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.

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. 

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.   

A painting of Holly - Irish Setter

This is a painting of a dog named Holly (Woodglen Holly My Valentine CD, RE, RATS, CGCA).   I was so excited when the commission came in.  Holly's owner wanted a painting showing Holly at her different stages of life.  In the painting, images of her include a puppy photo, competing in a dog event and as a senior dog.  For the background, I was sent images of oak trees in her yard.

Before, during and after painting Holly, I was overwhelmed by how much this dog is loved.   Dogs are such a major part of our lives - our family.

Thank you to Holly's family for having me paint her.  It was an honor.

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.

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.

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.

Holly - a pastel painting of an Irish Setter by Dawn Secord

 This is a painting of "Holly" - Meadow Run Walk of Fame.

I met Holly years ago in Southern California.   She was a lovely girl.  I always knew she was competition for my girls when I showed against her.  Some dogs just stick in your mind.   Holly was one of those.   She was really a beautiful dog and I always loved her gentle expression.

When her owner contacted me to inquire about commissioning me to paint her, I was thrilled.   We set about getting reference photos from her owner emailed to me.   As much as I really don't like computers, they are a great assistance when getting photos back and forth.  I remember earlier days - 20+ years ago when I had to take photos of a painting, have the film developed, and then mail the photo of the painting to the person who commissioned me.  Email is my friend!

There was this lovely gentle photo of Holly on the edge of a sofa looking down.   It was her owner's favorite and I loved it instantly.   In the photo, Holly was bunched up a bit in a corner.  For the painting, I took that out and had Holly's head, neck and shoulder only.   She was to pretty to look bunched up.  The head and expression in the reference photo were perfect.  Nothing was changed there.   It is my job, as the artist,

to see what to include from a photo and what not to include for the painting.

I asked Holly's owner to share a little bit about Holly and this is what she told me:

   I always said she was an easy keeper.  Laidback and easy to live with.  Rare.

Thank you to Holly's owner for having me paint her beautiful
girl.   She was a special girl and we all loved her.

Where do I begin?? It is all about the love from a dog....Maggie's story

Where do I begin?   I guess it starts back when I was showing Monet (GCH Rusticwood Spellbound CGC) - Bling's mama dog.   Monet was gorgeous.   She just didn't enjoy showing.   At one show in Palm Springs, a well known judge (whom I'd never shown to before) said to me quietly, "She is gorgeous, can you get her to move out for me?"   I shook my head no.  "Not today,"  I replied.  I understood Monet and loved her with every breath I had.  I loved her independence.  I laughed at her "I only do what I want" attitude.   I shrugged my shoulders the time she was excused from the ring when she tried to fake limping.   She was a smart dog; as beautiful as the day was long.   She was one unique and special girl.

Back to my story....I was showing Monet at a specialty at the Irish Setter Club of Southern California's summer show.  In our class, standing behind us, was a woman with the most fabulous mane of blonde hair and a beautiful Irish Setter named Maggie.  I thought to myself, that is a beautiful dog.   I am not sure we can defeat her in this show.   If Monet wanted to show, we had a chance.   What caught my attention the most was how much fun Maggie was having - how much she loved her mom.   They were a special team with a special bond.   Years later, the two were standing in my front yard so I could photograph Maggie for her painting.

On that day, taking the pictures, the vibrant Maggie with a white speckled sugar face still looked up at her mom glowing.   We were laughing and having a grand time taking the photos.   Maggie was healthy given her age.   Both her mom and I knew that her days were fleeting as time will rob us of memories the future could hold.  They say with an Irish Setter, or any large dog for that matter, any time past their 10th year is a gift.   We were in Maggie's gift time.   

Maggie would pass a year later.   We sat outside the home while the vet went inside to help Maggie on to rest.   We were there for Maggie's mom.   After Maggie passed, it took Maggie's mom a few years to be able to look at the photos again for the painting.  There was no rush.   It would happen when the time was right.    A few months ago it was time.    We had gone through the photos while Maggie was still with us and made notes of favorites.   When it came time to choose the primary reference photo, though there were many wonderful candidates, one jumped out.   The one that jumped out was Maggie looking up at her mom...that look of love I'd seen so many years ago when Maggie and Monet were youngsters.

I hope Maggie and Monet are once again young; I hope they are jumping around chasing butterflies and waiting for their moms to play with them again when those days come.  You see our love for our dogs never dies.   Our love is always in our hearts and when we close our eyes, we see those priceless memories that will keep us together until we meet at the rainbow bridge.

A painting of Tallie - Irish Setter

 It is always so special when an existing art collector returns for another painting.   I have painted for her twice and now, Tallie is the third dog painted.

