All You Need Is Love

All You Need Is Love - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

I have recently updated the home page of my website and put a little slideshow on it. This is one of the paintings which I included in the slideshow as I think it clearly demonstrates the affection well loved dogs have for their owners - ah sweet! I contacted the photographer of the reference photograph, Noel Zia Lee, to check that she was happy with this - and she sent me a very nice email - thank you Noel.

This painting is sold and a donation from the profits was made to Old Dog Haven - doing so much to place unwanted elderly dogs in forever homes.

If you would like to commission a painting, please click on the shop link in the menu above or email me at info@azpaintings.com

Labrador In Black

Labrador In Black - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I originally planned this painting to illustrate a dog portraiture point I wished to make. Quite often when painting dog portraits, an artist will be presented with photographs which are far from ideal. If possible the best course is to ask for further photographs to be taken but unfortunately sometimes this isn't possible - for instance when the dog is deceased or it is a surprise present for someone and more photographs are out of the question.

Very often the advice given to artists in this position is to find photographs of the same breed of dog to use as reference. Whilst it can be useful to look at several photographs of the same breed, and read the Kennel Club Breed Standard, I would never recommend copying features from a different dog as they vary such a lot. To illustrate this, I had hoped to feature three recent portraits of black labradors together with the one above, showing the differences between them. However, when I looked at the paintings I realised that two of them  did actually share the same features (just as well as they were the same dog!) so my little lesson wouldn't work. Oh dear, I obviously need to be more organised! 

So what do I recommend in these circumstances? Well as I said above, look at as many photographs of the breed you are painting to get you in the 'breed mood' and buy a good magnifying glass.  Also of course you can always ask for certain details, ie colours of nose and eyes. If the photograph really is so bad that a portrait cannot be painted from it, then don't. While some owners are really surprisingly unobservant and could probably be happy with any portrait produced, I consider it insulting to both the dog and owner to mainly paint a portrait from a different dog.

SOLD

The donation (10% as usual) will be going to Old Dog Haven

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

My thanks to Cl@re Bear at Flickr for the reference photograph

Border Collie Beach

Border Collie Beach - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

After a long, cold spring I feel more and more that I want to paint summer scenes and so while painting, enjoy the feeling of the sunshine warming me! I decided to paint this border collie running through the surf on a glorious summer day beside a sea of azure blue - ah lovely!

As with many of my paintings, once sold I will make a donation of 10% from the profits to charity. On this occasion I will be donating to Old Dog Haven (http://olddoghaven.org). I always feel so dreadfully sad for elderly dogs who lose their homes, often incredibly just because their owners can no longer be bothered with them. Those of us who have been blessed to own elderly dogs know of the very special bond which develops and it is a priviledge to be able to help in the efforts of these rescuers.

SOLD

If you would like further information please email me at info@azpaintings.com

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

My thanks to Kyknoord at Flickr for the reference photograph

Yellow Labrador

Yellow Labrador - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

As the last labrador I put on ebay only lasted an hour or so, being changed to a 'buy it now' listing on request, I decided that I would make my next listing a lab again. The last labrador was a black, so this one is a yellow! I like the attitude of this dog - resting but watchful. 

I will put it on ebay later today as I am now going to take my own dogs out for a walk as the rain has stopped and the weather looks almost bright!

.........Back online now and the painting is listed on ebay - if you would like to bid, or see further details, please click here

SOLD

The donation from the profits of this painting will be 10% towards Old Dog Haven

If you would like further information please email me at info@azpaintings.com

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

Pug Beach

Pug Beach - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

As I am painting today, the sun in shining and the daffodils are finally blooming. We've had a very late spring this year and the weather has been cold and miserable. However, today - today is a day when summer doesn't seem too very far away, when days stretch out into evening and the sun doesn't set until late; when the scents of flowers fill the air and the world seems a perfect place.

I had started this painting some while ago but simply couldn't bring myself to finish it in the dark days of winter, but today I couldn't stop myself from finishing it!! I would like to be on this beach right now and maybe throw a stick into the ocean for the little pug to fetch - he seems to want to swim!

10% donation to Old Dog Haven once this painting is sold. If you have a moment, do visit their website and see all the wonderful things they do - and maybe I could twist your arm to make a small (or big of course!) donation to help them in their efforts.

Available at auction - click here to bid - no reserve!

SOLD

I have only just taken this painting off the easel and so it will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped

If you have any questions please email me at info@azpaintings.com or visit my website www.azpaintings.com

My thanks to Mary R Vogt at Morguefile for making the photograph of her pug available for use as reference.

A Prettier Pug

A Prettier Pug - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

This little pug is one I have painted previously and decided to revisit again. Previously I gave the donation to Old Dog Haven and will do once again when this painting is sold. Old Dog Haven specialise in finding forever homes for elderly dogs and this is the reason they are one of my favourite charities to support.

So often when people are looking for a dog, they understandably either want a puppy or young dog - so where does this leave the poor older dog, whose life has often been turned upside down and left them in confusion and misery? Well, frankly, it's a question I don't like to dwell upon too much. However, the wonderful people at Old Dog Haven have done something about it and I would recommend a visit to their site where you can see some of the dogs they have helped, and some still waiting for their special home - (just click on the name to go to their site). Please consider helping if you can.

I will be donating 10% of the profits from the sale of this painting to Old Dog Haven

SOLD

Any queries, please email me at info@azpaintings.com

My thanks to Mary Vogt for the reference photo

Beagle's Window

Beagle's Window - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

Having been very busy with commissions, I am now trying to get back to painting one or two small paintings a week.  I still have a few commissions to go, so it may be difficult to fit the little paintings in but I will try my best!

The beagle in this painting is one I have featured before, being one of two beagles owned and photographed by newandrew at flickr. I wanted to paint this picture as I like the 'double aspect' of the beagle's head - with it being able to be seen from two different angles at the same time. I intend to continue to explore the effects of light and reflections during this coming year as I am fascinated by them!

This painting is being sold with a donation of 10% from the profits to Old Dog Haven where they do such marvellous work with homeless senior dogs.

SOLD

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

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.

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/

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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