Adventures in Pet Portraiture

BLOG MERGE!!!!

2009-02-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Hello all, I have some huge news to share! I have decided to merge my blogs. You may only know me from this blog. I have another blog too - it's called Wellerwishes (which is also the name of my company) and the subject of Wellerwishes blog is all of my artwork endeavors on a broader level. I have talked about my pet portraits on Wellerwishes blog, but I've pretty much kept this blog as the main home of my pet portrait postings -- up until now. I have been keeping up both blogs for years, but I decided to merge them for many reasons. One of those reasons was the decision to place my pet portraiture segment of my business under the banner of the "Wellerwishes" name. That helped the decision to streamline along. You will now notice, on my Pet Portrait site, the header now features the name "Wellerwishes" (previously my pet portrait business was called "Kathy Weller Pet Portraiture"). I talked about the merge in this post on my Wellerwishes blog and I asked your opinions. After hearing what you all had to say, it was pretty unanimous that merging was the way to go.

What I've done is I've moved the contents of this blog into my Wellerwishes blog. The reason I moved there instead of Wellerwishes moving here are several. I have a much larger readership at Wellerwishes, and it's easier to move more content there, than to move all of my readers over here. Secondly, the work I do under the name Wellerwishes is a larger segment of my professional creative work than my pet portraits. That factored in as well. Along with those important considerations was the fact that my Wellerwishes blog utilizes the more recent Blogger upgrades, but I never upgraded this blog - it is still on "Classic" Blogger. It would have been more of a struggle for less of a payoff for me to update this blog, redesign it, and then move everything here. All in all, it made much more sense to move everything over to Wellerwishes blog. To keep things organized somewhat, I labeled all of the posts from this blog "Adventures in Pet Portraiture" so if you want to go back in time, you can be sure of which blog the post originated from. I also labeled posts "pet portraits" which featured the progress of a given portrait, so you can go to that label and see all of the pet portraits I've ever written about. Nothing is perfect (with humans OR technology), and you may find inaccuracies in the labelling now and again, so please keep that in mind. But all in all, it's been pretty smooth! Moving forward, please visit me at Wellerwishes.blogspot.com to see what's going on with my pet portraits as well as all of my other art interests!! Please change your bookmarks on your blogs or anyplace you have this blog linked, and if you have any questions at all please email me at kathyweller(at)mac.com.

Thanks so much for being a part of my pet portraiting world here. Let's continue the journey together at Wellerwishes blog!

Progress Report on Fiona, Olive & Abe's portrait

2009-02-22T22:00:00.002-05:00

So far, so good.

Corgi sketches

2009-02-21T16:47:00.004-05:00

I adore Corgis. I've never been commissioned to do one, though! I often sketch dogs just for fun and for practice. I did these sketches several months ago. Just today, I went through a ton of old sketchbooks. I was pleased to find these sketches. I enjoy them, and I hope you do too.

(I know this is a Corgi post, so please forgive the couple little chihuahuas thrown in there :) )

Taz & Petunia Portait is complete!!

2009-02-16T14:04:00.003-05:00

Taz and Petunia's portrait is now complete! This was such a fun one to work on. (Is it me, or are my portraits getting more and more detailed?)
More workspace photos of Taz & Petunia's portrait in my Flickr photostream!

Anne Leuck Feldhaus is having an art giveaway!!

2009-02-14T22:14:00.001-05:00

Click here for the deets. It's happening 'til Feb. 20 only, so hurry hurry hurry! :)

Lucky Friday the 13th Giveaway!!

2009-02-13T11:22:00.001-05:00

TODAY is lucky Friday the 13th!

To celebrate, I'm giving away an art print! Enter into a drawing to win an archival signed print of Lucky Cats. Leave a post here and/or FOLLOW ME on Twitter and reply to me (@wellerwishes), telling me what your FAVORITE LUCKY CHARM is!!!

I will do the drawing tomorrow! Good luck!!

Fiona, Olive and Abe: finished ink drawing stage complete!

2009-02-11T23:04:00.004-05:00

Fiona, Olive and Abe get the final ink treatment. Click on the images to enlarge. Coming up soon -- the finished, painted watercolor portrait! Yeah!! :)

Stay tuned!!

