Showing posts with label dog art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog art. Show all posts

Monday, September 7, 2026

Finley an Irish Setter

 Each time a person contacts me to paint for them my heart skips a beat.   There is something special about painting for someone.  In the past, my art has hung in galleries, and that was amazing.   However, here is something special about a custom commission where you develop a relationship with the collector(s).  


When Ken contacted me about painting Finley, I couldn't wait to get started.  The photos of Finley oozed of his personality.   All Irish for sure - a gentle and loving dog - imagining a mischievous boy mixed in with some rollicking and laughter.  I can only imagine his shenanigans! 

I asked Ken to share a little about Finley.  Following is the story of Finley....

Here’s a little backstory on Finley:

I have always owned Irish setters. After my third one, Maggie, passed away I swore I’d never get another as she was such a great girl. 

One day, after she had been gone for ten almost years, I accidentally selected a YouTube video of Irish setters puppies playing and running around. I knew that I just had to have another!

It took me a while but I finally found a breeder who was going to have a litter very shortly. 

When the litter was old enough to have a forever home I visited the breeder to check them out. All seven of the puppies were let out of their pen and free to run outside in the yard. All but one briefly sniffed me and went away. That last one came up to where I sat, sniffed me and then lay his head right on my sneakers for about 10 seconds. I knew that pup was the one for me, whether male or female. 

I told the breeder “This one is mine” and she placed a little blue collar on him. His dad’s name was Finnegan and his mother’s name was Gracie so I did a kind of mashup and named him Finley. He has been my constant companion ever since. 

Thank you to Finley's family for choosing me to paint him!
Finley's reference photo


Sunday, August 2, 2026

Portrait of Irish Setters and Siamese Cat

This is a special painting. I took photos of the subjects the summer of 2025. The cat, Kit, was a veteran cat (21 years old at the time I photographed her). Her owner was able to provide me with a photo of her when she was a younger cat. Breanna, the oldest dog, passed shortly after we photographed her. She loved rally and obedience. Her owner and I were thankful we were able to get ideal photos of her. Carrol, Doyle's dam, was lovely and a complete angel with the camera. Of course, Doyle, a pup at the time, kept us in smiles. Kit and Breanna were best buddies. Both passed now - making the painting even more special.


When painting multiple subjects in a painting, I create several collages of different photos so the collector and I can compare photos side by side. It is a great tool to help decide which reference photos we want to use.

Thank you Tiffany for having me paint your special pets. It truly is an honor.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Portrait of an Irish Red and White Setter

     There are few things in life that are more rewarding than being a participant in a special gift.  This is a painting that was a gift from one friend to another.   The painting was hand delivered from Texas to Minnesota and arrived on the 14th birthday of our main subject, Reig.

    Reig is also known as GCH O'Dobhailien O'Halloran Heritage JH.  When discussing what photo to use of Reig for his portrait, it was decided to use a veteran photo.   He had been featured in the "Off the Leash" article in the Upland Almanac Magazine, summer 2019 issue, and with that in mind, we knew his owners had some wonderful photos of him in the field, in his prime.  In addition, Reig's photo is one of four IRWS photos in the book, The Curious History of Irish Breeds, by David Blake Knox.  Given those wonderful photos and memories, it felt perfect to create something that shows Reig, at home, spending time with his adoring family.

    I asked his owners to share a little bit about him.  "We couldn't be more thrilled with Dawn's perception and attention to detail displayed in her gorgeous painting of our Reig.  His eyes say it all.  It is like looking at Reig in a mirror.  We will always treasure Dawn and her talent along with the Hultkrantzs who thought highly enough of Reig, and Dawn's gifted artistry, to have the painting commissioned for us."  Bob and Evan Devlin


Thank you to Irina and Bob Hultkrantz for the honor of painting this special gift for your dear friends.


Sunday, February 1, 2026

Jameson the Irish Setter

 


Years ago I painted a dog named Reilly. It was an amazing painting.  One of the greatest honors is when an art collector returns to me to paint for them again.   Reilly’s owner, Marsha, has another Irish Setter, Jameson, and I was able to meet him and photograph him for his painting.  I fell in love with him immediately – cooperative for the photos and a true sweetheart full of personality.  

