Christmas Is Coming!

 

Christmas Is Coming! - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

If this painting seems rather familiar to some of you, it is because I only posted it on this blog fairly recently!

I am sure that the artists among you will understand how sometimes you complete a painting but it remains at the back of your mind as one you would like to make alterations to - well this was such a one. I felt that the face lacked a little definition before - not helped of course by the constant difficulty of getting a decent photograph.  In any event, I took the painting today and worked on the face quite a lot and then of course couldn't resist fiddling around with the background!

Anyway, here is the new version and I hope you like the alterations.

When this painting is sold, I will be making a 10% donation to Save the Dalmatians.

If you haven't visited their site yet, I would urge you to go along and have a look.

SOLD

German Shepherd Dog - Zac

Zac - Watercolour 20" x 16"

Here is one of my recent(ish) commissions.  I am told that the person for whom it was commissioned as a gift absolutely loved it - which I can assure you is very important for an artist :)

To commission a similar painting please email me at info@azpaintings.com

Merry Christmas

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my collectors and followers and all those who have supported my work over the past year, many of whom have become good friends.

Merry Christmas to everyone and a prosperous and fulfilling New Year and may all your pets be loved and cherished.

Anne

Lacy - (a West Highland White Terrier 'Westie')

Lacy - (a West Highland White Terrier 'Westie') - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I apologize for the lack of posts recently but life has contrived to get in the way of my ability to complete any small paintings! I expect you can understand when I tell you that we have had our house carpeted throughout (well almost) and have had relatives visiting, not to mention decorating the house for Christmas - which has still got to be finished. Additionally, I have been completing commissions - one or two of which I will be posting on this blog. My next commission is one I started some while ago but which has had to be put to one side as it quite a large painting for me, and I need to have an adequate number of hours to properly get 'into' the painting without interruption. I am looking forward to getting back to it - in fact I am feeling very impatient to get going with it again!

Meanwhile, I have just slipped a small oil painting in amongst the mix.  This one features a West Highland White Terrier and the reference photo was once again supplied by the very successful breeder of  the Pipers whippets and miniature dachshunds, Anne Stark.

West Highland White Terriers not surprisingly originated in the Highlands of Scotland and were working terriers. They were required to follow fox, otter and badger over and under hard, rocky ground. For this work they had to be game, hardy, agile and sure-footed, able to spring from rock to rock.

My advice to anyone thinking to purchase a puppy, is to go to a reputable breeder (well you should always do that anyway) as they can have a tendency to skin problems. In fact if only everyone wanting to buy a puppy would go to a reputable breeder, the horrendous puppy farms would then cease to exist.

A 10% donation from the sale of this painting will be going to Noah's Bark. As Christmas is very near now, do you think you could make a special present this year and give a donation, however small?

SOLD

Please note that this painting is straight off the easel and will need several days to dry before it can be shipped and therefore WILL NOT be ready for Christmas.

If you have any questions, please email me at info@azpaintings.com

Back with a functioning computer

Just to let you all know that I am back with a fully functioning computer again and now have access to all correspondence and images. 

I apologise for the lack of new paintings - it's not that I haven't been painting, but I am busy with commissions and commissions take a great deal longer to complete than do my small oil paintings.

If I get permission from the owners, I will share some of the portraits with you.

I hope you're all better ahead with your Christmas preparations than I am!

Important Notice

This is just to let you all know that my computer has died and I have no access to emails received since January this year or photographs sent since that time.

If you are waiting for me to contact you, please email me at info@azpaintings.com.  I have access to my old (exceptionally slow!) computer so will be able to receive your emails.  I will eventually be able to retrieve the information at present inaccessible, but it may take some time.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my American friends :)

Christmas card - In The Purple

Christmas card from the original oil painting - In The Purple

Today's card features a champion saluki. She is owned by fellow artist and friend Cori Solomon, who kindly allowed her use as a model.

If you would like to purchase this card, you can do so here - http://azpaintings.com/xmas.html#18 or of course you can always email me at info@azpaintings.com.

The donation from this card will be going to STOLA - saluki rescue.