Taz and Petunia finished ink drawing

2009-02-09T21:53:00.002-05:00

Taz & Petunia's portrait is all inked in. Next step will be the final watercolor painting. This portrait might just be the most detailed pen work I've ever done in a 9x12" size. I can't say for sure that it is THE most detailed, but if it's not,I know it's right up there!

The other portrait I am currently working on (Fiona, Olive and Abe) is also, for sure, one of the most ink detail-heavy 9 x 12's I've done yet. I'll be posting the finished ink drawing of that one soon - in it's entirety and displaying some of the detail highlights as I did with Taz & Petunias, above.

Portrait Updates...

2009-02-07T22:46:00.000-05:00

Taz & Petunia: ink in progress...

Fiona, Olive and Abe: ink in progress

Whew!!! I've completed the inking on both Taz & Petunia and Fiona, Olive and Abe. For now, I broke out the camera and snapped a few pics (above) during the inking stage, just for fun. I'm scanning them right now and will share the entire inked-in pieces in an upcoming post. So, check back soon!

Fiona, Olive and Abe - final pencil sketch

2009-02-07T14:34:00.003-05:00

Here is the final pencil sketch of another portrait I'm working on right now, Fiona, Olive and Abe the little hedge hog. ( A couple of weeks ago, I posted the first compositional thumbnails).
There are lots of details in this portrait!

Fiona, Olive and Abe are sitting in front of a window with a Magnolia tree outside. This is a spot the kitties like to lounge in at home, so we reflected that in the portrait.

The portrait border, on the vertical left and right, is made up of olive branches and cherry branches. The olive branches are symbolic of Olive, and the cherry branches and fruits were included because one of their kitty bowls has cherries on it. The border has feathers at the top and at the very bottom left and right areas of the border. The cats love to play with feather toys and this was an elegant way symbolize these favorite toys in the portrait.

Fiona holds her favorite catnip bag. This bag has a stars-and-stripes motif. I borrowed from this motif for the background, which is sprinkled with stars. Fiona is also lounging on a suitcase. This is her favorite place to lounge at home. Fiona is the "Queen Bee" kitty of the house, and as such I placed a symbolic queen bee in an inconspicuous spot on the tree.

Olive holds her favorite mouse toy and lounges on a big cushion. The pattern on the cushion has significance -- it is the pattern of Olive's favorite comforter at home. Olive's tail is big and fluffy and is often in this position, so it was fitting for the portrait.

Abe, the hedge hog, sits in the crook of Fionas tail. Abe doesn't routinely curl up in Fiona's tail at home, but Fiona's tail is often in this position, and this was a fitting way to give Abe some prominence in the portrait. Abe wears a little "Abraham Lincoln" hat, and holds his favorite ball.

More to come soon!!

Axel and Nikki pet portrait shops are now live!

2009-02-06T19:39:00.001-05:00

See "Nikki Black Dog Greek Goddess" portrait shop here!

See "Axel Chihuahua" portrait shop here!

Taz & Petunia - Tight Sketch portrait phase

2009-01-26T21:58:00.002-05:00

Here is the finished pencil sketch of Taz & Petunia's portrait! There are many little details in this portrait that are very particular to these two Brussels Griffon doggies. I will posty those details soon; perhaps at the next juncture of the portrait. For now, please enjoy the sketch!

Labrador deemed most popular pooch, again

2009-01-21T15:29:00.001-05:00

Read story here!

Taz & Petunia

2009-01-18T14:52:00.003-05:00

Top: "Circus" style.
Bottom: "Trellis" style.

Taz & Petunia are two Brussels Griffon doggies that I'm currently doing a portrait of! Boy ae they cute!! I will share the progress with you here.

Last week, I came up with two thumbnail compositional ideas for the portrait. T & P's mom had a lot of great ideas for the portrait, and I tried to integrate all of them. I found that her ideas line up great with my aethetic sensibilities! I'm excited to see where this portrait goes.

Barking Dog Helps Man Escape Fire

2009-01-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

Read the story in the Boston Globe today (Boston.com).

Share your advice and be entered in a drawing for an ACEO glossy archival print

2009-01-11T19:05:00.003-05:00

HERE'S MY DILEMMA....I need your help...

