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

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"Pucci" (oil, 8" x 10"; sold)

"Oreo" is for Tammy, who wanted the portrait as the companion piece for "Pucci".  Oreo was Pucci's big brother and passed away several years ago.  Oreo, named for the white stripe that ran from his chin and down his middle to his tail, was Tammy's family's beloved pet for 11 wonderful years.  He was a Schnauzer mix shelter dog.  

Tammy's youngest daughter, Jenny, convinced her to adopt Oreo, but since she was either at school or after-school activities, Oreo soon became Tammy's buddy.  He would often escape and hunt her down in her small town.  A couple of times he went to school looking for Jenny. The whole town knew him.  Neighbors looked out for him and gave him rides back home.

He loved to chase birds.  Tammy and her husband still laugh about him almost doing backward flips, convinced that he could catch a seagull hovering overhead.  He also loved to dig for crabs. Often there were only his hind legs and tail above ground.  

Oreo was a very vocal dog and liked to talk back.  He did not like conflict of any kind and was a terrible car passenger.  And he always knew when Tammy was sad and made sure to snuggle extra close.  I gave his portrait a happy beachy background.  Thank you, Tammy, for sharing the stories about Oreo!

"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.

"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!

"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!

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

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"Francis" is for Mike DiCenzo.  Mike commissioned the painting for his friend, John, who just got a cat that he loves.  When I saw the picture of Francis, my heart melted, so I can believe why this cat is special to John.

Francis is a six-month-old kitten of an unknown, but beautiful, breed.  I asked Mike about Francis's fun facts.  In my mind, I could see him scratching his head.  How would he know much about his friend's cat?  He said that Francis likes to spoon with John!

I have a fun fact about Mike for you.  He is a writer on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  So is John, by the way.  I am feeling famous, painting for famous people and all.  Hahaha!

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

sold

"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

sold

"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!

"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!

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

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"Gibson" is for my old friend, Karen.  She asked me to paint Gibson for her sister-in-law, Amy. Amy, a vet, loves Huskies.  Gibson, who passed away a year ago, was a sweetheart.  I can relate to that.  Strong, handsome, noble--that's how I feel about Huskies.  My mother-in-law had a Husky named Jediah, who always sat by me at dinner table, because he knew I was a softie, sneaking him food under the table.

If you send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com, I will make beautiful pet portraits out of them.  How fun is that!  Besides, my pet portraits make perfect birthday and Christmas presents.  Thanks!

My readers, in case you didn't notice, I have created a new page on my blog, called "Pet Portrait Orders".  You will find all the information you want to know about ordering a pet portrait.  Please check it out.

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

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"Mischief" is for Steve, my graduate school buddy and fellow historian, except that I no longer teach and he is still an overworked history professor!  Mischief, or Missy for short, was an English Springer Spaniel.  She was the runt of the litter, and the breeders didn't think she was up for the job as a gun dog.  Steve and his siblings got his father the puppy for Christmas the year their mother passed away.  My friend was as attached to Mischief as his dad was and considered her his dog too.  She died this summer and the painting is going to be the Christmas present for Steve Sr.

Mischief was a sweet, kind-hearted dog and behaved like a much younger dog all her long life. We had a lot of photos to choose from; Steve picked one particular photo, because he wanted to remember her outside and playing her favorite game of Frisbee.  I hope she approves from the dog heaven.

If you send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com, I will make beautiful pet portraits out of them.  How fun is that!  Besides, my pet portraits make perfect birthday and Christmas presents.  Thanks!

My readers, in case you didn't notice, I have created a new page on my blog, called "Pet Portrait Orders".  You will find all the information you want to know about ordering a pet portrait.  Please check it out.

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

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"Felix" is the second painting for Holly's family.  Felix is a 16-year-old tabby cat and is missed terribly by her grown-up son, Simon, who has moved out of the house.  Obviously, the painting is for Simon!

In the reference photo, in which Felix is sunning next to the fire logs, there was a blur of something, sticking out of his right ear, catching light.  I couldn't figure out what it was until Holly explained it to me.  The little tufts of hair extend from the tips of his ears, and are one of his distinguishing features.  Otherwise, he'd look like any other tabby cat.  Boy, I am glad I waited for this communication, because I was going to edit them out!

If you send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com, I will make beautiful pet portraits out of them.  How fun is that!  Besides, my pet portraits make perfect birthday and Christmas presents.  Thanks!

My readers, in case you didn't notice, I have created a new page on my blog, called "Pet Portrait Orders".  You will find all the information you want to know about ordering a pet portrait.  Please check it out.

"Bennett James" (oil on linen; 8" x 6") sold

sold

"Bennett James" is for Lynn.  Mr. Bennett James, a 12-year-old sheep dog, is going to be a Christmas present for Lynn's daughter, Kim.  As a matter of fact, there are two more paintings coming up, because everybody in Lynn's family is going to get a pet portrait for this Christmas!

I would like to thank my awesome fan, Pat MacMaster, who introduced my work to her college friend, Lynn!

If you send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com, I will make beautiful pet portraits out of them.  How fun is that!  Besides, my pet portraits make perfect birthday and Christmas presents.  Thanks!

My readers, in case you didn't notice, I have created a new page on my blog, called "Pet Portrait Orders".  You will find all the information you are dying to know about ordering a pet portrait.  Please check it out.

"Teddy" (oil on canvas; 5" x 7") sold

sold

"Teddy" is for my dear friend and neighbor, Bruna.  Bruna commissioned me to paint Teddy for her friend, Gerry, as her birthday present.  It was not just a commission, but a mission on my part, because of the challenge of having to work from a stamp-sized print picture.  Instead of saying "No, I can't do it," I said "Sure, I will try".  Why?  Gerry fell recently and hurt herself badly.  She was hurrying to greet a postman who returned to work after a severe injury caused by dog bites during delivery.  She can certainly use a cheerful present.

Teddy, a Maltese/poodle mix, came to live with his grandparents after his dad passed away in a car accident.  He took a very good care of them.  Everyday he took a walk with his grandpa in a wheel chair.  The picture Bruna gave me for the painting has Gerry, her husband, and Teddy on a sidewalk during one of their walks.  Teddy passed away three months after Gerry's husband's death three years ago.

If you think there is a lot of sadness in today's post, I beg to differ.  I believe it is all about love and friendship.  Bruna is one of the most generous people I know.  She has helped countless friends in their illnesses, bereavements, and moving-aways.  For decades, she has been sending packages of the Washington Post newspapers to a friend who had moved away to Hawaii!  I painted "Teddy" out of love and friendship.  Please send prayers to Gerry for her speedy recovery!

If you send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com, I will make beautiful pet portraits out of them.  How fun is that!  You can buy the painting anytime, but there is no obligation. Thanks!

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

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

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"Beamer" is another painting for my Facebook fan, Tracey.  Beamer is a Beagle/Brittany Spaniel mix, named after the Virginia Tech football coach, Frank Beamer.  He is probably the most perfect dog on the planet, says Tracey: super cute, super affectionate with just the right amount of craziness with so much personality.

Normally, I would smile politely at such a statement.  But, with Beamer, I am going to take Tracey at her word.  Look at him in his signature pose of crossing his paws when lying down.  Have you ever seen a dog doing that?

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 Five of Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 Challenge.  Five more days!  I am really seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

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

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"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!