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

sold

"Tonka" is for Lauren. Tonka, a Golden Retriever, has a title of "Grand Champion" show dog and is dad to many dogs, including Lauren's. For a while he was a service dog, too. He will be ten January, 2017. So, the portrait is the birthday present for him!

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

sold

"Kisses" is for Lauren, who commissioned the portrait for her friend. Kisses, the 10-year-old Bulldog, loves all food. More than once she's even swallowed a tennis ball whole! She loves to snuggle, as her name suggests.

"Jelly" (oil on linen; 7" x 7") gift

gift

"Jelly" is for Nicole Yates. I have been developing my Instragram account of pet portrait paintings. Nicole is the luck winner of the first pet portrait giveaway that I ran for fun in October and November. Congratulations! By the way, if you are on Instragram, please follow me @kimstenbergart for a daily dose of beautiful art and occasional pet portrait giveaways!

Jelly is a very energetic one-and-a-half-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her nicknames are "Jelly Belly" and "Jelly Bean". She's a friendly puppy to everyone she meets and loves cuddling up with as many blankets and pillows as possible. She loves being the center of attention, running around the yard with her puppy friends, and finding any reason to be given a treat.

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

sold

"Sophie" is for Laurinda. Sophie, a Bichon Frise, passed away two years ago when she was 15. It was for the best though, as she had developed diabetes, was blind and nearly deaf. She was a trooper and didn't let it stop her from loving life (and food especially!). She was the best family dog we could have asked for--a true lap dog who loved her belly rubs. In the reference photo, one could tell she had cataracts, but I restored the youthful look for Sophie. She will be always remembered as an adorable puppy!

"Paris Notre Dame Nocturne" (oil on stretched canvas; 12" x 16") sold

sold

Paris at dusk is the most romantic place in the world, as the city turns into the city of light. Take a walk along the Seine River. The famed river looks like a moat guarding the equally famed Notre Dame in the Ile de la Cite. Ah, Paris!

"Dublin Liffey Bridge Night" (oil on stretched canvas; 11" x 14")

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I painted another version of the charming, cast-iron Liffey Bridge of Dublin, Ireland. Also known as the Ha'penny Bridge, it is an iconic image of Dublin. The new painting, I think, is even more impressionistic and moodier. Which one do you like better?

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

"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.