Her owner, Julia, and I were going back and forth on photos of Tallie for the painting and none of the photos reflected the true Tallie.   We all know our dogs and though some photos may be gorgeous, they simply do not reflect the personality of the dog.   The reference photo we used was a quickie cellphone photo taken by a friend who had just groomed Tallie.   The photo was put on Facebook.  I happened across it by fate and contacted Julia immediately.   We have our photo I told her.   She thought about it and agreed.   Tallie lives in another state and I've not met her.  From Julia's descriptions of Tallie, I knew we had the photo.

Here is joyful and rollicking Tallie; the ever smart and obedient girl who is filled with love...and who is forever giving kisses.  I hope you enjoy viewing the painting as much as I enjoyed painting her.   Thank you to Julia for the honor of painting your special girl.

Lucy and her pups - a family affair

 This is a painting of Lucy and her two pups, Kate and Emmy (who are from Lucy's two litters).

It was so much fun to paint the girls.   I've known all three dogs for many years.   Lucy is no longer with us, but lives on through her pups.   

Lucy and my Monet were similar in age and were shown against each other in the dog show ring.   The girls knew each other.   Both Lucy and Monet are now gone as difficult as that is to comprehend.

Lucy's first litter produced Kate.   Kate and my girl, Baby Faith, were two months apart in age and were shown against each other and knew each other.  Gosh - the girls are 11  years old now.  Time is a vapor.

Emmy is from Lucy's second litter.  Emmy is almost a year younger than my Bling.  And yes, they showed against each other, stayed in hotels together and went on many walks together.   Emmy and Bling look so much alike that Emmy's owner once took Bling for a long walk in Palm Springs thinking he had Emmy.   Imagine my fright when I found Bling's crate empty....  Bling had a long walk and I had to take a tranquilizer.   (not really but I do stress when my girls are out of my sight)....   We all had a good laugh.   Bling is days away from turning 9 and Emmy is 8.   

It is nice to know the dogs that I paint.   The interesting thing though is that I truly get to know the dogs I am painting if I don't know them beforehand.   The owners or family members who have commissioned the art tell me stories about the dogs that helps me get to know the dog (or other pets) that I am painting.   I know if the animal was bold, sensitive, quiet, outgoing and that information goes into my painting.   The painting process allows me to gaze into their eyes for many hours.   The relationship is formed and by the time the painting is completed, I know the pet I have just painted.

I hope you gave enjoyed the little walk down memory lane.   As said earlier, time is but a vapor.  Our pets come into our lives and though they are never with us long enough (no matter how long that is) they leave their pawprints on our hearts.   

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!🐾❤️

A painting of Phoenix - Irish Setter

 This painting was a gift from one friend to another.   It is always so very exciting when a person approaches me to create a surprise for another.

The reference photos were a little difficult to acquire in this scenario.   Facebook can be friend and foe at times.   This time - a friend.   The recipient of the painting and owner of Phoenix had a number of photos on her page.    I felt like Goldilocks and the Three Bears- some photos were too far away, some photos were too blurry, this photo was just right!

Phoenix and his owner had gone on a trip across America starting at the East Coast and ending in Alaska.   The reference photo was from a selfie.   The background from the painting was from a scene photo taken on that trip.   

The gift exchange was made at the Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty - 2021.   Tears flowed as the gift giver gave the present and the recipient realized the painting on my easel in my art booth was her dog.   Okay - I shed a few tears too.   

I hope the painting will give Phoenix's mom many wonderful memories as she reflects on their journey while enjoying her painting.

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:

A Painting of Lyric - Irish Setter

This painting is of a lovely girl named Lyric.   Lyric is no longer with us.   

It is always such a heart tugger when asked to paint a dog that has passed.   It is a bit emotional...I have to admit.   

Looking at the photos of Lyric I realized how much she was loved for her mom to want a painting of her.  Each painting I create is from a special moment.   The painting captures a dog, cat, horse or bird at that moment the camera took the photo.  The painting may capture the moment in a sunset when the clouds were gently sweeping across the sky.   The painting may capture a moment when a wave shows a gorgeous brilliant color as the water rolls towards the sand.   

The paintings that tug at my heart differently are of a cherished animal that is no longer with us.   I know how hard it will be for the animal's owner to receive the painting.   I also know how much joy it will bring as their hearts heal.   I've been in that owner's shoes looking at paintings I've created of my own pets who have passed.   There is a special bond I with a painting of my beloved pets that have gone on and are waiting for me.    I have peace and a warm heart looking at those paintings.   Hopefully, Lyric's mom will feel a special joy when she looks at Lyric's painting.   Thank you for having me paint your girl - it truly is an honor. 

A painting of Emmy - Irish Setter

 This painting was completed of Emmy back in November.   I will be doing four paintings of Emmy and her house mates.   Painting # 2 is nearing completion.

