"Winter Wonderland" (oil on stretched canvas; 24" x 30")

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I have been working on this painting for a few months.  It was initially a plain snowscape.  It was boring, so I decided to have fun by turning it into a zoological painting by adding the kinds of animals that are likely to appear in a suburban park.

After a light snowfall, the sun is out. So are the animals in the neighborhood. I see a white dog and her bouncy puppy, a red fox watching them, a stag and a young deer, a white rabbit and a brown one which must have spotted the fox, a robin and a great horned owl. I could have gone crazy by adding a coyote, more birds and dogs and deer, but my husband said there were already enough animals. Ha! 

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

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"Sadie" is for Tom and June.  The commission is a late Christmas gift from Tom's daughter, Christina.  Sadie was a "small" Great Dane that June adopted while living in Beaufort, SC.  Small because at her maximum weight, she was 128 pounds, which is small for a Great Dane.

Sadie was a true gentle giant even as a puppy.  She had a favorite boo toy which was a little purple rubber alligator dressed in a suite.  She would carry it around in her mouth and you did not know she had it until she dropped it down.  That is how gentle her bite was.  She never made it squeak unless she wanted your attention, which was when she wanted to sleep with June in her bed.  Sadie was June's travel buddy.  She went everywhere with June.

June moved back to Pennsylvania when she made the decision to be the in-home caregiver for her parents.  Her mother's health was deteriorating and her father's dementia was progressing. Sadie became their true companion.  She was there for June's mom to lean on when needed and to help make sure that the lady got up and out of bed when June had to work.  She kept June's father company after he became widowered.  She also helped keep him present and focused. Sadie was June's companion during some very hard times.

Sadie was also there when June met her husband on their first date.  Tom often jokes that if Sadie had not liked him (she loved him from the start), they would not be together today, going on seven years.  Tom often told people that Sadie was his canine daughter.  Sadie loved long walks in the open fields of a local park and hiking trails along rivers and up mountains.

Sadie would have been 13 years old this February.  They had to let her go in November.  As I was painting her, I could feel her gentleness and intelligence.  I hope her portrait gives comfort to Tom and June.

"Indiana Jones" (oil on linen; 10" x 8") sold

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"Indiana Jones" is for Sean, who commissioned the painting for his family.  This happy dog is a rescue dog and has been a huge part of Sean's family ever since his parents rescued her as a puppy in 2004.  She got the cool name, Indi for short, as a result of his little brothers' favorite movie being "Indiana Jones" at that time.

Indi is a mutt, probably part Greyhound and part Plott Hound. She is a lovable dog who is shy around people she doesn't know, but incredibly friendly to those she knows.  She is full of energy and loves to run around the backyard.  That said, she is happiest sleeping on the couch, or watching TV with the family!

I still have a few more commissions to finish, but there is only one of me!  I would like to thank all my readers for following my blog.  My special thanks go to my clients who have kept me super busy for the past several weeks.  On Christmas morning all over the country, many families will receive my paintings.  There will be cries of joy, perhaps some tears as well, because quite a few of my cats and dogs have gone to heaven.  My sincere hope is that I've brought you happiness.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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

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"Max" is for Dustin, who commissioned the painting for his family.  Max is a 12-year-old Great Pyrenees and still alive.  Yeah!  He is a huge dog and all fur, probably 6' 2" when on his hind legs!  He thinks he is a small lap dog though and will routinely try and sit on your lap.  He loves to run around with his sister and pretend that he is still a puppy.  He is always smiling, just like he is in the painting.  According to Dustin, Max is the most gentle and smiley dog in history.  I believe Dustin.

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

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"Gracie" is for Cecilia, who commissioned me to paint two pet portraits for her mother.  Gracie, a Lab/Great Pyrenees mix, is a bit shy with people at first, but loyal and sweet with dogs of all sizes, particularly little dogs.  Doesn't her sweet nature come through in the portrait?

Unlike "Georgie", we had trouble finding the right photo for the commission.  Fortunately, Cecilia's dad was in on it, so he helped out by sending us more and more pictures.  My client wanted two paintings in the same format, so that they would look great when hung side by side. It was a good idea because the two dogs are about the same size and similar coloring (black and white).  Eventually there was a picture I could crop down to the sweet square to match "Georgie".  I think our quest was worth it!

"Gracie" and "Georgie" side by side

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

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"Georgie" is the first painting for Cecilia, who commissioned two pet portraits for her mother.  Georgie is a three-year-old Pit Bull/Irish Terrier mix.  He is a wild man who torments Gracie, the subject of the next painting, but loves all human beings to a fault.  He picks on dogs smaller than himself!

Don't you just love the light in this painting?  As Georgie was posing calmly in his back seat in the car, the winter afternoon light hit his right side down to the shoulder.  When I saw the reference photo, my eyes lit up with delight!