I hope you like it :)

Christmas card - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Christmas card from the original oil painting - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

If you would like to purchase this card please visit http://azpaintings.com/xmas.html#5 or of course you can always email me at info@azpaintings.com :)

If you're not looking to purchase any cards, I wonder if you would consider making a donation to charity? The charity I am thinking of is the one which will benefit by any sales from the card above, and that is Save the Dalmatians. You can click on the link to go to their website and any donation, however small, will be welcomed by them in the never ending job of rescuing members of this wonderful breed of dog.

Christmas card - All I Want For Christmas Is You

 

Christmas card from the original oil painting - All I Want For Christmas Is You

And isn't that the truth............. :)

To purchase this card please visit http://azpaintings.com/xmas.html

 

The donation will be going to Save The Dalmatians

Have a good weekend everyone - if I get time I will post a new card every night - or day if I was more organised but that's unlikely!

Christmas card - Black Beauty

Christmas card from the original oil painting - Black Beauty

The donation from this card will be going to Noah's Bark who do a really fantastic job. 

The reference photo for the painting was taken by Meneer Zjeroen and the lab shown was found on a site selling used goods and animals!!!!!!!!!! Now a beloved pet of the photographer.

The card can be seen and purchased here http://azpaintings.com/xmas.html#16

Please email me at info@azpaintings.com if you have any questions.

Christmas card - Mine All Mine

Christmas card based on the original oil painting - Mine All Mine

This card features a liver-spotted Dalmatian - something of a rarity in Christmas cards.

The original of this painting (which of course doesn't include the Christmas greetings) is available for sale for £67 plus postage - it can be seen and purchased here http://azpaintings.com/originals.html#3

The Christmas cards can be purchased here: http://azpaintings.com/xmas.html#15

Both the original painting and the cards carry a donation to Save The Dalmatians - a wonderful organisation doing fantastic work helping this lovely breed.

If you require any information please email me at info@azpaintings.com

Christmas card - Little Friend With Bells On

Little Friend With Bells on - Christmas card from the original oil painting

This is, as you can all see, another of my Dalmatian Christmas cards.  The 'Little Friend' in the painting isn't just a pretty toy - it can talk and move.  Well sort of - if you press its paw, its ears rotate and make the bells jingle very prettily and it barks out a series of little Christmas songs - with really quite a nice singing voice for a dog!

The donation from this card will be going to Save The Dalmatians and it can be seen and purchased here

http://azpaintings.com/xmas.html#8 or you can email me at info@azpaintings.com for more information.

Christmas Cards - Do You Hear What I Hear?

Christmas Cards from the original oil painting - Do You Hear What I Hear?

Although the majority of my Christmas cards feature Dalmatians, I do have a few others!  The card above comes from a painting of a lurcher. For those who don't know, lurchers are usually crosses between a sighthound ie greyhound, saluki etc and a collie type of dog; the aim of which is to produce a dog capable of great speed when hunting, but also a little more obedience than a pure-bred sighthound.

The dog in this painting was unwanted and abandoned but has been fortunate enough to have been adopted by a loving family.

The donation from this card will be going to Old Dog Haven.  This charity does invaluable work helping find homes for dogs in their golden years.  It always seems incredible to me that anyone can own a dog for many years and then dispose of it when it becomes elderly - amazing and extremely distressing.

Please visit http://azpaintings.com/xmas.html#3 to purchase this card or email me at info@azpaintings.com for any more information.

All Was Calm All Was Bright Christmas Card

Peace At Christmas - card taken from the original oil painting - All Was Calm All Was Bright

Well, I had planned on showing a Christmas card a day but as usual life has conspired to get in the way! However, here, a little later than planned, is my next featured Christmas card.  I love the sense of serene calmness in this painting and so the painting seemed to name itself.

I hope you enjoy it - I certainly had great pleasure painting it :)

This Christmas card, along with a few others, is available to purchase at http://www.azpaintings.com/xmas.html

or if you would like to email me, my address is info@azpaintings.com

I nearly forgot to say, this card's donation will be going to Save The Dalmatians, one of my favourite charities.

Christmas cards

Christmas card from the original oil painting - Silent Night

I thought I would just post a reminder that I have a selection of Christmas cards available for sale.  They all carry a donation to a small selection of animal charities - this one's donation will be going to Save the Dalmatians.

If you have any queries - please email me at info@azpaintings.com

Spencer - an English Setter

Spencer - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

It's difficult at this time of year to be able to complete many small paintings, as naturally enough we artists are always busy painting commissions, so I thought you might like to see one of these. 

