Irish Setters by Dawn Secord

This is a painting of three litter mates - Irish Setters. The theme of this litter was New Orleans. I have shown against these dogs for a few years and have enjoyed getting to know them. When their owner asked me to paint the girls I was thrilled.

We took quite a few photos. The hard part was choosing which photos we collectively liked best. And...there were a number of them!! My goal is to not reproduce a photo - my goal is to make a painting using a photo as reference material. If you look at the photos and the final painting you'll see shadows in the photos that are not in the painting, colors in the painting that are not in the photos, high lights in the painting that differ from the photos and most importantly - the eyes have a life like quality. (the photos of the dogs are on my blog at http://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com/)

For the background, the owner of the dogs wanted something to do with New Orleans. We toyed with making the background the French Quarter and having Mardi Gras beads around their necks. (well....the beads were my idea - over zealous with the theme!)
Ultimately, we both felt a gentle landscape was the best choice. As a surprise, I added the Spanish Moss hanging from the trees. When I've traveled through Louisiana, the hanging moss has always fascinated me. It gives the trees a very gentle dreamy quality.

Thank you for taking a peek!

Dawn Secord

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

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

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

cafepress store: http://www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

Gordon Setter by Dawn Secord

This is Krista. Her painting has been in process for awhile.

Krista passed away a number of years ago and her owner had been trying to find more pictures of her for reference material.Her photos were before the "digital" camera age so most of the photos were small snap shots.

Krista was also blind so many of the photos did not show her true eye color. Her owner was not quite sure how the eyes would turn out.Krista was a fun and comical dog. There were some conventional photos of Krista that showed what one would expect for a head shot portrait. However, the reference photo chosen allowed us to see the side of Krista that was so special to her owners.

When she came to pick up the painting, she was teary eyed. She told me the painting looked just like Krista and the eyes were correct. It is always such a humbling experience to paint some one's beloved pet. Thank you to Krista's owners for this honor.

Dawn Secord

Web site: http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

Commission Information: http://dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html

CafePress Store: http://www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

Prints for Sale: http://www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html

"Bella," Bichon-Poodle Mix Acrylic Painting by Janet Burt

Just in time to melt some hearts, if not the excessive amounts of snow we've all been enduring, here is my portrait of Bella, a Bichon-Poodle mix.

It's always fun to paint fluffy dogs, so I had a good time painting this 16 x 20 inch acrylic portrait.  Bella's mom intends to frame this picture, so I painted it on a traditional, 3/4 inch deep canvas.  Clients can always choose between the traditional, "frameable" depth canvas and the gallery-wrap I most frequently use, which can be hung as-is, no frame needed.

Here's one of the pictures of Bella I used for reference.  It's not the one I worked directly from, but I love the "over the shoulder" pose.

For color inspiration on this portrait, I even had a swatch of wallpaper where the portrait will hang!

My client was worried that giving me colors she wanted and wallpaper samples would limit me, but I welcomed the input.  After all, I'm working to make a keepsake my clients will love that also fits with their decor.

If you'd like to commission your own Rainbowdog portrait, please email me at janetburt@verizon.net.  You can learn more about sizes, prices and my process, on my website, rainbowdog.net. 

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Painting 50 Portraits in 2011.

Imp's Portrait

This is a portrait I created of Imp, a very beautiful Newfoundland. It's 11x14 pastel on velour paper. I really loved working on this portrait and it's really nice to look at today, we are under 11 inches of snow!

I also have a special announcement for my website, I'm having a Valentine's Day contest for my new Facebook page! Please go to my blog for more details. I'm getting a lot of entries for the contest and a lot of the stories on why their pet is the perfect Valentine is very heartwarming. It's going to be very hard to pick a winner!

www.ericavojnich.com (my website)


http://ericavojnich.blogspot.com/ (my blog)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fine-Art-by-Erica-Vojnich/184352274925905 (my facebook page)