I've known Emmy since she was a pup.  She is a sweetheart and has the most gentle personality.   It was a joy to be around her and take her photographs.   It was challenging to pick the photos for this paining.  Emmy is so photogenic, there were many choices from which to pick.   We couldn't have gone wrong regardless on the photos chosen.    

Yvette, thank you for having me painting your beautiful Emmy.  I can't wait for you to see the painting in person.

Here are the reference photos used for the painting:

Parker - Original Painting

Here is a painting just finished of Parker, an Irish Setter.     His owner sent me a fabulous reference photo and I couldn't wait to get started.   Not only was Parker's pose wonderful, the background was lovely.   Photos are my road map.   When you are traveling, a map (or GPS) can help you get from point A to point B.  The same holds true when painting a commissioned piece.   I need a map to get from a blank slate to reach a painting that is indeed truly a specific dog.   As an artist, I use liberties to make the composition stronger than the photo.   For this painting, I wanted Parker as large as possible while keeping as much background as possible.  If you look at the reference photo at the bottom of this post,  I've dropped the skyline, added darks where needed and reduced areas that were too dark in the photo.   The water is more emphasized in the painting and more colors were incorporated into the foliage.   There are more "reds -burnt sienna" in the foliage and grasses to create a color harmony that ties into the color of Parker.  In essence, I closely followed the photo, but made something distinct and different - a stronger composition.

I always like to know a little bit about the dogs I am painting.   It turns out, Parker was Lindsey's first Irish Setter.   For those of us who have the breed, we know they are smart, can be independent and have a lot of energy.   When I read what Lindsey sent me about Parker, I had to laugh.   Here is what she said....

My 1st Irish Setter and he taught me so much about training a dog that wasn’t as pleasing in temperament as a German Shepherd. He had a mind of his own and he was very determined. Parker could give you a look that screamed “do you think I am stupid?” The day we took this photo I had been working with him for months on obedience commands and was so proud of him for being such a good boy for the photos.

 Thank you for  having me paint your special boy Lindsey, it was an honor.  He was a gorgeous boy.

A painting of Rowan

This painting was recently finished and will be shipped to his owners once they have relocated to their new home. 

I've met Rowan and what a wonderful boy he is.   I'd asked his "parents" to share a little bit about him and his mom wrote the following poem.   She is so creative.  

Here is a little bit about Rowan!  Thank you to his parents for having me paint their beautiful boy.

ROAMIN’ WITH ROWAN

(GCHB GALEWINN’S ROWAN UP A GRACEFUL RIVER)

He came from Colorado

A Galewinn’s pick of litter

Then went to California

To join Rose, an English Setter

Rowan got his first few nods

As he competed in the ring

He also played with toys

Great joy to us he’d bring

When one year old he went up North

Alaska seemed the place

To retire with some family

In open Klondike space

The next year again he moved

Midwest Wisconsin he was bound

A new job for Dad to try

New fun in squirrels he found

Family called us to Florida sun

Row tired of move once more

He found more squirrels to be chased

And handlers for shows galore

The show ring brought more wins

As Grand Champion he did reach

And then we got a new puppy

To chase squirrels he did teach

So now he’s almost five, still young

Making sure his fun’s not a bore

Rowan has a lot life ahead

Many goals he has in store.

So stay tuned to Rowan’s life

And see all that he does do

His future’s bright for all to see

His love from him to you.

Continue all to roam with Rowan

This Irish Setter from the States

His adventures I will share

As we all enjoy his fates.

A painting of Felix

This is Felix.  I've had the pleasure of meeting him in person and what a sweet dog he is.   I would have taken him home in a minute.

He was a dream during our photo shoot.   I've asked his owner, Gerry, to share a little bit about him.   Following is what she shared....

Felix Is a “giant gentle” was out of a litter of 4, two boys and girls; named after the stars of the Odd Couple.  Weighing 90 pounds, he could get into your bed and you would not even know it.  He brought comfort and companionship to my mom and dad while they were ill and would alert everyone if there was something out of the ordinary going on.  Felix is a true gentleman and adopted my heart when I met him when he was 4 1/2 years old.  He will be 11 years old in May and is truly my heart dog.

I am currently accepting commissions.  If you would like me to paint your dog, cat, horse, bird - etc - I'd love to talk to you.   Please email me at FFF@LinkLine.com   As always, thank you for reading my blog.

A painting of Behbinn

This is a commissioned painting of Behbinn.   "CH Malleyrhu First Love JR"

She is gone now, but she lives on in the heart of her owner and through her puppies that enrich our lives.

There is a long story behind Behbinn and me, and I will attempt to keep this short....

