The 30 minute dog pastel

Sometimes "less is more" is truly the way to go!

Using PanPastels entirely, I zipped through this 11 x 14 pastel of a mixed breed dog in a loose, painterly style in about 30 minutes. It is one of my specialties and these particular pastels are the only ones, I have found, geared towards this style of "pallet knife" painting!

Additional artwork can be seen at www.MTheresaBrown.com

Indy, A Sweet Old Girl by Carole Pivarnik

This is Indy, one of my three terriers. She will be 13 years old this summer--on Independence Day, for which she was named. She was a pre-wedding gift from my husband and came to live with us as a 12 week old puppy. As terriers go, Indy has always been the sweetest little dog, very soft-tempered and well-behaved. The only thing she has ever been "bad" about is having her nails trimmed. Finally I discovered that offering her a cat treat after each nail is clipped has made her decide that having her nails done is not the end of the world after all! Still, she is prone to wearing the skeptical look you see in the painting when I am wielding the nail trimmers.

I've been painting a lot of others' dogs lately, so it was a nice change to paint one of my own fur kids! This piece is 11 x 11, done in watercolor (on 300 lb. Fabriano Artistico soft press paper, for those who may be interested in the art-geeky details!).

Pastis - pastel painting of a kitten by Beth Lowell

8 1/4 x 15 1/2 pastel painting (c) Beth Lowell 2012

Pastis was supposed to be the sweeter, gentler brother of Berlioz , but he proved to be just as much of an instigator last week while the human family was away. Older kitty, Merlot, has been putting up with the shenanigans of these squirts fairly gracefully since their arrival. I had seen Berlioz bait Merlot, but it came as a shock to see mild mannered Pastis flying, spread eagle right into Merlot’s face. If only I’d been quick enough with the camera for that shot….
Little Pastis is for sale and you can contact me for further information about this painting, or commissioning one of your own feisty feline (or any other animal companions who share your life.)
Thanks for looking and sharing!

Beth Lowell
beth@bethlowell.com

Valarie Wolf - 'Donut', newest oil painting

Just finished this little 5"x7" oil.  Front views and brindles are really hard to do, and this one had both!  Whew!  This one is done in my more traditional style. 

Valarie Wolf 2012 Art Show at the Dog show Entries

OK.  This is a departure for me.   It is a much more graphic style done in acrylics which I generally don't like using, as they dry really fast.  But in this case, it is a good thing that they dry quickly which enables me to create crisp lines, rather than blending paint together.  The first painting is called 'Grey on Yellow' and it's on a 9" x 12" canvas, the second one is called "Greyhound Head Study'' a 5" x 7" acrylic on canvas.  These two paintings are entered in this year's Art Show at the Dog Show.

Bonny & Bindi - Sue Linton artist

I was commissioned to create a secret portrait of Bonnie as a Christmas gift  for Mel's parents.
Bonnie was 14 years old and badly arthritic and Mel  knew that she would soon have to be put down. 
 Unfortunately Bonnie had to be put down the week before Christmas so the portrait bought a few tears but is now a lovely reminder of a happier Bonnie.Bindi the puppy was chosen to be a replacement for Bonnie when she went.
 I created this painting from a photo Mel took of Bonnie and the Bindi in the days before she went. I made Bonnie look happier and healthier in the painting.
I thought it would make for a lovely memory of the two and so did Mel who is adding the painting to her collection.

Bonnie & Bindi

12 x 16" 

Oil on gallery wrap canvas

'My father had the portrait you created of Bonnie down to show someone and my other dog  looked at it and then went behind to see the rest of her... She's missing her mate."

Mel

I bring your photos to life in paintings that will touch your heart!

Commissions accepted worldwide

website - www.suelinton.com.au

email - sue.linton@bigpond.com

Ph - 612 49986169

Ready for a Nap

I feel like the golden puppy I just finished, ready for a nap.  After a long week at my "other" job, I have a renewed energy recently.  I am planning to enter more shows this year and just finished this little drawing for an upcoming show called "Art from the Heart", sponsored by the Arts Council of Carteret County.  The deadline crept up on me, but I like to enter something every year.  I am lucky to have commission work in this economy, but also love to take time to do new work for shows and contests.  This little girl is the same pup that I painted recently...I just can't resist her face!

Gail Dolphin

www.gaildolphinart.com

Yorkie Puppy - Commissioned Portrait in Colored Pencil by Heather Mitchell

Aptly named Princess, this spritely Yorkie was adopted by a young woman in New York. The proud and loving father commissioned me to draw this portrait of his "granddog" as a Christmas gift for his daughter.

Many layers of colored pencil strokes comprise the shiny eyes, button nose, and tufts of soft fur. I enjoy thinking about the relationship between people and their treasured pets as I work. Spending several weeks on each portrait, I get rather attached to the sweet faces, as I did this one. But it was a true gift to me, seeing the delight in my client's face, as I delivered the work. Our pets really fill our hearts.

If you'd like to honor a special relationship with a portrait, ask a question, or share a favorite pet story, I'd love to hear from you. Just click here to send a quick email. Or join me on Facebook here.

Heather Mitchell

www.HeatherMitchellDraws.com

Auggie - pastel portrait of Persian by Beth Lowell

Auggie 6 3/4" x 10" pastel (c) Beth Lowell 2012 

I don't have cats of my own, though I surely would if it were possible. (My dogs, well - they don't take too kindly to the feline persuasion.) Auggie's one of my favorites - sweet and loving. Possibly the only cat I've ever actually kissed. (Cats usually aren't as good kissers as dogs!) This one's for sale so if you are interested, please contact me.

Also, looking for a home for feral kitty Jenna. Jenna was re-homed from an outdoor colony where she got along fine with other ferals. Her new home,however, is a challenge and she's not thriving, prefering isolation.

If you can offer Jenna a safe home with the understanding that she will never be a regular house pet, or know anyone who can, please drop me a line. The cat sanctuaries are full and reluctant to take her on due to her recent behavior. No photos available - she's too shy.

Thanks for looking!