Miniature Schnauzer Painting

Here's yet another white dog that isn't really white (see my post Dueling White Dogs for two more examples). I love the composition on this portrait - the way Gonzo is just entering the frame is very engaging.

The original was painted on a 12 x 12 square, but you can order prints in any (square) size from my Fine Art America shop.

If you'd like to order a portrait of your own special furball, just email. I'd be happy to capture your pet in color, too.

Pop-Art Style Labrador by Janet Burt

Cinnamon the dog is another painting in the series of quick studies I've been doing recently on masonite. (I cut up a 4 x 4 foot sheet into 12 inch squares.) 

I need to refine my gesso-ing process -- in some places, brush strokes where I put that background down are visible (not a good thing, I think). Still, this dog's smile makes me happy, and I love the color combination. It's a good example of the powerful way color can impact mood.

Send me an email and let's talk about your dog!

Couch Chihuahua Painting by Janet Burt

I've never been able to understand why spelling Chihuahua poses such a challenge for me (I always want to include a 'j' somewhere, as in Guadalajara). Fortunately I don't have the same issues when it comes to painting these dogs.

This little pooch named Mickey (he's so fine) is portrayed on a 16 x 20 inch canvas, relaxing in his favorite spot on the couch.  I enjoyed painting the entire dog rather than a "faces only" close-up. It was a nice change of pace.

Want me to capture your pet on canvas? You know where to find me!

Border Collie in Color by Janet Burt

Golly I love border collies.  They have the happiest faces.  'Nuff said.

Greyhound with a Soulful Gaze

Portrait artists are always saying how important the eyes are - but we are always saying it because it's true! Eyes are truly the focal point in this portrait of Alex, a senior greyhound, captured in close-up on this 12 x 12 canvas. 

Just to show you what I mean - you know, eyes are the window of the soul and all -- here's a close-up shot of Alex's peepers.

Here's the photo I worked from, originally.  Alex is a 9-year-old ex-racing greyhound, a laid-back dude who likes his stuffed toys.  You might notice that I painted Alex without his collars.  I felt they would have made the portrait busy, and detracted from Alex's face.  In fact, I only rarely include a dog's collar, like when a portrait needs a pop of color, or the owner specifically wants it to be included.  Otherwise I like to paint my subjects "naked."

If you'd like me to paint your senior dog, your pup, or a dog that's somewhere in between, shoot me an email, and we can get started!

Boston Terrier with Attitude

I love the composition of this portrait of a Boston Terrier named Bubba, and it seems I'm not the only one. I submitted this painting to the weekly Fan Art contest at Jerry's Artarama (the well-known art supply store), and it was one of 20 works selected to be highlighted in their facebook fan art gallery. How fun is that?

The original painting is fairly large at 18 x 24 inches, and makes a dramatic statement up on a wall.

Want me to make something similar for you? Just email and we can get started!

Thanks for supporting me and my art.

Shih Tzu Painting by Janet Burt

Every time I write the words Shih Tzu I have to look up how to spell them - I guess I have a mental block in that arena.  But, whatever difficulties I have writing the words, I am glad to report that I don't have a similar problem painting the breed.  Here's my latest, painted on 16 x 20 gallery-wrapped canvas:

I've been working on a number of "hairy-faced" dogs lately.  It's a completely different painting challenge than a smooth-coated dog, and really must be done in layers, with the dark tones going down first so they can show between the lighter layers of fur.

Do you have a furry friend you'd like me to paint? You know where to find me!

German and French Dogs, Together at Last

Just kidding, but two of my most recent dog portraits were of a miniature Schnauzer (echt Deutsch), and a French Bulldog (French, duh). Want to see them?

It wasn't intentional to have the backgrounds on these two works be coordinating cool green and blue, but I'm not going to ignore serendipity when it comes along.

Yorkie in Pink by Janet Burt

Did you know that Yorkies are one of the most popular breeds in America? My latest portrait captures that special gaze that helps the Yorkshire Terrier ingratiate herself with nearly everyone.

This little girl's name is Poppy, and I think she's pretty in pink (more-so than Molly Ringwald back in the day).

Send me a shot of your favorite pet!

Curious Dachshund Painting by Janet Burt

There is something about dachshunds - is it their unusual shape, long ears, knobbley feet? - that I find very compelling.  So, I especially enjoyed painting this portrait of Stanley, below.