I am considering merging my two blogs. One is dedicated to my pet portrait life, the other is dedicated to my children's illustration and other artistic pursuits life. It's tricky. Since I'm trying to simplify my life, the idea of merging the blogs seems like a no-brainer. The sticking point: each blog is pretty specific to its own subject matter. This one is admittedly looser and more flexible, but still pretty well focused on children's art... and, my pet portrait blog is really all about pet portraits and all the things and involved in that world. I like to have the pet portrait blog separate, because I can more easily share links to other pet portrait artists and to the pet lovers' community at large. If I merge blogs, the link list will be edited and then merged with the link list I have here. (That may be just too "when worlds collide" for me). But, on the other hand, merging the blogs could help in some ways. It will broaden my audience on both fronts, by default. But, flip-side: will it turn people off who are only interested in one thing or the other? You tell me!

Please leave a comment with your thoughts. I'll collect all of your names until midnight, Saturday January 17. Then I will do a drawing for an archival Artist Card glossy print of the above illustration Kitty Librarian! The drawing will be held on Sunday, January 18th.

Don't hold back -- I'd love to hear what you think. The good and the bad. Honesty is welcome - please share.

Fiona, Olive & Abe

2009-01-11T18:18:00.004-05:00

Here is one of the latest portraits I'm working on. Fiona and Olive are two lovely kitty cats, and Abe is the house hedgehog. Very cute little guy, if I do say so myself.

These are very rough thumbnails for composition. I began doing these roughies for clients awhile ago - it's an added step but I think it is a necessary one, AND it also leads to a more well-thought-out composition! SO when I go in and start working on the finer points, the framework is in place. Natural progression really. I don't post these often to this blog, but it is an integral part of the process.

I came up with two options here. They are both very similar but have specific differences (which I went through in detail with the client). Hope you enjoy seeing the process of this portrait!

Felted Pet Portraits

2009-01-10T15:49:00.003-05:00

Felted Pet Portrait by KaysK9s.etsy.com

I covet felted miniatures of pets! I first discovered them on a Flickr photostream when I came across Amelia Makes Art's amazing doggie sculptures. They are just outrageous!! Ever since then, I've wanted to commission Amelia to make two sculptures of my pugs.

Felted Pet Portrait by ameliamakesart.etsy.com

Anyway, I discovered that she also keeps an Etsy shop. I also learned that there are several other felt pet artists on Etsy as well... GFelted, Kay's K9 shop, Free Haven Farm, Coraldee, Inspirations By Karen. Each artist has his/her own special aesthetic and style of designing the miniature doggies (and kitties, too). It's worth the time to shop around and see the unique differences in each artists' style before deciding on one. Just as no two painted or drawn pet portrait artists are alike, so it is with sculpted felt pet portrait artists. I look forward to getting my own sometime. I keep saying it and have not done it yet, but I will in due time.

Pet Portrait Story in Boston Globe

2009-01-09T23:45:00.003-05:00

The other day, the Boston Globe printed a story on local pet portrait artists. You can read it here.
Dog aficionado Brian Henderson, who runs the local Boston dog lovers' site DogBoston, was quoted several times in the story! It was nice to read the article and hear from someone I 'know'!
Anyway, he in turn posted about the story on HIS blog, but he ALSO gave me a little plug as well on his blog adjunct to the story, which was really nice of him. You can see/read it here.

In Pet Portrait News, I'mstarting work on TWO pet portraits. The first one features two ADORABLE Brussels Griffon doggies. Boy is this one going to be cute. Wait til you see these guys...

The second one is going to be really different -- I'll tell you why... It features two beautiful long-haired kitties, which is not out of the norm, BUT! It also will feature... drumroll... a HEDGEHOG! My first hedgehog! This will be exciting.

So please check back for portrait progress. I'll be starting these momentarily...

Anne's Art Giveaway!

2008-12-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

Visit Anne Leuck Feldhaus's blog for a chance to win some super cool stuff!

Axel's portrait is complete!

2008-12-19T23:34:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Here is Axel's finshed portrait. I'm thrilled with how Axel came out, and I think Axel's pet parents are, too!

See past Axel posts:
Axel ink stage
Axel pencil sketch and Axel's story

Thank you for checking in, and taking the Axel journey with me.

"Nikki the Greek Goddess" Final Portrait

2008-11-24T21:58:00.000-05:00

Here she is! Nikki is complete! :)

"Nikki" Progress Report

2008-11-21T21:57:00.000-05:00

Here is Nikki in progress. I'm very happy with how this is coming along. I think I'm going to ink in the wings with technical pen, though. I originally was not going to do this but I think I am having a change of heart. We'll see!