It is particularly flattering when a fellow artist buys a painting and I have been very lucky enough recently to have sold one of my small paintings to a very talented artist friend of mine and the painting above was commissioned by an equally talented artist friend - a real honour. 

I hope I have done justice to this lovely boy, with his kind and honest expression - his sweetness shone through for me while I was painting and his owner knows I was very sorry to see the painting go! A lucky owner indeed to have been blessed by owning such a gentle, loving dog.

SOLD

Drum roll please.........................

Drum roll you might ask? My website is finished!!!

AZPaintings is finally revamped and while there are a few things which need tweaking, basically it is there - hooray! :)

If you get a chance, do pay it a visit - accessible through the navigation bar above. I hope you will like it and find it easy to find your way around. Also, if you do notice any mistakes, please let me know!

Right, back to painting :) :) :)

Through The Eyes Of A Dog

Through The Eyes Of A Dog - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

This young dog was a stray - hard to believe of such a beautiful pup.  Now he is happy and safe in a loving home. Perhaps it is just as well dogs can't speak; I wonder what tales he would tell of the things he has seen  - and then I know I would rather not hear them.

When this painting is sold, a donation of 10% will be made to Noah's Bark. 

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

My thanks to JDurham at Morguefile for the reference photograph

Christmas Is Coming!

Christmas Is Coming! by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I don't think it will surprise those who know me that at Christmas time we hang stockings on the mantlepiece for our dogs!  Admittedly we don't leave them alone overnight with the dogs.........  In the painting here, Angel looks as though she is deciding what to put on her list for Father Christmas.  This particular stocking is one of my favourites - surprise, surprise! It is gorgeous and soft and Angel always wants to play with it, but as with a couple of other special Christmas Dalmatians, she is only allowed a gentle play under close supervision.

Look carefully at the top of the mantlepiece and see if you can 'spot' anything there.

This painting comes as a reminder that Christmas is rapidly approaching - especially for artists like myself for whom it is the busiest time of year, so if you are thinking about commissioning a painting, it will have to be soon!

My new website is nearly ready, so do check it out often as there will be a selection of prints and cards available to purchase.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Reflections On The Peke Of Perfection

Reflections On The Peke Of Perfection - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

It's been difficult to find time for my 'daily' paintings lately owing to commissions and the fact that I'm updating my website.  However, I decided I had to make time to paint this sweet little expression and then have fun with the reflection and the title of the painting!  I hope you enjoy it.

When sold a donation of 10% will be made to Old Dog Haven from the profits

SOLD

Based on a photograph by Blackangel - http://www.flickr.com/photos/photo_blackangel/

German Shepherd portrait by Anne Zoutsos

Aspects  of Love at Jasueter- watercolour 16" x 20"

I expect some of you may wonder where I am when I am not posting any new paintings; well I'm painting commissioned works - that's right - I never stop painting!

Here is one which was sent off last week and I'm of course very happy that the owner is thrilled with it - well more than happy, I'm thrilled too :)  My paintings are my 'babies' and I only want them going to homes where they will be loved as much as I have loved creating them.

Sophie, featured above, was a much loved pet who also became a champion and foundation for the successful Jasueter German Shepherd Dogs and whose passing has left a great gap.

The Watcher In The Sun (Jack Russell Terrier)

The Watcher In The Sun (Jack Russell Terrier) - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I think this painting gives a feeling of peace but not a sleepy sort of quiet but a watchful waiting for the return of a beloved owner.  I know that when I have been out for several hours without my dogs (not a frequent occurrence), when I get home, far from being rested, they are very tired. I know that they are not noisy when I am out so must presume that they are like the dog in this painting, patiently waiting and watching for my return.

What then of dogs who wait and whose owners never return?  I hate to think what they must go through.

When this painting is sold, a 10% donation from the profits will be made to Old Dog Haven whose website is well worth a visit.

SOLD

(as usual it hasn't been possible to get a totally accurate photo of the colours and tones in the painting but it is as accurate as I can get it!)


Based on the photograph by *etoile at Flickr

Reappearing Followers

Well I woke up this morning to find all your smiling faces back - hooray - nice to see you all again! 

