Cattle Dog Acrylic Painting by Janet Burt

I love the attitude and expression on the face of this cattle-dog mix, entitled "Are You Talking to Me?"  This Rainbowdog commission is a 20 x 20 inch square on gallery wrapped canvas with the painting continued around the sides.

Today was such a nice day I thought I'd take the dog (painting) out for some fresh air and see if I could get a color-accurate photograph of my portrait.  What you see above has been photoshopped to get the color to look as close to real-life as possible, but even now the yellow isn't quite right.  Sigh.

I have a deep respect for photographers. It is quite difficult to get accurate color reproduction, whether inside or using natural light.  No matter how sophisticated our automatic cameras get, I still believe there is no substitute for a knowledgeable and skilled photographer behind the lens. See how my dog looks a bit washed out in this photo?

For those of you interested in my process, here's a peek at my palette near the end of work on this painting.  Still not quite sure what I thought I was going to do with that cadmium red mixture there on the right. Certainly I did not use it much in this painting!

Would you like a Rainbowdog original of your pet? It's easy and fun to commission a portrait!

Just email me: janetburt@verizon.net, and we can design the portrait that's right for you.

You can get more information at my website: rainbowdog.net

Check out what's new on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life's more fun when its colorful!

Nita, Sketched & Painted ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

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FROM TOP: "Nita," paper 7" x 10", image approximately 4" x 6-1/2", done on multimedia artboard, $79; "Nita's ZZZs," 5" x 8", done on a Raymar panel, $299. Both paintings were completed in Golden Open Acrylics, and both paintings are available for purchase. Please indicate in your email which piece you would like. BOTH SOLD (thank you!). Nita's baby picture was a finalist in Painting a Dog a Day's Valentine's Giveaway. And when her Mom followed up that pic with this one (scroll down to see my reference photo), how on earth could I resist? Except that things didn't go so smoothly the first time around. Working in a gray studio yesterday (the weather just has refused to cooperate as of late, no?) and being a lazy cheapskate, I tried forcing an old palette on the cusp of turning gummy to cooperate. It responded with lots of gray and mud (how fitting, right?). This is also a difficult pose to draw. I know, because I drew it again and again and again and could not get it right. The sketch has yesterday's poor attempt on it's verso. "Nita's ZZZs" was painted directly overtop my first failure. So I tossed the old palette paper (well, really, I hung it to dry to be repurposed as collage material) and went in search of inspiration. The library provided several new reads and The Man Child's evening symphonic concert filled me with a new soundtrack. Here's to perseverance and second chances! Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Sketches vs Paintings I am often asked about the differences between sketches and paintings. While both are done in paint, sketches are on artists' paper while paintings are on a museum quality panel. Sketches are loosely rendered with a touch of whimsy, sometimes carrying playful, fantastic colors. Paintings include multiple layers of paint, more expressive and dense brushwork, and a finer sense of detail while still preserving an impressionistic style. Sketches need to be archivally framed for preservation. Paintings can be displayed as is, either on an easel, propped on a shelf, or slipped into a frame. There is no need to put a painting behind glass. Both are priced by size and complexity - sketches starting at $49 and paintings at $200. This gives me the flexibility to work with your budget while creating the perfect portrait. Email me and get your project on my calendar!

"Two into Fifty One" a new Molly Poole watercolor

A new 5"x5" watercolor on paper.
Saturdays in our town is the day to bring your trash to the transfer station aka "the dump" (no curbside pick-up). Not many folks make the trip to the transfer station without their doggie pals.
I know my "girl"s wouldn't miss a trip.
You learn more about me and view more of my original work and commission work at granitedog.com. Also, you can follow me on Facebook/Molly A Poole Artist.

Irish Setter pup by Dawn Secord

This painting was just finished yesterday. A few years ago a friend sent me a photo of this sleeping pup. I asked her if I could use it for a painting and she agreed.

Sometimes photos are taken out of perspective. The reference photo for this painting was perfect. It is a mini painting and the frame was made by a friend of mine in back East. He does amazing things with wood. I love that the frame is hand made right here in America.

Hope you enjoy viewing the painting as much as I did painting it!