Dogs Rule Fat Book takes center stage!!

2008-11-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

Attention, dog and cat-loving ladies and gents: The Dogs Rule Fat Book Ebay Auction is happening RIGHT NOW! Please check it out on Ebay and Bid, Bid, Bid!! ALL of the auction proceeds go to A Place To Bark, Bernie Berlin's animal sanctuary, to help out our furry friends who really need it!!!
There is really no caveat to bidding on this auction: Within this hand-crafted, very special book of art, you will get handmade art pages by 13 different, accomplished, and uniquely talented pet portrait artists! Names you may have heard of, such as Rebecca Lansdowne of Art Paw, Linda O'Neill of Abby Creek Studios, Leigh Jackson of Noisy Dog Studio, plus there is many more of us!! These names are but a few of the talented artists who gave their time and talents to this awesome work of original dog art. All of us created this very special book JUST FOR YOU, the pet-and-pet-art-lover! So please, please please, BID often and bid high. Because it ALL goes to the dogs!

Nikki: Painting stage

2008-11-16T18:01:00.000-05:00

Here is Nikki's portrait in progress. Sometimes I forget how things used to be, in the dark ages, before the internet - when there was no such thing as blogs and there was no way I could show people art work in progress this way, so easily!
I am really loving how this is coming along. The colors here do not look as vibrant as they do in the original -- they are a bit duller here, but at least you can get a general idea of the progression of the work.

Nikki portrait - ink stage

2008-11-16T17:46:00.000-05:00

Read all the special details about Nikki and what went into this portrait here.

Fun contest! All you need is a picture of your pooch!

2008-11-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

(Here is Ruby, one of my pooches)

Stop by Moira's blog Dog Art Today today, and enter the contest for a free giant mug! All you have to do to enter is submit a pic of your beloved pooch.

Kitty paintings!

2008-11-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

I've completed a small series of even smaller kitty paintings. They will be in an art show opening which opens this Friday and Saturday. Read about it here. I'll post pictures of the show! Hope you can make it!

Axel portrait - ink stage

2008-11-02T21:29:00.001-05:00

Read a little about Axel and his portrait here.

Pinching pennies? Not these proud pet parents

2008-10-29T15:34:00.003-04:00

Rosemont, Illinois - (AP) Retailers may be worrying about the possibility of the worst fourth quarter in generations, but those in the pet products industry are finding themselves in a veritable oasis among much of the gloom of American business. Companies that sell everything from organic dog treats to couture-inspired pet toys say business is up even as economic indicators show shoppers are pinching pennies during one of the worst downturns in decades.Read story

Axel

2008-10-22T15:03:00.002-04:00

Here is Axel!

Axel is a sweet little chihuahua. (His brother happens to be Henry, a dog whose portrait I completed this summer.) Axel is a really adorable little black chi, very sweet, very gentle little doggie - a much different personality than his spitfire brother Henry (although Henry is also sweet and adorable as well, of course). Axel's portrait will reflect his own uniqueness!

Axel's mom really liked the portrait layouts I did for both Pixel and Buster the Cow-Dog's portraits. She envisioned something similar for Axel. Both Pixel and Buster's portraits have a more unconventional layout than I typically use, so it is always fun and a good challenge to do something different.

This sketch integrates Axel's signature pattern (leopard print), and some of his favorite snacks (green beans, broccoli, Greenies, popcorn and corn). The flowers and other decorative elements are pretty, reflect Axel's mom's style as well as my art style too, and they tie everything in together very nicely.

H-Nikh, aka Nikki, the Greek Goddess

2008-10-20T10:33:00.000-04:00

Here is the pencil sketch one of my latest portraits which I am now working on!

This is Nikki. Nikki is a mixed breed, but her mom tells me that she is most likely mostly Gruenendahl Belgian Shepherd (a new breed to me). Nikki's real name is "H Nikh" ( pronounced ee neekee). She was named after the Greek Goddess of victory. Nikki's mom was living in Greece at the time that they came into each others' lives. She found Nikki on a Greek mountainside. She actually found Nikki not once, but twice. The second time she found Nikki, the poor dog was fighting for her life. Nikki's mom nursed her to health. Nikki found her forever mom that day.

