"Queen Ester" (oil on linen; 14" x 11") sold

sold

"Queen Ester" is for Thomas, who commissioned the portrait for his girlfriend, Liz.  So much information is missing in the client's photo that it was a tough assignment.  I think I pulled it off.  What do you think?

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

sold

"Frankie" is for Amy, who commissioned the painting for her mother.  Frankie is a 23-year-old chestnut, Canadian Warmblood Sport Horse.  According to Amy's mom, "calm" is the best adjective to describe him.  Does he look calm in the portrait?  I think he does.

Frankie is a rescue horse.  Although her family think he is perfect, he is not, physically speaking.  He has only one eye (his right one); his left eye is sewn closed.  He is big (about 17 hands) and a bit thin.  Fortunately over the past 8 months, he has gained some weight.

It is easy to love someone or some thing beautiful, adorable, cute, handsome, etc.  It takes a big heart and true love of animals to adopt and take care of a disabled, malnourished horse who was probably abused.  I thank you, Amy's mom, for giving a second chance and happy retirement to Frankie.

"Dylan and Chipper" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") sold

sold

For several days, I was busy getting ready for an art show, which took place last Sunday.  Now it is over, and I am back to my daily painting routine.  I have nine pet portrait commissions to finish in the next couple of weeks, so you will be seeing a pet portrait a day, even during the Thanksgiving holiday!

"Dylan and Chipper" is for Susan.  Her daughter, Dylan, has been begging for a portrait of Chipper.  Among the pictures Susan sent me, I liked  the one with the 11-year-old horse enthusiast and Chipper, so it became not just of a horse painting, but a painting of the ride and rider.  Don't you love the chemistry between the two?  Dylan was wearing a black shirt and a black hat in the picture, which were turned into a red shirt and a white hat for the painting. Now the picture sings!

Chipper is a 11-year-old American Quarter Horse.  "Cashing in the Chips" is his registered name; Chipper is his barn name.  An animal psychic told the family that he knows he is a "one handsome dude."!  He is happy to be owned and have "his person".  He believes his job is to babysit Dylan and he takes it very seriously.

In his youth Chipper was a world champion in both Western Pleasure and English HUS.  Dylan competes on him in both disciplines.  He loves to show, because people are finally acknowledging his beauty and athleticism.

"Chestnut Beauty" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") sold

sold

This chestnut beauty is part a draft horse, which is a bigger breed.  She is a gentle giant and easy keeper.  The next year is the Year of the Horse.  My horse painting will bring you a joyous, prosperous year!

"Joy Run" (oil on linen; 8" x 8" sold

sold

A colt gallops joyously on a sunny spring day.  How do you like my "action painting"?  It is based on a picture that my good friend, Jo Mackenzie, sent me.  She couldn't remember whose pet it was!  So I am hoping someone will step forward and claim the painting.

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!