A painting of Josie

This is a painting of Josie.   I was contacted about painting a dog as a Christmas present.  The couple who approached me, who were about my age, wanted a painting as a gift for the husband's mother.   

When the photos of the dog were texted to me, I was smitten.   Josie was the cutest little dog. Her photos showed her spirit and softness all mixed together.   I imagined a senior woman sitting in her living room with her beloved dog, Josie, sitting on her lap.   Having an 89 year old senior mother myself whose constant companion is a small lap dog, I immediately knew the bond between Josie and her owner was immense.

Each painting I create is approached as my only painting.   100% of my attention goes into the painting I am working on.   It is important that my focus on that painting is not distracted by a waiting list.  When working on this painting, there were multiple people the painting would touch.  I painted Josie for her owner.  I also painted Josie to give the very best painting to the couple giving the gift.  When all is said and done, the gift is also given to me - the gift of being honored when chosen to paint for someone.  This gift is not taken lighting.   Each painting truly is an honor.

Painting of Trevor, an Irish Setter

 Trevor was a special dog.   I was thrilled when I was asked to paint him.  Many years ago, I spent time with his canine mother (then young) and was captivated by her eyes.   Years later, I was commissioned to paint her using some photos taken of her when I first saw her.   With that backstory, it is exciting that Trevor's painting is finished.

Several photos were discussed for the painting.  Ultimately, the photo with his beautiful face won the heart of his owner to be used as the primary reference photo.   

Each painting request received as a commission is an honor.  There is an incredible feeling of purpose when painting another person's pets.   Thank you Barb for having me paint Trevor.

I asked Barb to share some of information about Trevor and here are her thoughts reflecting on his life with her:

6/7/2020

Today I said good bye to my beloved Trevor. Morrigan Party LIghts CDX, RE, AXJP, OAP, OF. He was born 4-22-07 to my heart dog Jenna and Pam Gale's Bagger. He was the 4th born from the Party litter. I named him Trevor because it means wise in Irish! He was the dog who challenged me to learn to be a better trainer, better dog owner and better person He had a love of life that was unparalleled and taught me so much about enjoying the moment, He has been my demo dog in obedience for years to show students what an awesome obedient dog you can have in a large dog. Trevor's greatest love was agility. He did not need treats or toys. He just loved the sport. Whether he missed a jump or weave entry he just loved to run. I had posted that Trevor has been sick off on on since March. My goal was to give him what ever quality of life I could give him. He still wanted to go for walks and play with his Frisbee even up until yesterday.. Today he told me he was ready to go to the rainbow bridge and be with his mom. He was such a special boy. My heart is broken

Enya - painting of a Shar-Pei

This is Enya.  Some dear friends of her owners commissioned me to paint her as a Christmas gift.

The painting has been received so it is okay for me to share the painting.

The photo used for the primary pose was a bit hazy.  I'm guessing the photo was taken using a cell phone.  Cell phones with cameras are our best friends at times.  They can help us catch those special moments that would otherwise be lost if we had to run and get the real cameras.  It was clear that the color of Enya was off in the photo.  Thankfully, other reference photos were supplied so true values of her coat, eye and nose color were available for the painting.

Enya had a special window installed for her to view out of the house.   The parties giving the gift had asked if we could incorporate "her window" into the painting.  Of course we could!

To make the painting not too busy or confusing, the bed Enya was laying on had to be eliminated.   When all said was said and done, it worked.  Enya, our main subject was not overpowered by an overly done background and she remained our primary focal point.

It is always such an honor to be commissioned to paint for another party.  Sometimes I just want to say "pinch me".   How can I have such an awesome job?   It sure would have been wonderful to meet Enya.   She passed away last year.   I hope this painting gives her family a little piece of her to keep closely tucked in their hearts.