Andre, In Color ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Andre," 6" x 8", commissioned Boxer portrait, done in Golden Open Acrylics on a Raymar panel, private collection (THANK YOU!). Inquiries regarding booking your own portrait may come to me. Do you remember Andre from last December? I sketched him (below) unknowingly the same day he crossed the bridge. His family decided they wanted a painted version, and so I was delighted to bring this guy back to my easel this afternoon. And I'm also thrilled to share that Andre's family adopted a young boxer from their local shelter. Jake has fit in well and still can't believe his luck - he's got his own couch and a brother and sister! I'm making a donation to my local shelter in honor of Andre. And Jake. Two sweet rescues that got their happily ever afters. Meanwhile, thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS We're in the homestretch here with respect to this month's 10% newly booked commissions. The project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! I booked 9 new portraits la Integration I get asked frequently about how I manage my time, and I think the key concept is integration. I'm lucky to have my studio in my home. I am able to duck in here and spend time on a few sketches while waiting for dinner to cook. Or I can take the laptop to the kitchen table and redesign my business cards while helping kids with homework. I'm also very aware of the things I choose NOT to do. It's a Do-Not-Do list. Being mindful of the things I will not do also helps me to stay on track with those tasks that require my attention.

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

I talk a lot about the animals I paint and my process, but I rarely blog about other behind the scenes work. Probably because it's not nearly as exciting as the painting process, but I may be biased in that regard! Nevertheless, people have the perception that I step into the studio and paint, blissfully, for hours at a time. It couldn't be any further from the truth! When I do paint, it is (mostly) blissful, but that's only a fraction of how I get to spend my days (or rather, my working hours!). It's a one woman show here for the most part. The reality is that I spend the majority of my days solo here in the studio, chipping away at marketing campaigns, dealing with the accounting side of things, staying on top of inventory control, keeping up to date with client communication, building lesson plans and coordinating teaching opportunities, and building an exhibitions and activities calendar. I also head up hardware management. In a prior life I worked with computers and was very comfortable taking machines apart, reading code, and deciphering technology. Not so much anymore! I've been feeling creaky these last couple weeks as I work my way through determining new backup configurations and solve my recent data storage issues. But it remains blissful when I've crossed enough tasks off my to-do list that I can justify moving across the room to the easel. After picking up a paintbrush, the day's stress just melts away. And hopefully I get at least a couple hours of this before the kids come home from school. Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS We're in the homestretch here with respect to this month's 10% newly booked commissions. The project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! I booked 9 new portraits last week - let's see if we can't match that this one!! Above, Tucker(ed Out) From January 2010, "Tucker(ed Out)" is a 12" x 14" custom portrait of a lab mix. This painting is currently in a private collection (THANK YOU!), but reproductions and notecards are available. For those of you new to Painting a Dog a Day (insert big welcome here!!), I share animal artwork at least 4 times each week. The paintings are published initially via this electronic newsletter, then updated to the Painting a Dog a Day blog several hours later. (FYI, the blog is archived and all 4+ years of postings are always available for browsing.) Some of the Dog a Day paintings are commissions and therefore sold. Others are available for purchase on a first come basis. Notecards are available as soon as the painting is dry. Reproductions become available after the original piece has sold. Both notecards and reproductions can currently be ordered through FAA. It's as simple as browsing the galleries and choosing the images you like. With over 1000 paintings in the project, I am trying to make things as simple as possible - there's nearly 100 images to shop from on FAA now, with more coming.

50 Portraits in 2011: "Snickers," Yellow Lab Acrylic Painting by Janet Burt

I have a soft spot for yellow Labs. My husband and I both grew up with a yellow Lab as the family dog, and our first dog together was the uncreatively-named-yet-wonderfully-special yellow Lab Daisy.  So I was particularly pleased to paint Snickers, known in her family by her full title, Snickers the Wonder Dog.

This portrait is a 24 x 30 inch acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas.  At this dramatic size, Snickers appears on canvas pretty close to life-size - perhaps even a bit larger.  To help you compare, here's a picture of Snickers (the dog) posing with Snickers (the portrait).  She seems fairly humble and unaffected by all the attention.

This portrait was a surprise birthday present for Snickers's human "Mom." The rest of the family hung the portrait in the living room while Mom was out and waited for her to discover it. Now that's creative gift-giving!

If you'd like to commission your own portrait, email Janet Burt at janetburt@verizon.net, or visit Rainbowdog on the web for more details.  You can also check out special deals and get inside information on upcoming projects on the Rainbowdog Pet Portraits facebook page.

