Day 22 of the 28 in 28 - Emmy

 In between creating my own whimsical artwork I usually have a commission or 2 somewhere in progress.  This one, of the patron's late, beloved black lab, was just finished and delivered over the weekend.  Painting special and sometimes commemorative animal portraits is one of the best parts of my job.  I love being able to capture a pet's unique quirks and beauty and I am honored to create a painting that will be cherished for the feelings and memories it keeps alive.  This is Emmy. ♥

Her mom contacted me in early January asking if I could paint her lab who had just passed away as a present for her husband, who was missing her fiercely.  We worked together to find just the right pose and composition. When she saw the finished painting over the weekend, it brought tears to her eyes.. she told me that this was the best present she had gotten in her entire life.  And that was the gift to me, to know that I could help to ease a broken heart, even just a little.. ♥ ♥ ♥

"Emmy", 8"x8", oil on cradled panel
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Day 12 - Labrador on Holiday

 I often create and work on series of paintings.  Themes that, to me, are worth exploring beyond just one painting. Because I largely work on smaller surfaces, it is easy and pleasurable for me to paint an idea in many different incarnations.  This painting is part of the Labrador series that I just realized I am exploring.. Sometimes I don't realize things until I'm hip deep... :)

I grew up having the pleasure of knowing and living with several black labs or black lab mixes... Joe, Nick, Ollie, Ben, Belle and Chet... They were all loving, caring, beautiful dogs (Chet still is..) and each had such personality.  My son came up with the title for this painting and I love it.. He said that his hat makes it look like he should be out vacationing, perhaps on a yacht or sailboat... :)  I think dogs deserve a holiday just as much as we people do.. ♥ My current canine companion is named Ember and while we aren't sure what breeds she has in her (she's a rescue melting pot of a dog), I know in my heart there is some Labrador in there..  Her heart is too big to not have a bit of this breed in her. <3

Labrador on Holiday, oil, 7"x7", to purchase click here

Labradors and Turtle Doves

Tis the season for Peace, Love and Labradors... <3 :) Since Labs conveniently come in 3 main colors, it was an easy decision to make a triptych, or more accurately, a series of 3 of Labs and Turtle doves.. A yellow lab, black lab and a chocolate lab. Equally easy is painting these fellas as they are so happy and cute, it makes every brush stroke pure joy to paint. :)

Yellow Lab & Turtle Dove, on hold

Black Lab & Turtle Dove, on hold

Chocolate Lab coming soon!