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!

Bling shows her zoom session setup

Bling is offering a free zoom session for teachers or homeschooling groups who have purchased her picture book, No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here.

The picture book may be purchased on Bling's website at ADogBling.com   .   If you are in the Texas, a list of stores carrying Bling's book are on the "store" page ...  ADogBling.com/Store/

Thank you for your interest in Bling's first picture book.   Wags and hugs, Bling and Dawn

Painting of Charlie - German Shepherd Dog

 This painting was recently completed of a beautiful German Shepherd Dog named Charlie.   He was a very special family member.   

When I am asked to paint a dog painting for a family, it is a special request.  For someone to commission me to paint their dog, there is no question if the dog is a family member or not.   

Growing up, we had a German Shepherd that looked very similar to Charlie.  A few years later, as a young teenager, our family rescued a German Shepherd / Lab mix.   That dog would later intervene and stop a charging bull from hurting me.   Dogs are such an important part of our lives.   German Shepherds are such wonderful family dogs.   Painting their thick coats is always a fun endeavor.   The black and tan colors of the breed are such a compliment to the eye.   Photographs never do paintings justice - for any artist.  I've placed some fun blue and purple shadows and highlights in this painting.  They are intermixed in Charlie's coat and are mostly undetected in this photograph.   Nothing takes the place of viewing art in person.   Don't underestimate going to an art exhibit or museum to view art.   What  you will see in person is so much more than what photographs of that art will show you.

Being able to be a full time artist is such a blessing.   A big thank you to John and Lana for having this painting of Charlie created by me.  It was an honor to paint him.   I can't wait for you to see the painting in person.

Charlie's reference photo:

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:

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.

River - a rescue Chihuahua

 This is a painting of River.   She is a Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix and is a rescue dog.  She was abandoned in an area not safe for such a small dog.   I'd venture to say, she was abandoned in an area that would be devastating for such a small dog.  However, things were going to turn for the better for this little girl.

A group of friends had met at the river for a day of fun.  They spotted the small dog - frightened and malnourished.   Being animal lovers, these friends just couldn't leave the little dog there.   The little girl went home with one of them and never left.  She was named "River" appropriately.   She has a loving family and a great home.   She is loved and safe with a full tummy.

Thank you to her owner for having me paint your special girl.   Your kindness and loving for dogs warms the hearts of dog lovers.

Above is the collage of photos that were considerations for River's painting.  The bottom left was chosen as the primary reference photo.  The owner wanted her ear set a little higher so I used the ears from the upper right photo and the coloring from the upper left photo.   This is a great example of how multiple photos help me to create a commissioned painting.

Moose - a Chocolate Lab

This painting was recently finished. The dog in the painting was named Moose. He was gone before his time due to a medical condition. His owners live locally and were able to view the painting in person. The photo chosen for the reference photo is one where Moose had his paws connected with his owner's hand. Moose's gaze in the painting shows the love between the two.

Painting him definitely was emotional. Seeing the photo of Moose looking at his owner was magical. I hope the painting warms Jenny and David's hearts when they look at the painting and see their boy. Thank you for having me paint him for you!

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:

A painting of Stevie - PBGV - Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Here is a painting of Stevie.  She is a PBGV - Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 

Here is a little background Stevie's owner shared with me...I got “Stevie” from a breeder  (“Lilly - her previous name” at the time, was 18 Months Old).  I lost my last Heart Dog on December 28^th, 2013 and swore NO more Dogs!!!  (no more heartbreak)  Well, less than 2 Months Later, (Feb. 26^th 2014) Stevie became my Forever Dog and the rest is History.  It was Love at First Sight and DEFINITELY a sign from Rainbow Bridge that was telling me, my previous PBGV didn’t want Mom to be lonely.  Stevie and I walk for about 5 miles every day and anyone and everyone that sees her, stops to ask me what kind of Dog she is.  She captures the hearts of everyone and LOVES both people and other dogs.  Her outgoing personality and her zest for life, keep me going and I can’t wait to open my eyes every morning to see her face.  She makes me smile, laugh and kisses my tears away when I’m sad.  She LOVES to chase squirrels, rabbits and anything else that’s small, furry and moves.  She has such an AMAZING temperament and the tail wags CONSTANTLY!  Her eyes sparkle and she has brought so much Sunshine and Love in to my Life and I’m Blessed to be lucky enough to be her “Forever Mom”.  One other thing is that she realizes how poor my Vision is and actually leads me through trails, paths etc. to find our way home.  I LOVE, LOVE LOVE what you’ve created!

Here are the reference photos used to create Stevie's painting.   Thank yo to Diane for having me paint your beautiful girl!

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.