Art of the Dog: Dawn Secord: Donovan

Friday, January 23, 2015

Donovan

I've known Donovan's owner for a number of years now. We've actually spent a decent amount of time together when we are at the same dog show. One thing I've learned about her for sure is that she is passionate about her dogs.

When she first approached me to paint her dogs, it was to be a candid shot of two dogs. When it came down to picking reference photos, there just weren't two photos of each dog that really complimented each other. She decided to paint just one dog (for now) and chose Donovan. I've known Donovan since he was a pup and have watched him mature into a wonderful animal.

I asked her to share some information about Donovan and her relationship with him, and this is their story:

GCH. Kilkenny's One Singular Sensation CD BN CGCA aka Donovan. Donovan was a singleton (the only puppy in a litter) puppy bred by me. Hence his name "One Singular Sensation". This boy has given me so many firsts. My first GCH, my first bred dog that I put obedience titles on, and several group placements. He far exceeded any expectations I ever had especially since he was an only puppy. This never could have been accomplished if it was not for his co-owners Jayneann Wikler and Tim Sheridan. Donovan is the love of my life. Thank you so much Dawn for capturing his expression perfectly.

It is such a joy to paint people's animals. I can't imagine tiring of it. People ask me what I'll do when I retire. "RETIRE" - really - how does one ever retire from something they love. Someone will be prying a paint brush or a stick of pastel from my cold hand....then again, if I am found by someone who knows me, they will leave the artist's materials where they find them.

Thank you Lydia for having me paint such a sensational boy.

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