Disappearing Followers

This is a note to my followers.

When I go to my dashboard, it tells me that I have 14 followers - hello all!  Unfortunately when I click on the link it is blank, just as it is on my page. 

I am sorry - I don't know the reason for it but on googling to try and find out why such a thing should happen, I found that it seems a very common problem.  I hope that it will maybe sort itself out but meanwhile I am thinking of switching over to Wordpress so we will have to see what happens.

If you can leave any comments, please do so :)

Shadow And Reflection Of A Jack Russell Terrier

Shadow And Reflection Of A Jack Russell Terrier - 7" x 5" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

More fun with shadows and reflections! Well, it is such a lovely sunny day here in Surrey, that it seemed only right that I should create a lovely sunny painting and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven - once sold

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped


Painting inspired by a photograph by Adventures of Pam & Frank at flickr

GoD And DoG

This is an addendum to yesterday's post - and something new I am trying ie to put the actual video here. It is called GoD And DoG by WJ Francisco.

I'm sorry if you get this emailed to you several times (hopefully not) but it took a while to get the video the right size - not overlapping everywhere!

Enjoy :)

A short YouTube video

If you've got 2 minutes to spare you might want to watch this little video - it is extremely sweet but if you're like me, you'd better have your hanky ready! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

Life Is An Adventure by Anne Zoutsos

Life Is An Adventure by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I think one of the nastier things in life is to wake up filled with fear. I expect most of us have experienced this at one time or another in our lives but we hope it isn't a daily occurrence. For some, both people and animals, it is.

On the other hand, one of the happier experiences in life, is to wake filled with excitement for the forthcoming day. Perhaps for many jaded adults this isn't very often the case, but for children and dogs, it seems their natural attitude to life. I think this painting expresses the feeling that life is an adventure, waiting to be explored.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven once this painting is sold

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

This painting is based on a lovely photograph posted by jared on flikr

Poodle Reflections by Anne Zoutsos

Poodle Reflections by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I'm having fun again with dark areas and reflections - I just LOVE painting them!

A 10% donation will be made to Old Dog Haven once this painting is sold

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

The dog in this painting is based on a photograph posted by greg westfall at flikr.

Happy Birthday Angel

Happy Birthday Angel - 3 today!!

Angel has had a lovely day - here she is with her birthday toy - a soft, plush plane which makes an 'engine' noise when pressed (it still works at the moment but I'm not sure for how long!!)

Happy Birthday our sweet girl.

Out Of The Dark by Anne Zoutsos

Out Of The Dark by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I am a coward. I have tried not to be, but I am.

I cannot face the suffering endured by so many dogs and so I leave it to others to pick up the pieces. I can't even read of the traumas which the little innocents suffer. I am of course far from proud of this but have had to come to terms with the reality of my situation.

I can paint. Not everyone will like what or how I paint, but I know that there are quite a lot who do. This is my way therefore to try and do what little I can to ease the lives of animals whose existence is made so very hard and sad by the actions of my fellow humans. I am very grateful to my collectors who have done a great deal to help with the necessary finances to aid workers 'on the ground'.

I quote below what has been said of the puppy featured in today's painting -

"Annabelle - Female of a litter of pups found wandering with mange so bad they had no fur. When taken to the vet, we found out she has a heart defect. She then contracted parvo in which she had to stay at the vet for a few days - but is now healthy!"

What a start to life! (please scroll down to see more about her)

The title of this painting reflects what I hope for this little girl - that she will come out of the dark into the light of a happy life.

When sold, a 10% donation from the profits of this painting will be made to BAMA Bully Rescue - perhaps meanwhile you could pop over there and make a quick donation?

SOLD

ADDENDUM: BAMA Bully Rescue has written this about the puppy in this painting: "Annabelle is the little dog that steals everyone's heart as soon as they meet her or hear her story.

