Invitation to Working Artists Program by Chroma Paint as Dog Artist- Seattle, WA

I was contacted by Chroma Paint, an Australian based acrylic paint manufacturer specializing in quick drying paints that can be reactivated and reworked, even after the paint is dry.Chroma makes Atelier Interactive Paint, and has offered to send me 12 complimentary tubes of my choice of colors to try, as well as the Unlocking Formula and some glazing mediums. In return, I will send them samples of work created with their paint and give them feedback on how I like working with the paint. Nice! Chroma has developed an "Unlocking Formula" which can be sprayed on the dry paint to reactivate it for reworking. I am especially interested to see if these paints and mediums will resolve a problem I've had for years- mixed paint drying out on the palette. The dried out edges of palette paint end up leaving tiny bits of dried paint on the canvas, which then become small bumps- not a texture I would like to have on the canvas.

Dog Painting Interview Appointment for Custom Pet Portrait (of five dogs!)- Seattle, WA

Recently I had an appointment for a dog painting, of five dogs!, (though one is missing in this photo.) I started the painting, which is thus far about not just the dogs but the entire setting of a house on acreage. I kept feeling at the appointment that this painting should be more than a portrait of dogs, but a portrait of a life with dogs. Look for the painting to appear on the blog as it gets closer to completion!Here you see how much the dogs loved me! ...or was it the treats?

Custom Paintings of Dogs on Exhibit at Mioposto Cafe- Seattle, WA

I was invited by the GM of Mioposto Cafe in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle to show some paintings of dogs. I keep about a dozen paintings in my own personal collection that I have done over the years, specifically for showing now at then at various venues. I'm also attached to some of them, and purely don't want to let them go. Therefore, this show is exhibit only, though I certainly encourage any visitors to the show to commission a portrait of their very own dog, and themselves!

Typical Appointment for Custom Dog Painting- Seattle, WA

When possible, I interview the person and it's owner (the dog) so that I may sketch and photograph the subjects, and learn more about the personalities of the dogs. I also learn more about what the person wants in the painting. These are photos of a somewhat typical dog appointment- I say somewhat because the subject, a very curious Jack Russell Terrier, was more involved in the interview than my usual subjects.

Dog Art Business Card from 2004- Seattle, WA

My business card from circa 2004. This poem was written for me by friend Ron Henry, specifically for the back of the card. The painting is of Rudy, beloved companion of dog photographer, Bev Sparks. Bev wrote to me recently about the painting- "we still love our Rudy treasure." And Rudy was a treasure, for sure.

Tribute to Bunker and Luna- Pit Bull Art

A few days ago I received an email from a client from telling me that his dogs had passed. "Mr. Brown- Bunker, had enough this March. He went on his own terms: woke me up for his regular walk around 6ish, did his business, made it most of the way around the block, then just lay down and left this world. He was a good dog... Luna passed last year- it was much harder for me, but I think painless for her. She lost her sight pretty quickly, most likely from a tumor behind her eye, but still had some spunk. Slowly, over the next 6-8 months she became less & less involved with the world around her, wasn't really eating much, didn't care about getting out of bed or going for a walk, starting having trouble sleeping, etc. Eventually I had to make the decision to bring her to the vet for the shot- it was very challenging, and I'm sure I waited longer than I should have. I truly appreciate being able to see B & L when they were happy every time I see your painting." Aaron

This news always gets me. I had to stop what I was doing and sit for a bit. I feel like the dogs I've painted are MY dogs. My Bunker, my Luna, have moved on. And even though I haven't seen Bunker or Luna since 2005, I miss them, and I mourn their passing. Yes, Bunker and Luna were both very good dogs. I'm so glad I met you, Bunker and Luna, and was able to paint you. Rest in peace, my dogs.

Rescued Beagles as Fine Art Dog Paintings

I often donate prints to animal welfare groups. These Beagle prints are going to a fundraiser for Southern Nevada Beagle Rescue Foundation. Beagles are compliant and unaggressive by nature, which makes them sweethearts but also primary subjects for laboratory experiments. It is heartbreaking to know this, but heartening to also know that SNBR and other groups are working hard to help alleviate the suffering of animals.