I'm just beginning my series of 50 portraits in 2011 (the year I turn 50 myself - gasp).  Join me in my quest to turn a mid-life crisis into beautiful art and commission your own portrait today.

Rainbowdog - Painting 50 Portraits in 2011.

A Man and his Dog

"Jay and His Golden"   20 x 24 oil on canvas by Terry d. Chacon

It is always fun to create a painting with a scene.   This painting was done from a photograph giving to me by the collectors.   I knew it would be a challenge by the size of the tiny photo given, but I had enough detail to work with and the results were amazing as they came into play.  

Debbie wanted to present her husband Jay with a painting of him and his special golden for Christmas.   When she gave me the tiny photo approximately 2 inch by 2 inch, I just about fell out of my chair.   But after getting my glasses and looking at it I told her there was enough detail that I thought I could work with it.   I brought it home and put it on my copy machine and was able to ma enlarge it to a  4 by 4.   After scanning it onto my computer and bringing it up on the screen I could work from this.    I knew I could complete the painting by Christmas but would not be able to ship until early Feb., giving the painting plenty of time to dry.   Debbie and her husband live in Houston.   I sent Debbie photos along the way and the excitement was building.   When I sent her a photo of the finished piece, she was so excited.   I sent her a set of notecards with the image on them to give to Jay for Christmas.   She said he was shocked.   Shocked that she had given him such a beautiful gift and he loved the painting and cannot wait to see it in person.

Well the time is near, I will be shipping by Feb. 1.    So Debbie and Jay your painting full of memories is almost at your door step.

As always, I am always so excited to create a painting for repeat customers.   If you would like a painting of your loved one's be sure to contact me.   I have space to work on 2 more paintings starting Feb. 1, 2011.

UNTIL NEXT TIME, enjoy the art.    Terry d. Chacon 



Pet Portraits by Jessica Kale

Medium: Pastel on sanded pastel paper

Size: 11x14

I love getting repeat clients. This piece was put in as a rush order [a week to get done]. It's for the client's husband as a birthday gift. I managed it in 6 hours over a 2 day period. I loved the sun highlights in this portrait and really tried to make them standout. All in all I'm rather pleased with the results and even happier that the client once again loves it.

If you are interested in your own pet portrait visit:
http://www.jessicakaleillustration.com
Become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Kale-Illustration/246065150877

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

"Frances," 5" x 7", pet portrait of a rescued Boxer (yes, she has a tail!), done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, $ 289 to the first ones asking nicely. Frances came to her family via a Boxer Rescue group who had pulled her from a pound. She was a 40 lb 2 year old with heartworms who had spent the majority of her life tied to a stake and virtually no manners. But a strong desire to please her new family. And thankfully her new family understood and was able to provide the training and love that Frances needed. Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! Come on - I've booked 8 portraits this week - I dare you to raise that number! My Newest Acquisitions See the two paintings that have me entirely over the moon? These are by Lisa Daria, a daily painter who inspires me regularly. I am in awe of the way she is able to pare her compositions down to the fewest brushstrokes possible. And she has a fantastic sense of color, too. What was the last piece of original art you've added to your collection?

WATERCOLOR DOGS BY SHEILA M.WEDEGIS

 

"I Am The Master Of My Domain"

I have started a new blog called Watercolor Dogs.  Down for the knee surgery, I discovered how much fun doing watercolor was.  So my challenge was,  all types of dogs, in watercolor, with the end result, a book of all the dog paintings.

 I have been asking for people to send me photos of their pets that I can paint. There is no obligation to purchase.  If you are inclined please send me your pics at; sophie@palm-spirit.com

This painting is on my watercolor blog. 