She is recovering well, but still has a ways to go before she is 100%. In the time being, she is being spoiled and loved on by her foster family :)"

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

The painting is based on a photograph supplied by BAMA Bully Rescue

Border Collie in Surrey, England

Border Collie in Surrey, England - 7" x 5" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

Following my painting of a saluki on St. Martha's Hill in Surrey, I have now painted a Border Collie. However, this dog isn't gazing over the misty hills between Scotland and England, but is instead looking towards the South Downs which are near the south coast of England. The previous painting was painted from the viewpoint of looking towards the south east from the hill; this one although painted from almost the same place, is looking towards the south west. The area is perhaps not surprisingly designated as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" - although I think the dogs really enjoy the smells and freedom to run and play rather than the views but it's nice for their owners to enjoy. The church of St. Martha's, which stands just to the back of the collie in this painting, dates back to around the twelfth century.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven who do so much to help elderly dogs in need

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

The dog was partly inspired by aurorasoul at Flikr

Aye Chihuahua! by Anne Zoutsos

Aye Chihuahua! by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

This is definitely a case of - little dog, large personality! Although so small in stature, these little dogs will usually take on the role of family protector and carry out their responsibilities with due care and attention. However as I have said previously, they are not toys nor babies, but small dogs with the same needs as their larger brothers and sisters. They don't need carrying everywhere, nor do they want continual dressing up in 'cute' wear. If you own one of these little dogs, make sure that they are able to enjoy the normal life of a dog, with interesting walks and mental stimulation.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven once sold

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before shipping

My thanks to apdk at flikr for the original photo on which this painting was based

Saluki In Surrey, England

Saluki In Surrey, England - 5" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

In this painting, I have painted a saluki and placed it on a hill called St. Martha's Hill which is near where I live in Surrey, England. There is a very old church on top of this hill and the only normal access there is by foot or horse or pushbike. There are wide ranging views from this hill and in this painting the hills in the far distance, are the South Downs. St. Martha's is on the North Downs. There are lots of fabulous dog walks all around here and this is one of our favourites - actually we have quite a lot of favourites! - and our dogs love running off leash through the trees and bracken. The North Downs way is a long-distance footpath of about 155 miles but we haven't walked that far!

10% donation to STOLA once sold

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Mine, All Mine by Anne Zoutsos

Mine, All Mine by Anne Zoutsos - 7.25" x 7.25" oil on hardboard/masonite

Whilst this painting is independent in its own right, it is also the second in a series of two - although I may make it a trilogy at some stage in the future. The first of the paintings is Hey!! and depicts Angel with her toy and now this painting reveals what she was so keen on looking at. It's always the same, she wants what her mother has - and usually gets it as Hazel spoils her (like most mothers spoil their children!) We do try however to make sure that Hazel doesn't give up everything to her daughter as of course we want her to be happy too.

Once sold a donation of 10% will be made to Save The Dalmatians, to help Dalmatians whose owners definitely haven't been caring.

SOLD

Beagle Reflections by Anne Zoutsos

Beagle Reflections by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

This painting follows on my theme of shadows and reflections both in the material and in the emotional sense.

A donation of 10% will be made to Bones Beagle Rescue once this painting is sold

SOLD

Thank you for looking

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Inspiration taken from a photograph by newandrew at Flikr

Hey!! by Anne Zoutsos

Hey!! by Anne Zoutsos - 7.25" x 7.25" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

I had decided not to paint any more Dalmatian pictures until my "Dalmatian week" which I am planning to hold shortly. This plan was changed when I read that Save The Dalmatians are in real need of donations as theirs have been considerably reduced lately. Hopefully this painting and the following one will help in a tiny way with their resources.

The Dalmatian in this painting is my Angel with her octopus toy; however, she has 'spotted' something!

A note - this toy was put away for some time as both Angel and her mother Hazel were very unhappy when it was first given to them. It is one of those toys which when pressed make a noise which continues for some time. Normally, both Angel and Hazel adore these toys, but this one had a human voice and this totally worried them! However, with much persuasion that it was okay to play and bite it, it has now been adopted with much enthusiasm - maybe too much..........

10% donation to Save The Dalmatians when sold - if you don't want to purchase a painting, please visit their website and if you can possibly spare it, make a donation to help them save members of this sweet breed of dog.

SOLD

A Quiet Place by Anne Zoutsos

A Quiet Place - 7" x 5" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

There is no doubt that I do enjoy 'messing around' with light and shade in my paintings and it's something I am going to try and explore in different ways. I also very often enjoy portraying a sense of calm and peace in my paintings. I once read that fulfilment isn't brought about by being 'happy' but by being contented and I think that maybe when this is related to dogs, it is very true indeed. Although of course we want dogs to be happy, this can be very transitory - when for instance a visitor arrives at a rescue centre. Security and contentedness is what we should be striving for, for them - dogs in need of rescue and our own beloved pets.