Jameson’s official name is Kilkieran's Like Father Like Son.  Jameson is Marsha's first exposure in the world of dog shows.   This picture is taken from Jameson's first national specialty in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  



Reference photo of Jameson.   He was so precious laying on the floor looking up at Marsha.   How could she not choose this photo to use as our primary reference photo for his painting!

Thank you Marsha for having me paint your precious baby boy.


Saturday, June 21, 2025

A painting of Prada, English Setter

I've painted for Prada's owner in the past.   A few years ago she showed me this breathtaking photo of Prada in the field.  It was taken by a professional photographer.   With permission of the photographer, Prada's owner commissioned me to paint her.   Prada is no longer with us and I understand she was immensely cherished by her owner's husband.   I would be painting Prada as a gift from wife to husband.

Those of you who know my painting, know I like to use photos as a road map while using artistic liberties to make the painting be a painting - not a photocopy of a photo.  With this painting, the photo was so fantastic that there was not much that I wanted to omit or adjust.  To keep Prada's coat as if it was illuminating and retain the "sun kissed" look (what her owner loves about the photo), I encapsulated some of the foliage with purples and blues.  These were the primary colors used in Prada's coat in addition to the obvious earth tones and I wanted the color in the composition to be bouncing and reflecting on and off all tangible items in the photo.  As mentioned, I did not want to gravitate from the photo, just soften the foliage around her and the shadows cast by her head over her shoulders.

The first picture is the painting I created of Prada.  The 2nd photo is a somewhat size ways view of the painting to show how dimensional the painting is.


I asked Prada's owner to tell us about Prada.   Following is what she said:
    
Prada..BOSS, GCH Monimar SeaIsland's The Devil Wears Spots, JH.
OFA CHIC The reference photo was taken by Joe Deese. Prada was 7 & 1/2 months old in the photo and had just found her first quail in the bird field. Prada was my foundation bitch, bred by Mary K. Iverson (Monimar ES). She loved to hunt and had beautiful style in the field. Never missed a bird. She was a great mother to her 12 puppies. She is the dam to multiple CH, GCH-GCHG, BISS, BOSS, Specialty WD, WB, BW, Group winning & group placing get. Dam to Top 5 & Westminster Select Dog (2022) Jake, BISS, GCHG Sea Island's Wrapped Up In Magic. Prada also has get with performance titles in several venues, Therapy dogs as well as Great family pets. Prada was a great house pet, loved my grandkids and they loved her. She was my sidekick, my Prada B, mainly shown by me. Prada helped raise the pups from my other litters, she loved puppies! Prada was the love of my husband, Kurt's life. she will always have a large piece of his heart. There will never be another girl like Prada, she was beautiful and sassy with so much attitude! Prada was pretty close to Perfect.

I was so excited to paint Prada.  A note of sincere appreciation to the photographer for allowing me to use his photo for reference.  Of course sincere appreciation for Prada's owner, Frazier, for choosing me to paint this truly special girl.

Here is the original reference photo used for the painting.


Tuesday, January 14, 2025

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.



Wednesday, October 30, 2024

A pastel painting of Roody - Irish Setter

This is a painting of Roody.  He is a young male Irish Setter that I had been following on Facebook.  It was so exciting to receive an email from his owner that she would like to commission me to paint him.  We were both going to be in North Carolina in May of 2024.  We set up an appointment for me meet them along with Roody to take reference photos of him. 

Painting of Roody by Dawn Secord

It was so fun to meet Roody and his owners in person.   He was such a great dog to photograph for reference material.   I have to say, he was a great sport.  There was so much going on around us while we were taking the photos.   The chaos (with zip lines overhead etc) didn't affect him at all.  He took it all in stride.   A true Irish!  There were so many great photos that we could have used.  His owners chose a photo that was soft and showed the endearing side of this lovely dog.   