"Newman" (oil on linen; 12" x 9") sold

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"Newman" is for Jennifer, who commissioned the painting for her husband.  Newman is a 14-month-old fun dog of an unknown breed.  Jennifer and her husband were told that he was a border collie/lab mix, but in order to get to the bottom of things, they got a DNA test done.  As it turns out, Newman is a true mutt mix--collie, American Staffordshire terrier, German spitz, Portuguese water dog, and a few other things!

The young couple adopted Newman one year ago from an animal shelter in the tiny town of Newman, CA.  He and his 9 siblings were abandoned on the side of the road.  He was filthy and smelly, but the cutest filthy smelly puppy ever!  Jennifer knew he was her dog the moment she saw him.

Newman is super smart, which, I am sure, you can tell from his portrait.  He has never met another dog/cat/person he doesn't like.  He is the biggest lovebug and is quite possibly the most snuggly dog on the planet.  Jennifer and Newman go running almost everyday.  They also hike in a state park by their house, where he gets to run around the forest and in the creeks. Newman is basically the happiest dog ever.

I must say something about how the painting was born.  There was a good head/shoulder shot I was going to use for the commission.  Then I learned about his "Michael Jackson paw".  Only one of his pictures (puppy picture at that) showed his one white paw.  I also found out that he loves the beach.  So I pasted his handsome face on the puppy body and put him on a beach.  I also invented the outdoorsy shadows.  I sincerely hope I pulled it off.  What do you say?

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

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"Juno" is for Madeline, who commissioned the painting for her husband.  Juno is a one-and-a-half-year-old Goldendoodle who loves rubber balls.  She is a wonderful guard dog and pal to Madeline's baby son.  She has yet to meet a person whom she doesn't like, regardless of how they feel about her!  She still has some puppy exuberance, but she always has a bit of regalness about her, that's why her nickname is Lady Juno.  

Madeline liked another photo better for the commission, but the moment I saw my favorite picture with a titled head and puzzled, inquisitive expression, I was sold.  I talked Madeline into this composition.  She graciously accepted my suggestion, with one proviso: get rid of the hunting vest Juno was wearing.  So I did.  Thank you, Madeline!

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

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"Lily" is the last painting for Cameron.  Lily, a Dachshund, is the newest addition to the family, having just joined the bunch a year ago.  She is still a little wild, but her favorite perch for snoozing is any warm lap!  It is wonderful to see dogs with canine companions, because dogs get lonely when their human family are not around the house.  Thank you, Cameron, for trusting me to paint these darling dogs.  You are the third person to order three pet portraits!

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

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"Chico" is the second painting for Cameron.  He is a mutt (probably Chihuahua mix) that her boyfriend's parents rescued from Honduras when they were living there.  He generally does his own thing, bu is also very sweet.  I would like to add that he looks like an intelligent dog.  Chico likes to sit on his haunches like a prairie dog!

In the reference photo, Chico had squinty eyes because of the bright dappled light.  I changed them to alert, wide-open eyes.  Aren't I good?

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

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"Bruno" is the first painting for Cameron, who commissioned three pet portraits for her future parents-in-law.  Since they have everything and adore their three dogs, she thought pet portraits would make the perfect gift.  I must say that Cameron is the smarted young lady I have ever come across!

Bruno, a Dachshund, is a lover.  He is very affectionate and wouldn't hurt a fly.  Even in this small portrait, his gentle personality comes through, don't you agree?

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

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"Pucci" is for Tammy, whom I met last April during the workshop with Dreama Tolle Perry.  She has been following me ever since and asked me to paint "Pucci" for her husband for Christmas.  I was thrilled with such a request by a fellow artist.  Thank you, Tammy.

Before I go on talking about Pucci's special qualities, I have to mention something else.  Before this "beach dog" painting was born, there was the "Christmas dog" painting that I had in mind, as one of the initial pictures Tammy sent me had a photo of Pucci sitting in front of a Christmas tree and presents.  Perfect!  As soon as I printed out a Photoshopped image and drew a grid on it for the painting project, she sent me another picture of Pucci walking on a beach.  The moment I saw it, I threw out the "Christmas dog" painting out of the window.  Look at the finished painting.  If I may say so, isn't it awesome!

Pucci was a shelter rescue at the age of two.  She was possibly a Chow mixed with Shetland Sheepdog.  She expressed her love and gratitude everyday.  She went to work with Tammy and her husband, slept by their side, and followed their every footstep.

Tammy's family live in a rural area with a big yard near a pond.  Pucci loved to lie in the shade of a maple tree, "overlooking her kingdom."  They also have a house on the East Coast, where she loved the beach.  People stopped them on their walks to tell them how beautiful she was. She especially enjoyed that!  You see, I had to paint Pucci walking on the beach.  She would be happy in the dog heaven.

Pucci passed away in May unexpectedly, and she is in Tammy and her husband's thoughts everyday.

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

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"Sadie" is for Kim and Gary, who commissioned the painting for Gary's parents.  The adorable Sadie is a five-year-old Wheaten terrier and their "baby" since they have no kids at home.  

