Solitary by Jessica Kale

Solitary

Charcoal on sanded paper

11x12

____

I haven't posted here in awhile because I haven't been doing many dog portraits [cats, etc.]. I wanted to do something in charcoal so I looked around and found a gorgeous photo reference. I asked permission to use the reference and got to work. When I showed the owner of the reference I was allowed to use...I wasn't expecting this:

Hi Jessica! I LOVED the drawing, you did a really wonderful job, and on behalf of me and my whole family, thank you for doing it. ^^ You see, we recently had to put Wren down, due to old age and sickness that she just couldn't combat any longer. She was a very vital and loved part of our family, and it has just been heart breaking these past few weeks living without her. We've been trying hard to get back on solid ground around the household, and especially for my mom, this portrait has just been lovely in helping us get there. She cried tears of joy when I showed it to her. ^^ And my dad, as a traditional-art-loving guy.. really applauds your skill! As do I.

Once again, a big thanks.

- Evan
---
That made my day. Knowing my artwork had that kind of affect on a client makes doing animal portraits even more worth it.
This drawing is available as a print for only $10. Visit my artfire site to check it out:
Interested in your own pet portrait? Check my website!

Complicity by Sheona Hamilton-Grant wins at the American Art Awards

"Complicity"
Graphite on Paper. 2009
Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved

There is great rejoicing and lots of strange woops: Complicity and Hurricane have been strutting their stuff at the American Art Awards and have come home with rosettes.
"Complicity" won the dry media category (pencil, charcoal and ink) and came in second in Human Realism. Yeah!

"Hurricane"

Graphite on Paper. 2010

Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved

"Hurricane" came in a cool second in Animal realism. Cooool!
The icing on the cake: Quality Time won last year!

"Quality Time"
Graphite on Paper. 2008
Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved

Once again, one year on, I'm still so very chuffed, honoured as well as being over the moon at seeing graphite making a stand.

Pencils just rock !!!

Happy dances and cheery waves from the walls of my new studio in Bonn...

p.s: More of my work can be viewed at www.sheonahamiltongrant.com or on my blog Black on Grey on White

Pudelpointer in Acrylic

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Early this spring I was introduced to a hunting dog puppy named Snidely. I knew he was a pointing breed, but exactly which one I wasn't sure. My friend told me he was a Pudelpointer. Being very unfamiliar with the breed and it sounding very much like a cute "designer dog" name I got online and did some research. It is in fact a very old hunting breed from Germany who's origins started with Poodles and Pointers. The breed was developed to be a versatile hunter used on upland game as well as waterfowl. They have a very coarse coat and wonderful whiskered face complete with bushy eyebrows and moustache. 

I was very taken with this puppy and took lots of photos not knowing if I'd ever see one again. A few months later his owner contacted me for a portrait which is the first of two. This one features him just as a puppy, but the next will be what I call my "past to present" portrait and will have him as an adult and a puppy complete with a hunting scene background. That one is still a little ways off, but with as fast as Snidely is growing maybe not too long!

If you'd like to commission a portrait please have a look at my websites for additional information. 

Catherine Temple

www.petportraitsbycatherine.com 

www.catherinetemple.com

A Natural Blonde ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"A Natural Blonde," 8" square, commissioned mixed breed (terrier of some sort I'm guessing) dog portrait, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, private collection. And if you recognize this cutie, please don't breathe a word of it. She's a Christmas gift, supposedly a surprise Christmas gift. I've been promised that the recipient doesn't know about this newsletter/blog - and they don't necessarily need to until after the holidays! I had a cancellation this morning, opening up two portrait spots prior to the holidays. If you would like them, please let me know! Meanwhile, my show at the Orion Township Public Library comes down at the end of the month. If you haven't gotten over to see the art, by all means high tail it over there!! Quickly!! Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

DON'T FORGET: Artist Q&A Day Tomorrow!! Ask any arts related questions on the blog using the comments field, and I'll answer them in the order received. Gift Certificates Available Not sure you can get your hands on suitable reference photos without ruining the surprise? Caught needing a gift with very little lead time? That's OK - I can build a beautiful full color gift certificate that is perfect for gift giving, using a favorite painting or breed image as the backdrop. Shoot me a note and we'll get the process started!

