"Henry and Lucy" (oil on streched linen; 8" x 10") sold

sold

"Henry and Lucy" is for Natalie who commissioned the double portrait for her husband. They are two adorable dogs with different personalities. I hope the portrait brings the family years of joy!

Henry is seven years old and is a Maltese. He is such a sweet gentle old soul. He is very mellow and loves to sleep on the couch and sit in the sun. He is good with their four children. If given a treat, he will wag his tail and give you lots of kisses.

Lucy, three years of age, is also a Maltese. She is very energetic; she thinks she is a child and always getting into trouble. She loves to be hugged all the time. She is loving and will jump on you and put her face in your neck and give you tons of kisses. She loves to run around, bark and play with all of her toys. She will get her dog kibble and throw it in the air.

"Louie and Remy" (oil on stretched linen, 9" x 12") sold

sold

"Louie and Remy" was commissioned by Brad as a Christmas gift to his wife. Louie and Remy are French bulldogs. It was a tricky commission as I didn't have a good photo of Remy (on the right) to work with. So I ended up painting Louie twice in different poses. All I had to go by was that Remy is smaller and has more tan on his fur. I had to redesign the leather sofa they are sitting on too, so that it makes sense to the viewer. I think I pulled it off. What do you think?

"Merlin and Blarney" (oil on linen canvas; 12" x 12") sold

sold

The double portrait is for Tania and based on a 17-year-old photo of a poor quality. I couldn't really see the black cat's features, so had to make up! Merlin (black) and Blarney (tuxedo) were brothers and were considered domestic long hair. The vet thought that they may have some Maine Coon in them, as they were big, playful and vocal cats. Blarney especially almost seemed dog-like with his affectionate personality, sleeping and drooling on your pillow, or joining you in the bath or the shower. Merlin was a little more reserved, but still affectionate. They were good brothers and used to sleep together and groom one another.

They were born under a friend's front porch on a farm, and Tania adopted both brothers. They were playful and funny. Merlin was a better hunter and would catch birds like robins, but brought them home still alive. Blarney was a little lazier, but wanted to hunt like his brother. His hunting, however, seemed focused on butterflies. He was so proud of his catch!

Tania still has Merlin, though he is 19 and recently had surgery to amputate most of his tail. She lost Blarney 10 years ago. I hope the double portrait brings back happy memories to Tania and her family.

"Bella and Kenzie" (oil; 8" x 10") sold

sold

"Bella and Kenzie" is for Teresa, one of my repeat clients, who commissioned the portrait for her old friends.  She has moved from Northern Virginia and now lives in North Carolina.  Her old friends let her stay with them whenever she comes and their dogs are Teresa's dog's best friends. Bella on the right is the the older sister; Kenzie on the left is aka Cra-Cra since she is a little bit crazy!  These sweet, cattle dog rescues are two peas in a pod and, even though they are years apart, they are like twins.

"Lily and Winston" (oil on linen; 8" x 10") sold

sold

"Lily and Winston" is for Katherine, who commissioned the painting for her husband.  Lily on the right is a 7 1/2-year-old greater Swiss mountain dog.  She is afraid of fart noises (!) and hence is scared of Katherine's 6-month-old child.  But she is such a gentle soul, sweet with children and other dogs.  She loves attention so much that she once let Katherine's dentist husband pull out a loose tooth without anesthesia!

Winston is a 7-year-old pug, who is afraid of nothing.  He snorts and snores and walks around with so much attitude!  He loves to eat mail, but hates rain (he will poop in the house rather than go outside in the rain!).  He is totally devoted to Lily and follows her around; he got depressed when she was sick once.  Winston likes to curl up with Lily to sleep.

"Ernie and Miles" (oil on linen; 9" x 12") sold

sold

"Ernie and Miles" is for Lindsey, who commissioned the double portrait of the two darling Havaneses for her parents.  Ernie on the left will be 8 years old next spring.  He loves to play ball and has funny, expressive eyebrows.  The 2-year-old Miles on the right is a bit bigger than Ernie.  He is playful and cuddly--a huge love bug.  Miles has large dark brown eyes (like a horse).  Speaking of eyes, I couldn't see these cute guys' eyes much at all!

"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.