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

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"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.

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

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"Bhodi" is for Lacey.  Bhodi is a young golden retriever.  The portrait shows him when he was puppy; he is now two years old.  He is a sweet, obedient, and loyal boy who loves to go for walks on the beach and play in the sand.

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

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"Scout" is for Susie.  Scout is a 9-months-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  He is loving, loyal, and as sweet as they come.  He loves people and super friendly.

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

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"Patches" is for Jen.  Patches is an 8-year-old, black and white cockapoo who weighs about 19 pounds.  He wags his short nubby tail and shakes his hiny every time he sees one of his family members.  He is such a little love bug.  He is a jumper, hopping like a little bunny around the yard.  His nicknames are Booger, Stinker, Love Bug, and Booger Butt!

Patches thinks he's human.  He sleeps in the bed, wants to drink water out of plastic cups, and loves to go bye bye and ride in the car with his head out the window barking at his own echo.  He likes socks, his stuffed animals, and to play fetch.  He is, however, scared of cardboard boxes or things unfamiliar.  He hops backwards and barks, then runs side to side in efforts to figure out.  He is definitely a joy!

"Mac" (oil on linen; 8" x 8") sold

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"Mac" is for Jamie.  Mac, a collie, is one of those dogs that are practically human.  He can communicate almost as if he could talk!  He has been the faithful companion of Jamie's parents for 13 years, and they call him a "Velcro dog" because he stays attached to Jamie's dad whenever possible.  He used to crawl in their laps too--all 70 pounds of fur.  He is very patient even now that there are two little kids added to mix.  He is a truly amazing dog. Although he is sick now, he sure loved playing and "herding" his people as a young dog.

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

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"Fin" is for Amy, who commissioned the painting for her friend.  Fin had little blond hairs all around his muzzle and across his chest and down his legs.  Other than than, he was all black. He was quiet, smart, and protective of his family.

"Bosley" (oil on linen; 10" x 10") sold

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"Bosley" is for Kellie, who commissioned the portrait for her husband.  Bosley is a 3-year-old boxer with more personality and energy than anyone could have ever imagined a dog having. He is the sweetest, happiest, and most energetic boxer!

"Cas" (oil on linen; 8" x 8") sold

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"Cas" is for Meagan.  Cas is a 10-year-old Shar Pei who is Meagan's mother-in-law's baby. Meagan's husband got him in college, but a few moves resulted in Cas's new home with her in-laws.  Cas has become super playful in his old age, playing around with Meagan's two kids. When he was a puppy, he loved chasing squirrels.  But his new home doesn't have enough trees, so he has to resort to snagging the kids' stuffed animals.  Cas doesn't have a mean bone in his body, just a very sweet dog.  He is highly intelligent and fiercely loyal as most Shar Peis are.

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

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"Buddy" is for Melanie, who commissioned the painting for her mother.  Buddy, a poodle, turned four this month and was lucky enough to get his own cake!  He loves to play.  He can run, jump, and roughhouse all day and night if you let him.  During the freezing winters in Edmonton, Canada, Buddy likes letting off some energy by walking on the treadmill.  

Melanie's mom is a band teacher, and Buddy goes to school with her a few times a week to sit at her feet while she teaches a class.  He has a lot of personality and loves kids, his family and dog-cousins.  I might also add that Buddy has a fabulous sense of style! 

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

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"Buffy" is for Heide.  Buffy was a Maltese-Shih Tzu mix.  Buffy was the constant companion of Heide's mother-in-law's.  She didn't really know that she was a dog.  She was the baby of the family and was treated as such.  She loved a warm lap and a tender pat.

Buffy loved playing fetch with cat toys and would chase balls around the yard.  She would sit for hours on her special spot on top of the couch where she could survey her yard and all squirrels that dared to enter.   Buffy passed away this year at the age of 16.

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

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"AJ" is for Caroline.  This gentle, beautiful dog belonged to her friend who was not able to keep him; since he is blind, she knew that no one else would take him.  Caroline lives in a 7,000-square-feet house, of which AJ has every square inch memorized.  He only runs into things if she moves a piece of furniture.  Caroline's husband has dementia and since they are both disabled in their own ways, they comfort each other.

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

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"Lucy" is also for Kim.  Lucy is a 13-year-old Chocolate Lab.  she is afraid of the dark.  She is a loving, sweet, sensitive, people-pleaser.  Her favorite toy is a tennis ball.

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

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"Millie" is for Kim.  Millie is a 7-year-old Pomapoo, which is a Pomeranian poodle mix.  She loves to snuggle.  Her favorite toy is a stuffed hedgehog called Pacie.  She loves her big sister Lucy, a lap dog, whose portrait is coming up!

