Contentment by Anne Zoutsos

Contentment by Anne Zoutsos - 5.75" x 7" oil on hardboard/masonite

The miniature smooth dachshund featured in this painting is called Henry at home and Champion Pipers Mr Longfellow in ths showring and is top winning male in his breed this year. His owner, Anne Stark, has very generously made many of her photographs available for reference, so helping raise funds for dogs not as lucky and loved as Henry.

10% donation to DARE dachshund rescue

SOLD

Over My Shoulder by Anne Zoutsos

Over My Shoulder by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5" oil on hardboard/masonite

I love the look of fearlessness on the puppy's face in this painting as it peeps over the shoulder of its young master, safe in his arms. I hope you can almost feel the warmth of the puppy's breath on your neck as you view this painting!

As in several of my other paintings, the title is based on a song title - this one was by a UK band called Mike and the Mechanics. A nice song and sung live fantastically - and one which once you've heard it, you can't get it out of your head!

(Addendum - if you should wish to listen you can find it here http://www.goear.com/listen.php?v=e088309 - I'm whistling to it now!)

A 10% donation will be made to Old Dog Haven once this painting is sold, to help in their efforts to find forever homes for elderly dogs no longer - nor one suspects, ever- loved.

Thank you to all for helping animals in need.

SOLD



My thanks to AydinGrace for making the reference photo available under Creative Commons.

Their Lives In Our Hands

Their Lives in Our Hands - 5.75" x 7" oil on hardboard/masonite

The beagle puppy in this painting is helpless and vulnerable. It is being kept safe and secure in loving hands. Unfortunately there are dogs to whom hands signify cruelty and pain - a horrific thought. Thankfully, there are many people who give up their time, money and even peace of mind in order to help these dogs, having to sometimes go into terrible conditions to rescue them. Those of us who care for dogs can all do something to help, however small and if you're not in the market for a painting at the moment, perhaps you could spare a donation.

A 10% donation will be made to BONES Beagle rescue when 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

My thanks to Steve Pollock for the reference photo released under Creative Commons

All's Well That Ends Well

All's Well That Ends Well - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well, despite Angel sticking her nose into the heather where the bees were busy at work, they ignored her and she carried on her happy way.

With all the lovely weather we've been having here lately, both Angel and Hazel have been able to spend quite a lot of time in the garden sunbathing. They don't like lying on the grass however as they like being toasty warm, so always wag their tails when I ask if they would like their blankets spread out on the lawn for them - which I of course do for them.

I am sure that most who read this blog will share my incomprehension of the abusive treatment meted out to so many dogs - dogs whose only crime seems to be that of having been born.

10% will be donated 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.

Mind The Bees Angel!

Mind The Bees Angel! - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

The model for this painting is my own Angel and is based on a photograph I took of her in our garden recently. She was checking to see what all the bees were doing in the heather.

This painting is the first in a two part series.

10% will be donated to Save The Dalmatians to help Dalmatians who aren't loved as Angel is.

SOLD

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

Roman At Rest

10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

When I was approached by Anne Stark of the famous Pipers whippets and dachshunds with a request to paint her first Champion whippet dog, Roman, I was delighted but also rather daunted. The reason for this concern was that several of Anne's dogs have been superbly painted by other artists including to my certain knowledge, the extremely talented artists Mark Adams and Jeanne Illeyne. However, it was of course impossible not to want to paint such a beautiful dog and so I accepted the challenge to portray Roman in my own style. I hope I have managed to convey his expression of both alertness and sweetness - not always an easy combination, but for me the expression is really the crux of a detailed dog portrait - it has to be right.

If you take a look at Anne's website, you'll find it packed with photos of gorgeous dogs including of course the handsome Roman - it's well worth spending time there if you're a dog addict like me!

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Another Kiss by Anne Zoutsos

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

I think that the love between children and their pets is a precious thing. The reason I decided to create this painting was because I feel that if the desperate situation in relation to unwanted dogs is to be altered, education is the only really viable solution. There must be many ways to introduce pet care into the school curriculum which would cost next to nothing to implement. Over the years I've noticed that even 'hardened' children very often relate very well to dogs and I think that a properly structured system of school visits by well behaved dogs together with interesting and thought provoking discussion could and would reduce uncaring dog ownership in the future. Well, my thoughts anyway.

For now we have to try and ease the difficult lives so many dogs and other pets suffer. A 10% donation from this painting when sold will be made to Malibu Pet Companions.

SOLD

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

My thanks to BdwayDiva1 for releasing the reference photograph under Creative Commons

Happy Birthday Hazel

10 today!

On a personal note - my Hazel was 10 today and had a lovely birthday :)

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

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.

Bliss by Anne Zoutsos

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

I was drawn to create this painting by the expression of pure bliss on the dog's face while sharing a moment of affection with its owner. Dogs ask for so little to make them happy - sufficient food and water, shelter, exercise and affection and not really much more. This makes it even more incredible that so many dogs' owners cannot be bothered to meet these basic needs. Fortunately there are people willing to help rescue and rehome these dogs and it behoves we other dog owners to do our bit to support them.

