A Pug Named Lily Commissioned Dog Portrait

Lily

Commissioned Pastel Portrait

8 x 10

Some faces are just irresistible.  I have done several pug portraits and, while they are individuals with their own special characteristics, they all seem to have this same soulful expression that makes you want to pick them up and cuddle them.  I love everything about her, especially her name.  Doesn't she look just like a "Lily?"  This portrait was commissioned by a special lady who had both her grandpuppies' portraits done for Christmas.  The other is the Yorkshire Terrier which appears in a previous post.  We also have grandpuppies.  Even though they live very far away, we enjoy lots of photos and this year even received a calendar filled with their pictures, What fun!

Painting portraits of different breeds and mixes of dogs is a great way for me to get to know them. Their eyes speak volumes to me and they teach me a lot, not only about dogs but about life and love.  They seem to know things intuitively that would take us several lifetimes to learn. They are a tremendous source of love and affection, they teach you trust and forgiveness and they make you laugh, even when there is little to laugh about.  Of course, I would love to have one of each breed, but for me this is the next best thing.

I hope your new year is filled with love and laughter - and if there is not enough of that in your life,  find yourself a canine friend.   If you can't adopt one yourself right now, make friends with a grandpuppy or a  friend's dog.  Your life will take on new meaning.   I know mine has.

Christmas Gold

Glamor Blaze

Hunter Blaze

These two pastel portraits were commissioned as early Christmas presents.  

Three Dogs of Christmas

Brown

Thought I would share with you some of the things that have been keeping me busy the past few weeks.  This handsome fellow is named Brown.  His family celebrated Christmas early this year so I am able to share this portrait now.  I fell in love with this guy while doing the painting.  He looks like a sweet, gentle soul and I love his expression.

The reason for the early celebration is a young man who belongs to this pretty lady. Her name is Blaze. She has two portraits, this first one  I call "Hunter Blaze," because the picture came from a photo of her on a hunting trip with her young man.  He is currently serving our country in the military and was able to come home for Christmas in November.  Isn't that great?  I once heard the Golden Retriever described as a dog who thinks that  "Every day is a party and that he/she is the guest of honor." Don't you just love Golden Retrievers?  So full of life and spirit - and they just ooze joy. 

Hunter Blaze

The second portrait of Blaze shows her other side,  the feminine, flirty girl, the one who likes to chase tennis balls and tug on toys.  I call this painting "Glamor Blaze,"  because it looks like one of those celebrity photos or "glamor shots" that were popular a few years ago.  She seems to be saying, "Aren't I just the prettiest girl you ever saw?"

Glamor Blaze

It is now by my count twelve days until Christmas and I have lots left to do.  So many dogs, so little time.  When the portraits are finished, I still have shopping and wrapping to do, trees to decorate and a pie or two to bake. Love this time of year,  it is always touch and go, but somehow I do get it all done. I hope...

Sheltie, Shih Tzu and Schnauzer

Shetland Sheepdog

"Gentle Guardian"

Pastel, 9 x 11 

Shelties are among the sweetest, most empathetic of dogs.   Perhaps it is their herding instinct that also makes them highly intuitive, I don't know for sure, but they sense when someone is hurting and needs comforting, they are protective and very tender toward children. At least that is true of those whom I have met.  Most herding dogs may have similar traits.  I know that our dog Barnabas,  a Border Collie mix,  though a "wild child" in many ways absolutely loves children and seems to be able to read my mind.

At Christmas time, I am always busy with commissioned work - portraits of both humans and animals.  Here are a couple of doggie portraits I did for the holidays.  A cute little Shih tzu and a handsome Schnauzer.  I love doing portraits of people's pets,  it is heartwarming to see how much they are loved and give love in return.   Even after they are gone, the love goes on forever...

Have a great day and don't forget to hug your pet.   If you don't have one, hug the  pet of some kind soul who doesn't mind sharing the love.

Shih Tzu 

Schnauzer

God and Dog

I read this wonderful book by Wendy Fransisco, wife of singer-songwriter Don Fransisco, and wondered how I was going to share it in a blog. Then I discovered that before it was a book, it had been a video on U-Tube. So, enjoy!

By the way, I also see God's imprint on cats, horses, birds, bunnies, and wildlife, but so far I haven't seen a book or video like this about any of them. When I do, you will see it here. 

Thanks to my two buddies,  and to all the dogs who have loved me unconditionally, as well as those that I have painted that loved their people just as much.

Button, our toy poodle who loves to pose for pictures.

Barnabas, our shelter Golden Border Collie, who has never liked my camera. Is that dog sticking his tongue out at me?

Have a great day and don't forget to hug your furry friend.