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

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"Ari" is the second commission by Lindsey.  Ari is a shy, sweet, 4-year-old Shiba Inu.  She has a pretty coloring and her eyes are rimmed in black marking, which makes her look like wearing black eyeliner.  "Ari" is for Lindsey's brother.

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

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"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!

"Jake" (oil on linen; 8" x 8") sold

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"Jake" is the second painting for Joel.  Jake is a Norwegian forest cat, which surprises Joel, because you would think that he would like the cold.  But Jake seems to like hanging out under the heater duct now that the furnace is on.  He is getting on in age and spends a great deal of time asleep, but is very awake when it is time to eat.  He thinks that his humans' meals are best accompanied by fur from his large fluffy tail!

"Lola" (oil on linen; 8" x 8") sold

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"Lola" is for Joel, who commissioned two portraits of his girlfriend's cats.  Lola, the Himalayan, is the vigilant guard cat and likes roaming around the house looking for squirrels and birds out the window.  She was born without a tail, but has a little nub that wiggles a lot.

When Joel first met her, she was shy, which was probably due to the fact that she was brought into a house in which the other cat, Jake, had preceded her for several years.  Now that they've moved into Joel's home, the two cats seem to be on more of an equal footing, and Lola is much more extroverted.  She even jumped on Joel's desk to help him pick which photos to send!

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

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"Tinkerbell" is for Dara.  Tinkerbell is a 7-year-old orange tabby domestic shorthair.  Dara adopted her as a kitten when she was in college and was dating her boy friend John. Tinkerbell blended into the family when they got married in 2010.  As Dara and her husband have no children, Tinkerbell is like their child.  She is energetic, loving, silly, and vocal. Everyone who meets her loves her instantly; she is not a typical cat that only wants affection on her terms, but is more like a puppy that constantly wants your attention and love.

She talks to John and Dara when they come home, she sits between us on the couch and sleeps between us in the bed!  Her "motor" purrs so loudly that you can hear her across a room.  They have nicknames for her, but "Pretty" is the one John uses the most.  Tinkerbell is a daddy's girl!

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

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"Gunner" is for Carrie.  Gunner is a 11-year-old black Labrador retriever.  He was raised with his brother, who had passed away 2 years ago, way too early in life.  Gunner has lived at a lake all his life enjoying the water.  He loves fetching, car rides, and being loved by this family.  He has been battling a heart condition for the last 2 years, so he spends a lot of his time lounging on the couch.  

Gunner is the baby of the family and means the world to them, especially Carrie's mother.

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

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"Rex" is for Jennifer.  Rex is a hound dog mix that Jennifer and her husband got at a shelter, and is the nicest and calmest dog they have ever had.  He wants to be a lap dog, but he is just too hairy!  He is the neighborhood greeter.  Everyone and their dog has to say "hi" when they walk past our house.  People even go out of their way to walk by to say hello.  He barks his big hound dog bark when people come to Jennifer's house, because he just wants someone new to pet him.  Rex is the best buddy of her husband, who is going to get the painting for Christmas!

"Dinky and Yokie" (oil on linen; 8" x 8") sold

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"Dinky and Yokie" is for Sue, who commissioned the painting for her sister.  Yokie, on the right, was the most friendly chihuahua, always excited to see everybody and anybody who walked into the house.  Dinky, on the left, was more reserved and had to warm up to you, but they were both the sweetest little dogs.  Sue's sister is broken up about their passing.  I hope this portrait gives her some comfort.

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

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"Dakota" is for Joanne.  Dakota was a lab border collie mix.  She loved the water as much as the snow.  In the painting, she is frolicking and smiling in the waters of Cape Cod.  Dakota was the best buddy of Joanne's brother, who used to go kayaking together.  He misses her dearly.

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

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"Kitty" is the third and last painting for Diane, who commissioned the portrait for her 82-year-old mother.  Kitty is a 7-year-old American shorthair tabby cat.  You can tell by the tip of her left ear, that has been snipped when she was fixed.  Even though Diane's mom says that she doesn't like the cat, when she can't find Kitty, she panics.  Kitty follows her around like a dog!

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

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"Fisher" is the second painting for Diane.  Fisher is a two-year-old Dutch Shepherd, who is a search and rescue dog and is also a guard dog.  He has been in training for the last two years. He has a sweet temperament, as his sweet eyes show.  What a wonderful Christmas present it will be to the family of Diane's boss!

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

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"Ellie" is for Diane who commissioned me to paint three pet portraits.  Thank you, Diane! "Ellie" is the first one.  Ellie is a huge, three-year-old husky who weighs 40 pounds, but thinks she is a five-pound dog.  She does everything Diane's daughter and son-in-law ask of her, except that she is an escape artist!