For the portrait, Nikki is portrayed here as the Greek Goddess she is named for, on an Athens mountainside overlooking some native Greek forest life and the Acropolis. We have also included a body of water (Athens is bordered by four of them, but this one here is a general representative) and mountains in the far distance. There are some special Greek icons integrated into the portrait, see how many you can find!

I will periodically post progress of Nikki the Greek Goddess as we move further along!

Wet Dogs Calendar 2009 - for Parkinson's Research!!

2008-10-15T11:26:00.000-04:00

Help Team Fox raise funds for Parkinson's Research!

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research's "Team Fox" is running the NYC marathon on November 2 to help raise funds for Parkinson's research. A lot of people only know of PD because of actor Michael J. Fox. He has done more than any public figure to raise awareness of this debilitating and horrific neurological disorder, in my opinion. I know he's 'just one person', but he is a hero in my book and for millions of others, who appreciate his against-all-odds guts and fury, get-things-done attitude and positive actions to help find answers to the crazy mystery that is Parkinson's. My hat is off to him!

Anyway, there is another great way that we can all help to raise funds for Parkinson's research, and - BONUS - we don't have to run a marathon to do it. The Fox Foundation has created the Wet Dog Calendar to help raise funds for Parkinson's research. I plan to order several of these calendars for friends and family for holiday gifts. It's not only an adorable calendar (something I need every year anyway) and full of cute doggies, but it supports Parkinson's Research (via the MJF Foundation) a full 100%! That's right - 100% of proceeds go to the MJF Foundation for Parkinson's Research. I cannot think of a better holiday gift than that! Double whammy of giving!!

Chat with animal advocate Jana Kohl

2008-10-06T13:29:00.000-04:00

Today at 2 pm, Boston.com will host a live chat with animal welfare advocate Jana Kohl about pet adoptions. Check it out here if you are around from 2 - 3 pm today. If not, I will post a link to the Chat transcript after the chat is over.

Also, check out this Boston Globe article today:
The Search For Spot - people are looking on the web for pets they click with

Framed artwork in my Etsy shop

2008-10-05T01:37:00.000-04:00

I've just put up four original framed works of art for sale in my Etsy shop.This is the first time I've ever offered framed originals before on Etsy. Please check them out. :)

ArtPaw's Pet Portrait Artist Interviews! Come see!

2008-10-03T23:17:00.000-04:00

Nina and Violet! © Kathy Weller

Rebecca Collins of ArtPaw just interviewed me for her series of Pet Portrait Artist interviews. Please check it out here! Also, check out pet portrtait artist interview #1 with Jill Beninato of Sit Stay Smile and producer/creator of the Dogs Rule Fatbook project, and #2, with Melissa Langer of Pug Notes!

Dogs Rule Fat Book in Bark magazine

2008-09-17T11:10:00.001-04:00

Jill Beninato's "Dogs Rule" Fat Book, to benefit Bernie Berlin's A Place To Bark Dog Rescue in an online auction which will be held on Nov. 15, and featuring 13 unique and talented 'pet portrait sisters of the travelling book' (ok, I made that part up but we ARE all chicks and there IS thirteen of us) made it into the Sept/Oct Bark magazine!! Woo Hoo!!!

I was really tickled that my art page made it into The Bark's profile (I'm bottom right - with Guinness our first pug taking the spotlight). How totally cool and fun it is to see my page in Bark. I gotta tell ya, I ADORE Bark magazine.

Check out the auction on November 15th and BID BID BID. The book is a One Of A Kind unique work of art - each page is unique and especially created to be that way all in the name of making this book SUPER AWESOME. So please mark your calendars!!

Bowl of Kitty

2008-09-01T21:17:00.002-04:00

Bowl of Kitty
Originally uploaded by kathy weller

This is a 6 x 6 multi-media painting I did for the group show called "Life is a bowl of..." at Custom Art Framing and Gallery 9, Norwood MA 02062. The opening is Friday night, September 12. For more information, go to customartframing.com.

August 2008 Pika Package Fun!!

2008-08-18T23:50:00.001-04:00

I'm so honored to be chosen as a featured artist in the August 2008 Pika Package!
What's it all about? Read my Wellerwishes blog for the details.

Things that might interest you enough to click:

1) My contributions are very very pet-related! Hint: DogsCatsDogsCats
2) It's a giveaway where 2 lucky folks will WIN fun packages full of artwork from independent artists all around the globe, and...
3) All you have to do to enter is post a comment here. That's it.

