Beach Fun - labrador puppy oil painting

Beach Fun - labrador puppy oil painting

About This Painting:

Media: Oil

Size: 5 in X 7 in (12.7 cm X 17.8 cm)

Anne
info@azpaintings.com

Based on a photo by Lisa Husar - www.teamhusar.com 

Labrador Retriever Oil Painting Commission

A Loyal Friend Is Everything - 10" x 12" oil on canvas

The above painting of a yellow labrador retriever was one of my Christmas commissions which of course I couldn't share before the day as it was a surprise gift. The dog in the painting is called Alfie and his owner wrote and said that they had decided to call the potrait A Loyal Friend Is Everything, which I thought both lovely and clever! 

One of the many pleasures of being an artist is the lovely emails we receive from purchasers of our paintings and I'm delighted to say that the owners of this painting are very happy indeed with it!

I'm sorry it's been so long since I have posted on my blog. Shortly after my last entry promising to post much more regularly I went down with a very nasty bout of 'flu and I am only now starting to feel nearly normal!

Age Cannot Wither Her - Black Labrador Retriever Oil Painting

Age Cannot Wither Her - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

The title of this painting comes from Antony and Cleopatra written by William Shakespeare in 1623. It never ceases to amaze me how many well known phrases were penned by Shakespeare.

In this instance however I felt the title reflected many things in relation to elderly dogs - perhaps particularly their capacity for love and devotion to their owners; and yes, to my eyes, senior dogs lose nothing with age and remain forever beautiful - in fact they become more so.

Anne

This painting is straight off the easel and will need approximately 2-3 weeks to dry before it can be shipped

Black On Black - Labrador Retriever oil painting

Black On Black - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

This has been one of the most difficult paintings to photograph that I think I have ever had! I suppose it is the amount of black, but either it comes up much lighter than it actually is or else flattens out all the detail. Well I think I finally now have it quite accurate and of course when people are looking at a painting with a view to purchasing it, it is up to the artist to make sure it is a good representation of the original. It must be terrible for someone to buy a painting they fall in love with only to find on receipt, it didn't look like the painting they saw online. I haven't had this happen and hope I never will - hence my reason for taking so long to get good photos of my paintings.

SOLD

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

In Deep Thought (Labrador painting)

In Deep Thought - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well at last I am starting to recover from a horrible bout of 'flu and would like to thank those who sent good wishes.

Before I get working on commissions again, I thought I'd like to create a painting which would show one of the characteristics of dogs which I value very highly and this is their quality of spirit. I do believe that where dogs have lived in such very close proximity to humans for so very long a time, that they have developed a special quality of soul and are capable of a great depth of emotion which we do not normally associate with any other creatures than humans. I think the expression on this dog demonstrates this well.

Anne

Based on a photograph by Carlos94117 at flickr

Labrador Reflections (Yellow)

Labrador Reflections (Yellow)

SOLD

About This Painting:
Media: Oil
Size: 7 in X 5 in (17.8 cm X 12.7 cm)

Another 'reflections' painting as I do so enjoy painting them! This is the first in a series of 3 and I don't think you'll need to be a genius to guess that the other two will feature black and chocolate labradors.

Just one other small point; often yellow labradors are misnamed and called golden labradors. There is a very good reason why they should be described as 'yellow' and not 'golden' and that is to avoid any mix up with golden retrievers since of course the full title of a labrador is a labrador retriever and you can see how easily misunderstandings would occur if you had golden labrador retrievers and golden retrievers!

Whoops! I forgot to add that this painting is straight off the easel and so will need to dry for several days before it can be shipped and that it is based on a photograph by davco9200 at Flickr.

Anne

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

Labrador Expression

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

As well as summer mode, I seem to be in Labrador mode at the moment! There's no particular reason for this; in the instance above, I thought the dog had such a sweet, appealing expression, that I just had to paint him. 

I check in on facebook more or less daily as I have quite a few friends on there and it's nice to see what's going on with them. However, some of my contacts on fb are very involved with dog rescue, and frequently I am reduced to tears by what I see - indeed I tend to try and glance quickly at their posts, as, if their stories are too awful, I don't read them. Yes, I know, this is something to be ashamed of - and I am - but perhaps we who care, need to do what we can. I cannot cope with the shocking details of cruelty meted out by my fellow man, but I can help raise funds to help the efforts of the rescuers and this I do as well as I am able.

The donation from this painting once sold is again going to Save The Dalmatians - they are in real need of funds and so I am concentrating on them at the moment, although I will move on to some other charities soon.

SOLD

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

My thanks to jespahjoy at Flickr for the reference photograph

Labrador Beach

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

Our lovely sunny weather has been continuing although it is still very chilly in the evenings. It has been making me long for the hot, sunny days of summer and this seems to continually be reflected in my paintings!

