Ricky in Oil

This is Ricky. I'd painted him years ago in pastel. He is 18 years old now which is amazing. When I'd painted him back in 2003, we'd taken "rolls" of photos of him. That was back when we didn't use digital cameras like we do now, or at least I didn't!!

There was this photo taken of Ricky standing at the top of the steps. His front legs are very bowed. For his 2003 portrait (http://www.dawnsecord.com/Terrier.html) we wanted a more formal look. We had posed him in a leather chair and the painting came out great.

For this oil painting, which will be hanging in his owners veterinary clinic, they wanted a more whimsical painting. The photo of him standing at the top of the stairs was perfect to use as reference material. To complete the painting, we put his actual paw prints on the painting. So, yes, those paw prints at the bottom of the painting are directly from Ricky. The painting is 4 feet x 3 feet.

Harry Francis

This is Harry Francis. He is no longer with us. For his portrait, a number of snap shot photos were mailed to me. It is always so hard to look at photos of a cherished pet and see memories that were shared with the family and other pets. When looking at the photos, one just jumped out at me. Harry was sitting next to another dog. He had his nose tilted up in the air the way the Irish Setter can do. The photo was small - but the emotion it provoked was huge.

Discussing the photos with his family, we all agreed this photo would be my primary reference material. When asking about the background, there was no preference. So, I started the painting and while looking at it, it was so crystal clear. Lets do the background just as it was in the photo. In the photo was a heavily wooded area. One could easily imagine a setter or two romping joyfully through the woods. I had been given the artistic freedom to choose the background. When I told Harry's family of the decision they were tickled. Turns out the woods were Harry's kingdom and his servants, the squirrels were kept strictly in line by his constant surveillance. I can only smile knowing now that Harry loved to be in that wooded area. It all turns out doesn't it. Thank you to his family for choosing me to paint this wonderful boy.

Irish Setter Pup

This is an example of a mini painting. The painting measures approximately 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" unframed. The model for this painting is our dog, Faith. Faith has this favorite toy that is really a giraffe.

For the painting, I simplified the toy and added some stitching that is not actually visible on the toy to make the toy more old fashioned looking. The little giraffe toy is now about 18 months old and weathered - but still her favorite!

The painting is for sale. Hope you enjoy it. It is titled, "Mine".

Pilgrim and Merica

The two dogs in this painting, Pilgrim and Merica, are father and daughter. They were resting in the house and looking at each other. Their owner had a camera near by and caught the special moment.

When it came time to paint them, I "moved" them outside. The background in the reference photo was dark and not really material for a painting. The dogs live in the South so we thought having them laying in a field of flowers was more appropriate. Fortunately, I have some reference photos from the geographical area they live.

The painting came together nicely and the owner of the dogs was very happy with the final result.

New Greeting Card "Treasured Moment'

This is my new greeting card. It is titled, "Treasured Moment". The layout was just finished and cards should be shipped to me sometime towards the end of the week.

The cards come 8 to a pack, are blank inside and include 8 envelopes. Pre-orders are welcome. Cards will be shipped out as soon as they are received from the printer. Packages of 8 are $14.00 plus shipping and tax for California residents. As a bonus, any cards purchased between now and March 1st will be eligible to win one extra pack of cards. A random drawing will be conducted 3/2/2012.

Go to my website at http://www.dawnsecord.com/greetingcards.html and click on the greeting card button or prints and stationary.

Have a great day!

Drew's puppies

Here is a picture I received of Drew's ( AM & Int'l CH Willowbrook Artists Rendition) first litter of pups. They are eight weeks old in this photo when the had their first visit with Santa.

Doberman Pastel Painting

This painting is 17" x 27" and features Kayla - a new champion. Kayla's owners have each of their Doberman's painting when the dogs finish their American Kennel Club (AKC) Championship. As a fun addition to the painting, an AKC ribbon is placed in the painting along with the dog.

I had met Kayla's owners at a dog show where she was not present. Traveling to Northern California allowed me to meet up with the owners and Kayla and be able to photograph Kayla in person. She was an awesome model and I obtained some wonderful reference material from our photo shoot.

The ribbon is a ribbon one of my dogs had won. So, I had a real life ribbon to paint from - an added plus.

Thank you to Kayla's owners for choosing me to paint their beautiful girl!

Merry Christmas from Jewel

This is our girl Jewel. She will be 13 years old next month. Jewel has been my model in so many paintings since she was a pup.

To say I love this dog is an understatement.

Large Oil Painting in Process

I've been working on this painting all year - a little bit at a time. It is still not done. There are a few little things that I'd like to adjust. The sides need to be painted and finally, when dry, it should be varnished. Between commissions I'll take a few hours here or there and work on this painting. It has been a fun progress.

My first oil painting commission was to my high school principal. It is fun to take a little time and do something for our house. I hope to have it done by the time of the 2012 National and bring it with me.

Camping at Laguna Beach

We decided to take out dogs and go to the beach for a few days. I took a few paintings with me that are works in progress. It has been so nice and quiet to work down here. tonight we had an absolutely gorgeous sunset. We took a walk down to the beach on Friday and found there was a pod of Dolphin about ten feet off shore. Some other beach goers said they were mating. It was very interesting to watch. They kept a very leisurely pace and going in large circles. Not sure what they were doing, but it was a fabulous opportunity to see them so up and close. We had a great time at the beach, was able to paint very long hours without the usual distractions, had fun with the dogs, and wished we could have spent more time there!

Drew's 1st JH Leg

Drew earned his first leg towards his Junior Hunter title today. My husband, Rich, has been working with Drew.

It was the first time out for both the boys. Drew had a wonderful score and some very complimentary words from the judge on his hunting ability. Good job Rich!!

There are a few more pictures from today on our website at http://www.irishsetter.me click on Drew's page.

Bull Mastiff Pastel Painting

I just finished this mini painting of a Bull Mastiff. The owners did not have any great photos of the dog - so I pulled my cell phone out and took a photo with my cell phone. The delay on the phone camera is so long that the photo came out a tad blurry due to the dog moving. The painting image (not including the frame) measures 5" x 7".

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

Black Dog Oil Painting Finished

The Black Dog oil painting is finished! It has been drying for a number of weeks and then varnished which required additional drying time.

As I write this the painting is being shipped cross country to the corporate collector. Can't wait to hear their response when the painting is received.

The painting measures two feet by three feet. Love doing the larger than life oil paintings. Check back - a larger than life oil painting of an Irish Setter is drying and waiting to be varnished. Will post photos soon.

Black Dog Oil Painting in Process

The painting is coming along nicely. If you'll scroll down through my posts you will be able to see more photos of this painting in process.

Irish Setter - A painting of Sully

This painting is of a dog named Sully. He was a gorgeous dog and had a wonderful personality. I had the pleasure of being in the show ring with him many times as I showed my Irish Setter, Jewel, at the time he was being shown.

Sully is no longer with us - but he will be in our hearts and memories forever.