Mine, All Mine by Anne Zoutsos

Mine, All Mine by Anne Zoutsos - 7.25" x 7.25" oil on hardboard/masonite

Whilst this painting is independent in its own right, it is also the second in a series of two - although I may make it a trilogy at some stage in the future. The first of the paintings is Hey!! and depicts Angel with her toy and now this painting reveals what she was so keen on looking at. It's always the same, she wants what her mother has - and usually gets it as Hazel spoils her (like most mothers spoil their children!) We do try however to make sure that Hazel doesn't give up everything to her daughter as of course we want her to be happy too.

Once sold a donation of 10% will be made to Save The Dalmatians, to help Dalmatians whose owners definitely haven't been caring.

SOLD

Beagle Reflections by Anne Zoutsos

Beagle Reflections by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 6" oil on hardboard/masonite

This painting follows on my theme of shadows and reflections both in the material and in the emotional sense.

A donation of 10% will be made to Bones Beagle Rescue once this painting is sold

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Thank you for looking

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

Inspiration taken from a photograph by newandrew at Flikr

Hey!! by Anne Zoutsos

Hey!! by Anne Zoutsos - 7.25" x 7.25" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

I had decided not to paint any more Dalmatian pictures until my "Dalmatian week" which I am planning to hold shortly. This plan was changed when I read that Save The Dalmatians are in real need of donations as theirs have been considerably reduced lately. Hopefully this painting and the following one will help in a tiny way with their resources.

The Dalmatian in this painting is my Angel with her octopus toy; however, she has 'spotted' something!

A note - this toy was put away for some time as both Angel and her mother Hazel were very unhappy when it was first given to them. It is one of those toys which when pressed make a noise which continues for some time. Normally, both Angel and Hazel adore these toys, but this one had a human voice and this totally worried them! However, with much persuasion that it was okay to play and bite it, it has now been adopted with much enthusiasm - maybe too much..........

10% donation to Save The Dalmatians when sold - if you don't want to purchase a painting, please visit their website and if you can possibly spare it, make a donation to help them save members of this sweet breed of dog.

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A Quiet Place by Anne Zoutsos

A Quiet Place - 7" x 5" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

There is no doubt that I do enjoy 'messing around' with light and shade in my paintings and it's something I am going to try and explore in different ways. I also very often enjoy portraying a sense of calm and peace in my paintings. I once read that fulfilment isn't brought about by being 'happy' but by being contented and I think that maybe when this is related to dogs, it is very true indeed. Although of course we want dogs to be happy, this can be very transitory - when for instance a visitor arrives at a rescue centre. Security and contentedness is what we should be striving for, for them - dogs in need of rescue and our own beloved pets.

Once sold a donation of 10% will be made to TBAR - True Blue Animal Rescue

SOLD

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

Based on a reference photograph made available at Wet Canvas

In The Purple by Anne Zoutsos

In The Purple - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

The model for this painting is a royally bred champion owned by a fellow artist who has very generously made photos of her available as a basis for reference. I think it is fitting that this much loved girl will be able to help raise funds for salukis in need.

10% donation to STOLA - saluki rescue

SOLD

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

Toy Poodle portrait in watercolour

Toy Poodle - Kimalia Midnight Merriment at Carihuela (watercolour)

I thought it might be of interest to show a very recently completed commission of a toy poodle. Her name was Jasmine and she sadly passed away a few months ago and although her owners have Jasmine's descendants, nothing can replace the little girl herself.

I don't often post commissions on my blog as many owners like to keep their paintings private but Jasmine's owners have very kindly allowed me to show her portrait.

I think it may be of interest to any budding artists out there to note that despite this dog being totally black, I have taken great care to show a wide variety of tones in the painting to give it form and texture.

My son's wedding

Alex and Jess - 8 March 2009

For those who have noticed that I have been even more distracted than usual, the reason for this is shown above. My son Alexander was married to his fiancee Jess on Saturday. I am very grateful that my beloved son has found such a lovely girl as his bride and we wish them much happiness for their future.

Whippet In Black by Anne Zoutsos

Whippet In Black by Anne Zoutsos - 8" x 10" oil on hardboard/masonite

I'm still having fun with light and shade and I really like the atmosphere created with the 'lost and found' edges on this whippet. The whippet whose official title is Champion Pipers Will Power, is one of Anne Stark's of the Pipers whippets and dachshunds and this painting is based on a photograph she sent to me.

Not for sale

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

Spotted! by Anne Zoutsos

Spotted! by Anne Zoutsos - 5" x 7" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

Spotted indeed! Not only in appearance but also having been caught coming down the stairs from having a sleep on my bed! She shares a sofa with her mother Hazel but it seems that sometimes she finds that it isn't soft enough for her and so takes herself upstairs to stretch out in comfort on the duvet. Oh well, I don't really mind. My dogs are loved - unlike some others. The donation from this painting will be going to Save The Dalmatians to help in a small way in their constant efforts to help members of this loving and sensitive breed in need. If you click on the link it will take you to their website and if you're not really looking for a painting at the moment, maybe you could spare a donation direct to them.

SOLD

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

Thank you for looking

Little Friend With Bells On by Anne Zoutsos

Little Friend With Bells On by Anne Zoutsos - 5" x 7" (aprox) oil on hardboard/masonite

I saw the little spotted toy in the painting several years ago and of course immediately bought it! When you press its paws, its ears rotate, jingling the bells tied on them, and it plays Christmas tunes - it has a small selection of them which I can't remember off-hand although I know 'Jingle Bells' is one of them. I love this little ornament/toy - well not so little really as can be seen - but Angel isn't quite sure about it when its ears move around and I don't leave it for her to play with as if I did, I don't think I would have my lovely little Christmas companion for very long!

