Friends, 30x24, oil

I am particularly partial to labrador retrievers, as my canine companion is a much loved chocolate lab.  These three are ready to hunt, just waiting for the command to 'retrieve' their quarry.  Anyone who has hunted with a well trained dog appreciates the excitement and joy that the dog brings to the job...it is really beautiful to watch!  My dog hunts nothing more than the newspaper and she is always so thrilled with her accomplishment!!!!!...and so am I, bless her heart!  30x24x2.5 gallery canvas

Playtime, 14x18, oil

Watching the retrievers at the dog park almost allows me to forget how hot it is in Texas this summer.  This one would chase this ball until your arm fell off from throwing it.  The sun was throwing nice reflections in the dark water.  Oil on gallery canvas, 14x18x1.5

Naptime, 14x18, oil

Dogs have a way of flopping down and making themselves totally comfortable...that deep, shoulder slumping sigh before they fall fast asleep always makes me jealous of their pure contentment.  That is what I am trying to capture in this snoozing canine.

Retrieving Dilemma, 18x24

Still painting the retriever, and she has a real dilemma here. Should she keep the wonderful stick, or drop it for that great lime green tennis ball? Tough choice. This particular dog will try to put both in her mouth and will likely succeed. She has a great heart. I hope I have captured just a hint of the brief moment of her indecision. SOLD

Augusta and John, 20x24

If you have ever been blessed by a retrieving canine in your life, then this is a familiar and happy scene. This golden will swim thru the waves for her tennis ball for hours and hours and hours. Her 'person' (my dear friend, John G) waits on the beach to throw the ball yet again. I was trying to paint this from the dog's vantage point...had to borrow the neighbor's retriever for photos, as my own beloved labrador didn't get the memo that she hails from a long lineage of water loving champion retrievers. (She hates water and wouldn't even be tempted if I threw a steak out there!) Dogs are a favorite painting subject for me...it is possible that I like them better than many people, at least I understand them better.

(Sold): Addendum 1-11-11: This painting was commissioned by John's wife, Jane, as a surprise gift for him. It is especially poignant now, as we have all recently learned that Augusta (the retreiver subject of this painting is ill and may not be with us much longer, so we are all really sad about this. Augusta and John have one of those very special relationships.)

Play Ball, 30x40

I totally love dogs and their consistent excitement about every little thing. This golden retreiver, like most, LOVES to chase her tennis ball...every time is like the first time. I hope my painting captures a tiny bit of that joy. I guess painting dogs, as subject matter goes, may not be considered 'high brow art', but I believe the human species would be alot happier if we approached our lives like dogs approach theirs. I will likely paint more dogs.
This painting is gallery wrapped linen, finished edges, so no need to frame. If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me. Thanks!

Driving Miss Daisy 11x14

Old truck, old dog, what could be better? Enough said.
If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

Canine Unit on Parade, 40x30x2- (sold)

This is the second painting from the Nantucket Memorial Day Parade. Again a figurative piece, new for me, and I am pleased with this one. I love that the dogs show movement and aren't looking at us, heck, the dark one is running out of the frame!
SOLD.

Dogs of War, 30x40x2

Fabulous niece Tara recently sent a link of interest...seems that our military men and women often encounter abandoned, starving, or otherwise mistreated animals while serving their missions abroad. Understandably, the military does not encourage the bonds that inevitably develop and does not allow transport of these companion animals on military equipment. That said, the military personnel often develop deep, loving bonds with these dogs and cats, and do not want to leave them behind when their tours are over. International transportation of animals is a costly and paperwork laden endeavor, beyond the means of most of us; however, the SPCA International has set up a program to assist our troops in bringing their animals home to the USA. If interested, take a look at their site and click on the "Operation Baghdad Pups" button. Anyway the stories on that site inspired this painting. (sold)

See Spot Run!, 30x40x2

See Spot splash is more accurate, yes? And 'spot'? how many retrievers do you know named Spot? Not a regal name for one of the smartest working dogs on the planet, nevertheless, you get the idea. This is the start of something new for me, style-wise. First, it is larger (30x40x2)....I am happier painting in a large format, as the size allows for broader, more intense gestures.......and, instead of painting a 'picture', I am trying to capture the raw emotion in a specific moment. If you have ever had the pleasure of observing a well trained retriever on the hunt, you know exactly what I mean....these majestic animals yearn for the moment that they are released to retrieve, in this instance, a fallen duck....and the exploding joy of that moment is palpable. Let me know what you think....If you are interested in purchasing this painting, please contact me.

"OK, you can scratch my belly now", 12x24- NFS

Hmmmm. If you have a dog, this pose is recognizable: on the back, spread eagle, ears flapping, ready for a belly rub. Our chocolate Lab, Sweet Georgia Brown Dawg, frequently assumes this position and just smiles and smiles until she gets our attention. My husband's 60th birthday is coming up, and I'm thinking this painting would be a nice gift....he LOVES this dog! This painting is done entirely with painting knives, and I enjoyed the process....I think I will try some more knife painting!

Quiet, please...we're napping, 24 x 20

My dear friend, Beth, was visiting from NC recently. My big brown (ok, magenta is the same as brown, yes?) Labrador really loves Beth, and they made a peaceful pair at nap-time. Portrait work is difficult for me, but this actually looks very much like Beth, so I am breathing again. Gift to Beth!

Georgia, 12x12

This is my favorite painting of Sweet Georgia Brown, and was immediately scarfed up by my husband...his 'private collection' rights, ahem. Georgia seemed to approved of this one...I like the brushwork in this piece, as it reflects her gregarious personality. NFS

Napping Friends

The animals in this painting are near and dear to me. The cat is 17 yr old 'Sweet Baby Jane', and her canine friend is 'Sweet Georgia Brown Dawg' who was 6 at this time. Jane passed away peacefully last year. When I found her, Georgia Brown was sitting silently beside her. They had an unusual relationship of tolerance and respect.