Tuesday, March 26, 2013

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.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

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.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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!

Monday, March 4, 2013

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.