Blue Boy Bully by Carol Chretien

BLUE BOY BULLY

10x10

oil on canvas

CAROL CHRETIEN

***

This new piece is Rescue Art, I visited BAMA BULLY RESCUE'S images of available for adoption

dogs and foound some inspiration there for a Christmas piece.

Something with a little subtle mirth and sparkle was in order. This handsome blue boy is a composite of my meanderings thorough the images. He has peace in his eyes.

Pitbulls are often in the most dire need with, not only, being found in shelters in such vast numbers but also with such infamous reputations and predjudices... I cannot imagine how many are destroyed each year just by their labels.

There are many groups and individuals who champion this breed and help rehab and rehome them with loving families.

BAMA BULLY RESCUE is one such group of dedicated volunteers.

***

The painting is available at 125.00

with 25.00 going straight to the charity.

Domestic Shipping Is FREE!

great gift for your favorite canine art collector!

email me:

carolchretien@aol.com

thanks for helping animals in need with fine art!

Sam and Bella ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Sam and Bella," 11" x 14", commissioned double Maltese portrait done in Golden Open Acrylics on a 2" cradeled Ampersand Gessobord (see below), private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries may always come to me. I love working on these cradeled panels - I carry the painting around the sides, and there is absolutely no need to frame the piece. Let me know if you are interested in having your portrait done like this - it makes for a gorgeous presentation! This painting has been "in the works" for a few weeks now - there's no way I could have pulled off something this size and complexity in one day! Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PSST - I'm still accepting holiday commissions. Email meto get on my calendar! Artist Q&A Day This Friday On Friday, October 29th I'll open up the Painting a Dog a Day blog and take all your arts related questions. There will be a thread started first thing Friday morning. You can submit your questions using the comment option on the blog. As I publish each comment, I'll also answer each question. This is a great way to start conversations up regarding materials or processes or even just choosing muses. I look forward to sharing ideas with you this coming Friday! Shhh...It's a Secret In keeping with the whole holiday gift-giving bit, there may be some days where I am unable to post or share my painting. After all, I don't want to ruin any surprises! But don't worry - I'll post them after the holidays when all gifts have been given. Meanwhile, let's just say that the other painting I finished today was killer.

Pomeranian Portrait

Meet Ginger. She is a recent commission, done in Colored Pencil on Arches 140 hot press paper. This little girl is so full of charm, she just about leaped out of her photos for a cuddle. I loved her darling little smile, and all that golden fur. She has a little more "pom" than most, but she wears the extra weight with the joy of one of Renoir's lushly beautiful ladies. Her smile took a while to get right, as I don't trace or project, but the effort was well worth while. I loved the challenge of her deep, fluffy coat too.

When I had finished, I thought that the painting looked a little unbalanced because of the red and white toy in her paws. That red was just so demanding of attention. Rather than make the red lighter or knock it back with shadow, I decided to put in some branches behind Ginger. They would also serve to bring out her pale blond plume. But I went easy with the branches and leaves, as I wasn't just pleasing myself - I had my client to consider, and when done, the suggestion of leaves was a success.

All in all, I am very happy with this portrait, and between that, the charming little dog, and a totally delightful client, this was a memorable painting.

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

Sheltie Hollow

Labrador Painting Finished - by Dawn Secord

I've spent some time on this painting. The art collector commissioned two portraits of their Labrador Retriever. The first painting (seen here) features the dog in its adolescence. The second portrait will feature the dog as she is currently at 14 years of age.

The background of this painting is a meadow behind their home. In the reference photo the skyline is almost nonexistent with a slight splash of blue clouds in one small corner. Also, the meadow is laden with the beautiful blooms shown in the painting. However, the blooms were minimized in the painting. The bright color of the blooms combined with the thick blanket of them in the reference photo somewhat stole the show from the dog.

To ensure the dog was the focal point, the blossoms were minimized. The skyline was also greatly increased with a change in direction to draw the view into the focal point.
Now off to wrap the painting for delivery and finish portrait number 2.

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html

www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

Two paintings by Valarie Wolf featured in new book!