The reference photo of Roody used for his painting.  Thank you to his owners for having me paint your special boy.   

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Jackson - a portrait of an Irish Setter

This is a painting of Jackson - (GCHG Ramblin' Red Slamdunk Buckpasser MH RN DN CGCA TKA)

I have watched him grow on line and at shows since he was a pup.   It was exciting to receive a call from his owner, Gerry, asking me to paint his portrait.   When I hear people talk about Jackson, I always hear "He is such a fun dog."   Beauty and brains with personality.  Who can ask for more.


Here are some words his main person shared with me:

Jackson loves everyone!  He is a versatile dog that excels in having a job to do whether hunting, rally or conformation.   He has the sweetest personality.  He has his Master Hunter title thus the nod to the pheasant in the background of his painting.   He has also had many achievements in the show ring with his breeder/co-owner Peter Kubacz most notably Best of Breed at the 2024 ISCA National Specialty, Best in Show and Multiple Best in Specialty shows.   As he enters his senior years, I am seriously considering therapy dog training so he can make visits to our local nursing home and share his love.


It has been an honor to paint him.  Thank you Gerry!



Monday, March 25, 2024

A Painting of Samantha

 I was at a dog show recently talking to a friend about my art.   It is fun to look back at where my journey with dog art began.   Back in the 90's, my work was hanging in a wild life gallery in Laguna, California.  My husband and I had lost our first Irish Setter and had found a new pup from a breeder.  We'd set out to get a pet quality female and ended up with a show quality male.   That was before the internet and it was difficult for people not in the show world to find pups.


We decided to try showing and my world to new friends opened up.   I painted a friend's dog as a gift for her helping me with my pup and his training.   Thus began my entrance into painting dogs.

Here it is, almost 30 years later and one of my greatest joys is painting people's animals for them.   When I was commissioned to paint Samantha, my heart was heavy.   I knew that Samantha had passed and she was very special to her human family.  When emotions are involved, my work is more of a mission than a journey.   My goal was for the painting to give the family a piece of their Samantha to hang in their home and warm their hearts.

I asked Samantha's owner, Katie, to share a few words about Samantha.   Here is what she shared:

    Samantha was the love of my life.   My best friend.  It was a privilege and great honor to have her at my side for 12 years.  Sam was up for the challenge with any venue and gave it her all.  Such a gentle, and loving soul.  Until we meet at the bridge.   Dawn thank you for creating such a beautiful portrait of my Samantha.




Katie's kind words make every moment I spent painting Samantha timeless.  Thank you for the honor Katie.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

An Irish Setter and her handler

 Every time a painting is completed, I say, "I loved painting this."   And... yes, I LOVED painting this.

The painting features a dog that I knew many years ago with her handler and her handler's daughter.

Funny thing - reminiscing, this very same handler helped me in a pinch in 2000 with a young Irish I was showing named Jewel.   She was a junior handler at the time.  She was such a sweet young lady and so professional considering her tender age.   Jumping ahead many years later, I remember sitting across a restaurant table with her discussing the name of her unborn child.

The dog in the painting was named Lucy.   Lucy was the same age as my girl, Monet.  We showed against each other more times than I can count and always enjoyed our time together.

When the commission came in to create this painting I was beyond excited.  The primary reference photo showed Lucy giving kisses and reaching up with her paw to the then toddler.   A different photo of Lucy was used in the painting - a better head shot of her.   I decided to make Lucy closer to the people in the painting than she was in the reference photo.   I also have the toddler reaching up and petting Lucy instead of her little hands in her lap.

It is so important to me not to copy a photo.  I absolutely need reference photos to guide me to capturing the subjects correctly.   All the while, I can not be held captive to copying a photo.  I look for ways to make each painting stronger than the reference photos.   It can be a balancing act deciding how much to deviate from the reference material.  Of course, there are times when the reference material is perfect - exactly what needs to be painted.