By the way, "Ellie" is the 25th custom portrait of the year.  I hope to do another 25 during the holiday season!

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

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"Tucker" is for Jamie.  Tucker with absolutely gorgeous hair is a 7-year-old mixed breed of Irish Wolfhound.  He is a sweet and thoughtful dog.  He is full of energy, but obedient.  His eyes are the windows to his soul.  When he is excited, he makes a high-pitched whining sound that is rather endearing.  Tucker is Jamie's mother-in-law's dog and he loves her so very much!

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

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"Zoe" is for Jennifer, who commissioned the painting for her mother.  Zoe is her mom's 10-year-old Goldendoodle.  The sweet Zoe is everything to her mom.  She absolutely loves tennis balls and playing catch.  She likes to "skin" them by taking off the yellow fuzz.  Indeed, she had one of those skinned tennis balls in her mouth in the reference photo, which I couldn't figure out, so I had to ask Jennifer about!

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

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"Sam" is for Susie and it's going to be the Christmas present for her mom.  Sam is a two-year-old miniature poodle.  He is an entertainer!  He loves to run like a little rocket, and also likes to play fetch and hide and seek.  Probably the most notable thing about him is those brown eyes, which are so warm and sweet.  Now that he is getting out of his puppy phase, he is quite a little snuggler.

Susie's mom's older poodle passed away a couple of months ago, so Sam is now the only dog in the house.  He has been a big pick-me-up for her parents.  Susie is confident that her mom will be thrilled to have his portrait, and so am I!

"Corridgan II" (oil on linen; 10" x 8") sold

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Here is the second portrait of Corrigan for Briana.  I hope my paintings give comfort to her family.

"Corrigan I" (oil on linen; 7" x 5") sold

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"Corrigan I" is for Briana.  Corrigan was 13 years old when he passed away earlier this year. He was Briana's sister's dog, who spent his last few years, living with Briana's parents in British Columbia.  "Corrigan I & II" are gifts for her mom and sister. 

Corrigan was rarely separated from his sister, Kia, since they were adopted together.  While Kia is still a mischievous dog, Corrigan was a gentle giant--really big and very sweet.  He was easily scared and wouldn't walk by something if it was new or different, including a road cone on his regular walk.  He loved cookies and would "speak" on command if he thought there was a treat to be had.  

"Dublin Liffey Bridge Nocturne" (oil on linen; 9" x 12") sold

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The charming, cast-iron Liffey Bridge is probably the world's most famous footbridge.  It is a pedestrian bridge, built in 1816 over the Liffey River in Dublin, Ireland.  Also known as the Ha'penny Bridge, it is an iconic image of Dublin.  At night, it is even more charming!

The Collage of My October Paintings

The Collage of My October 2014 Paintings

Last month, I slackened a bit due to the ongoing eye trouble, painting only 15 paintings. What can I say?  I am only human.  Which is your favorite painting?

"Degas's Little Dancer" (oil on stretched canvas; 12" x 9") sold

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The "Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer" by Edgar Degas, with the pert expression and upturned nose, is one of the most famous sculptures in the world, and there are 28 bronze copies around the world!  The one I painted is from the Musee d'Orsay.

The sculpture is two-thirds life size and was originally sculptured in wax.  It is dress in a real bodice, tutu, and ballet slippers and has a wig of real hair.  The tutus worn by the bronzes vary from museum to museum.  For instance, the one at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC has a skimpy tutu.

By the way, "Degas's Little Dancer" is an infinity painting.  It keeps going!

From the left

From the right

"Art Date with Monet's Water Lilies" (oil on stretched canvas; 9" x 12") sold

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Paris is a city of museums.  During my short visit while back, I have checked out several and wished I could have stayed longer to visit more museums.  The Musee de l'Orangerie is an art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings located in the west corner of the Tuileries Gardens in Paris.  The museum is most famous for being the permanent home for eight Water Lilies murals (Les Nympheas) by Claude Monet, which wrap around a white oval room.  A perfect setting for a romantic art date!

By the way, "Art Date" is an infinity painting.  It keeps going!

From the left

From the right

"Golden Gate Bridge Nocturne" (oil on linen; 9" x 12")

click here to buy

From the Marin Headlands, one can see a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.  It is even more spectacular at clear night.  Look at the reflections of the brightly lit bridge in the San Francisco Bay!

"Vietnam Veterans Memorial" (oil on linen; 8" x 10") sold

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The sun rises over the wall that honors those who served in the Vietnam War. Inscribed on the black granite walls are the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing.  Early in the day, without the crowds, when the grass is still wet with morning dew, I visited to pay my respect the wall that heals.

