Jack of Hearts by Robin F. Gainey is out in paperback (Shimoni, the Jack Russell terrier on the cover is a cropped version of one of my paintings). Robin says "My novel, Jack of Hearts, is #5 on my publisher's Best Selling Paperback List after just one month!!!" (It's about the observations of a JRT in Italy who shares life with some not so valiant humans). Get it!
Bertie in Heaven- London, Englan
Bertie may no longer be in this physical form, but he's still very much with us. Two versions of Bertie.
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.
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!
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 havent been, and show you things you havent 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