This painting was creating using soft pastels and measures 11 x 14.  It was an honor to paint all the subjects.  The painting was a commission - a gift from one friend to another.   I truly hope those involved in this project enjoy the final product as much as I enjoyed painting it.

Monday, November 20, 2023

Rusty and Ruby - Mini painting

This mini painting is of two Irish setters when they were pups.   The painting was done last Christmas and for a special touch, a Christmas tree is in the background (gently implied).  It always touches my heart to paint dogs when they were puppies.  Our puppies come into our lives and we have no idea what our futures with them will hold.  When we look back, years gone by, we see those precious little faces and can celebrate our lives together.   I always say, when they are pups, we can not wait for them to grow up.  Then, in a vapor of time, those pups are veterans and we would give anything for them to be pups again.

From Donna - a little bit about the pups in the painting.

 Rusty and Ruby were our foster failures from the humane society.  They were our introduction into Irish Setters and the loves of our lives.  Rusty was a very sickly puppy but went on to become one of the most titled Irish Setters in history.  He excelled at agility and loved his reading to rover role.  In his later years, he became well known for his wagon walks where he stole the hearts of everyone that knew him.  Rusty left us in September of 2021 at the ripe old age of over 14 1/2.

 Ruby was our dog that had it all.  Brains, beauty and athlete all in one package.  Ruby went on to become the highest achieving MACH Irish Setter by earning 12 MACHs before her life was cut short by Osteosarcoma at the age of 9.   She was the most confident dog we have ever loved.

 This dynamic duo showed the world what Irish Setters are capable of and we are forever grateful to have had them in our lives.  They continue to live on in our hearts and will never be forgotten.

 Thank you Dawn for painting this gorgeous portrait of them in their puppyhood.  We had no idea at the time what a memorable ride they would take us on❤️.


Thank you to Donna and Jeff - it is always an honor to paint for you.




Monday, May 22, 2023

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




Saturday, March 4, 2023

Portrait of an Irish Setter pup by Dawn Secord

 This is a portrait painted in pastel of an Irish Setter puppy named Killesandra.    The portrait was commissioned by a daughter for her parents.  In the reference photo used, her ear was tucked under the edge of the coffee table.   I changed the ear in the painting to show the ear folded out and resting on the top of the table.  Thankfully artists are not limited by what they see or don't see.  

Killie, as she was affectionately called, was less than a year old when her life was cut short.    During that time, she had a profound impact on her family and is dearly missed.   Losing a dog at any age is horrific to those who love them.   Their lives are just not long enough.   Losing a young dog is especially difficult.

Here is a poem written by one of her family members.

KILLESHANDRA

You joined our family as a wee little one

Another Irish lass full of fun

We planned on taking you to dog shows

And soon were reminded that’s not how life goes


Your energy levels were hard to contain

From catching rodents, you would not refrain

You jumped really high, almost clearing the fence

We put up a screen to act as defense


You loved to run and loved to chase

The rest your head with an adorable face

We hoped to breed you to your big brother Row

And watch your puppies run to and fro


Then one day we saw something amiss

You were sick, but still had such bliss

A doggie doc said the news was not great

A shorter life would be your fate


We confirmed with our local pet vet

Knowing ten months was the best we would get

As so, with tears in our eyes we let your go

To cross the bridge colored in rainbow


You went to play with our pups in the past

Being sure for eternity you would have a blast

Losing a pet is always hard it is true

But always know we will forever love you.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

Painting of Rocky - a White German Shepherd

I've been so negligent in posting finished paintings the last few years.  Not all those who commission my work want their painting posted.  Paintings of our special pets touch our hearts and I totally understand how some people would prefer for their painting to be kept private.   With that said, I don't post any paintings until I've spoken with the parties involved with the painting and know their wishes.  

This is a painting of Rocky.  He had the most amazing personality.   He never met a dog he didn't like.  He had a full life and crossed over the rainbow bridge at 15 years old.