As a breed Labrador Retrievers love the water and need very little excuse to take the plunge. The dog in this painting is having a whale (sorry for the pun!) of a time and is keeping cool while playing on the beach and in the sea.

Once sold, I will make a donation of 10% from the profits to Save The Dalmatians

SOLD

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

My thanks to alexhealing at Flickr for the reference photograph

Back In Black

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

There is no doubt to my mind that, just as in humans, there are some dogs who are more photogenic than others. I have used the dog featured today in a previous painting - A Black Dog. His owner MarilynJane at Flickr has kindly allowed his photo to be used as reference and it has been a pleasure to paint this grand fellow once more.

Once sold I will make a donation of 10% from the profits to Noah's Bark whose work is probably best followed on their facebook page  

SOLD

For 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

A Black Dog

A Black Dog - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

My third labrador in almost as many days! I decided to paint another lab as the other two sold very quickly and I was hoping to get a labrador on ebay for auction. However, since I have heard from a previous customer that they are interesting in possibly purchasing a labrador painting, I'm not sure how long this one will last - time will tell!

SOLD

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

My thanks to MarilynJane 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

Black Labrador

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

It's been a while since I painted a black labrador and so here is one - no champion this time, just a dog with a lovely face and expression.

When this painting is sold I will make a donation of 10% from the profits to Noah's Bark to help them in their efforts at finding homes for unwanted dogs. Probably the best place to see what they do is their facebook page here - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Noahs-Bark-Animal-Rescue/139298188002?ref=ts

This painting is offered at auction with no reserve! please click here to bid (or just to see details)

On request this was changed to buy it now

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need to dry for several days before shipping but since the auction is a 7 day listing, this should work out just about right!!

for more information please email me at info@azpaintings.com 

or visit my website - www.azpaintings.com

My thanks to bacondog at Flickr for kindly making the reference photo available

Honesty - (yellow Labrador dog)

 

Honesty - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I am at a loss to understand how anyone could ever look into the eyes of a dog and be anything other than caring and kind to it. If the eyes are the windows to our souls, then dogs must have magnificent souls indeed.

A donation of 10% of the profits from the sale of this painting will be made to Noah's Bark Pet Rescue

SOLD

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


My thanks to Marvin Kuo at Flickr for making his photo available under creative commons.

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.

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

Saffron by Anne Zoutsos

Saffron by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 6" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

The painting of this labrador retriever is a study in light and shade and has been most enjoyable to paint.

I uploaded the new photo above to replace the one posted yesterday as this is a little more accurate.

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

Available to purchase on ebay at a starting bid of $99 - please click the link below to bid

SOLD

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


My thanks to Envina Magno for releasing the reference photo under Creative Commons

Black Beauty

Black Beauty - 10" x 8"oil on hardboard/masonite

It's hard to believe that this dog was found on an internet site selling used goods. Talk about treating dogs like bits of furniture, when all you have to do is look in their eyes to see a living, sensitive creature - words fail me.

This dog - together with 2 others bought from the same site - now live with a family who value them. Thank goodness for people such as these.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven - helping senior dogs in their golden years.

This painting is available at a starting bid of $99 from ebay

SOLD

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

My thanks to Meneer Zjeroen for releasing the reference photo under Creative Commons

Swim! by Anne Zoutsos

Swim! by Anne Zoutsos - 5.75" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

Having seen this photograph in the Wet Canvas dog breed project thread, I took the opportunity of painting a picture depicting a labrador doing what most like doing best - other than eating of course! - and that is swimming. Most labradors adore swimming and being natural retrievers, love swimming after sticks thrown by their owners. This labrador is instead retrieving a 'dummy' as used in gundog training.

There are, I am sad to say, far too many dogs whose lives are not filled with fun and happiness - far from it and it is up to we owners of loved dogs to spread that love a little further afield. Perhaps you have a space in your home for a new member of the family, or maybe you could foster a dog in need until a permanent home can be found. If not, perhaps a small donation could be spared?

10% from the sale of this painting will be donated to Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay. 

I will be painting a Dalmatian painting very soon to try and help some more.

SOLD

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

My thanks to K Taylor-Green for the reference photograph

Mellow Yellow by Anne Zoutsos

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

I don't suppose it will be a surprise to the slightly older viewer that this painting's title comes from the song written and performed by Donovan - which I really like and always makes me think of summer.

I love the look of the sunshine which almost seems to be sparkling on the yellow labrador's coat who looks out with confidence from honest eyes. I hope those who look at this painting will have their spirits raised and maybe even be able to feel the heat of the sun which is shining on the cosy dog.

10% donation to TBAR - True Blue Animal Rescue (I couldn't even read the stories of the dogs awaiting adoption and didn't get as far as looking at other animals needing homes)

Please, if you live in the area, consider offering a loving, permanent home to one of these needy animals - or if you live further afield, perhaps you could afford to make a donation.

SOLD

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

With thanks to jarapet for making the reference photo available under Creative Commons