DAFFODIL FLOUNCE

Well, this was an interesting painting that was simple on the surface and presented me with one challenge after another. This is DAFFODIL FLOUNCE, an 11 x 14 watercolor on Arches 140.First off, after using Arches 300 lb paper several times in a row, I found the 140 very lightweight. It just handles differently. I think I will still use it for smaller paintings, but for this size and up, I believe I've come to like the 300 better. As I have several sheets of the lighter paper (which is heavy enough, just not as heavy as the 300), I will be using it up - it's too expensive to let it just sit there in my paper box. But from now on, I will be buying the heavier paper.And it is always a challenge when the artist drops a brush loaded with dark sepia paint onto a pale blue sky. Yes, well. Thank goodness I've been using this medium long enough to know a little trick or two!Then there was the Sheltie himself. I know these dogs, I've had them all my adult life. I know how they move. But as I was working on this little guy, I realized that my photo had been taken from a 3/4 view from behind, and what I wanted was more of a profile, so the feet were not in the right position. By this time, I had too much color in place both with the dog and with the daffodils, which were also not looking as I wanted them to, so I started over.Keeping in mind the variation from the photo that I wanted, I got going on the dog. And this time, it worked. The little fellow who modeled for me for this painting has the most wonderful gait - it's so full of animation and the joy of living. To my admittely biased mind, all Shelties move beautifully, but this guy is magic. The first daffodils I did were OK, but too individual for my liking, so this time, I made sure to mass them, and I like the effect much better.There is always something that can be done if things don't look right, but there comes a time in a watercolor, that if it isn't working, the only choice is to start over. I'm really glad I took the time to re do this one. I find DAFFODIL FLOUNCE to be a bright, happy painting. Hope you enjoy it too. Available . . .. $400.

Heather Anderson - Sheltie Hollow

http://www.heatheranderson-animalart.com/

Smiling Oliver ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Smiling Oliver," 4" x 6", commissioned portrait of a mixed breed, done in Golden Open Acrylics on canvasboard, private collection (THANK YOU!!). I painted Oliver before, nearly 4 years ago. His family wanted a new portrait that showed off Oliver's bright smile, and I was happy to oblige. Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Dancing Angels I received several requests for reproductions of my Dancing with the Stars design. Prints are sized approximately 13" x 14". You can have yours shipped in a tube ($24), matted and framed (starting at $103), or printed on canvas and stretched ($97). There is also a notecards option. Proceeds from every single purchase of Dancing with the Starz will be donated to Starz Performing Arts Dancing Angels Scholarship Program. Thank you so much for supporting the dancers. Orders can be placed here.

Moppet, A Gratitude Painting ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Moppet," from The Gratitude Project, companion piece to yesterday's portrait of "Dixie," 6" square, commissioned portrait of a rescued Yorkshire Terrier, done in Golden Open Acrylics on gessobord, private collection (THANK YOU!!). As with all the paintings in "The Gratitude Project," proceeds from the sale of Moppet's portrait will benefit Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. Both Moppet and Dixie were understandably terrified of the camera (did you read their story?), so there was some coaching and training that went on behind the scenes. The idea was to gradually desensitize the dogs' to the camera and reinforce their newfound trust in their caregivers. Their Mom began by associating the camera with treats - a smidge of peanut butter or a morsel of chicken, along with lots of petting and kind words. No picture taking, just nosing around the camera, smelling good things, and getting loved on. Once they were comfortable with it, a (spare) camera got tucked into their bed and left around where they could comfortably co-exist. Moppet and Dixie became used to seeing and smelling it, just like any other household object. And they began to look forward to the camera getting picked up, because guess what? they got treats and love when that camera was being waved in the air! After several months, photo sessions ensued with the flash off (did you know that flashbulbs scare many animals?) and lots more treats and kind words. And I had the references I needed to build their portraits and share their stories! Do you have a rescued dog? share her story with me - you might just see a familiar face show up in your email one day....... Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Spread the Love - Volunteer!! Many Dog a Day fans are actively involved in promoting animal welfare. It's easier than you think, too: A quick Google search will locate rescues and shelters in your area. Many have basic needs such as old household linens, cleaning supplies, and newspaper - things you might already be throwing out Consider fostering a homeless animal - in some cases, food and veterinary care is included - talk to your shelter or local rescue group for details on how they arrange fosters (NOTE: my shelter always needs foster homes for momma cats so that kittens can be born in a family friendly environment) Have computer skills? help a rescue design flyers or even assist with their web site, all from the comfort of your own home Offer to walk a neighbor's dog. No neighbors? then hit up your shelter and walk some of theirs Coordinate a neighborhood poop scoop of easements and other spaces Host a pot-luck picnic where attendees bring a dish to pass and a donation for your local shelter/rescue Set up a lemonade stand with proceeds going to your local shelter When our children see us acting with compassion, it becomes second nature to them. And everybody, including our companion animals, wins!

New Cavalier King Charles drawing by Sheona Hamilton-Grant

In the Picture

Pencil on Paper

24x32 cm

Sheona Hamilton-Grant. All rights reserved.

Life is puzzling.

Just like a puzzle it is entertaining, infuriating & engaging.

Made up of a thousand moments it captures our hearts, feeds our imaginations and defines our memories.

The missing piece a reminder of things to come or of what has been and gone?

A big thank you goes out to Seattle based lifestyle dog photographer extraordinaire Erin Vey for allowing me to use her photograph as a reference. If you have a moment you should check out her wonderful canine world www.erinvey.com where her stunning awe-inspiring photographs await.

