Robin Gainey

Dog Art Portraits and the People They Own- Seattle, WA

I have been working on double portraits lately, in this case, a quadruple portrait of Jack Russell Terriers Axel (on the chair) and Dash, cat friend Eva, and the human in the mix, Robin Gainey. The timing of finishing this portrait worked out quite nicely with the show at Robin's book release party (post below), where the painting was displayed along with other dog paintings. When I was interviewing Robin and the cast of characters for the painting at the home appointment (and photographing and sketching the crew), I asked Robin why Jack Russells were her dog of choice. The immediate response was, "For entertainment!"

Dash certainly provided it during the interview. He was everywhere, but mostly in a position of questioning everything that was going on with a direct and inquiring in-your-face gaze, like a really smart 7 year old who can't stop interrupting. His preferred location was the top of the chair, while Eva the cat kept some distance, and Axel the Elder patiently observed the scene.

Book Release Party and Dog Art Show- Seattle, WA July 2012

Photos from the book release party for Robin Gainey, author of "Jack of Hearts". I attended the party because a painting that Robin commissioned from me 8 years ago is on the cover. The painting of Shimoni was a gift for a friend of Robin's who lives in Italy. Two years after Robin commissioned the portrait, she finished writing the story who's main character is a Jack Russell named Shimoni. Here is Robin's Seattle celebration of the release of the book and an art show of some my paintings of dogs with their humans. In the last photo on the far right is a portrait of Robin and her two Jack Russells, Dash and Axel, and cat, Eva. Preparing for the Dog Art Show.

 

 

And what a Party!

 

A Jack Russell Terrier is the Hero in a New Book, Cover Image is Dog Art!

"Jack of Hearts", a new book where the hero is a Jack Russell Terrier, has been released as an eBook. It was written by my friend, Robin Gainey, and I believe you might be interested in making this a summer read. The novel is a dog's point of view of infidelity. The story is about Shimoni, a well-to-do canine who discovers his master has strayed. Determined not to lose half of everything in a messy divorce, Shimoni does his best to get his people to reconcile. The book is set in Rome and the Tuscan countryside. My painting of the real Shimoni sports the cover!

Book about a Jack Russell Terrier

Some pre-publication reviews: “A wonderful, funny and touching novel. Shimoni is not simply a dog, he is our guide; he is our friend. Stay by his side, stay with his heart, and he will take you places you haven’t been, and show you things you haven’t seen: after reading Jack Of Hearts you will understand the true depths of love and devotion.”  –Garth Stein, "The Art Of Racing In The Rain"

“This novel has freshness, originality and a huge heart of gold. Shimoni is one of the most unforgettable narrators I’'ve ever read, and does he have a story to tell! I loved everything about this book.”  –Susan Wiggs, NY Times Best-Selling Romance Novelist, "Just Breathe"

The book trailer: http://tinyurl.com/6wvu83w

Go here to buy a copy, or visit the website of your favorite bookstore or Amazon for Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/7mb7l4m