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

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

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

http://www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

No Stopping Her ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

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"No Stopping Her," 11" x 14", from "The Gratitude Project," portrait of a Boxer who's looking for a home, done in Golden Open Acrylics on a Raymar panel. Proceeds from the sale of "No Stopping Her" will be donated to Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue (BRBR), the group currently fostering Allie, today's muse. Inquiries about purchasing this painting may come to me. Abbie is a 1-1/2 yr old brindle. She injured her left hind ACL at 3 months of age, and it was repaired. When she re-injured it, her original family turned her and her vet records into a Virginia shelter. Rescued by BRBR at 8 months, it was discovered (by the vet who went in to repair her ACL) that she had also fractured her femur 3 times. Her left hind leg was amputated, which turned out to be a blessing, given that she had stopped using it and it was atrophying. Not long after, Abbie fractured the kneecap on her right hind leg. A pin and spring were inserted, and she healed in a wheelchair donated to BRBR. 10 weeks into healing, she developed a hematoba and the pin had to be removed - yet surprisingly, her knee seems stronger than it did pre-surgery, and Abbie is able to get around wonderfully. Throughout her ordeals, Abbie has displayed a joie de vivre that is not easily forgotten. She is always happy and tackles whatever life throws her way with zest. There's no stopping this girl! If you feel so compelled, I know that Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue would welcome your support. And are you interested in adopting Abbie? the deets are here. Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Detail of "No Stopping Her" The Gratitude Project In January I began painting shelter animals and particular souls who demonstrated faith and hope, despite (in some cases) the grimmest of circumstances. I wanted to also spotlight their stories wouldn't ever be written were there not compassionate volunteers - people who sometimes singlehandedly begin the next chapter in these homeless animals' lives. "We are what we create" is an idea I've been mulling over for the last couple weeks. It's the legacy we leave behind. And legacies can be far grander than anything measured in a bank account. "The Gratitude Project" is a small piece of mine that highlights big pieces of others' legacies.

Pet portrait of Breezi, a sheltie

Breezi, a shetland sheepdog

I’ve been catching up on a lot of paintings lately–some commissions, some for fun. This project is Breezy, a sheltie belonging to my friend Larry and his wife, Debbie. I painted Breezi with her roommate, Tucker, many years ago, when she was just a puppy. Now Breezy has passed away at the age of 12. Time has flown by, and Larry asked me several months ago if I would consider painting Breezi again for them.


When contemplating what to do next, Breezi’s photo just spoke to me—I wanted to paint her portrait, so here it is. I never met Breezi, but I know her owners adored her. I posted a photo of the art on Larry’s Facebook page, and here was his response:

I don't even know what to say! Debbie's in tears! You have brought Breezi back to life...it is about as perfect as it could be!!!!! Thank you doesn't begin to cover it!!!!!! 

--Larry 

A reaction like theirs is so heartwarming and wonderful for me. I love being able to give them a precious keepsake. I’ve owned six shelties over the years myself, and I know how precious they are.


This is an 8” x 10” piece, matted to 11” x 14.” Contact Terry Albert for information about a custom portrait of your dog or cat. See more of my pet portraits at http://www.terryalbert.com.


© 2010 Terry Albert. All Rights Reserved.

"The Player" by Terry d. Chacon

"The Player"  Saluki shown in Plasticine ready for the foundry.

6 inch by 8 inch long

Adding to my collection of Sighthound Bronze Sculptures this beautiful playing Saluki Hound "The Player" is now available.
Reservations are now being taken for a llimited edition of 15.
The sculpture will be finished in a black bronze patina and come displayed on a black marble base.

Please check out my other award winning bronze sculptures on my website.  http://www.terrydchacon.com/AFGHANBUDDIES/blankthreebronze.html
 

The saluki is perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. As a purebred type, its history can be traced back almost 7000 years. The earliest known findings of the saluki are on carved seals from the Tepe Gawra region in what is now Iraq. [1] [2] A study published in the May 21, 2004 issue of Science confirms the Saluki's antiquity through DNA analysis identifying it as one of the earliest breeds to diverge from wolves.

Widely admired for its beauty, speed, and endurance, the Saluki historically traveled throughout the Middle East with nomadic desert tribes over an area stretching from the Sahara to the Caspian Sea. As a result, different Saluki subtypes, varying mostly in color and coat, can be found across this widely scattered area.
The Saluki is a sighthound bred especially for grace and speed. Although the greyhound is widely viewed as being the fastest dog breed with a top speed of around 45 mph, the Saluki is said to be faster, with top speeds of 48 mph. Testing this has proved difficult as Salukis show no interest in electric hares and won't race Greyhounds on a track. However, in as much as their original use was for hunting desert gazelles with top speeds of over 43 mph, the speed claim could be true.  (Webster's Dictionary)

Also visit:  http://www.salukiclub.org/

Until Next Time, PLEASE ENJOY THE ART!    Terry d. Chacon

shacone@aol.com for more info on this beautiful new bronze sculpture. 

