The Unexpected

When I began this journey painting portraits of peoples pets I thought it would be a fun thing to do and a way to quite frankly make a little extra money. I never imagined that it would become something more meaningful - something that transcended the actual piece of art. I never imagined that beyond the feeling of satisfaction that comes from completing a creative project I would get something much more spiritual from the work. I never imagined that I would be helping people heal including myself.

In the Buddhist tradition one of the three universal characteristics of existence is that of impermanence. Things are perishable and ever changing. Seasons come and go. Tides ebb and flow. All living things die eventually. As a pet owner this is the sad truth we must face in exchange for the love and joy we are given by our animal companions. As a portrait artist I knew I would be called upon to paint some memorials of pets who had passed away. What I didn't consider is how the paintings I did while an animal was still alive would become a source of comfort and healing for owners who subsequently lost that pet. I also never considered how connected I would feel to both the owners and the pets by the time I finished a portrait and how meaningful it would be to me to know that my painting might help someone deal with the loss of their beloved animal. It's been such an unexpected blessing. 

There is an energy inherent in a painting. An artist does in a way breathe life into the paint and onto the canvas as she paints. Perhaps that is why the spirit and energy of a subjects life shines through the finished portrait and why it can be a comfort to see. Our own cat Shadow had a health scare late last year that resulted in multiple surgeries and the loss of his left eye. It was a tough time for us and him and I found my own comfort in the close-up painting I had done, ironically enough, of his eyes. When I look at it I am reminded of his full vibrance and it soothed me when I was feeling anxious about what he was going through. 

I am no classical master but I do work hard to create a portrait that I think truly captures the essence of the animal I am painting. I do work hard to give the owner a piece that touches their heart. My artwork doesn't hang in a museum. It hangs in someones family room over a couch, or in the hallway or in their den and in time, after the subject has passed away, I hope it will serve as a loving reminder of the loyal friend and treasured companion they once were.

Steely Dan Passed away in 2013

Solomon passed away in February 2014

Shadow is still with us but lost his eye in December 2013

A Year in the Life

So where does the time go? One minute I'm posting a blog about my latest project "The Eyes Have It" and the next minute it's a year later. Well I guess there's nothing I can say except - my bad. I've simply neglected this blog at the expense of my Facebook updates and life in general. So I'm here to tell you that moving forward I promise to do better and give you interesting, original content about my process and progress as I navigate my way through this painting thing. 

In the meantime here are a few pictures of some of my favorite projects from the past year.

The Eyes Have It - Calico

The Eyes Have It - Orange Tabby

The Eyes Have it - Black Shorthair

Rosko

Teddy

Cooney

The Eyes Have It

Each time I paint a portrait I find the most critical piece in capturing the essence of the animal lies in the eyes. Perhaps it's because we spend a lot of time looking into those eyes trying to understand a pets needs and thoughts that reproducing them accurately is key. That special unique sparkle in the eyes is what turns a generic corgi portrait into "your" corgi's portrait. If I get the eyes right, I know I'm 95% there.

So today I started the first piece of a pet portrait triptych that focuses on our own cats. You know that old adage, the cobblers children have no shoes? Well I thought it was time I captured our own kids in paint. And in this case, the eyes definitely have it.

Meet Mackie, our calico princess.

Back in the Saddle

Have you missed me?

I know I've missed you. Although I have not been painting portraits recently, I have been busy. After we took a vacation to California to celebrate my husband's birthday I took advantage of a lull in commissions to tackle a long overdue project - the renovation of my studio/office. It was the one room in the house that had not been touched since we moved in and believe me it needed some attention. So I emptied it out, stripped it down to the bare walls and floor and started over. Now I have a much less cluttered, multi-functional space and I'm ready to get cracking. I'm excited about some cool projects I'm about to begin and looking forward to filling up the pipeline with new commissions.  Believe it or not, it's only 6 months until the Holidays and not too soon to start commissioning a painting (or two) as gifts for your family and friends. My calendar fills up fast. Plus think how good it will feel to already have those gifts out of the way! I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon and sharing lots of new pieces as they progress!

First I painted a band of metallic paint so I can use magnets on the wall.

I used another product to create a chalkboard area before 

painting the final wall color - a lovely bright, buttery yellow.

Carpet tiles were an easy way to cover the floor as well as practical.

(If I make a mess I only have to replace the bad tiles.)

New blinds will help to reduce glare at certain times of the day.

I really like the industrial look of this shelving unit.

 It gives me a great place now to store all my canvases and other supplies.

Several work stations make this space really multifunctional.

Locked and loaded and ready for my next commission.

Will it be yours?

Iris heads Home

OK, Wow - this year is flying by. We are already well into April and I have been busy doing a lot of things non-painting related. But I did finish the portrait of Iris and have sent her on her way home to her Mom and Dad. I can't wait until they get to see it in person. 

Finishing Iris

Above is a picture about halfway through the process. After roughing in the color I go back in and start adding detail. You can see here that her snout and chest are starting to look fluffy.

I keep reference photos on my IPad. This has been a great tool because I can easily zoom in to see details.

And here's the finished painting - all it needs is my signature and a coat of varnish. I love the way this one came out. She looks like she is stepping right out of the canvas!

Meet Iris

This is Iris. She is my latest commission and so adorable I can hardly stand it!

I began her portrait as I always do, with a basic sketch.

And this is how the portrait looks now after a first pass at adding color. Tomorrow I will begin filling in the details so please check back again soon to see the progress!