I just received my copy of 'Dog Sayings--wit & wisdom from man'd best friend', and am happy to report that two of my paintings are featured in this wonderful book!

de-Lish ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"De-Lish," 8" x 10", pet portrait of a mixed breed (black lab mix) completed in Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, available for $469. Inquiries regarding "De-Lish" (which might already be sold - I'm awaiting confirmation but will be happy to start a wait list for any interested parties), or questions about how to commission a portrait of your best friend, may always and forever come to me. Please continue reading below for some very exciting news! I'm on cloud nine, and it's not from early ingestion of Halloween candy. Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Cazenovia College I received confirmation today that select pieces from my Saratoga Series of paintings (including "The Tote Board" pictured above) will be included in this November's exhibition at Cazenovia College in upstate New York. This is an exhibition that will contain work from a number of my equine artist heroines, most notably painter Kathy Peters and photographer Juliet Harrison. I'd like to thank the powers that be at Cazenovia for including my work, and invite you to attend the opening and share in the beauty of all the equine art. Details to follow. Pinky promise.

Saintly Landscape II by Linda Snider Ward

Thought that I had posted this one, but looking back I don't see it. This is the second in a small series of Saintly Landscapes. This piece (the size is half of a watercolor sheet) just came back from the Hoover Watercolor Society Exhibition in Shreveport, LA, where it won an honorable mention. This is Minnie, our Saint, adopted from Luck & Legends St. Bernard Rescue in Texas. She's sweet, loveable, and now gets along with the whole household (four cats & a dog). You can view more of my work & see what I'm up to at my blog.

Dalmatian In Pink - Carol Chretien

Dalmatian In Pink

Paws for the Cause

10x10

wet-in-wet

oil

CAROL CHRETIEN

As you know by now, my passion for art is all about how I can create artistically and help others. My focus is usually on helping homeless animals, but this time it is about people.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I had the opportunity to act on an idea given me by a FACEBOOK FRIEND, Rebecca, to paint a Dalmatian in Pink. I think she said a Pink Dalmatian....but there was the idea, I was eating lunch and reading online mail and updates, I went back to the studio and did a wet-in-wet 10x10 of a Dalmatian in Pink that is now a painting up for raffle! I will finish the painting as soon as it is dry enough to do so...but time was of the essense to get it out in public to try to make a difference for this cause!

Yes my friends, for the measely cost of a cup of fancy coffee ...5.00/entry ...you can enter your name into the pot and on November 1st I will draw the winning name for the painting. Chip In is set up to keep the running total out front so we know what is going to the Charity. My PayPal is emailing me the names and info for the drawing.

We got a late start on BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH but whatever is collected by Nov 1st will go directly to The National Breast Cancer Foundation. They are a 4 star (highest) charity with 89% of the donations going to Mammograms, the rest to Education & Research.

Today's blog post READ ALL ABOUT IT: http://www.carolchretien.blogspot.com
ART THAT HELPS...join me is the title of the blog post.

It has more details in the post but I ask that you pass it on if you know someone who may be interested in helping, and who may like one of my original Dalmatian paintings. (OR...You may contribute and skip the artwork if you desire) I will give every penny to the charity with an open heart.
Please check out the blog and see what it is all about.
Thanks so much for your time.
Many Blessings to you,
Carol"

The Creek ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"The Creek (Winnie, Joey and Katie)," 5-1/2" x 10", depicting three rescued dogs romping in a shallow creek, completed in Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel, available for $399. Inquiries regarding "The Creek" or questions about how to commission a portrait of your best friends pursuing their best past time may come to me. I've painted this threesome before, individually and in another creek-side piece titled "The Stick." These dogs live quite the life, romping and enjoying each other and their family. It's always a pleasure to bring them back to the easel for another visit. I invite you to share photos of your dogs enjoying the great outdoors - who knows? they might just show up in one of these newsletters! can you stand it? Another thought - would you like to order notecards with a particular Dog a Day painting on them? Let me know! 5-1/2 x 8" notecards come in a variety orf finishes, with either with blank interiors or personal messages. They work well packaged as gifts, used as Thank Yous and make excellent Holiday Greetings. Prices start at a little more than $2/card. I'd be happy to help you create the perfect card to celebrate your occasion. Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "Whip-tastic" Thank you to everyone sending in title suggestions for yesterday's painting. I was kept busy fielding well over 3 dozen variations, and there was debate between some excellent suggestions like "Whippet Good" and "It Takes Two." As thanks for titling the painting, collector Erika Stark will receive a set of notecards depicting the "Whip-tastic" s. Thanks, Erica, for your cheeky suggestion! We'll have to make titling paintings a regular bit. What do you think?