A Dog Named Nascar ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

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"Nascar," 6" x 6", commissioned portrait of a black lab mix, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord. While Nascar's painting is headed to a new home (THANK YOU!!), I would be more than happy to create a portrait of your special companion animal - shoot me an email so that we can begin discussing your project. This is one of two portraits Nascar's family will be taking home with them. And I get the added delight of delivering them in person - especially sweet since her family is visiting Michigan from California this week. Tomorrow I'll share her second painting, "The Morning News." Meanwhile, I could squeeze in a sketch or portrait prior to Mother's Day, if you are looking for that extra amazing gift. Email me. Thanks in advance for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com A "Mini Minni" Update Warm thanks to everyone who took the time to weigh in with their opinion on how Minni's portrait could be improved. After much deliberation (and some time in photoshop), I opted to remove the pink halo. As much as I loved the color, I found it to be a distracting element. "Mini Minni" is now off to be framed, after which she will be subjected to yet another opinion (ie a juried exhibition). Stay tuned!

Rookie, a yellow Lab pet portrait by Terry Albert

Rookie, a pet portrait by Terry Albert

After my last portrait, of a golden retriever, an involved project that took well over a month (mostly due to lack of confidence!), I moved on to a commission that is second nature to me. I think I could paint yellow Labs in my sleep, I’ve done so many. In any pet portrait, I feel the eyes are the most important element. In the photo I worked from for this painting, the flash blanked out his eyes, so I faked it. Then again, I didn’t fake it. I’ve seen those soulful eyes before.

I think every yellow Lab I paint has a little bit of Tank in it. My beloved Lab of 13 ½ years, Tank has been gone since 2003, but I’ll never forget him. And that’s how the people who owned Rookie, shown here, felt.

Tank

How do I know how they felt? From the heartfelt note that came to me with his photos. The fact that the woman kept a newspaper article about my artwork for two years before she contacted me. And, as people always do, when she saw the final work she told me a story about this dog her family loved so much. It’s not just a picture, it’s a precious memory.

So this one is a salute to Tank, Tally, Rookie, Angel, Justin, Mac, Taz, Charlie, Corky, Seigfried, Buddy and all the other other much-loved Labs I’ve painted over the years.


To see more of my Labrador Retriever pet portraits, visit my website at http://www.terryalbert.com

© 2010 Terry Albert. All Rights Reserved.

Borzoi Commission By Dawn Secord

This portrait is of three Borzoi who live in Norway. Their owner is a fabulous photographer and to my good fortune, was able to supply amazing reference material for the painting.

The dog on the left is the dam followed by her daughter and her son. One of the reference photos had the mother and the daughter. Another photo had the son. In his primary reference photo the lighting was different than in the photo of the mother and his sister. An additional photo (second photo of him) had lighting that was consistent with the photo of the girls.

That third photo was my reference to change the lighting in the painting to be consistent with the photo of the mother and the daughter. The third photo had the dog looking an entirely different color than the first. After looking at many photos of him, it was clear this third photo was not consistent with the coloring of the others. Tiny obstacles!

It is funny how your eyes can play tricks on you. After some trial and error, all came together and there is the consistency of lighting I strove to achieve on all three subjects. To see the reference photos go to my blog at http://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com/.

Have a great day!

Dawn Secord

http://www.dawnsecord.com/

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

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

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

http://www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

Long-Haired Dachshund: Acrylic Painting by Rainbowdog Artist Janet Burt

I had a lot of fun with this portrait of a long-haired doxie, a 12 x 12 inch painting destined for a child's bedroom.

The bold outlines give the portrait a certain punch that I especially love, and the colors are just right for spring.  As with most Rainbowdogs, this is painted on a gallery-wrapped canvas with the painting wrapped around the sides for a modern presentation that doesn't need framing.

Would you like a Rainbowdog original of your pet? It's easy and fun to commission a portrait!

Just email me: janetburt@verizon.net, and we can design the portrait that's right for you.

You can get more information at my website: rainbowdog.net

Please check out what's new on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life's more fun when its colorful!

Mini Minni ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

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"Mini Minni," 9" x 12", portrait of a special little Vizsla pup, done in Golden Open Acrylics on a Raymar panel. Proceeds from the sale of "Mini Minni" will be donated to the Vizsla Welfare Foundation. Inquiries may come to me. Warm thanks go to Dog a Day collector Holly for sharing her photo of Minni with me. I've painted her dogs many times in the past, and today's portrait was as much of a joy to work on as the others. We have a long standing agreement that sales resulting from her photos will support the breed that she (and I) love so much. My original concept was to treat the background here like portrait paintings done by Richard Schmid, but I took it too far and then just left it out of indecision. What do you think about the pink halo (the remnants of the underpainting)? is it distracting? I'm also considering adding another loop of leash behind her butt. I had it in there yesterday, but wiped it out..... Thanks in advance for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com "It is all very well to copy what you see; it is much better to draw what you only see in memory. There is a transformation during which the imagination works in conjunction with the memory. You only put down what made an impression on you, that is to say the essential. Then your memory and your invention are freed from the dominating influence of nature. That is why pictures made by a man with a trained memory are almost always remarkable works." Degas

Mug Shots online now!