Once sold a donation of 10% will be made to TBAR - True Blue Animal Rescue

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Based on a reference photograph made available at Wet Canvas

In The Purple by Anne Zoutsos

In The Purple - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

The model for this painting is a royally bred champion owned by a fellow artist who has very generously made photos of her available as a basis for reference. I think it is fitting that this much loved girl will be able to help raise funds for salukis in need.

10% donation to STOLA - saluki rescue

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Toy Poodle portrait in watercolour

Toy Poodle - Kimalia Midnight Merriment at Carihuela (watercolour)

I thought it might be of interest to show a very recently completed commission of a toy poodle. Her name was Jasmine and she sadly passed away a few months ago and although her owners have Jasmine's descendants, nothing can replace the little girl herself.

I don't often post commissions on my blog as many owners like to keep their paintings private but Jasmine's owners have very kindly allowed me to show her portrait.

I think it may be of interest to any budding artists out there to note that despite this dog being totally black, I have taken great care to show a wide variety of tones in the painting to give it form and texture.

My son's wedding

Alex and Jess - 8 March 2009

For those who have noticed that I have been even more distracted than usual, the reason for this is shown above. My son Alexander was married to his fiancee Jess on Saturday. I am very grateful that my beloved son has found such a lovely girl as his bride and we wish them much happiness for their future.

Whippet In Black by Anne Zoutsos

Whippet In Black by Anne Zoutsos - 8" x 10" oil on hardboard/masonite

I'm still having fun with light and shade and I really like the atmosphere created with the 'lost and found' edges on this whippet. The whippet whose official title is Champion Pipers Will Power, is one of Anne Stark's of the Pipers whippets and dachshunds and this painting is based on a photograph she sent to me.

Not for sale

Reservoir Dog by Anne Zoutsos

Reservoir Dog by Anne Zoutsos - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

More fun with lighting - this time shadows - and with the name of the painting!

10% donation to Old Dog Haven (I'm hoping to be able to make another donation to this charity helping senior dogs in need). These dogs are so often overlooked in favour of young, lively, attractive dogs and yet some of these oldies can still give their younger cousins a run for their money. Those of us who own dogs know that as they age, they become more and more attuned to humans and it must be almost unbearable for some of these oldies when they find themselves homeless, sometimes through illhealth or death or just as often it seems, callousness. If you don't wish to buy a painting, could you consider making a direct donation? If so, click here and you will be taken to their website where you will see how you can make a donation.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Partly based on a photograph by paulaloe at Flickr

Reflections by Anne Zoutsos

Reflections - 5" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

I thought I would have fun with this painting by adding lots of reflections in the floor. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed painting it (which was a lot!)

10% donation to Old Dog Haven once sold. Those who read my blog regularly will know that this is a charity I often support as I feel that homeless old dogs in particular have a tough time finding a forever home.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped



Broadly based on a photograph by MandCo at Flickr

Dog Tired by Anne Zoutsos

Dog Tired by Anne Zoutsos - 5" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

I think there can be few creatures in this world who live life to the full as much as dogs! They seem to wake up full of optimism and ready to laugh with joy at the slightest prompting - when I say laugh, I am sure dog owners will know what I mean. They need so little to make them happy. Yet, they are also ever ready with solicitude when an owner is sad; instantly prepared to give up their games in order to give comfort. How fortunate we are who own dogs - lucky us!

Perhaps then we should repay some of the happiness given to us so freely, by helping dogs whose owners haven't been able or willing to give even the little that dogs need. This painting has been created with the intention of raising funds for charity and 10% of the purchase price will be donated to Old Dog Haven who do such a wonderful job helping senior dogs enjoy the lives they deserve. If you don't wish to purchase a painting at the moment, perhaps you could spare the time and just a little money to visit their site and make a donation - I know it will be very welcome.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for a few days before shipping

My thanks to ricardo-pereira at Flickr who provided the photograph on which this painting is loosely based

Spotted! by Anne Zoutsos

Spotted! by Anne Zoutsos - 5" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

Spotted indeed! Not only in appearance but also having been caught coming down the stairs from having a sleep on my bed! She shares a sofa with her mother Hazel but it seems that sometimes she finds that it isn't soft enough for her and so takes herself upstairs to stretch out in comfort on the duvet. Oh well, I don't really mind. My dogs are loved - unlike some others. The donation from this painting will be going to Save The Dalmatians to help in a small way in their constant efforts to help members of this loving and sensitive breed in need. If you click on the link it will take you to their website and if you're not really looking for a painting at the moment, maybe you could spare a donation direct to them.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped.