There was a debate about the composition.  Kim wanted a shoulder up shot, which would show the fluffiness of Sadie's face and the kindness of her eyes.  On the other hand, Gary suggested a full body painting with the outdoor background.  His parents take Sadie on walks along the Eno River in North Carolina many times each week, so such a painting would be more meaningful to them.  Following Gary's suggestion, I combined two pictures: one with Sadie's head slightly tilted, which I cropped to zoom in on the head, and another with the rock bed background.

By the way, this is my first 8" x 10" single pet portrait.  It is large enough to have a developed background AND the expressive portrait of Sadie.  I believe that the environment in which the subject is situated is vital to the success of a painting, whether an airy, colorful ground, a grassy lawn, an interior with a couch , or a rocky park with dappled light.  So much so that, I almost always paint the background first!

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

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"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.

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

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"Madison" is for Katie, who commissioned the painting for her in-laws as a Christmas present.  So, as usual, mum's the word!  Madison was a Bernese Mountain Dog.  She was a prim and proper lady.  She pranced everywhere she went, and would always get excited whenever she could wear her "pretties" (the collar with pom poms).  She was gentle, sweet, and afraid of everything nonsensical--garbage cans, baby gates, exercise balls--you name it!  Madison passed away last year at the age of ten.

I don't know if you would believe me, but I miss Madison although I have never met her.  All the deceased pets I painted make me sad.  I wish our cats and dogs could live longer.  I hope my art brings joy and closure to their owners.

I would like to thank all my readers, clients, and fans.  Happy Thanksgiving!

"Apple" (oil on linen; 7" x 5") sold

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"Apple" is for Elena, who commissioned the painting for her dad.  Apple is a one-year-old, wire-haired fox terrier/bichon/field spaniel mix.  According to Elena, Apple is a total goofball, and I love her more for that, because I am occasionally a goofball myself!

By the way, I've noticed that quite a few of my pet portrait orders are by daughters for their fathers or in-laws.  We women, the loving, caring, gift-giving gender, rock!

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

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"Abby" is for Emily, who used to be my daughter's babysitter and the best babysitter in the world too!  She is now all grown up and moved away, but she has been following my blog.  She decided to order a pet portrait for her friend, Susie, for Christmas.

Sweet Abby is a 12-year-old Cockapoo.  She is spunky for her age, loves to go on walks, and enjoys being outside.  She loves making new friends, and is one of the few dogs who are not bothered in the least by other animals.  She walks by squirrels, cats, and other dogs, without even looking twice.  Abby has been a great companion for Susie, who got her as a newborn puppy!

By the way, it is not too late to order pet portraits for Christmas.  Please send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com.  A separate page on my blog, "Pet Portrait Orders", will answer all the questions you may have about ordering a pet portrait.  Thanks!

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

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"Moose" is for Holly, who found me on the Internet.  There are many competent pet portrait artists out there, but she chose me!  I am honored.  Moose is a one-year-old St. Bernard and belongs to Holly's daughter, for whom the painting was painted.

I have been dying to paint a St. Bernard, so I was thrilled at the opportunity.  According to Holly, Moose is a well-behaved, laid-back puppy.  To my question of whether he drools massively like Beethoven in the namesake movie, she said: "Not yet, but it's coming!"

By the way, it is not too late to order pet portraits for Christmas.  Please send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com.  A separate page on my blog, "Pet Portrait Orders", will answer all the questions you may have about ordering a pet portrait.  Thanks!

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

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"Opie" is for Holly, who commissioned it for her son, Eli.  I have painted Opie before with his buddy, Rainey. Opie, a wire-haired Dachshund, is super mischievous, fun-loving, and goofy. The reference photo showed a disproportionately big nose, caused by the camera distortion. This was a bonus as far as Holly was concerned, because it captured perfectly his "goofiness".  I am glad I followed her gut instinct.  Who can resist Opie!

"Opie and Rainey" (oil, 9" x 12"; sold)

"Kendell and Tomp" (oil on linen; 10" x 8") sold

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"Kendell and Tomp" is for Missy.  She commissioned the painting for her father-in-law, who misses Tomp, a very large golden retriever.  Tomp, even at 165 pounds, thought he was a small lap dog, so he would sit on Missy's, or any visitor's lap!

Missy's father-in-law had health issues for the past few years.  Whenever he was hospitalized, she and her children would take care of Tomp.  They would take him for a ride.  He expected to be taken to the drive-through donut shop for a blueberry donut.

Tomp had huge feet and a huge head with more slanted eyes than usual, so he looked like smiling with his whole face at times.  Among several pictures Missy sent me, one particular photo with a rosy-cheeked girl caught my eye.  Kendell was holding his face to accentuate his happy look!  They say that a dog is a man's best friend.  That may be so, but dogs are also children's best friends.  Who doesn't have fond memories of dogs one had as a child?

By the way, it is not too late to order pet portraits for Christmas.  Please send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com.  A separate page on my blog, "Pet Portrait Orders", will answer all the questions you may have about ordering a pet portrait.  Thanks!