Thursday, August 30, 2012

Saki - A very special dog




This is Saki. She is 11 years old and has been the best friend of a young man for that many years. Two weeks ago this young man went off to college for the first time.

His father had contacted me many many months ago and asked me to paint Saki. His goal was for the portrait to be completed by the time his son went off to college so his son could have the painting of Saki to take with him. What a heart breaking situation.

The painting of Saki is now off at a college somewhere, hopefully reminding a special young man of his very special friend. That young man also has a very special father.

To see more of my paintings, please go to my website at http://www.dawnsecord.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Hogan - Irish Setter

This is a mini portrait of "Hogan". Finished this pastel painting recently, just haven't had time to post.

Hogan's owner had sent me several photos of him for this mini portrait. There were several photos that were fabulous candidates...
for the painting. In the end, his expression in one photo tugged at her heart and showed his personality. That is the photo we used for this painting.

He was a wonderful dog. I will miss him too. Just wished they were with us longer. My parrot, Jade, was raised by us since she was a hatchling. She is 24 years old now. What we wouldn't give to have our dogs and cats live that long!
To see more of my work, go to my website at http://www.dawnsecord.com
 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Cirneco dell"Etna

Here is my latest commission.   I've been affectionately referring to the dogs as the "C's".

The Cirneco dell'Etna (plural Cirnechi) is a small breed of dog originally from Sicily. This hound was historically used to hunt rabbits and can work for hours without food or water.[citation needed] The breed also has a keen sense of smell and is primarily built for endurance over harsh terrain such as that of Mount Etna. It is the smallest of the Mediterranean island hunting hounds, the others being the Pharaoh Hounds and Ibizan Hounds.


Today they are increasingly kept for the sport of conformation showing and as pets, due to their low coat maintenance and friendly nature, although as an active hound they do need regular exercise. A Cirneco should measure from 43-51 cm (17-20in) and weigh between 10–12 kg (22-26lb). As with other breeds, those from hunting stock can lie outside these ranges.  Information courtesy of "Wikipedia"

The owner of the dogs gave me a number of photos of the dogs at different stages from puppy to adult.   I stepped out of my box and asked her if I could choose the photos rather than her choosing them.   Since they were all wonderful photos - she gave me that artistic liberty.     It has been a fun journey learning about a new breed.   It is my understanding that the breed has been around since at least 1533.   They are fun little dogs and they appear to have quite adorable temperaments from what I've gleaned from conversations with their owner.    Hope you enjoy the painting!
http://www.dawnsecord.com