Safe And Sound

Safe And Sound - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

There is no question in my mind that when you look into the eyes of a dog, you are looking into the eyes of a creature with a mind of great complexity; a personality, not a mere 'animal'. This is one of the reasons I am so obsessed with painting eyes correctly and perhaps the part I see most often incorrectly painted. 

There is a huge variation in the size and shape of the eyes of different dog breeds and within those breeds there are still quite large differences. It is vitally important if you want to paint dog portraits accurately, that you pay huge attention to the eyes and if the photograph you have doesn't show them clearly, you simply can't just copy the eyes of another dog. It would be like painting the eyes of one human if you didn't have a clear photo of the person you were painting.

Of course if you are painting a dog no longer alive and there are no clear photographs, you are in somewhat of a dilemma. Frankly, quite often the owner will not have a clear memory of the exact eye shape - although it's surprising if they don't remember the expression. Very often you will get clues from the shape of the head, particularly just above and below the eye. 

I can only urge dog portrait artists to see dogs! Go to dog shows where you will see large numbers of different breeds - look at them - really look at them and see them. Too often people look without seeing.

Well I think that's enough nagging for today! I hope you enjoy this little chihuahua.

Anne

Based on a photograph by Daniel Chan at Flickr

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

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

Little Dog by Anne Zoutsos

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

I think that probably one of the worst things that can happen to any breed is for it to become popular. When this happens, the breed suffers from the effects of indescriminate breeding by those with no care or knowledge and who have no interest in the puppies they breed other than to try and make money out of them. These innocent puppies end up in homes where they are not loved or cared for and are discarded when they become a 'nuisance'. The puppies' poor mothers are nothing more than breeding machines to be got rid of when they wear out. Sadly little Chihuahuas have become a 'fashion accessory' for some people and therefore of interest to the puppy farmers.

If you own one of these tiny dogs, please bear in mind that they are not babies, nor are they toys. They are little dogs and need the things that all dogs need - rules and boundaries, exercise (yes even these little dogs need to be taken out for walks for mental stimulation as much as the physical challenge), proper food and love.

The dog being cuddled in this painting was rescued and is now safe and loved.

10% donation when this painting is sold is Old Dog Haven who do so much to help senior dogs in need.

SOLD

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

My thanks to Ed Bierman for making the reference photo available through Creative Commons.