"Quill and Tilly" (oil on linen; 6" x 8") sold

sold

"Quill and Tilly" is for Tracey, who commissioned me to paint this sweet double portrait as a gift.  Her neighbor's dog, Quill, on the left, passed away last week.  She had adopted Quill from the Big, Black and Beautiful adoption agency because, as she says, no one adopts middle-aged big black dogs.  She gave him a wonderful life despite his many issues (eating carpet, socks, many trips to the vet, etc.).  She never wavered in her love and devotion for Quill.  Tilly, on the right, is her other dog.

I was touched by Tracey's kind thoughtfulness.  I have no doubt that her neighbor will appreciate the gift.  The people and pets we loved never go away; they always live in our hearts.

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

sold

"Casey" is for Diane, who commissioned the painting for her Dad.  Casey was a pound dog and was probably a German Shepherd/Doberman mix.  He passed away this October at the ripe old age of 14.

Casey had his quirks, like hiding in the bathtub whenever it stormed, or running away from flies.  On the brave side, he loved chasing the wildlife that ventured into his yard.  One time he actually caught up to a bunny; he pawed at it until it took off running again, so that he could chase it some more!

He had a cool sense of style.  He never liked to be without his snazzy bandana.  In all the pictures Diane sent me, he was with different bandanas!  The blue one he is wearing in the painting sported Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which I edited out in fear of the cute reindeer detracting from the noble pose.

Casey's favorite time of year was right around Christmas.  He'd sleep by the tree and be the first one up on Christmas morning, nudging his stocking to get at the treats.  He was an awesome companion and adored Diane's dad.  He is missed terribly by his family.