Norfolk Terrier Dog Pet Portrait

“Jack and Lucy”
Norfolk Terrier double portrait
12 x 16 inches, original oil painting
SOLD

These adorable dogs were the subjects of a recent portrait commission for a long-time client and friend of mine. Her two dogs are getting up there in years, and she thought it was a good time to have their portraits done for posterity. Lucy, on the left, is the younger of the two. Jack, on the right, is eleven, I believe. Jack had already had his summer haircut, but Lucy had not.

Now, there’s no way you can get two dogs to pose and hold a pose with the light on them “just so” … so every portrait begins with a photo session. That involves a fair amount of crawling around on the ground to shoot them from the right angle. My husband and I were shooting simultaneously, to maximize the number of reference photos we’d get before the dogs ran out of energy or patience with us. The next step was to edit the pictures in Photoshop to put together a composite where the light and direction of their gaze was consistent. After client approval of the reference composite, it just comes down to the painting, which was very enjoyable.

If you’re interested in having a portrait done of your favorite pet, please write.

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Japanese Spitz dog portrait painting

SOLD
“Japanese Spitz Dog”
12 x 16 inches
oil on canvas

Interested in having a portrait of your pet? Please write.

See more of my animal paintings here

When we were in Arizona not too long ago, and visiting a beautiful lake, my attention was suddenly diverted from the sparkling water by the dazzling fur of this little dog, who was being treated to a walk. I asked the owners if I could take some pictures of her, and they happily agreed. I explained that I was an artist, always on the lookout for an interesting subject. I almost always paint animals from photography (they aren’t the best at holding still) so I worked on this portrait when I got back home. More than a year later the painting found a new home with the owners of a dog who looked identical to this one. The Arizona folks called it a Japanese Spitz dog, but it greatly resembles the American Eskimo dog, an AKA breed.

California Seascape – Dogs on Beach Painting – Pet Portrait Offleash dog beach

“Beach Pals”
12 x 16 oil
Dogs playing on a leash-free beach in Santa Barbara
SOLD

This is another of the paintings that I did for the “Art for the Animals” show at Gale’s Restaurant in Pasadena, which sold yesterday. The show closes this coming Friday night, August 27. So if you’re in Los Angeles there are still a few days to see it. A portion of the proceeds go to benefit the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA.

Painting animals is such a pleasure, I should really do it more frequently. These two buddies were having a good time chasing a tennis ball around in the surf. The little Corgi was pretty fast on his or her feet. I took a lot of photos that day, including some of an English bulldog romping in the surf. I’ll probably be painting that one, too.

The holidays are coming soon. If you’re thinking about a painting as a gift for someone special, this is a good time to make plans.

Interested in commissioning a painting?
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See more of my paintings on my website

His Eye is on the Sparrow – baby bird oil painting

“His Eye is on the Sparrow”
11 x 14 oil

SOLD

This painting is a tender subject that I have painted before, in watercolor, but this time I decided to paint it in oil for the Art for the Animals show at Gale’s Restaurant. (452 S. Fair Oaks, Pasadena.) The reception is this Sunday, June 27, from 3-6 pm. A portion of the proceeds of sales will go to benefit the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. The SPCA will also be bringing their adoption wagon with lots of lovable animals looking for forever homes.

For those field biologists who are interested in technical accuracy, I think the bird is actually a baby robin. But the familiar spiritual hymn is “His Eye is on the sparrow” so there you go (disclaimer.)

Thirteen artists are participating in the Art for the Animals show. I have 8 paintings hanging and am also happy to discuss commissioned animal portraits. If you attend, please mention that you read about the show on my blog.


If you are interested in this painting, click this link to write me.

Cat Portrait – Show me the Scampi – Pet portrait

“Show me the Scampi”
9 x 12 oil
SOLD

This charming cat is named Pita, and I don’t think it refers to mediterranean flatbread. The kitteh haz attitude – but then, don’t all cats? I’ve painted a lot of animals in preparation for the Art for Animals show at Gale’s Restaurant in Pasadena. The reception is this Sunday, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA. Come enjoy the animals, animal lovers, animal art. The SPCA will have pet adoptions as well.

Interested in a portrait of your cat or dog?

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King Charles Cavalier Puppy Portrait – “Precious”

“Precious”
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy
6 x 6 oil on canvas panel
SOLD (please inquire about other animal paintings)

I saw this little pup last weekend and begged the owner to let me take a picture. I always enjoy doing animal studies and the challenge of fur and dramatic lighting made it a special treat. The long floppy ears look so much like Titian-style hairdos. If a dog can be glamorous, this one is.

This small study is preparatory for a larger work including both the pup and its young master. Wouldn’t this little painting make a wonderful Valentine’s present for a dog lover?

Visit my gallery site for an archive of available and sold paintings

If you have a question or or would like to find out if a painting is still available for sale…..

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