Thank you for looking

Little Friend With Bells On by Anne Zoutsos

Little Friend With Bells On by Anne Zoutsos - 5" x 7" (aprox) oil on hardboard/masonite

I saw the little spotted toy in the painting several years ago and of course immediately bought it! When you press its paws, its ears rotate, jingling the bells tied on them, and it plays Christmas tunes - it has a small selection of them which I can't remember off-hand although I know 'Jingle Bells' is one of them. I love this little ornament/toy - well not so little really as can be seen - but Angel isn't quite sure about it when its ears move around and I don't leave it for her to play with as if I did, I don't think I would have my lovely little Christmas companion for very long!

10% donation to Save The Dalmatians once sold

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

If you're not looking to buy art at the moment, perhaps you could spare the time to visit Save the Dalmatians and maybe make a donation to them direct? Every dollar counts.

Thank you for looking

Parson Jack Russell Terrier by Anne Zoutsos

Parson Jack Russell Terrier by Anne Zoutsos - 5" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

This is my second painting featuring the little Parson Jack Russell, Ditto. This time I have altered the photographs kindly sent to me by Anne Stark of the Pipers Whippets and Dachshunds by changing the lighting and background - and adding a little bit of the terrier's head which had been cut off in the photo. I find it a very interesting exercise to change the lighting in a painting to see what differences it can make to the whole atmosphere of the finished work. I think this is something I shall explore in different ways in the future and in fact already have plans for a very unusually lit painting - watch this space!

I find the atmosphere in the painting reflects warmth and contented alertness.

A donation of 10% will be made to Old Dog Haven once this painting is sold - a charity giving comfort to homeless dogs in their senior years. Please consider giving this very worthwhile charity a donation direct to them at their website.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Pretty Bubbles In The Air by Anne Zoutsos

Pretty Bubbles In The Air - 5" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

I find that a great many dog paintings and drawings are not quite to my taste, being somewhat overly cute. I must admit that occasionally I am in a particularly sugary mood and may paint one myself (!), but generally prefer to paint different aspects of dogs. I particularly like to portray the relationship between human and dog but I also sometimes enjoy painting something which is just unusual. The painting above depicts of course a chocolate labrador, but the addition of the bubbles blown into the painting, add visual interest and I can't help wondering what the lab is going to do next...

Once this painting is sold a donation of 10% from the profits of this painting will be made to Malibu Pet Companions. This charity funds medical care for homeless sick and/or injured pets.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped


My thanks to Geoff Steams at Flickr for the reference photo of the labrador used in this painting

The Power of the Dog

I was just sending a message to someone who has recently lost her dog and I thought of this poem - it's a poem I often think of, albeit usually just the first verse. I thought you might enjoy reading it again - as I am sure you all know it well. I cannot myself read it without tears!

The Power of the Dog

>> Rudyard Kipling <<

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie --
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find -- it's your own affair --
But . . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit hat answered your every mood
Is gone -- wherever it goes -- for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept'em, the more do we grieve;

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long --
So why in -- Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Well, I must say I sometimes wonder at the foolishness of loving a soul whose lifespan is so short. I suppose it is only the reasonable price to pay for a love which is so freely given.

On a less somber note - happy 4th July to all my friends in the US !!!

Sunshine Came Softly by Anne Zoutsos

Sunshine Came Softly - 7" x 5.75" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

As well as loving dogs, I also love painting and this work was inspired to a large extent by the play of light and shadow on the dog's face and I really like the atmosphere of quiet which is created.

The title of the painting comes from the song Sunshine Superman by Donovan. I had initially wanted to call it 'Sunshine Came Softly Through My Window Today' - the first line - but thought it was just too long (although that's what it is called in my head!)