Super-fun, Super-unique, Super-easy and Super-free!! What is not to love???
Please enjoy and have fun reading and drooling over all the cool art work and hey - maybe YOU will win a package?!?:) Wouldn't that be fun?

Make sure to read the Pika Package Magazine too - with interviews of all the August artist participants (including yours truly)! (It's on that page, below the fold - big green artwork - click on it to download - short download!)

ENJOY everyone!! :)

XO
kathy

The Animal Print

2008-08-16T22:37:00.003-04:00

The other day, when stopping in Darwin's to grab something quick to eat, I happened upon this neat pet maggie! I'd never seen it before -- which is kind of weird because it sounds like it's been around for awhile, and so have I -- but regardless, I love to learn about a new pet magazine, new or not! The Animal Print is a full-color bi-monthly magazine with a glossy cover, newsprint-like, matte paper on the inside.

The Fall 2008 issue has 32 pages. It's a nice read with some humorous but thoughtful articles of special interest to dog parents. For instance: Renting with Pets, "Whine and dine" (all about pet-friendly restaurants) and the icky-sounding "Poop eaters (conquering coprophagy)". Yes, this is grody, and I am SO LUCKY to not have this problem with my girlies, but for a lot of folks, it is a real issue that demands real answers, and I have to give props (..and a handy wipe) to the editor for um, choosing to digest the subject! It's the first time I've seen a doggie mag discuss the issue!

It's a regional magazine serving Rhode Island, SE MA, Boston and the North Shore. If you're local to the Massachusetts area, you can find it for free. Subscriptions/delivery is $15 a year.

An update on my children's book dummy...

2008-08-10T16:56:00.000-04:00

Here is something that straddles both my children's illustration world and also my pet portrait world, specifically my doggie universe!! I've been blogging lately about my picture book dummy over at my wellerwishes blog. Please check out the latest here!

The "Dogs Rule" Fat Book - An amazing art project...

2008-08-05T22:16:00.007-04:00

Here is a big bone that several members of the "Sisterhood of the Pet Portrait Artists" have sunk our teeth into! (...And - great news everyone -- YOU can, too!)

These are photos of my own individual copy of the dogs Rule Fat Book. Each book is different and unique.
Left: Jill Beninato's beautiful story and artwork. (This was the flip-side of her art page. The other side contained another beautifiul art piece.) Right: Anne Leuck Feldhaus' photo. (Each artists' page section begins with a photo and a unique message or quote.)

Very recently, eleven pet portrait artists / photographers and myself were invited to partake in an art project that has left me feeling completely honored and totally humbled at the same time.

The project: The "Dogs Rule" Fat Book, a beautiful altered-book style original art book containing the artwork of 13 extremely talented (and generous!! oh, and gorgeous!! We are all gorgeous, too!!;) ;) ;) ) pet portrait artists/photogs. The idea for the book (as well as the organization, execution, and everything in-between) was the brainchild of Jill Beninato of Sit Stay Smile photography.

Jill had the brilliant idea to create handmade art books featuring the art of 13 pet portrait artists. Under the theme of "Dogs Rule", each artist would contribute 14 pages - one page for each book assembled, for a total of 14 individual, unique art books.

Thirteen of the pages from each artist would be earmarked for books to be assembled (by Jill) given to each of the project members as a keepsake work of art. But the last page (created by each artist to be somehow unique and spacial from the other 13 pages we each created) would be used for the assembly of a VERY SPECIAL copy of the book to be auctioned off with proceeds to benefit artist Bernie Berlin's incredible dog sanctuary A Place To Bark. The auction of this extremely special and unique book work of art will take place on November 15th on EBay. Please, mark your calendars!!!!!

NOW if THAT is not the icing on the proverbial dog bone (and YES, HOWcan it get better than THIS???) Bark Magazine (Yes, folks -- THE one, THE only, the magazine that has rightly earned praise as "The New Yorker" for dog lovers) will be granting some ink to the fantastic "Dogs Rule Fat Book" project in the September 2008 issue!! Hurray!!! This will NO DOUBT give the "Dogs Rule Fat Book 2008 " auction for A Place To Bark the PR is so richly deserves!