http://www.watercolordogs.blogspot.com

Thanks for looking. Sheila

SHEILA  M.WEDEGIS  PALM BAY, FLORIDA

Http://www.labradorretrieverart.com

Http://www.sheilawedegis.blogspot.com

email:  sophie@palm-spirit.com

Tsiko's Eyes ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Tsiko's Eyes," 5" x 7", portrait of a rescued Husky mix, the latest addition to my "Black and White" series of paintings. This painting was done in Golden Open acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord and could be yours for $289. Inquiries may always come to me. Tsiko (pronounced See-ko) is an Isabella white husky, estimated to be about 5 years old, and he was adopted from the humane society. He was found by animal control wandering at age 3 months - why anyone would let a 12 week old pup out and not try to find them is beyond me. But his family knows they lucked out! And perhaps Tsiko got lucky too - he escorts the kids to the busstop, baseball and soccer games and even vacations with them. He takes his job as family dog very seriously. The "Black and White" paintings depict animals that are black or white or black and white. But the painted versions are anything but black and white. This series allows me the opportunity to explore the variety of color apparent in dark and light values while also playing with reflection and transparency. You can see more of the "Black and White" paintings in my FineArtAmerica portfolio (they aren't all there yet, but I am adding more every day), where notecards and reproductions can be ordered, if you feel so inclined. Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! Ongoing Series Many artists choose to work in series. This helps them to focus on a concept from a variety of angles, giving them the opportunity to experiment and learn. I am no exception. While the Painting a Dog a Day project is itself a series, I have several others that I'm currently working on and looking for inspiring muses: SUNDAY DRIVERS: images of vehicles and canines BLACK AND WHITE: paintings of black and/or white animals, like Tsiko here THE GRATITUDE PROJECT: portraits of rescue animals done in partnership with shelters across the US You are welcome to nominate an animal for possible inclusion in either of the above groups. Please do so via email to myself, and include several non-flash photos you have taken, along with information about the animal and what makes him/her so wonderful. Thanks in advance for sharing your special critters with me and the Painting a Dog a Day family!

Dalmation Pup on Red Vintage Suitcase...Entry for the 2011 Upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show

This is one of 4 paintings I have entered into the upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show 2011 in Kansas. I will know in February if any have been accepted so stay tuned! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at www.studiolara.com.

50 in 2011: Dodger the Corgi Sparkles as Portrait #2 by Janet Burt

I knew when I saw the photo of this adorable Corgi that I could turn it into a fantastic portrait.

Dodger the portrait is a 12 x 16 inch acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas.  Dodger the dog is a 13-year-old Corgi who has already risen to fame as the Corgi of the Day on thedailycorgi.com.  You can read all about him and see more pictures by clicking here.

Dodger's "mom," singer Susan Stevens Mooring, has even written a song in tribute to her fur baby entitled Blues for Dodger.  No recording is available to share with you at the moment, but if Susan ever makes one I'll be sure to update this post.  Not many (if ANY) dogs have their own blues song, after all.  Here's a small sampling of the lyrics (copyright Susan Stevens Mooring):

He may be red and white, but he’s got a right to sing the blues

I say he may be a red and white dog, but he’s got a right to sing the blues

Let him tell you his story, hear this little Corgi’s views

Can't wait to hear that set to music.

If you'd like a portrait of your own one-of-a-kind dog (or cat), email Janet at janetburt@verizon.net.  You can learn more by visiting Rainbowdog Pet Portraits on the web, or on facebook, too.

Miri's Memory ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Miri's Memory," 8" x 10", portrait of a rescued Cairn Terrier from Col. Potter Cairn Rescue, from The Gratitude Project. This painting was done in Golden Open acrylics on an Ampersand Geossobord and could be yours for $ 469. As with all the paintings from The Gratitude Project, proceeds from the sale of Miri's painting will be donated to Col. Potter. It's just my way of saying thanks for all the dogs - and people - who's lives are better! I had painted Miri before - she's the lucky Cairn getting all the kisses in this painting from a couple years back. Miri was a puppy mill momma rescue with such a bright spark. She arrived at Col. Potters 2/3rds of a way through a pregnancy, in such poor health that the lives of herself and her litter were endangered. Immediate surgery saved her and 5 of her 6 pups. She enjoyed 4 years with her forever home, years that were far too short but fully lived. She succombed to Cushings last fall, shortly after I started a painting of her. Miri was my muse at the live painting session I did for the Shelby Artists' Group. As can happen when I start painting and talking at the same time, the piece got a little bit off track. And when I heard the news of her passing the very next day, it took the wind out of my sails. I had little desire to fight with the painting and bring it back. But today the sun was shining and I imagined her taking a nap in the warm patch on the floor here in the studio (I often have my models over for a visit, even if it is an imaginary one - it helps me to "see" them better). I decided the time was right to have another go at Miri's portrait. She looks happy, doesn't she? I'd like to think she's pleased with how her life - and portrait - turned out. I hope that her family is, too. Enjoy your weekend! Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested!

