to put the piece into print.

I discussed the possibility with the dogs' owner and she was very excited about the prospect. My prints are planned 18 months plus or minus in advance. The question was - do I come out with this print in December of 2011 or should I just release it now. The "now" vote won.
Thank you to all involved for your encouragement.

Dawn Secord

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

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

commission a painting: http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html

prints for sale: http://www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html

Linda Snider Ward

Kitty just wants to play & little dog just wants to snooze! You can view more of my artwork at my website or my blog

"Patriotic Greyhound" Colored Pencil by Charlotte Yealey

17 x 7 colored pencil
Some call the black and white greyhounds "tuxedo greyhounds" because they look like they are wearing a tux. I call them beautiful! Their slender black body with white accents is very striking. I photographed this greyhound at a greyhound gathering in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. I just had to capture this gorgeous creature.