The finished painting is 16 x 20. I'm very happy with the composition on this one, where Stanley seems to be peering up and out of the canvas.

Want me to capture that special gaze from your pet? Email and let's get started.

Black Lab in Color by Janet Burt

Black dogs are notoriously difficult to paint - it's so hard to make the eyes stand out and the dark contours of the face show.  Personally I love to paint black dogs, because it gives me a chance to really let loose with creatively colored highlights.

This 16 x 16 inch square of Percy is my latest portrait, and a shining example of how black actually contains so many different hues.  According to physicists, black is the absence of color, but fortunately that is not the view of an artist!

Do you have a black dog that you love? Would you like to see him or her captured in color? Shoot me an email and let's get started!

German Shepherd Painting by Janet Burt

Though German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ( ranked #2), I have painted only a handful . . . perhaps those owners are not the ones most fond of dog art? In any case, a German Shepherd is one of my latest commissions, and what a beautiful dog!

This portrait is 12 x 18 inches, a strong rectangle like the pug I painted recently. I left the style here relatively loose, because I love the cadmium red background shining through the fur -- it makes my subject's face just seem to glow.

Here is the photo I used for reference, and a shot of my very early progress on the painting.

If you would like to see me transform a photograph of your dog into a work of fine art, please email me.  

As always, thank you for supporting my art.

Dueling White Dogs

For a quick lesson on what a dramatic impact background color or the facial expression of the subject have on a portrait, look no further than two of my latest portraits.  Both are paintings of white dogs -- one a bulldog, the other a mix -- yet these portraits are completely different in mood.

When the subject is looking directly at the camera, as in the first painting, tongue out, on a cheerful red background, the entire portrait suggests joy, happiness, exuberance.

The second portrait has a completely different appeal.  The serious gaze of the subject, soft lighting coming from the side, and a warm, amber background color combine to suggest thoughtfulness and peace.

What's the mood of your favorite dog? What color and pose would best capture his or her personality best? Email me and let's figure it out!

Graceful Greyhound by Janet Burt

My dog Stella -- a mix of who-knows-what breeds -- seems to have at least some greyhound in her background, and maybe that's why especially enjoy painting greyhound portraits. Here's one of my latest paintings of this graceful breed.

One thing I love about this portrait is that the subject is gazing off to the side. This can be a lovely change of pace from the "looking directly at the viewer" pose, and I think it really captures the sweet nature of this dog.

For comparison's sake, here's a shot of my gal Stella, showing off her long nose.

See the resemblance?

Please email if you'd like me to capture your dog's personality on canvas.

Winning Pug Smile

I've been reading the Bark magazine recently, and it contains a feature I simply love -- it's called "Smiling Dogs," and it is just what it sounds like.  Photo after photo of smiling dogs, sent in by readers.

This portrait of a pug, my latest, reminds me of those happy dog faces.

The finished portrait is 12 x 18 inches, and the strong, rectangular shape of the canvas gave me the chance to do an interesting and unique crop.

If you'd like me to take a photo of your dog and turn it into a portrait that will bring a smile to your face, send me an email and we can get started.

Thanks as always for supporting my art.

Lab v Poodle

Two of my latest paintings on the easel, both 11 x 14 inchers.  Which is your favorite?

If you'd like me to capture your dog on canvas, just shoot me an email. 

Life's more fun when it's colorful!

Jack Russell with Charm

Here's a recent portrait of one of our neighborhood dog-walking buddies, a Jack Russell terrier named Maddie.  Her "dad" Dick contacted me a while back, wanting to surprise his wife with a special painting for their new house.  The finished portrait is 12 x 18 inches.

Below you can see the picture I used for reference for Maddie's portrait.  While not as close-up as I would prefer in an ideal world, this photograph is clear, in focus and well-lit -- the dog-photography triple-crown! 

Another strength of this photograph: Dick wanted his portrait to show Maddie in a full-body pose, and I can clearly see her hindquarters and feet. Frequently, people photograph their pets sitting in the grass, which actually obscures the feet most times.  It was a clever idea to put the pooch on the bench.  (If you want to photograph your dog this way but Fido is too big for the park bench, have him hang out on the driveway, deck, or paved path to get the same results.)

If you would like to commission your own keepsake portrait, send me an email. I'll be waiting!

Rainbowdog. Because life's more fun when it's colorful.