Journaliste's Sunday, January 16th, 3-4pm Little Monsters Toy Store Lake Orion, Michigan Please join myself and the most fabulous Creative Journalists ever, as we in share imagery captured during the last 6 months of Creative Journalling workshops. Photographs clearly demonstrate the student's brilliance as they embrace the idea of personal expression, no holds barred. The exhibition will remain on display through February, so if you cannot make the opening celebration, please make a point to stop by and enjoy the creativity. And feed your child within - consider taking something special from the store home as well. Little Monsters stocks a phenomenal variety of books and toys and carries some of our most favoritest art supplies, too.

Brie as Odalisque ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Brie as Odalisque," 8" x 10", portrait of a huge and shaggy Venus (aka gorgeous dog), done in Golden Open acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord, not for sale. Brie belongs to artist Lisa Daria and takes her job as studio assistant seriously. So seriously, in fact, that she insisted on a historically inspired composition for her Dog a Day portrait. Who am I to argue when clearly this girl knows her stuff? You can see the progression of this painting in the images below. I started with a bright underpainting, using a rough approximation of the composition as a guideline. I then followed up by loosely blocking in the placement of the main forms and starting to build up my values. I used large 1" wide brushes to begin with, gradually ending the painting with smaller filberts. I can't wait to hear what Brie thinks of it! and Lisa, too. Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested!

"Bauregard" Pastel by Charlotte Yealey

12x18
Pastel
Sighthounds are on the top of my list of favorite group of dogs and painting them is what I love to do. This greyhound belongs to a facebook friend and her husband who have rescued two of these beautiful dogs and both are the same color.
See more of my sighthound art at
www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/charlotte.yealey.html

Closing Reception- The Hound Movement

They say all good things must come to an end.   Thursday Jan. 6, 2011 was the closing reception at RCAA for The Hound Movement.

Apache and Terry at the reception. 
Apache and April were invited to the reception.   April the greyhound, unfortunately she was unable to attend because she hurt herself earlier in the day.   Didn't hurt Apache's feelings, he was the king of the event.   He stole the show.  When people walked into the gallery they could not believe their eyes.   He was such a gentleman and allowed everyone to pet him, love on him and take photos.   What a ham!



"Summer Fun" the painting in the exhibit.   This painting is 36 x 36 and just plain full of fun.  



"The Hound Movement" exhibit. 

Friends Abbe Shaw my partner in dogs and Fran Reisman both from Santa Barbara came down for the event. 

Guitarist and singer Ellie Joy Schwartz, singing to Apache and Abbe.   Ellie is always a joy to have at an event.   She is wonderful.   Everyone should hire her to play, you will not be disappointed.  

My friend Adeola and Apache.   Adeola is an artist and has an exhibit at the deli across the street.   Also, a couple paintings in the Ensenada exhibit.  

Clidene Roper from Beaumont.   Clidene is the director of Banning Center for the Arts.   Thank you Clidene for driving all that way to see the exhibit. 

This little guy came in with postcards of his mothers artwork.   He walked up and said I want to give you a postcard of my mom's artwork.   I told him he should be very proud of his mom, he said he was.  Then he promptly said "now can I have a picture taken with your dog".......He was a true character and I really enjoyed him.

At times the crowds were huge, no room for anyone, but they had to pet the dog and have their photos taken with him.

These two beautiful little girls got on the floor with Apache to give him some love.   By this time Apache was starting to wear down.  

Apache and Fran Reisman.  Fran is the editor of the Afghan Hound Review a national publication.  It was great to have her at the event.   Especially when Apache had enough.  

The End
to a beautiful exhibit and a wonderful evening with friends at RCAA.   Thank you Mark Schooley for the opportunity to have been a part of this International Exhibit in Riverside, CA.   Also thank you to all of you who took time out of your busy schedules to support me by coming by to see the exhibit either during one of  the 3 receptions or during the 2 months that it was on display.  I also want to say thank you to my out of the area friends and family who really wanted to see the exhibit but were unable to make it.  Your notes of encouargement were so thoughtful.    I really appreciate each and everyone of you.     Thank you!