"Anton"

Pencil on Paper

Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved

A few days ago the latest CAG (Canine Art Guild) online show went "live".

Mug Shots.

Dog chops of all shapes and sizes can be seen and voted for.

You love art and /or dogs, why don't you grab a cup of coffee and browse the 60 different works of art all of which are on view on the Canine Art Guild website.

I did and saw some real gems.

You can discover more of my graphite work at www.sheonahamiltongrant.com

A Day at the Beach: Black Lab Painting by Janet Burt

Here's one of my latest commissions, a 30 x 40 inch acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, of Rosey, a black lab who lived a wonderful life frolicking at the beach near her house in Massachusetts.

Most of the Rainbowdog portraits have a simple, one-or-two color background, but the beach played such an important part in Rosey's life that it seemed appropriate to include it in her memorial portrait. 

I enjoy mixing things up and creating something a little different with each portrait. Our pets are such individuals that it makes sense to create portraits that are individual and special too.  My clients know their pets best, so I love to incorporate their ideas. 

Would you like to commemorate a special pet with a Rainbowdog portrait? It's easy!

Send me an email to get the process started: janetburt@verizon.net
For more information, visit my website: rainbowdog.net
You can also follow my progress on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life is colorful here.

"Beagle Sit" Acrylic Painting by Charlotte Yealey

8x10

Acrylic on gesso board

While at a dog agility trial, I observed and photographed this beagle patiently waiting for something from his owner. Was it verbal instructions, was it a "good boy" reward or was it a treat?

See more of my work at

www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/charlotte-yealey.html

"Tasha" Oil painting by Charlotte Yealey

11x14

oil painting

My friend's Borzoi was an easy commission to paint because she is a beautiful dog with a loving personality. See more of my art at www.charlotteswebart.com.

Power Smile: English Bull Terrier Painting by Janet Burt

Check out the power smile on this English Bull Terrier named Rudy, a 20 x 20 inch acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas.  It makes me feel cheerful every time I look at it.

Need more information or want to commission your own Rainbowdog? 

Send me an email: janetburt@verizon.net

Visit my website: rainbowdog.net

Visit me on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life is Colorful Here.

     

"Coconut" by Jane Oriel

Just finished this painting of "Coconut" surrounded by a Papel Picado inspired background. (Mexican Cut Paper Art) 16"x20" Oil on Canvas. Couldn't resist adding steaks and dog biscuits into the motif ;)

Website

http://www.janeoriel.com

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/jane.oriel.art

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

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"Goof (Kyle)," from The Gratitude Series, 8" square, boxer dog portrait, done in Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, $399. Inquiries may come to me (and thank you!). As with all the Gratitude paintings, proceeds of the sale of this painting will go to Kyle's host rescue group, Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue. Kyle was picked up by animal control at a North Carolina playground when he showed up to play. When no one stepped up to claim him, Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue stepped in, since the shelter Kyle was at was an all gassing one. In his foster home Kyle has been crate trained, house broken, and learned basic commands. He is laid back, loves to nap at one's feet, and truly adores being part of a family. With luck, Blue Ridge will find him that family, and then, the best chapter in Kyle's story will begin. They've saved over 1500 boxers and boxer mixes in the eight years they've been operating. Learn more about Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue (and even make a donation if you are so compelled, or sign up to foster/transport or help them in another way). There are hundreds of similar rescue groups around the world, run by volunteers who, out of the kindness of their hearts, help write new chapters in millions of dogs' life stories. I am so grateful for all the efforts of all the volunteers who make sacrifices in their own lives to better others'. Kyle's life was saved - but the family who adopts him will have their hearts touched for his lifetime and beyond. Thanks in advance for sharing Kyle's story - and my artwork - with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com LIVE PAINT !! Tomorrow I'll be at Orion Healthy Pet on Lapeer Rd (M24) in Lake Orion from 10-3. They are having a Customer Appreciation Day, with all sorts of special events scheduled, including a pet psychic, a dog photographer, bar-b-qs, and moi. Oh yeah - they'll also be raffling off a Dog a Day commissioned painting. And proceeds from all the new pet portraits booked tomorrow will be donated to the Great Dane Rescue group who will be on site for the day. Come on by and introduce yourself, bring your dog, and enjoy the afternoon!! Call Orion Healthy Pet for more details: 248-690-7796