Thank you for looking. More of my work can be viewed on my website at www.sheonahamiltongrant.com or on my studio blog Black on Grey on White

Almost Saintly by Linda Snider Ward

It's been awhile since I've posted! I've been working in oils, which this is not, of course. I'll show my oil paintings of dogs soon. (Right now, I'm working on a series of cat paintings). This is an 8" x 10.5" Prismacolor drawing of our St. Bernard Minnie. You view more of my work at my website or my blog

Little Ray of Sunshine (Nettle) ~~ Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Little Ray of Sunshine (Nettle)," from The Gratitude Project, 5" square, portrait of a former puppy mill mama now turned a much loved and spoilt Cairn Terrier, done in Golden Open Acrylics on gessobord, possibly available (Nettle's Mom get's first dibs on the painting). Email me if you are interested. Puppy mills are a horrible enough place to start life out, but can you imagine if that's all you knew? Never tasting fresh water or feeling green grass under your feet. Never knowing the complete exhaustion of a long hike or the total relaxation of a hearthside nap. Not ever hearing your name spoken gently - or maybe never even having one. Nettle didn't ask for any of that, yet that was all she knew, bearing multiple litters, living in a stacked wire crate. And now it's changed for the better. Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Happy Weekend! Whether you are watching the Preakness or rooting for your team at a soccer tournament or cheering on a Speedy Gonzales at a trackmeet or helping out at a dance recital or planting flowers in your garden or teaching journalling classes to a mess of kids or eating the first ice cream fudge sundae on the porch. Enjoy yourself! I sure will!

Little Dog, Big Shadow ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Little Dog, Big Shadow," from "The Gratitude Project," 5" square, portrait of a delightful little rescued mix breed, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord, not for sale. Do you ever have the good fortune to meet someone who inspires you without any effort on their part whatsoever? Foxy's Mom is just such a person. Her heart is always in alignment with her actions. She's dedicated her life towards making others' better, without ever losing her sense of humor. And Foxy is her ever present shadow, a witness to the trail of sunshine they leave behind. My only regret is the 1/2 a continent that separates us. Meanwhile, tonite, I'm raising a fine glass of red wine in her direction. And shortly I'll be prepping Foxy's painting to take a little trip out west. Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Naughty Dog Last year, in great part because of your support, I was honored by seeing one of my dog portraits grace Mutt Lynch's newest red. And this year they are looking for the next label design. Nearly 100 entries were submitted. Voters will choose their favorites, and then the jury selects the winning design. Take a peek and cast your vote here!! I'm warning you, though - it's a tough decision!!

Feel the Joy: Rough Collie "in the Pink" by Janet Burt

This Rough Collie's expression just radiates happiness, don't you think? I tried to capture that spirit of joy in this 24 x 30 inch portrait, and keep the mood warm and vibrant with a striking pink background.

In a little bit of a change for me, I also added some strong black line to this portrait. Collies are naturally somewhat "frosted" with sable and black fur, and I wanted to exaggerate that feature while making my subject Maggie pop from her strong background color. I am really pleased with the result. This painting makes me smile every time I look at it. (Is it wrong to be a little in love with my own painting? Maybe . . . )

Alert readers may notice that I am not exactly on pace to complete 50 paintings this year, since it's mid-May and this portrait is only number 11. Don't worry though, folks. I have been planning some new work on a smaller scale that -- I think -- is going to significantly up my output before summer is over.

Stay tuned! 

And remember, it's always a good time to commission a portrait of your own Rainbowdog. Just send me an email and we can get started.

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits. Life's more fun when it's colorful!

Josie, A Painted Sketch ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

Detail of "Josie," image approximately 4" x 6" , on an 8" x 10" piece of Multimedia Artboard, portrait of a Cairn Terrier, done in Golden Open Acrylics, proceeds benefittingCol. Potter Cairn Rescue. Josie's Mom is caught between a rock and a hard place - pondering her sidekick's sketch vs a larger and more detailed full-body portrait. And who knows, she might take both! But meanwhile, if you are interested in this one, shoot me an email! "Josie" is a charming original priced at $100 - when she's gone, she's gone!! Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Mug Shots The Canine Art Guild, of which I am a proud founding member, has an excellent online exhibition right now titled "Mug Shots." Please visit the show and cast your vote for "The People's Choice" award.

Her First Point ~~ Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini

ORDER NOTECARDS/REPRODUCTIONS

"Her First Point," 5" x 7", portrait of a tiny Brittany Spaniel in a mess of wildflowers, done in Golden Open Acrylics on an Ampersand Gessobord, $289. Please inquire. I met wee little Stella a couple years ago during a camping vacation. She was having a grand old time hunting grasshoppers - I'm sure she's graduated to bigger things now! Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

It's All About the Frog by Terry d. Chacon

"Fascination" 16 x 20 Oil on canvas by Terry d. Chacon

Commissioned piece for Christine from Virginia Beach.    Chris contacted me a while back about doing a painting for her and we started looking at her favorite photos.   When this one came through I jumped at the chance.   I so enjoyed painting this piece with a smile on my face and once started could not wait to finish.   I have seen my own dogs in this pose but have never had a camera, but laughed at them for their curiosity.   

Thanks Chris for the opportunity to paint your lovely dog, giving me artistic license to make it my own  and for supplying me with great reference material.  

Until next time, PLEASE ENJOY THE ART!    Terry d. Chacon

Be sure to check out my website at:  http://www.terrydchacon.com/

Did you know you can now by prints and note cards from  images of my artwork  on Fine Art America.
Check it out:   http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/terry-chacon.html