Long-haired Weimaraner oil portrait

10" x 8" oil on cradled board

Even in the normal way of things, dogs' lives are far too short. Sometimes however, even these years are cut far too prematurely, leaving an owner grieving when they should have been enjoying the prime of their dog's life. Sadly, this was the case for Parka's owner. 

Love your dogs, cuddle them and be glad for every day you have them. 

Anne

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Dalmatian watercolour - Chloe

16" x 20" watercolour on Saunders Waterford NOT paper

Today's painting is a watercolour on my favourite paper. It's what I would describe as a good tempered paper, allowing a fair amount of scrubbing before complaining! As I've described before, the surface is neither rough nor smooth but as Goldilocks would say 'just right' - for me that is. NOT stands for not hot pressed and hot pressed means smooth. I would suggest that if you're new to watercolours and want to have your paintings framed, you should avoid using the lightest weight of paper unless your paintings are very small. I've seen countless paintings starting to wrinkle when framed because the paper wasn't substantial enough. I've described sometime ago in this blog about stretching watercolour paper and in my opinion, it's a vital step and something I do even with heavyweight papers. In this way I never have to worry about the amount of watery paint I apply to the surface and always know the paper will remain nice and taut. 

On to the painting now. Well I think you'd have to look far and wide to try and find a prettier face than this little girl. I think she's absolutely lovely... and I hope you do too!

Anne

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Dachshund and mum oil painting on canvas

14" x 10" oil on canvas

This was such a lovely painting to work on. How lucky we are, those of us who own dogs. In them we find the virtues it can sometimes be so hard to find in our fellow man - loyalty, love and forgiveness. I could add more - empathy, bravery to start with. I wonder just how many attributes dogs do possess? If anyone can think of more, please do comment and I'll be happy to add them here. Using the word 'happy' made me think of another aspect of a dog's personality - optimism. I shall be very interested to see what else anyone can suggest. 

Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this painting as much as I enjoyed painting it.

Anne

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Weimaraner oil painting - Chase

Oil on cradled panel

Happily in this world there are some people who go out of their way to help others in need. Sometimes those who receive this assistance are human and sometimes animal. This painting came about as the result of an auction organised to help a weimaraner rescue and was donated, not by me, but by a lady called Jan Ort, who has given generously both financially and in terms of time, to a variety of charities. The owner of Chase, the weimaraner in the painting, made the winning bid and gave the finished painting to her husband for his birthday. Chase had gone to their family at 6 months of age and was dearly loved, sleeping with his head on his owner's shoulder. He sadly died at the age of 13 and is greatly missed. 

Anne

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Watercolour Griffon Bruxellois - Fern

16" x 20" watercolour on Saunders Waterford NOT paper

I'm sharing a watercolour today and this little girl is a rather less common breed. She is a Griffon Bruxellois and her name is Champion Cilleine Another Day or as she is known at home, Fern. Griffons are energetic dogs with a lot of character packed into their little bodies. Their face shape has led to them having the nickname of little monkeys which I think suits their personalities as well!

Anne

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German Shepherd Dog oil painting

The portrait of this very handsome and regal German Shepherd is painted in oils and is a lasting tribute to a much loved dog. He is shown here relaxing in the grass but always on the alert. Now at rest - RIP Alf. 

Anne

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Watercolour Cocker Spaniel Painting

Watercolour painting on Saunders Waterford NOT paper

This week's painting is a watercolour for a change. 

To get the depth of colour needed for a painting such as this, it's necessary to paint in many layers when you're painting in watercolours. One of the issues you might encounter is the lifting of layers when you're trying to add them! Another potential hazard is that your painting can look overworked and dull so I always advise that a light hand should be used, dropping colour in but not pushing it around. It's also important to have a paper which while being absorbent, isn't overly so. 

If you have any questions, please post them here or email me at: info@azpaintings.com

Anne

Presentation of the painting of Crufts Best In Show 2016 the Westie Ch Burneze Georgie Girl

Crufts - March 9th 2017

Following on from my previous post here is another photograph from Crufts where I presented the Kennel Club Arts Foundation with a portrait of Crufts Best In Show 2016, the West Highland White Terrier, Champion Burneze Geordie Girl (Devon). 

In the photo are Tom Mather, the Chairman of the Kennel Club Arts Foundation, Marie Burns with the lovely Devon, my painting and me.

Anne

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Oil painting of Crufts Best In Show 2016 winner - the Westie Devon

 Ch Burneze Geordie Girl - Devon

Best In Show Crufts 2016

20" x 16" oil on canvas

Painting Presentation at Crufts 9 March 2016

Last year I was delighted to be approached by the Kennel Club Arts Foundation and asked if I would paint the 2016 Crufts Best In Show winner, the lovely Devon - Ch Burneze Geordie Girl. Last Thursday I went to Crufts to take part in the presentation of the painting to Devon's owner, Marie Burns. Here are some photos from the show and of course of the portrait. I hope you like them!

Anne

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Weimaraner puppy oil painting

8" x 10" oil on artists cradled board

A small oil painting today of a weimaraner puppy. 