10% donation to TBAR - True Blue Animal Rescue when 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

My thanks to Jimmie Perkins for the reference photo released under the Creative Commons

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

Sunny Pug by Anne Zoutsos

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

This is the companion painting to my 'Pretty Pug' - a well cared for dog, living a happy, sunny life. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for a disgracefully large number of dogs. The people at Old Dog Haven say in their website that 'We think dogs are elite at age eight (and above)' and I think they are probably right! Sadly it is these very dogs who often have such a hard time finding new homes and it is thanks to people like those at Old Dog Haven that they stand a much better chance of a good life for their remaining years. Please take time to visit their website and perhaps consider making a donation.

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

SOLD

This painting is recently off the easel and will need a few days drying time before it can be shipped.

My thanks to Mary Vogt at Morguefile for the reference photograph

Cosy Corgi by Anne Zoutsos

Cosy Corgi by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 5.75" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

This painting came about as the result of a dog breed project on Wet Canvas (the site for artists). I was drawn (sorry, I can't stop punning!) to paint this dog as I particularly liked the complementary colours of the red against the black and white. This dog is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi and I love its pretty, alert expression.

Unfortunately there are many dogs whose lives are not happy. I find it hard to understand how someone can share years of companionship with a dog and then tire of it when it becomes old. I love puppies and young dogs with their energy and enthusiasm for life, but nothing can compare with the depth of love and affection of an older dog. Old Dog Haven takes in these older dogs and finds forever homes for them to end their days. If you live in the locality, maybe you could think about taking one of these seniors and giving it the love it deserves.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven when this painting is sold.

SOLD

This painting is recently off the easel and will need a few days drying time

My thanks to M McGarrett for the reference photo

Lean On Me by Anne Zoutsos

Lean On Me by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

The title of this painting is taken from the song of the same name written by Bill Withers - and I like his performance of it the best. I have always felt that for those of us lucky enough to enjoy the companionship of a dog, this song is so very apt. There can be few greater comforts in times of distress than a beloved dog.

Equally, our dogs should be able to lean on us and be secure knowing that we will always care for them. Unfortunately this is not always the case and sadly there are many dogs who need help.

A 10% donation will be made to Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue

SOLD

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

Sweet Girl by Anne Zoutsos

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

I was delighted to recently have been given the opportunity to use the photographs in the website of Anne Stark's Piper whippets and dachshunds as reference for paintings. However, when I went on her site I was a little dismayed - there were so many lovely dogs that it was almost impossible to choose!

However, in the end I decided to paint Mable shown above; she was bred by Anne but is not owned by her. I was drawn to her (please excuse the pun!) as I fell in love with her sweet, kind expression and with her blue bandana, she looks dressed in her 'Sunday best'.

The donation from this painting will be going to another sighthound breed, the Salukis at STOLA.

SOLD

This painting is recently off the easel and will need a few days' drying time before it can be shipped.

Happy Girl by Anne Zoutsos

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

This poor, thin, undernourished dog was found by a young couple. She had been tied to a stake and abandoned in a park. Unfortunately these people had two large dogs of their own and so couldn't keep her. They put her details online and luckily a prospective owner saw these, went to meet this pitbull (probable) mix and fell in love with her. He adopted her and.....they lived happily ever after.

This girl was fortunate to be adopted by a caring and loving owner - nearly 5 years ago now. Sadly the same cannot be said for a great many dogs and this breed has probably suffered more abuse at the hands of humans than many others.

If you're thinking of buying or adopting a dog, make sure you get a dog that will fit in with your lifestyle - take advice if necessary. Don't forget - a dog is for life.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven who care for and rehome senior dogs who often find it so difficult to find new homes

SOLD

My thanks to Paul Roth for making this photo available through the Creative Commons

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

The Kiss by Anne Zoutsos

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

Well I suppose this isn't quite a Rodin or Klimt but for dog lovers, it will probably mean as much - or even more! For those who have been following my paintings, you will, I expect, by now realise that I believe the relationship between man and dog to be something very special. My paintings are dedicated to those dogs - and occasionally other animals - whose lives suffer because of humans and my hope that those of us who care, can bring sunshine and happiness into their lives.

10% donation to Bones - Beagles Of New England States

SOLD

This painting is recently off the easel and will need a few days' drying time before it can be shipped

My thanks to newandrew at Flickr for making this photo available

Lucky Girl by Anne Zoutsos

Lucky Girl by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 7"oil on hardboard/masonite

The story of this dog, and thus the name of the painting, is as follows -

When this dog was a very tiny, young puppy (presumably an unwanted stray) she somehow became stuck in the wheel structure of a car and it was only by supreme luck that the driver heard her howl when she started the car. With assistance from her father, the driver managed to extricate the little puppy who was alive but whose leg was badly gashed. The pup was taken to a vet who stitched the leg but thought that it might need amputating.