Sammy Sumner ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

"Sammy Sumner," 6" square, commissioned portrait of a much loved and dearly missed Pug, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, private collection (THANK YOU!). In appreciation for my getting to paint Sammy, a donation will be made in his name to my local shelter. Tonight I'm giving a presentation and demonstrating my painting technique at the Anchor Bay Artist's Group monthly meeting in New Baltimore, Michigan. It's always a treat to get to talk shop with a group of like minds, and I am thoroughly looking forward to it. Thankfully, the weather is cooperating as well - one never knows what to expect during Michigan January's! There are tentative plans for tonight's presentation to be followed up by a one night painting workshop on Monday, January 31st (also in New Baltimore, Michigan). Please let me know if you are interested in attending the workshop and I'll pass your information on to those responsible for coordinating the event. Ok, off to pack up my supplies! Have a great evening! Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com PS You haven't forgotten about the 10% off newly booked commissions, have you ?? the project has to be booked during this January, but can happen any time during 2011. Shoot me an email if you are interested! Cosmo Sammy's brother Cosmo is the cover model for my latest book, "Come Sit Stay, Painting a Dog a Day - Year Three." This book (along with it's two siblings) can be ordered directly from Blurb. Each of the books include an essay outlining one year of the Painting a Dog a Day project, along with a substantial number of full color reproductions of the paintings from that same year. And there's extras, too, like previously unpublished comments and stories about the work, photos of my studio, and other goodies. You can preview each of the books, too, prior to ordering. They make great gifts for animal lovers and artists alike, and are also beautiful donations for fundraisers and the such. Any questions? By all means, let me know!

Atka: Husky Pup Acrylic Painting by Janet Burt

Atka, a 16 x 16 inch acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas, was a recent commission, from a soldier to surpise his fiancee.  I just love the sweet expression on this pup's face.  If you'd like to commission your own portrait, contact Janet Burt via email, or visit my website, Rainbowdog Pet Portraits.  Get daily dog news and art updates on my facebook page or follow my blog.  I'm aiming to paint 50 portraits in 2011, coincidentally the year I will turn 50 (gasp!), and I'll be sharing my progress there (therainbowdogblog.blogspot.com).

LABRADOR RETRIEVER ART BY SHEILA WEDEGIS OIL IN PROGRESS

 

 I've been working on this 28" x 22" oil for the past few days.  The reference for this piece came from a Facebook friend in Scotland.  I am so excited to be able to paint it.  The process has been working dark and light especially near the yellow Lab.    When the paint drys on the Lab I will go back and glaze color to bring out his coat and color.

   Tomorrow I will start working on the black Lab. All areas of the canvas are in constant working and reworking until I come to the end I am happy with. I hope you enjoy seeing this piece in progress

To see more of my artwork plese go to ;

http://www.sheilawedegis.blogspot.com

http://www.savingalabaday.blogspot.com

http://www.labradorretrieverart.com.

and

http://www.zazzle.com/swedegisart* for the new Lab art 2011 calendar

SHEILA M.WEDEGIS PALM BAY ,FLORIDA

sophie@palm-spirit.com

"Jack Trio" a new Molly A Poole watercolor

"Jack Trio" a 7"x12" watercolor of 3 Jack Russell Terriers. I was drawn to the composition in the original photo taken by a client of her Jack and pals and I was thrilled to be given permission to use as reference for this painting.
I chose to limit the palette to four colors: Payne's Grey, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna and Cadmium Red Deep for a challenge. Very pleased with the color and I plan on continuing experimenting with this 4 color palette. You can view more of my original work and commission work at granitedog.com.