The painting was commissioned by someone for their friend who sadly lost this little girl at a very young age. It's always upsetting when starting on a painting of a deceased pet and even more so when they have been lost at an age when they should have their whole life in front of them. I hope though that this painting will in a small way, bring her back for her owner.

Anne

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Miniature Poodle Watercolour Painting

Watercolour painting of chocolate miniature poodle on Saunders Waterford NOT paper

 Another watercolour painting today, this time of a smashing miniature poodle. I think maybe poodles aren't appreciated by some for being the lively and extremely intelligent dogs they are (and they come in a different size to suit everyone!) 

It is a common misconception that poodles originate from France but they were actually water retrievers in Germany 'pudels'. Their lower bodies were shaved to stop their heavy coats from being water-logged but the long coat over the front of the body and chest 'mane' was left to protect the vital organs and owners left long hair around the joints to protect them from injury and rheumatism. 

This handsome young man is not only an adored pet but is also the first chocolate miniature poodle to have been made a UK Champion for nine years! An accolade indeed! I always enjoy painting poodles and I hope you enjoy seeing 'Mr Brown'.

Anne

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Weimaraner oil portrait

Weimaraner, Yenko - oil on canvas - 9" x 9"

When the friends of Yenko's owner saw her distress at her death, they decided to club together for a painting to celebrate Yenko's life. It is always a privilege to try and bring a beloved dog back to 'life' for an owner and a great responsibility which I don't take lightly. Sadly I cannot truly bring them back to life, but I do my best to instil into a painting an essence of what the owner used to see in their eyes. 

RIP Yenko

Anne

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Whippet oil painting

14" x 10" oil on canvas

A painting which is a little different to the usual portrait. I really like the way this oil painting has turned out even though the whippet's brindle colouring was a challenge and was very hard work! I hope you all think that work was worthwhile. 😊

Anne
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Rhodesian Ridgeback portrait watercolour painting

Watercolour on Saunders Waterford NOT paper

I must admit I find it hard to keep up with posting my paintings online when I'm so busy painting them! Nevertheless here is one - a watercolour on this occasion. It couldn't be clearer from the expression of this Rhodesian Ridgeback what a truly kind and loving boy he was. I know his owner misses him very much. RIP Alfie.

Anne

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Dalmatian oil portrait - Ziggy

12" x 16" oil on canvas

This evening's painting is another lovely Dalmatian. This gorgeous boy lived a very long and much loved happy life. There is not much more we can hope for our dogs.


Anne
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Standard Poodle Oil Painting Portrait

8" x 10" oil on cradled panel

This standard poodle was diagnosed with a serious illness a few years ago and it seemed unlikely he would survive. However, the combination of skilled surgeons, devoted owners and his own indomitable spirit meant he survived to enjoy a happy and full life. 

Sadly all good things must come to an end. RIP Louis.

Anne

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Belgian Shepherd Dog - Groenendael

16" x 20" Watercolour 

Having been negligent of this blog for so long, it's quite difficult to try and catch up and at the same time of course this is a very busy time of year for artists. So this is my excuse for my postings, some of which are going to be rather brief! Please accept my apologies.

The above painting was one of three Groenendaels painted earlier this year. They were commissioned as a surprise gift so a lot of secrecy was involved! 

If you do have any questions you'd like to ask me, do feel free to either comment below or email me and I will get back to you, or if your query is of general interest, will publish it in this blog.

Anne

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Dalmatian in oils - Bailey

Oils on canvas - 16" x 12"

I told the following brief story on my facebook page (Anne Zoutsos Artist) and thought I'd share it with you all too.

When I was little I heard a story about a man who carved beautiful little horses. One day he carved one which was so perfect, it galloped away. It is my hope that one day one of my paintings will bark... 

This very handsome Dalmatian, painted in oils, is greatly missed by his devoted owner. RIP Bailey.

Anne

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel oil portrait

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Barney. 16" x 20" oil on canvas

Some dogs have such sweet expressions, all you want to do is hug them and that's exactly how I felt when I was painting Barney. Such a darling face. 

I was very upset to learn of Barney's passing shortly before his owners received his portrait but was gratified that at least it brought some comfort to them. RIP Barney.

Anne

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Standard Long Haired Dachshund

20" x 16" watercolour - Aus Ch Laurieton His Masters Voice

Today's post is of a very handsome standard long haired dachshund. Not only a gorgeous looking dog but also one in stunning condition and looking so healthy. A real pleasure to paint! For those who are wondering what Aus Ch means, it is Australian Champion.

At the moment I'm wondering whether I should migrate this blog over to Wordpress and wonder if anyone has any views on this? I'm also unhappy with Feedblitz which sends this post by email to subscribers. I'm unhappy with it because of all the advertising plastered over the email but I'm not sure if there is a good alternative. I suppose I should research more but there are only so many hours in the day and at the moment most of them are taken up with painting. Talking of which, I must get back to it now!

Thanks for looking!

Anne

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