Untitled (Whippets) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Untitled (Whippets)," 9" x 12", two Whippet dog portraits, completed in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, available for $589. Inquiries or questions about how to commission a portrait of your best friend (and their favorite toy) may come to me. Meanwhile, these two need a title - I'm open to suggestions. I was debating "Teamwork" but want something a bit more clever. I've been working on this painting for a couple of days, and I may still make some minor changes. But I'm going to let these two sit here in the studio for a bit first. And then I'll send them off to an exhibition or two this winter (unless they find a home first - either way is fine by me!). When I talk about my process, I always mention that I like to set my references aside and study the painting apart from the photos. I wait for it to tell me what other changes it needs. That's what I'll be doing over the coming weeks. Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com SHOP HOMEMADE This year I'm going for an entirely homemade Christmas. For those few gifts that I can't make, I'm hitting Etsy. Etsy is a great community of artisans and the perfect spot to find that one-of-a kind gift for that hard-to-shop for person on your list. I've found sock monkey knitted caps, computer sleeves, vintage teatowels, crafted scarves and all sorts of other treasures. I bet you could even find pet portraits and animal paintings there..... hmmm, that gives me an idea.....

Labrador painting in process by Dawn Secord

I've been working on this painting for a number of days now - long days (not an hour here or there - more like 10 hours a day. My arm is sore and my eye hurts.... goes along with the territory)

The reference photo is an old photo that was taken on a very sunny morning. As a result one side of the dog's face is too shadowed and the other side is almost whited out. So, my quest is to balance the lighting while maintaining the wonderful effects the light has created with the shadows.

On the right side of the dog's face I've reduced the shadows and brought the eye more into view. On the left side of the dog's face (the right side of the painting) I've found the bone structure of the dog and brought in slight shadows. These shadows will give the dog's face depth and roundness instead of a flat light area.

I've also eliminated the collar. Some people prefer the collars be left on their dogs in my paintings. That is a personal choice - no wrong or right answer. In this particular painting the dog's owners wanted the collar off.

Will post more as the painting develops.

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

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

http://www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

Fluff (Keeshond Study) ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Fluff (Keeshond Study)," 10" x 11", Keeshond dog portrait, completed in Golden Open Acrylics on a Raymar panel, available for $499. Inquiries on "Fluff" or questions about how to commission a portrait of your best friend may come to me. At a demonstration I gave last week, I was asked what things I concentrated on most. I answered (1) better understanding of lost and found edges and (2) playing with the inherent color in lights and darks. This painting indulged both. It was one of those afternoons where I was so wrapped in my process that the hours flew past. I love when a studio day has that sort of magic! Let's keep it going through the week - Thanks for looking at, and sharing, my artwork with your friends and family - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com MY REFERENCE 4 FLUFF Above is the reference photo that I used to inspire today's painting. It was taken at the Mutt Lynch Winery's Dog Days event this past August. (Have you ordered yourRusty wine yet?) I took a series of photos of these two lovey Keeshonds, and plan on painting them again. I'm always looking for photos of black and white animals - you are welcome to email submissions to me. I'll acknowledge all materials received and you'll get first dibs on any resulting artwork.

Nap Buddies by Charlotte Yealey

"Nap Buddies"
11x10
colored pencil
I just received an award of merit at the 40th Annual Open Juried Exhibit at the York Art Association in York, Pennsylvania for this colored pencil painting and the pastel below was also juried into that exhibit.

Dogs that touch my heart

I am very lucky that with social media I am able to share pictures with my fans and they in turn share with me. They submit me hundreds of photos, hoping that I might find the time and inspiration to paint one. I like to entertain my FB followers with my daily paintings and photography. Many of my fans love art, but are not in a financial position to purchase. So, when I'm not busy with a commission, I find the photos that touch my heart.
I then offer the paintings for sale on Fine Art America - and make prints and products available on Zazzle.
my painting gallery

Here is a Husky, Shepard mix that stole my heart. I panted it using  11x14canvas and acrylic paint.

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

"Ruby," 8" square, commissioned dog portrait, completed in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord, private collection (THANK YOU!!). Inquiries on how you can commission a portrait of your best friend may come to me. Don't you just love this face? Totally melt-worthy. Dear, sweet Ruby. I have been negligent in thanking those of you who are keeping me busy. I'm fielding inquiries, booking new commissions and selling paintings left and right - guess it's that time of year! So warm thanks and a special welcome to the newest Dog-a-Day collectors. Thanks go out also to my favorite long time purchasers who have recently added to their walls. It is much appreciated. And Painting #1000, "The Sound of Souls," hammered last night at $330. Every cent is going to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. THANK YOU ALSO to all the bidders for making this event such a success!! Enjoy the weekend - Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

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

"Duggan," approximately 6-1/2" x 16", portrait of a German Shorthaired Pointer, completed in Golden Open Acrylics on Raymar panel.