10% donation to Save The Dalmatians once sold

SOLD

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

If you're not looking to buy art at the moment, perhaps you could spare the time to visit Save the Dalmatians and maybe make a donation to them direct? Every dollar counts.

Thank you for looking

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

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

The Power of the Dog

I was just sending a message to someone who has recently lost her dog and I thought of this poem - it's a poem I often think of, albeit usually just the first verse. I thought you might enjoy reading it again - as I am sure you all know it well. I cannot myself read it without tears!

The Power of the Dog

>> Rudyard Kipling <<

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie --
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find -- it's your own affair --
But . . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit hat answered your every mood
Is gone -- wherever it goes -- for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept'em, the more do we grieve;

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long --
So why in -- Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Well, I must say I sometimes wonder at the foolishness of loving a soul whose lifespan is so short. I suppose it is only the reasonable price to pay for a love which is so freely given.

On a less somber note - happy 4th July to all my friends in the US !!!

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

The Drinking Fountain by Anne Zoutsos

The Drinking Fountain by Anne Zoutsos - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

When we lived in London the local parks where we used to walk our girls (dogs!) were Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens (in fact these are in effect one park, separated by a road but under which you can walk from one to the other). You could in those days walk your dogs off leash and I'm pretty sure this is still the case. In fact I heard, although I have no idea whether it is true or not, that the Queen has said that as long as she reigns, dogs will be allowed off-leash in Royal Parks. I hope it is true - she certainly does love dogs! We used to take long walks in these lovely parks and in the summer the dogs would get thirsty. They would sometimes swim in the Serpentine - and drink from it - but also a favourite place to drink was a drinking fountain in Kensington Gardens. No-one ever minded and in fact people would always laugh to see them enjoying the spurt of water when we pressed the button.

When I saw this photograph it reminded me of those happy days and so I had to paint it. I hope you will enjoy looking at it as much as I enjoyed creating it.

10% donation to Old Dog Haven - always in need of funds to help them help older dogs live out their senior years surrounded by loving care.


SOLD

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


My thanks to Robert Pogorzelskia for releasing the reference photograph under Creative Commons

Tranquility by Anne Zoutsos

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

The model for this painting is my Angel and here she is portrayed in a tranquil mood. She is such a good, happy girl - and very, very clever, probably the cleverest dog I have ever owned. She smiles a lot and one day I will paint a picture of her smiling - and if you know Dalmatians, you'll know how funny they look when they smile with their teeth bared almost as if ferociously snarling but of course the body language is very different with their tails nearly wagging off their bodies! I adore smiling Dalmatians! A well loved and well exercised Dalmatian is a wonderful friend but they need their owners' time.

As someone who loves Dalmatians I cannot understand how anyone could ever abandon one, and yet this happens only too often which I find very distressing. If you have time and like lots of walking/jogging/biking why not think about a Dalmatian as a friend to accompany you on your outings and keep your lap warm when you're indoors. Save the Dalmatians always have dogs in need of homes - please take the time to visit them and maybe you could spare a little donation?

A 10% donation will be made 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

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

Ditto by Anne Zoutsos

Ditto - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well here is the finished painting. It's been a challenge but an enjoyable one!


10% donation to TBAR - True Blue Animal Rescue

SOLD

Ditto (3) - Work In Progress by Anne Zoutsos

Ditto- 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

A bit further on ....

Ditto (2) - Work In Progress by Anne Zoutsos

Ditto - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

Well, here is Ditto again a little further on. I have done a lot more work on the dog and she is coming together nicely. You can now see how much work there is in the chair - I must admit not one of my favourite types of subject. Still, it will be an interesting challenge and I am actually quite looking forward to getting into it properly to watch it grow!

As I said in my previous post, once finished and sold a donation of 10% is being made to TBAR.

If you go to their website you will see they are in even more desperate need than usual (and they always need funds) owing to the rescue of 57 horses. I wonder if you will be as astonished as I was to read that although these horses have been removed from their previous owner's care that no charges have been filed. I wonder what you have to do to an animal to be charged with neglect and cruelty?
ADDENDUM - someone very kindly emailed me to let me know that the owner has now been charged and is at present in jail.

If you're not wanting to purchase a painting, please visit TBAR and think about making a donation - without donations nothing can be done to help these animals.

Ditto - Work In Progress

Ditto - 10" x 8" oil on hardboard/masonite

This painting is based on a reference photograph again sent by Anne Stark of the Pipers whippets and dachshunds. The dog is a Parson Terrier and is a champion (USA) and is owned by Anne Stark's sister. As a breed, they are very game little dogs always ready for play or a hunt, loving an outdoor life but equally happy living the life of a cherished pet in the home as can be seen here - or will be seen when I have finished the chair!

Sweet Smile by Anne Zoutsos

Sweet Smile by Anne Zoutsos - 7" x 5..75" (approx) oil on hardboard/masonite

I think that most of us who love dogs will smile to themselves when they see the laughing, smiley face of the dog in this painting. How happy he looks and delighted with life. Not to worry, he is happy and much loved but it could have easily been so different as this dog was saved from death by a matter of just a few days. Every time I write something like this I can hardly believe it - the thought that such a sweet, lovely dog could so nearly have been wiped off the face of the earth - for what? Had he just become too much a nuisance to bother with?

I feel very strongly that it is important for those of us who care, to try and make up for the wrongs done by others and if you're not interested in purchasing a painting at the moment, please consider dipping into your pocket and helping a deserving charity. A 10% donation will be made to Old Dog Haven once this painting is sold and perhaps you might like to have a look at their website here - Old Dog Haven - they really do so much to help dogs in their golden years have the sort of lives they deserve.

SOLD

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



My thanks to tomsaint11 for releasing the reference photo under Creative Commons