Kim Stenberg Fine Art 2015 Calendar has arrived on Etsy!

click here to buy
$22, plus $8 for shipping/handling

I decided to offer a calendar for the first time.  Yeah!  My 12-month deluxe wall calendar is printed on premium glossy card stock, and features full reproductions of 12 of my original paintings in oil and watercolor on black background.  The dimension of this handsome calendar is 17" x 11".

Twelve month of joy!

"Rockefeller Center Christmas" (oil on linen; 9" x 12") sold

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It is Christmastime in New York City!  The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, towering above the ice rink below, all decked out in its finest holiday bling, is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City.  Personally, I like the angels playing trumpets even more!

"Loving Hand Puppies" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") sold

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"Loving Hand Puppies" is for Kelley.  Her best friend is getting married and the happy couple used the reference photo of the painting to announce their engagement.  Kelley's friend with the engagement ring is holding lovingly their two rescue puppies, who look totally different, but are brother and sister from the same litter.  So Kelley thought the picture-turned-portrait would make a sensational wedding gift.  Brilliant!

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

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"Lucy" is for Lauren, who keeps my custom portrait business going single-handedly.  This is her 5th commission.  Thank you, Lauren!  "Lucy" is for Lauren's daughter.

Perky would be an understatement when it comes to Lucy.  Even though she is well over 10 years old, she has the most wonderful smile and the brightest eyes.  A truly happy pooch.  Not too bad for a bedraggled little creature, abandoned on the streets of Omaha 7 years ago.

"Tower Bridge Magic" (oil on linen; 9" x 12") sold

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The Tower Bridge is one of the icons of the United Kingdom.  It always looks impressive in its ornate grandeur.  Against a colorful sunset sky, well, it turns into a gigantic jewel!  Below is another version of the same fabulous bridge.  Which painting do you like better!

"Tower Bridge Nocturne" (oil, 9" x 12"; sold)

The Blog Hop Around the World

click here to go to my Etsy cityscape section

My website: www.kimstenberg.com
My blog: http://www.kimstenbergart.blogspot.com
My Etsy shop: Kim Stenberg Fine Art
My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kimstenbergfineart


I am thrilled to be part of the Blog Hop Around the World.  My friend and fellow artist, Jo Mackenzie, was the one who honored me with her invitation.  She is a terrific watercolorist whose artistic enthusiasm and productivity are legendary.  She is also one of the most generous persons I know!

I am what they call a self-taught artist, as I don't have any art degrees.  I do, however, have three advanced degrees in history.  I received a PhD degree in British history from the University of Minnesota in 1993 and has taught history at the college level for 20 years until my early retirement.

click here to go to my Etsy floral section

Turning 50 was the reason for my foolhardy decision to become a full-time artist.  Although I was delusional about selling my paintings like hotcakes, quitting my job and committing myself to what I always wanted to do made all the difference.  I have been working prodigiously hard for the last four years and, I believe, my paintings have improved tremendously.

One of my "problems" is that I like to paint pretty much everything!  I paint figure, animal, landscape, floral, and occasionally still life.  I paint in two very different mediums of oil and watercolor in quite different styles.  I find beauty in so many things that I want to try to render them in paint, to see if I can make them come alive by capturing light striking them.

click here to go to my Etsy landscape section

The turning point in my art business came about when I started painting pet portraits in the summer of the last year, partly influenced by my friend, Jo Mackenzie.  Who knew I had a natural knack for capturing the spirit, not just the likeness, of cats and dogs!  My pet portraits have brought joys of tears to my clients.

click here to go to my Etsy custom pet portrait section

The success of my custom pet portraits led me to venture into the portrait business.  I plan to take classes with a renowned portrait artist, Danni Dawson, for the next couple of years to strengthen my portraits.

click here to go to my Etsy custom portrait section

I like to work in series.  The collage below was created with some of the watercolor floral still lifes I painted in March 2013.  Yes, I work in watercolors too!  In fact, I used to be a watercolorist for a long time until I decided to try oils several years ago.

click here to go to my Etsy watercolor section

As I like to challenge myself, in the summer of 2013, I did a series of watercolors on Yupo, one of the most difficult surfaces to paint on.  Here is the collage that resulted from my Yupo Challenge.

click here to go to my Etsy watercolor section

My current passion is cityscapes.  As a big city girl from Seoul, Korea, I love what big cities can offer--monuments, museums, parks, bridges, boulevards, bustling neighborhoods, etc. My favorite cities--Paris, London, New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Venice, etc.--are my muse!


Now I am passing the baton to my friend, CJ Roughton.  CJ paints in oils and likes to paint people and pets.  She has been nursing her sick husband for the past months, and is excited to get back to the game with the Blog Hop.  She will post next Monday the 20th. Stay tuned!