Ok, I'm drawing a total blank on how to stitch the stupid multiple scans of Duggan together, but I am hoping that you can figure it out. There is no harsh line in the midst of her silly chest - it is merely my inadequate computer skills, highlighted for the entire world to enjoy. Laugh it up while you can. I'll be losing sleep over this darned detail.

But thank you for enjoying her.

She is awfully cute, isn't she?

And hurray up to go bid on "The Sound of Souls" before it's gone. Auction ending very soon.

Thank YOU - <<>>
Kim
ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Border Collie Sketch

   Today's painting  is a small 5 x5 inch watercolor painting of a Border Collie. I have been down and out with a cold but I managed to get this done.  Painted on heavy 300 lb Arches Hot Press paper this little gem will be available to go home with it's new owner for $55 which includes free Priority Mail shipping to thh U.S.  Email me for more info Deborah@DeborahOSullivan.com or click to purchase.

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 My website- DeborahOSullivan.com

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Twitter- Epona Studio

Irish Setter Art by Dawn Secord

This is my newest release in Irish Setter Art. The painting background was created from a photo I had taken in 2009 during a cross country trip. If you really want to see our great Country - the best way to see it and meet the people is by driving.

The original painting is unavailable. The prints are in a limited edition of 195. There are 19 artist proofs. The reproductions are professionally printed, are museum quality, and are signed and numbered. To purchase the prints you may call me or email me. For Pay Pal users, there are Pay Pal buttons set up on my web site for purchasing on line. Please click here: http://www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html

Have a great day!

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

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

Will Acrylic take over my Watercolor?

After offering just watercolor paintings for seven months. I have decided to offer Acrylic paintings as well.
Using the wet on wet technique with the watercolor transfers over nicely to using acrylic on canvas.
I know that many people prefer the look of acrylic over the watercolor. So, I now have several sizes
of canvas on hand and more tubes of acrylic than I can count.

I still am loving the bulldog portraits. Many of my commissions come from Canada, but I've sold paintings  all over the world.  My FB page is reaching almost 5,000 people. I don't sell in galleries or do art shows since I am  working a full time job. So, all of my marketing efforts are on line. This works well for me, keeping my expenses down, so I can offer quality paintings at a more reasonable price point.

I've added Fine Art America to my offerings for my prints and photography as well.
I also continue to make Zazzle products. Many of my clients like matching mugs to go along with the pet portrait purchase.

Zazzle, products made from my paintings and photography

You are welcome to visit me here

Pam Utton - Fine Art


I have included an example of my Acrylic here for your review. This is an 11x14 on gallery wrapped canvas.
My pricing is available here

Pricing page

As the holiday's gift giving heats up, I am looking forward to painting more pet portraits with acrylic, watercolor and my glass enamel paint. The porcelain ornaments are a wonderful surface to paint on.

Helping the Rescue Organizations

When the call came out for Steve and I to help with a calendar for Danny and Ron's Rescue organization that we support, we were "doggone happy" to oblige :-)

It is hard to believe that two men who work full time jobs have been so influential in the lives of thousands of homeless dogs in so short a period of time! Visit their link above to read the complete story.

I was provided a photo of one of their success stories-a little miniature Australian Shepherd, and created the calendar sized image using pastels. Steve created two paintings.

Even if you cannot add another dog to your family (we have 5), take the time to visit the Rescue Organization's website  and donate to a cause where 100% of your donation is used for its actual purpose!
No salaries, no politics, just good old fashioned "rolling up the shirtsleeves" and getting the job done!   And look for the calendar-out soon!
Portraits of people and animals M Theresa Brown

Corporate Commission by Dawn Secord

Finishing up on corporate commission. Its been a while since I've done such a large oil painting. We moved our birds to another area of the house and are venting the house for the fumes. Next oil painting will be done outside on the patio! It was fun.

Back to the pastels today to do a commission of a kitty that lost it's life way to early to cancer.

To see more pictures of this painting in process please go to my facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-by-Dawn-Secord/120610651282807

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

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

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