"Athena the Aussie" (oil on linen; 8" x 6") gift

gift

"Athena the Aussie" is for Roseline. Athena is a happy Australian shepherd who loves to wear bandanas. Roseline won the portrait in my second Instagram pet portrait giveaways. Congratulations! If you are on Instagram and owns a pet, please follow me (#kimstenbergart) for a chance to win a free pet portrait!

"Haley" (oil on linen; 10" x 8") sold

sold

"Haley" is for Whitney, who commissioned the portrait for her neighbor Amanda.  Haley was a Springer spaniel and Australian Shepherd mix, but mostly Springer.  Amanda prefers to remember her more in her younger years, which I tried to accomplish with the big puppy eyes.  "Haley" was painted in celebration of a beautiful friendship as well as in memory of a good dog.

"Dugout" (oil on linen; 6" x 8") sold

sold

"Dugout" is for my Facebook fan, Rebecca.  There is a story behind her curious name.  Eight years ago, Rebecca's husband and son found her at their high school baseball field when she had accidentally gotten herself locked inside the facility.  That is why they named her Dugout. She is a great dog and very much loved.  Their vet believes she is a Jack Russell/Australian Shepherd mix.

If you send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com, I will make beautiful pet portraits out of them.  How fun is that!  At the end of September, I will do a drawing and one lucky person wins a free painting.  You can buy the painting anytime, but there is no obligation. Thanks!

Today is Day Twenty Seven of Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 Challenge.  Three more days!

"Barley" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") sold

sold

"Barley" is for my new Facebook friend/fan, Susan.  She sent me the pictures of two dogs; I chose Barley because of his expressive face.  As it turns out, he is no longer with us.  Perhaps the sad thought influenced me.  Isn't the painting more distinguished and somber than usual?  The purple/soft yellow color scheme makes the guy look royal!

Barley was six when the picture was taken four years ago.  He was a soulful, sweet dog.  The (dog) love of Susan's life--love at first sight.  He was a mix of Australian shepherd, Labrador, and likely golden retriever.  He had the funniest habit of leaping backwards when something startled him or when he was playing.  Susan's husband wrote a tune for him called "Jump Back Barley"; the CD it was on was nominated for a Grammy!).

If you would love to see your beloved pet painted by me and shared on my blog and Facebook page, please email me at kimstenbergart@gmail.com.  Send me a picture or two, preferably taken in natural light without flash.  I will do a drawing at the end of September and give one painting away!