Boxer Puppy "I See You"

This brindle boxer puppy was so much fun to photograph. She was running around the yard - chasing toys and just a joy to watch. Her name is Chili and we affectionately call her "Chili Dog".

"I See You" is the name of the painting and if you look closely you will see the puppy is looking at a lady bug on a blade of grass. The pastel painting is one of the puppy series I am completing for my upcoming exhibit "The Art Of the Dog" to be on display at the Pinnell Gallery. The show opening is the first weekend of May, 2009. This painting is for sale - if interested please contact me at fff@linkline.com

If you are interested in commissioning a painting of your dog please contact me!

Thank you for viewing my work - have a great day!

Basset Hound Puppy "Give Me A Hug"

Here is my latest painting for the puppy series that will be on exhibit in the "Art of the Dog" show at Pinnell Gallery beginning the first weekend of May, 2009. This pastel painting depicts a ten week old Basset Hound puppy.

The name of this painting is "Give Me a Hug". Those little eyes were so cute and pleading that "Give Me a Hug" just seemed to fit. If you are interested in purchasing this pastel painting before the show please email me at fff@linkline.com . The painting will need to be shipped to you after the show.

For those of you who live in Southern California - I hope to see you at the show in May. If you need more information - please email me or call me toll-free at 1-866-393-7111.

Have a great day!

Don't Forget Cash!!

Yesterday one of my girlfriends was over and we were working on the website for her horse ranch, Cottonwood Ranch. I was showing her the St. Patrick's day photos I had taken of my pets. All the while, my Siamese cat, Cash, is sitting on the desk facing her demanding attention. Then I remembered I had photographed Cash. The photos range from tolerant cat to a rather cranky cat.

So Judy, here is the picture of Cash you insisted I blog!

Drew Secord - Happy St. Patrick's Day

Drew is our youngest Irish Setter. My grandfather was Irish and was always going around his home and garden singing Irish songs and just being a really fun man. He had red hair and blue eyes when he was young.

"Bapoo" as we called him (when I was young I couldn't say Grandpa and somehow I came up with that name!) bred and showed Kerry Blue Terriers. He would have loved to see my Irish Setters. I hope he is looking down on us and smiling his Irish Smile!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to ALL!

Irish Setters: Shannon, Ginger and O'Malley

These three Irish Setters live in New Jersey. I had the opportunity to meet Ginger and O'Malley in Florida in 2007. We took pictures of both of them at that time for a portrait. Then Shannon was added to the family. We decided to wait on the portrait until Shannon matured and then add her into the painting.

In 2008 we met up again in Arizona at the Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty and I took more pictures. They are all absolutely wonderful dogs - great little "posers" and very cooperative for our project.

The painting was created from three individual pictures. The painting was great fun to create and I shipped it off today to its home in New Jersey. That is always the tough part - letting go! To a fun note - what perfect timing - shipping a painting of Irish Setters on St. Patrick's Day! Happy St. Patty's day to Anne, Shannon, Ginger and O'Malley!!!

If you are interested in commissioning a portrait of your animal(s) please contact me toll-free at 866-393-7111, email at: fff@linkline.com or go to my website to print a commission form!

Have a great day!

Art Show At The Dog Show

The "Art Show at the Dog Show" www.artshowatthedogshow.com has the award winning artwork up on their site now. Almost 600 pieces were entered by 200 artists. The piece I entered "Waiting in the Wing" (which features two English Setter puppies) won a placement in the pastel category and has sold. It was humbling to be excepted into the show, wonderful to receive an award and the icing on the cake to have my work sold.

There is some beautiful work up on the site - I would encourage all who are interested to take a minute to view the artwork.

To see my painting - please go to my web site www.dawnsecord.com and click on the English Setter Gallery or click on this link.

Remembering Aspen

Little Aspen:

Adopted December 1994—February 18, 2009

Little Aspen came into our home as an adult cat that we rescued from a local shelter. She had been scheduled to be euthanized the next day.

When we brought our two Irish, Amber and Malibu, into the house to meet our new pet, Aspen, she just laid on the floor and watched them “rollick” past her. To our amazement she was unaffected by the dogs. We knew immediately she was meant to be in our home. Though she was tiny and weighed only eight pounds it was her self appointed task to train all new red dog puppies that came into our home over the past 14+ years. Running in the house deserved a whack in the head. Putting paws on the desk top deserved a whack on the head. Putting faces on the kitchen counter absolutely deserved a whack in the head. When the dogs passed her they walked slowly and respectfully. For rather naughty behavior a small chase might ensue with a red dog in flight from the enforcing feline. When the red dogs were behaving within the rules they could all be found lounging together.

She is now whacking Amber and Malibu in the heads again (and anyone else misbehaving) at the Rainbow bridge.

We miss you so much little angel. We will love you always. Dawn and Rich