10% donation to Old Dog Haven once the painting is sold

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

My thanks to Eliya Selhub for providing the reference photograph under Creative Commons

The Drinking Fountain by Anne Zoutsos

The Drinking Fountain by Anne Zoutsos - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

When we lived in London the local parks where we used to walk our girls (dogs!) were Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens (in fact these are in effect one park, separated by a road but under which you can walk from one to the other). You could in those days walk your dogs off leash and I'm pretty sure this is still the case. In fact I heard, although I have no idea whether it is true or not, that the Queen has said that as long as she reigns, dogs will be allowed off-leash in Royal Parks. I hope it is true - she certainly does love dogs! We used to take long walks in these lovely parks and in the summer the dogs would get thirsty. They would sometimes swim in the Serpentine - and drink from it - but also a favourite place to drink was a drinking fountain in Kensington Gardens. No-one ever minded and in fact people would always laugh to see them enjoying the spurt of water when we pressed the button.

When I saw this photograph it reminded me of those happy days and so I had to paint it. I hope you will enjoy looking at it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven - always in need of funds to help them help older dogs live out their senior years surrounded by loving care.


SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped


My thanks to Robert Pogorzelskia for releasing the reference photograph under Creative Commons

Tranquility by Anne Zoutsos

Tranquility by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

The model for this painting is my Angel and here she is portrayed in a tranquil mood. She is such a good, happy girl - and very, very clever, probably the cleverest dog I have ever owned. She smiles a lot and one day I will paint a picture of her smiling - and if you know Dalmatians, you'll know how funny they look when they smile with their teeth bared almost as if ferociously snarling but of course the body language is very different with their tails nearly wagging off their bodies! I adore smiling Dalmatians! A well loved and well exercised Dalmatian is a wonderful friend but they need their owners' time.

As someone who loves Dalmatians I cannot understand how anyone could ever abandon one, and yet this happens only too often which I find very distressing. If you have time and like lots of walking/jogging/biking why not think about a Dalmatian as a friend to accompany you on your outings and keep your lap warm when you're indoors. Save the Dalmatians always have dogs in need of homes - please take the time to visit them and maybe you could spare a little donation?

A 10% donation will be made to Save the Dalmatians once this painting is sold.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

In Safe Hands by Anne Zoutsos

In Safe Hands by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

This is almost a preview painting as although it is finished, the photograph isn't that great as it is late at night and so taken under artificial light. I will take another photograph of it tomorrow and repost then. I have now changed the photograph; it is so hard to try and get an accurate copy and I still haven't quite managed but it will have to do. I wish I could find a foolproof method!

This painting came about from the latest dog breed project on Wet Canvas and as soon as I saw the selection of photographs I knew this had to be the one for me to paint. Those of you who know my work will know that I have painted several dog/hand paintings - it is a favourite subject as I enjoy portraying the close relationship dogs have with humans.

10% donation once this painting is sold to Old Dog Haven. This is one of my favourite charities as it is often the older, maybe physically less attractive dogs who often have such a difficult time finding a loving home in which to spend their later years - when they should be safe and secure.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

Ditto by Anne Zoutsos

Ditto - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well here is the finished painting. It's been a challenge but an enjoyable one!


10% donation to TBAR - True Blue Animal Rescue

SOLD

Ditto (3) - Work In Progress by Anne Zoutsos

Ditto- 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

A bit further on ....

Ditto (2) - Work In Progress by Anne Zoutsos

Ditto - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well, here is Ditto again a little further on. I have done a lot more work on the dog and she is coming together nicely. You can now see how much work there is in the chair - I must admit not one of my favourite types of subject. Still, it will be an interesting challenge and I am actually quite looking forward to getting into it properly to watch it grow!

As I said in my previous post, once finished and sold a donation of 10% is being made to TBAR.

If you go to their website you will see they are in even more desperate need than usual (and they always need funds) owing to the rescue of 57 horses. I wonder if you will be as astonished as I was to read that although these horses have been removed from their previous owner's care that no charges have been filed. I wonder what you have to do to an animal to be charged with neglect and cruelty?
ADDENDUM - someone very kindly emailed me to let me know that the owner has now been charged and is at present in jail.

If you're not wanting to purchase a painting, please visit TBAR and think about making a donation - without donations nothing can be done to help these animals.