Anne Leuck Feldhaus' artwork (an original Anne piece!!! Gorgeous!!)

This project is THE COOLEST group art project I have ever taken part in, hands down!! Jill has propelled creativity, inspired us, and has been a major propeller for positivity and goodwill! Jill, I salute you, my pet portrait sister!!! And I know 2008 auction has not even begun yet, but I'm 1000% game for 2009, if you decide to bark up the tree once more and invite me back into the 'dog house'! :) Plus I am willing to help bake the biscuits, lick stamps, whatever! ;)

Please check Sit Stay Smile, A Place To Bark, my blog, and the blogs of the other participating Dogs Rule Fat Book pet artists for more information as the time draws nearer!!

Manon Doyle of Hoochie Poochie Studios
Jill Beninato of Sit Stay Smile Photography
Jamie Pflughoeft of Cowbelly Photography
Leigh Jackson of Noisy Dog Studio
Moira McLaughlin of Dream Dogs Art
Melissa Langer of Pug Notes
Linda O'Neill of Abby Creek Studios
Rebecca Lansdowne of Art Paw
Nicole Mlakar-Livingston of Nicole Mlakar Photography
Wendy from 2 Dog Studio
Bernie Berlin from A Place To Bark
Anne Leuck Feldhaus of Anne Leuck Feldhaus Studio Ltd.

Nicole Mlakar-Livingston's whimsical, charming and funny collage!

See some really gorgeous photography of the Fat Book here, courtesy of Jill Beninato's blog.

Every piece in the book is unique and beautiful! Please visit the artists' above and check their blogs, where they will likely post artwork from their own individual copies of the Dogs Rule Fat Books (remember, no two books are alike!)

Remember the date and place: Ebay on November 15th!!

Your kitty in paradise!

2008-07-31T15:08:00.000-04:00

This is so cool!! Check it out -- put your own kitty in paradise setting of your own choice, courtesy of Friskies.

Have fun!

New coupons for my customers

2008-07-13T21:29:00.000-04:00

With every completed pet portrait order, I am going to be including special thank-you coupons! I got the idea from another pet artist, Jamie Pflughoeft of Cowbelly Pet Photography. In a blog post, she shared this idea. I think it is a great idea and have been wanting to implement it, so now I'm starting! Thanks, Jamie!

Finished Henry!!

2008-07-10T23:47:00.000-04:00

Here is cutie little Henry! Boy is he special. I love him!! I've never even met him but I'd like to give him a little hug, wouldn't you? Or maybe a big hug! Sweet thing!

Henry the Chihuahua: Pet Portrait Process

2008-06-27T14:44:00.002-04:00

Here is a little cutie I am working on -- Henry.

See the two preceding stages of this portrait on my Flickr Photostream!

enjoy the little cutie!! Isn't he the sweetest little chihuahua??

Whoa -- totally amazing..

2008-06-25T22:02:00.000-04:00

Pet photographer Grace of Shine Pet Photos has posted an entry over at her blog featuring a very powerful PSA piece about dog fighting. She writes a bit on the video creator and gives some background explaining the inception of the video. It gives some context before watching it, although it really needs no introduction. The video itself is fantastic and gets the point across. You'll see what I mean. Please do check it out.

Another totally amazing thing - a friend recently sent me a link to The Animal Rescue Site, which is a partner of PetFinder.com. If you go to the site, you can click on a button there once a day, and sponsors will pay an amount of money, per click, per day, to go directly to the feeding and care of animals in need. YES!!!! All you gotta do is CLICK!!!! It's that easy. Bookmark it yourself, and please do click every day! :)

Henry preliminary sketch

2008-06-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

Here is my latest pet portrait subject, Henry the chihuahua. He is very cute and also very smart. I'm really looking forward to completing the final sketch. This is a preliminary blocking and concept sketch.

ACEO "Wild Wild West Story"

2008-06-06T23:06:00.002-04:00

ACEO
Originally uploaded by kathy weller

Get along, little doggies!! This is an ACEO I just completed, in pen and ink and watercolor. Hope you enjoy it. I like that it tells a story. The story seems to be a bit mysterious, too - a western adventure crime-drama. Anyway, enjoy making up stories for each of the characters!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

2008-05-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a bit of shopping on Etsy lately, and I am long overdue for a post on a few of my favorite "pet" things...