White animals and black animals can be the most challenging to capture in a painting.  The lights and darks are already the color of the animals.  When creating highlights and shadows on animals that are black or white, I use a variety of colors - yellows, blues, purples and turquoise (subtly) to enhance the paintings.   I'll also make some areas darker than the photograph and some areas lighter.   While it is often referred to as artist liberty, it is a balance of instinct and composition.  Usually, the collar is removed from pets unless the owners prefer the collars to be left on.  With Rocky's painting, the darkness of his nose and mouth really set his face in front of his body.   Very little creative shadowing was necessary to define the distance.

He was a sweet soul and loved dearly.   I'd spent time with him in person and he was truly a special dog.  Below is the reference photo I'd taken of him for the painting.




Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Painting of Killian - an Irish Setter

I had known Killian since he was a pup.   I watched him mature into a beautiful dog who graced the show ring as well as excel into a highly respected dog in the field.   I watched his muzzle develop the gray hairs that disclosed he is older than young.   While we don't want to think about our dogs aging, we don't really want to see it either.   The whiter faces on the Irish Setter are so heartwarming.    They also make us think of time....the dreaded time that passes like a vaper.   We don't see it but yet we do.

After Killian passed, When Killian's owner asked for a painting of Killian as a gift for his wife (Killian's human mom) I was thrilled.    For his painting, I used a number of photos to assist in the project.   There was a primary reference photo which showed his lovely head.  It was a bit shadowed so other photos were of paramount assistance with his coat and eye coloring.  It was an honor to paint him.

I asked Jen if she would share a little bit about Killian.   This is what she said:

Killian was an incredible hunting dog.      We know that this is what the Irish setter is bred to do and Killian did it with style and perfection.

We still think of him when we are with dogs in the field and a bird is “there somewhere” but the other dogs can’t find it.   

“Send Killian, he will !” 

 Killian at home was the rollicking, sweet, gentle Irish we all talk of as being the best characteristics of the breed.   Killian was sensitive; not in a timid way but in his connections.   He knew what each of the family members (humans and animals) wanted/needed, and was generous enough to give his best to all of us!

This painting is a very special gift to me.   CH Roclyn Killians Red MHA, 

With me always!🐾❤️




Saturday, May 15, 2021

Painting of Pepper, an Irish Setter


This is a painting of Pepper.   She was a very special girl to a loving family.    She lived a long life.   To honor her, the family decided to have a painting done of her.

They looked at a life long collection of photos trying to decide which photo would be the one to be used as our primary reference photo.   The chose to use one when she was a bit younger.   She had a frisky personality and this photo - the eye contact - provided them with wonderful memories of a girl that knew who she was and what she liked.    

Thank you for having me paint your girl.   I wish I could have met her!




Sunday, April 18, 2021

Reba and Luna - a painting of a mother and daughter

 This is a painting created using soft pastels.  It is of two Irish Setters, a mother and daughter.


Reba (left) and Luna (right) were mother and daughter.   Reba has left us and Luna is a special girl that allows her family not only to love her deeply, but have a little piece of Reba through her.   

Until we bred a litter, I didn't truly appreciate the depth of having a mom and a pup.    Through the pups you see tidbits of their parents - the mannerisms, maybe little quirks - inherited traits.  These traits, unless you knew the parents, maybe just fun aspects of that given dog.   Knowing the parents, you understand the tidbits are inherited little precious moments that remind you of their parents.   We see that in our human families.   Fun little behaviors inherited from parents or grandparents.

For the painting, I flipped Luna's pose in her reference photo so that she would be leaning in towards her mother.   The beauty of a painting is there are no rules.   You can paint what is in your heart and create the setting.  It was a great experience to paint a mom and her pup together.  Thank you to all those involved.

Give your dogs a big hug.   Time goes by so quickly.  Regardless of mom, pup or otherwise, before we blink an eye, that dog has grown older and we are wondering how time passed without us knowing it was happening.

Below are the reference photos used for the painting:



Saturday, April 10, 2021

Cooper - Original Pastel Painting

When a new painting image is posted to my blog I usually talk about the painting and the process while painting that commission.   Recently, in a small boutique in McKinney, Texas, I happened upon a small book containing a collection of great sayings.    I thought it might be fun to share some of these inspirational tidbits.    In the atmosphere of wanting a positive environment surrounding all of us, following is my inspirational share for the day....along with a piece of my art.

