"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.

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

sold

"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.

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

sold

"Bocci" is for Kristen.  Bocci was her childhood dog who just passed on at the age of 11 and a half.  He was a white Maltese, with brown stains under his eyes.  He loved getting into the garbage, but hated baths and only allowed Kristen's mom to bathe him.  He was able to jump on his hind legs for tricks for an incredibly long time.  He would play fetch, but give a fight to give it back to you.  He also loved to "dig" feverishly in the sheets if he was put on a bed.  

Kristen had an island counter in the kitchen, and if she were sitting at the counter with her feet dangling from the stool, he would walk under her feet back and forth almost like a little back massage.  Bocci was a quirky and funny buddy, as you can see in his portrait.  He is much missed by his family.

"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!