In 2009, my husband and I were attending the Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty which was held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that year.  Our young male dog, Drew, had placed 4th in the 12 - 18 month class.   A friend and art collector, Claire Andrews, had approached me to compliment me on Drew.    Anyone who knows Claire, knows a compliment from Claire is a big deal.   Claire then went on to recommend Drew as a potential stud dog to another friend, Jan Mathews, who had a lovely young girl named Behbinn.   Jan and I talked about a possible breeding.  Our dogs were too young at the time.  There was a lot to be accomplished before truly considering to breed these two dogs.   We wanted them to complete their championships, they needed them to undergo health testing and receive various health clearances, time would tell - but we decided to talk down the road.   

Two years later, our two dogs were of age, they were champions, and had their health clearances.   I took photos of Behbinn, and her pedigree, to Pat Haigler, my mentor, and sought her advice on the potential breeding.   Pat and I sat down and discussed all the dogs in the two pedigrees.   It was decided - we would move forward with the breeding.

Behbinn's reference photo - thank you Kathy Roscoe

Drew and I were in Southern California at the time, Jan and Behbinn were in Rhode Island.   Previously, my husband and I had two breedings with Drew to our Monet, both didn't take due to timing issues with Monet.   We didn't want to risk a timing issue with Behbinn.    Getting the frozen semen to Behbinn was challenging on a timing basis.   Thankfully, we were successful and a lovely litter of pups rewarded us.    Jan kept "yellow boy"  aka "Brady" from the litter.    Here is a photo of me and Brady a few years ago.   He is a lovely dog.   Rich and I lost Drew a few months ago.    Through Brady, we have a little piece of Behbinn and Drew to warm our hearts.    Much thanks to Jan (and Claire) for seeing the beauty Drew had to contribute to the lovely Behbinn.  Thank you to the owners of their pups for the fantastic homes they have given them.

Rich and Dawn with Brady aka CH Malleyrhu California Red Patriot JH, TKN, TKI

A Painting of Gavin

It is always a fun experience when people approach me to paint one of their pets and tell me they have the perfect photo for my reference material.  They send me the photo to view, and yes, they have the perfect photo.

The painting of Gavin started with such a photo.   For those of you who own dogs, we all know "the look" they give us at times.  It may be they are being invisible for whatever doggie reason they have, it may be they are pouting because we are leaving, it may be dozens of reasons for the look.   In the perfect photo, Gavin had his head up with a slight breeze blowing.  He was proud and doing what he wanted.  I would have loved to have known what he was thinking at the moment the photo was taken.

Gavin's owners wanted me to down play the white beginning to frost his aging muzzle.   Also, his coloring had lightened with age.  I used some photos of a young Gavin for his coat color.   In the background was a large tree.  It was agreed that the tree competed with Gavin as a focal point in the painting, so the tree was omitted.

I always love it when people share a little bit about their dogs.  Not everyone wants to do so.  Gavin's parents were comfortable talking about Gavin and here is what they shared:

      Windwood Celtic Flame Afield (Gavin) - BIS/BISS Ch Windrose Who’s On First? X Am/Can Ch Windwood Flambe’ O Redridge

Having owned many setters, both Gordon and Irish, Gavin has been a joy to live with for the past 12 1/2 years. He began a show career as a young dog earning 9 points and one major; however, his real life Dad deployed to Afghanistan and showing stopped for over a year and he never returned to the ring. For the past 12 plus years Gavin has excelled at being a companion and friend. He is an arrogant Irish Setter and he knows he is beautiful. In his opinion, the world revolves around him. Not only is Gavin beautiful and athletic, he is extremely intelligent. He demands your attention when he wants it (all of the time for the most part), but should you decide you want his attention he will become aloof and act as if he is the untouchable.

Each year it has been a tradition to take a yearly photograph for Christmas sharing. The photo submitted to Dawn was taken on our property in WV at the end of the fall season in 2017. Gavin is extremely photogenic and the secret to getting good shots of him is to take him out somewhere and to sit down and let him settle in, wait, and watch for his beautiful moments. He will not fail at producing elegant poses all on his own. As you take photos, he will hold his head high in the air enjoying the attention as he did in this photo and remind anyone watching - “I am handsome, and I know it. I am ALL Irish.”

Dawn has done a remarkable piece of an artwork for us that will be cherished for many years to come. We were lucky enough to see her work in progress with this piece at the Irish Setter National in Asheville, NC. It brought tears to my eyes when I first saw it as I noticed the accuracy in which she has captured every detail down to the fine texture of his hair on his face and head. Her work is stunning and we are grateful to her for this beautiful piece of art.

John and Rhonda Donohoe - Afield Setters, Milton, WV

Thank you to the Donohoes for having me paint Gavin.  I enjoyed every minute!  And a special thank you to John Donohoe for his service in protecting the great USA!