An original painting - Cooper

Self respect,
self worth and self love,
all start with self.
Stop looking outside of
yourself for your value.

author unknown.


Monday, July 20, 2020

The one and only Clarence - Clumber Spaniel

I was so excited to paint a Clumber.    I'd painted an Irish Setter, Bailey, for Hilary and Pat in the past.   They are wonderful people and I was looking forward to working with them again.  This time they approached me to discuss painting their beloved Clumber, Clarence.  They are so dang adorable.  This is a breed I've always watched at the shows.   Hard to pinpoint the exact attraction, there is just something "happy" about a Clumber. 
http://www.dawnsecord.com


When it came to accumulating photos for Clarence's painting, his owners had some really fabulous choices.   A number of photos would have worked wonderfully.    They chose a perfect photo for me to use as the primary reference photo.  Clarence was sitting in a regal pose surrounded by a lovely garden of soft fuchsia colored blooms. 

With the white of the Clumber, having a soft blanket of color enveloping him was the ideal background.   The color really allowed Clarence to jump out of the composition as our primary focal point.

I'd asked Hilary and Pat to share some words about Clarence for me to include with his painting in my posts.   Here is what was shared:
 
As far as info on Clarence, you know that Bailey was our heart dog and we’re honored to have his portrait by you in our home.  We’re lucky to have a second heart dog in Clarence and are thrilled to have his portrait now too. He’s a true gentleman and loves his work as a therapy dog. He makes us smile every single day.

Thank you again!

It was my pleasure to paint Clarence.   He is such a character.   Congrats to Hilary and Pat for the new puppies they have out of Clarence.  His legacy will continue on.
http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html
http://www.dawnsecord.com/galleryhome.html

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

A painting of Dominick: MBISS MBISS NBIS GCHG PaRay’s Power and Privilege

This painting was something I'd been looking forward to doing.   Dominick's owners had wanted a unique painting of their lovely boy.   I was excited to work with them again.   I had painted their girl, Sloan, a number of years ago.
http://www.dawnsecord.com
The goal was to have him in a Victorian setting.   After quite a lot of research and going back and forth with ideas - we had a plan.  I've not done a painting like this before, but what fun it was to create.   Dominick was a Bichon Frise and had a significant impact on the breed.   With that in mind, I wanted the colors of the clothing to reflect Dominick.   The purple and gold colors in the clothing are the colors of the Best of Breed ribbon in the dog show world.  In addition, purple and gold are the colors for the Westminster Kennel Club.   All fitting to include in this dog's painting.   Over the course of the research and the completion of the painting, many conversations were had.  

Following are some snippets of these conversations as well as background information about Dominick.
 Dawn, I have been fascinated by these images since I opened your email!
You are so clever with the angle of the head in position to the chest. Very intriguing.
The image of Dominick (#3)  looking up to the right, without his tongue sticking out - is the one I like best for the portrait. 
Did you flip this image?   Perfect!

http://www.dawnsecord.com


http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html


Here is a little bit about Dominick:
MBISS MBISS NBIS GCHG PaRay’s Power and Privilege, “Dominick,” was our foundation sire for the Rosemont Bichon Frise line and had 21 litters to his credit.

And... a finished painting:
WOW! Just WOW!!
Beautiful. I think you did an extraordinary job on Dominick's head/face/expression, and the colors are magnificent - soft purple and gold - Westminster, and Best of Breed!
Dominick’s expression is lovely and your eye is perfect.
Martin got the biggest smile our of Dominick’s paw on the cane. It is his favorite part, after Dominick’s head.  I will enjoy it every day!  I can't wait to see the original.  And yes, the background detail is beyond expectations! Thank you very much!!
 
He will always be a most precious Bichon to me - - my heart dog.
 
Thank you to Laura and Martin for having me paint their special boy.  It was an honor.