Looking back at 2018!

Well it is the last day of 2018, it sure went by quickly. Looking back on the year I have definitely grown as an artist and learned a lot. I wanted to visually break down what I have done this year and since I started working on pet portraits. Here are the numbers:

1775 Total Paintings

1203 Dogs

502 Cats

20 Birds (16 Parrots/Budgies, 2 Pigeons, 1 Finch, 1 Hummingbird, 1 Chicken)

15 Guinea Pigs

12 Rabbits

4 Iguanas/Lizards

3 Pigs

3 Horses

2 Hamsters

2 Rats/Mice

2 Ferrets

1 Hedgehog

1 Turtle

1 Snake

1 Fish

1 Donkey

1 Chinchilla

This doesn’t include any of the commissions or other projects I did this year, such as all the dogs for the card deck. Cool and crazy to think about!

Have a Happy New Year!

Painting of The Corgis

I needed a piece to fill a local show, so I painted my own corgis! Here is a video of the painting process!

Painting of Smokie

Here is another painting I forgot to post back when I painted him! Another cutie! Smokie was a fun one because the background was included!

Painting of Ralphie

I forgot to post about this guy back when I painted him! It is always fun to paint older pets, so much white sprinkled in with the gold. Painting text was a new challenge in this one, I definitely don’t feel that it is my strong suit, but hey I tried and it’s on fabric so it is a bit more forgiving.

One thing I love to do is ask about the pet I am painting and learning about the quriks special to them. I love it when long descriptions like this are sent!

“Ralphie is a very social gold retriever who grew up on a lake.  When he was young he would roam the neighborhood looking for new friends.  If he found a party sometimes he wouldn't come home until the next day!  Although he does like other dogs, we like to joke he likes dog people more.  He also loves going to stone's throw brewing to get pets and beg for treats from the food trucks.  My parents bring him there every Friday.  They like to joke that he has to make it to his shift as a greeter. They even made him a bandana. He is very well known there.  Sometimes if we take him on a walk somewhere complete strangers will recognize him!  

Ralphie loves food.  I don't think he really cares what though.  He has even gotten in trouble for eating the neighbors cabbage out of her garden.  He loves everything from hotdogs to brussel sprouts.  His favorite toy is a stuffed California quail that  makes an authentic bird call.  He also likes to carry around shoes but never chews them.  We have  tried to get him other ones but  he hasn't liked them. One thing Ralphie does not do however is retrieve.”

That face!

September 6x6 Pet Portraits

Here are all of the 6x6 pet portraits from September. 

Thoughts on Pet Painting

So I have been painting pets for over a year now, each week I get a new batch of pets and commissions to work on. Cats, dogs, birds, turtles, you name it, I have probably painted it. You think this could get old, but no, I can honestly say that I still LOVE IT! Every week it is really exciting to get a new group of pets to paint!

Between working on commissions and other paintings, guess what, I still paint pets! Currently working on creating a collection of breeds of both cats and dogs. It is really rewarding to create and capture their personalities. I think it is because each one is different, each pet and breed has their own quirks that really add to the painting and the painting experience.

I can get tired, some days I find myself spacing out and really having to motivate myself to get up and paint. However, knowing I get a new bunch of paintings to do each week really works out for the best. It really keeps things interesting. Same whenever I get a new commission I get super excited when it is time for the photos!

Anyway, after a year, I still love painting pets! So send ‘em my way!

Hamster!

Bit busy this week! So have a look at this painting of a hamster I did!

Order your pet painting for Christmas!

The holiday shopping season is steadily creeping up on us! A gift of custom artwork is one that can't be beat, it is a very personal way to show someone that you care about them! I will work with you to create something that you and those you are gifting to will love for a very long time. 

PET PORTRAITS

I will be open to accepting inquiries until the end of the November for pet portraits that can be delivered before Christmas. This date may change depending on how many portraits I get to do between now and then. So be sure to check back in with me! (Also if you happen to want a huge painting I may not be able to guarantee completion before Christmas.) Start your order here. 

GIFT CERTIFICATES

If you are interested in a custom painting and it is too late to order it, or don't have access to photos, my gift certificates are another option. They allow the recipient to take part in the fun creation process, such as picking out what photo they want or background color. Gift certificates can be found here!  *Gift certificate orders must be placed no later than December 19th for Christmas delivery. Gift certificates redeemed between Dec. 1st - 25th don't guarantee a delivery by Dec. 25th.*

 NEW PRODUCTS

Coming sooon I will be adding some breed specific products to order on my website, such as tote bags, pillowcases and more. Check back at the end of October to see these products!

August 6x6 Pet Portraits

Here are all of the 6x6 pet portraits from August. 

Painting of Jiggy

Jiggy was a fun painting! Her reference photo was a bit challenging due to having a very light colored towel over her back that had to be replaced. Overall she was a pleasure to paint.