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

"Phantom," from "The Gratitude Project,"** 9" x 12", portrait of a rescued Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord, $589. When this painting is purchased, a $120 donation will be made to Animal Ark Shelter in Minnesota. Inquiries may always come to me. Phantom came to Animal Ark from Ohio, where she was an unfortunate part of a dog fighting operation. The good news is that the dog fighting ring was shut down, and Phantom, along with her puppy Liberty, were relocated to Animal Ark. Animal Ark is the largest no-kill shelter in the Twin Cities, serving more than 1000 pets each year. Their approach to educating the public, providing innovative no-more-homeless-pets programs to their community (and beyond!) and pampering the animals in their care makes Animal Ark a huge winner in my book. Phantom was lucky to end up there - her pup was weaned and adopted out, she got spayed, and - the best part - is currently in a "foster to adopt" home. Another happy ending. Happy sigh. Special thanks to Sarah Ernhart of Sarah Beth Photographyin Minneapolis (she's The Best photographer in that area, honest!) for sharing her photos of Phantom with me. Please take a minute to visit her website when you have time to linger. You will enjoy yourself there, I promise! And since "The Gratitude Project" is all about paying it forward, should you feel so inclined, you are invited to support Animal Ark with a contribution of your own. Thank you in advance for your consideration. One final plug - don't forget 10% off all new commissions booked this month. Keep me busy painting, please! Thanks, as always, for supporting my artwork! Happy New Year, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com **What is "The Gratitude Project," you ask? Spurred by a desire to keep the good vibes happening that I picked up during last year's visit to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, this is my newest series of paintings. Featuring dogs (and other animals) from shelters across the country, proceeds from Gratitude paintings will be donated to the muse's host shelter, and the blog listings will also include a link for Dog a Day fans to make their own contributions. Lest you think there's nothing but kittens in the studio these days, I thought I'd give Finnigan his own 15 minutes of fame. He's still not too sure about Mona Lisa - he's been told he is to leave her alone, and like any good Cattle Dog, he's taken this job very seriously. To the point where Mona's been caught hanging around his neck, chewing on his ears or collar. When this happens, Finni carefully walks to wherever we might be, the kitten dangling under his chin. He looks mournfully at us until we tell him it's ok. Then he'll shake her off, give her butt a good cleaning, and then wander off to find a quiet spot to sleep the trauma off. Until Mona finds him, sound asleep and helpless, and starts batting at his paws and rearranging his legs. Don't worry - Finni is getting all sorts of extra treats and walks, and the other day it was even warm enough for some frisbee. And he's appointed himself supervisor of all Mona's toys. That's hard work, herding catnip mice and bouncy balls all day. It's no wonder he wants his rest!

New Year, New Ideas

Here we are, staring the New Year in the face, and I'm wondering if it will be a good year. I'm hoping so, because I have to say that 2010 was very difficult, both personally and professionally. On the personal front, I'm proud to say that the challenges were met, and I am grateful that myself, my husband, and our darling dogs and cat are well, comfortable, and happy.I've seen some people whom I thought of as friends, make it known through deed and word, that they were not. So I am leaving those people and the situations surrounding them, in the past where they belong. (No fireworks involved - courtesy reigns in any future contacts.) On the other hand, I am savouring a couple of new friendships that have blossomed over the past year, and of course, I treasure my dear friends of long standing who have been with me through good times and bad. Love ya . . . always will!On the art front, I am about to implement some changes that I've felt were needed throughout most of last year. The trouble was, I wasn't sure what those changes needed to be. The year was a strange one, with some wonderful and unexpected opportunities turning to Chimeras, and very ordinary little things becoming something very wonderful. There were also moments of total hilarity, and they all helped point out the new directions for me. I need to paint what I NEED to paint, and not worry about who will find the painting appealing, and not concern myself with the pursuit of commissions. 2011 is my year to follow my dreams. I will be concentrating on watercolors again because I love them above any other medium, but there will be some Colored Pencil work and Graphite as well My subject matter will remain what is in my heart - dogs, cats, horses, and Fantasy, with one or two surprises thrown in. I am beginning my second series in watercolor, titled ME AND MY DOG. I'm not sure yet how far that will go, but it will be fun to find out. I plan that some of this year's work will be larger than usual for me, and some will be smaller too. And sometimes, I will just "follow the music and see where it leads me". So like the little Shelties in the painting, I'm peering at 2011 and wondering what it will bring, and am hoping that it will be a very good year. Let the Year unfold!

Heather Anderson, Sheltie Hollow www.heather-anderson-animals-in-art.com