Sadly the pup's rescuer was not able to keep a dog and so took her to kennels in the hope that someone would want her. However, she could not forget the look in the puppy's eyes and so rushed back to the kennels and took her home! The pup did need an operation on her leg but didn't lose it and it healed well.

And now..... the puppy has grown into an affectionate and happy dog, rewarding her rescuers with love and a joyous attitude to life which her owners find infectiously enriches their own lives.

Lucky family!

A donation of 10% from the profits of this painting will be made to TBAR - True Blue Animal Rescue - helping animals less fortunate than this one.

SOLD

This painting is recently off the easel and will need a few days' drying time before it can be shipped

The inspiration for the composition of this painting came from the work of Ali Cavanaugh - an incredibly talented artist whose work can be viewed here (thank you Ali for your kind message)

My thanks to Kris de Curtis at Flikr for permission to use the photograph of his little Chicca

Pretty Pug by Anne Zoutsos

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

Who can resist such a pretty face?

A 10% donation from the profits of this painting will be made to Old Dog Haven.

If you're not really looking to buy a painting at the moment but would like to start off the month with doing something worthwhile, please consider taking the time to visit them by visiting Old Dog Haven and make a donation direct, or even better, perhaps if you don't live too far away and have some love to spare, you would be able to foster or adopt one of these poor senior dogs.

SOLD

This painting is recently off the easel and will need a few days drying time before it can be shipped

The reference photo for this painting was one of the lovely photographs taken by Mary Vogt which she has generously made available on Morguefile

Summertime And The Livin' Is Easy by Anne Zoutsos

Summertime And The Livin' Is Easy by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 7" oil on hardboard/masonite

This painting is of course named after the famous aria composed by George Gershwin and which I am pleased to say is before my time! I do remember though hearing it as a child and being stunned with the beauty of it. It has been covered by many singers and I have only heard a few of these - I think at the moment my favourites are Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday - both fantastic to listen to.

I felt that this title is appropriate both for this painting of a hot summer day and for the lives that dog lovers wish for all dogs. Those of us who love our dogs make sure that their lives are full of sunshine and ease and of course all those involved in rescue hope to be able to enable the dogs they save to lead the same sort of lives.

A 10% donation from the profits of this painting will be made to Old Dog Haven who do so much to help senior dogs in need.

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need several days drying time before it can be shipped.

The photographer of the lovely reference photo is la cola de mi perro

So Happy Together by Anne Zoutsos

So Happy Together by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

Another song title! This time it is 'So Happy Together' by The Turtles - a song I absolutely love and how well it describes this painting.

For a dog-loving child there can be no more appreciated and loved gift than that of a puppy. The joy and love shine out of this painting.

(Of course it goes without saying that the parents must be responsible for the welfare of the puppy and it must be welcomed by all the family)

There will be a 10% donation from this painting to help dogs and other pets not loved as this one is to the Malibu Pet Companions rescue society.

SOLD

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

All You Need Is Love by Anne Zoutsos

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

As is becoming usual for me, the title of this painting comes from a song - this time it is the famous All You Need Is Love by the Beatles - I realise I have a lot of favourite songs!

On Saint Valentine's Day I had to paint a 'love' picture - however I decided that it wouldn't be a painting depicting romantic love. Instead I thought it would be nice to portray the love between a beloved dog and its owner. I believe there is no greater friendship than that of a devoted dog for its master or mistress and I find it extraordinary how some people can find an old dog too much of a bother to care about and dispose of them - a poor reflection on humankind. Thank goodness for places like Old Dog Haven where they take great care of these golden oldies and go to great lengths to settle them in new homes for the remainder of their lives - they certainly deserve all the help we can give them.

I hope everyone has a loving day today, romantically and otherwise and that those of us lucky enough to have our lives enriched by the companionship of dogs won't forget to include them.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven-helping senior dogs

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need several days drying time before it can be shipped.

My thanks to Noel Zia Lee for the lovely reference photo.

Be My Valentine

Be My Valentine by Anne Zoutsos - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well with Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, I had to paint just one more rose painting! This time the painting features a Dalmatian somewhat taken aback at the sight of a rose in full bloom in the depth of winter having pushed its way through the thick snow. When I painted this, I wanted to capture the fact that love is often to be found flourishing where it is least expected, and so we should always keep our hearts ready to recognize and accept it.

In the case of dogs whose owners have cast them aside, they desperately need to find new owners who will spot their potential and give them all the love they so truly deserve.

10% donation to Save The Dalmatians

SOLD

This painting is straight off the easel and will need several days drying time before it can be shipped.

The Sound Of Music (Wolf Howl)

The Sound Of Music (Wolf Howl) - 6" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

A wolf howls his haunting song - long may it continue. It's a sound I have always found enthralling and enchanting.

I have long admired these animals and their strong family bonds - perhaps "All for one, one for all" should have been written about wolf packs.

10% donation to Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.

SOLD

Visit www.azpaintings.com for similar works.

based on a photograph taken by f.svehla