Prodi

 

oil on panel, 10" x 10"

This is a portrait of my friend Ron's beloved border collie, who passed away in December not long after my own Lola died.  Prodi was Ron's first border collie, to be followed by many more.  He loves the breed.  Prodi was special, though.  He had a fondness for fish and befriended a yellow one in Ron's koi pond named Smokey.  I've painted Smokey before and suggested him here but this painting is all about Ron's beautiful boy.

Here's Lookin' at You

 

oil on panel, 12" x 12"

Here's another painting of my little angel Lola, who passed away in early December last year.  I'm building up a series on her.  What an amazing little being she was.

A New Leash on Life

 

oil on panel, 12" x 12"

This painting of Lola and her leash (her only leash, 17 1/2 years strong) was done alla prima, and things were going swimmingly until I noticed all these vertical scratch-like marks all over the panel.  To my shagrin, the thing had delaminated on me, the second time this has happened.  WTF!  Arghhh!  I signed it anyway.  I may do a bit of detail work yet on it, but overall, I'm happy with it.  I've chosen to regard those vertical marks as part of its charm.

You're Kidding, Right?

oil on panel, 8" x 10"

At the risk of anthropomorphizing my dog, here's a painting of her I did from a photo that seemed to capture her almost human-like stare.  Even though it came together very quickly, I may tweak this one with some details in the near future.  I love her little mouth in this one and the stray hairs over her right eye.

Not Buyin' It

oil on canvas paper, 9" x 12"

Sold

This study of my little dog Lola was done from a photo I took a few years ago.  That sidelong glance of hers has always amused me and I wanted to capture the spirit of that skeptical look.

Green Dog

oil on aluminum panel, 12" x 12"

Just playing with color here, and abstract shapes.  Somehow, a dog insisted on making an appearance.  There you go!

Tucker

 

acrylic on panel, 10" x 10"

This is a portrait of my former housemate Christine's beautiful little Westie, Tucker, who passed away earlier this year.  He was a real looker, and a great partner in crime to my little dog Lola.  They were so much fun to watch together, and became the closest of friends and thick as thieves as they plotted their shenanigans in tandem.  He is sorely missed.  RIP, sweetheart!

Sting Me!

oil on panel, 18" x 18"

This is the first in what I hope will be a series of paintings of my little dog Lola.  She is an extraordinary zen-like being and it's been difficult to capture her special essence with a camera, much less a paint brush, but I feel satisfied with this one.  She came through for me very early on in the process, and so I've left her face untouched in places from the first go round.  

Lucky Lola

oil on canvasboard, 9" x 12"

I painted this portrait of my little dog the other day while she was getting her teeth cleaned at the vet. I find her to be extremely challenging as a subject due to all the different colors in her hair, not to mention the elusive but powerful look of love that emanates from her eyes.  She is my constant companion and I was relieved and happy to learn that her teeth are in excellent shape at 10 years of age.  Lucky girl!

Finn

oil on cradled panel, 6" x 8"

This is a portrait of my brother's little mini-dachshund, Finn, another palette knife painting.  I used a brush only for the highlight on his eye.  The reference for this commission was a photo my brother had taken, and so I felt obliged to be faithful to it.  If I had used a photo that I had taken and that my brother had not seen, I would have felt much freer in my interpretation.  I typically shy away from commissions, but  I love my brother and so I was happy to do as he wished.

Conversation at the Confluence

oil on linen mounted on board, 12" x 16"

This painting was done from a photo I had taken of my friends Ron and Marilyn with their dog Dot at the confluence of the Eel and Black Butte rivers in Northern California.  The rocks in shadow on the far bank were actually lighter than the sand mound in the foreground.  The time was that golden hour of a summer day, around 7:00 pm, and I loved the warm and varied colors lit by the setting sun.

Faye with Plum Trees and Foot Bridge

iPad painting, 10" x 14"

This is a sketch of the side yard by the main house at the Covelo Ranch, with the slough in the mid ground, and Faye is one of the three very lucky Border Collies who get to call this home. 

Sleeping Lola

oil on canvas, 9" x 12"

I painted this tribute to Lola yesterday while my little angel was having dental surgery.  She is the most adorable little dog, my constant companion, and in fact a spiritual guide.  She teaches me to be in the moment and her effusive love towards strangers speaks to how we all would be in an ideal world.

Slurp!

oil on hardboard panel, 6" x 6"

Just for fun, this.

Bouncie and Rose at RCA Beach

acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10"

A portrait of Rose and her extraordinary Katrina rescue dog Bouncie, who passed away in 2014.  I took the photo of this in too-dim light, so the image is not very good.  Will try to get a better one and update it soon.

Lola in the Wind

iPad painting, 10" x 14"

Weimaraner

acrylic on hardboard panel, 12" x 12"

This was a quick sketch using a photo of a painting I found online of this dog.  I loved the perspective and, using the same limited palette I've been working with lately, bashed in the shapes over a dull orange ground, leaving bits of it poking through on the neck, mouth, and in the eyes.  I used a cool, pale blue wash for the background, which gave it a pink glow.  I quite like the effect.