Popogirl - MD Dog Art
THE most fabulous doggie necklaces. My border collie necklace does not want to be taken off. It's also strangely comfortable for something so large. It's so light, I forget I'm wearing it. In fact, I just picked up another - this time, a Corgi. I eagerly await it's arrival.

Bit Of Whimsy Dolls
THE most adorable little stuffies EVER!! The monkeys, the cats, the little lambie-pies. I have not splurged yet. Seems like everytime I put a stuffie on my wish list and let it simmer, someone else snaps it right up.

I'm still keeping a list. My birthday's coming up.

Amelia Makes Art
THE most outrageous, cool, doppleganger-y felt pet "portraits"! I really want mini-me's of Ruby and Daisy. These are totally on my Etsy wish list in the sky but they have really seeped into my consciousness. I might need to buy myself a little birthday present...

Moonlight Bindery
This doesn't really (...officially) count, because the closest "pet-connection" here is the Corn Flakes mascot, Cornie. But Cornie's an animal, after all, and who cares! I need an excuse to share this with you -- I just adore these "upcycled" notebooks. Just picked up a few and can't wait to get 'em.

Pug Notes
Melissa's pug art is something to behold -- straight-forward, and straight to your gut emotion-packed faces. Just look at these pug mugs. I dare you to not whimper an "awwww!!"
I just love her pug note cards - I sometimes use them as Thank You's to my own clients - and the quality is most definitely there - these are really nice!! (Plus, take a look at some of her more offbeat offerings -- WHO KNEW that you needed a knit-pug tape measure cover??)
I recently picked up an irresistible pug charm from Melissa. I should receive it in the next week or two. I am so looking forward to wearing it!!

ACEO Knitting Doggie

2008-05-24T14:48:00.002-04:00

This knitting doggie looks very comfortable and focused on her knitting. While she knits, I think that she is listening to the TV show "Murder, She Wrote" and waiting for her tea water to boil.

She is in my Etsy shop as well as in my Flickr if you would like to see some other new pieces.

Enjoy the doggie!

Updated: The Pet Shop

2008-05-21T01:20:00.002-04:00

Tonight, I spent some time retooling my pet portrait shop. No big redesign, or anything like that - but I *did* add some fun NEW items for your enjoyment! :)

There are some really cute and fun new Corgi items in the Dog Breed Shop section.

There are a couple new Graphic Pug T-shirt designs in the Graphic Pug T's section -- fun, fresh and funny.

I will also be adding our good friend Chewy the St. Bernard's section to the Pet Portrait Shops section of store very soon. So look out for that too.

Hope you enjoy!

ACEO Knitting Doggie pen and ink

2008-05-18T18:01:00.004-04:00

ACEO Knitting Doggie pen and ink
Originally uploaded by kathy weller

Who ever heard of a knitting dog? ME, that's who! An idyllic scene - you can just hear "Murder, She Wrote" on the television in the background.

I've been doing lots of pet art for my Etsy shop so please check it out if you are so inclined. More specifically, I've been creating small paintings and ACEO's. If you don't know what an ACEO (Artist Cards Editions and Originals) is, it's just like an ATC (Artist Trading Cards) but instead of trading for it with another artist, you purchase it. (I'm selling them at my Etsy shop.)

To see more work in progress like knitting doggie here, you can click on the knitting doggie pic to check out my Flickr.

Speaking of Flickr, I'm hurtin' for contacts on Flickr. I'd love to be yours! I'm kind of a newbie and just getting my feet wet with Flickr, trying to learn how to use all of the tools (grr... not... very... intuitive... ) ...SO, if you are so inclined, and you would invite me to be a contact or friend, I'd surely be thrilled!! :) :) :)

Welch Corgi Fun

2008-05-17T00:19:00.002-04:00

Some Welch Corgi fun comin' 'atcha. I just love the little Welch Corgis. I've yet to have the pleasure of doing a commissioned portrait of one. I'm just tickled by this breed. Walking home last week, I saw one in Harvard Yard. I was on my cell phone but I just had to stop and visit with this little bundle of cuteness (Matt, who was hanging on the line, was very understanding). Boy was the doggie friendly - great disposition! Maybe he smelled my Daisy and Ruby on me and that's why he was friendly, but I choose to believe that he just likes me extra because he knew how much I loved HIM. :) I could have just cuddled and played with this little doggie til night fell! So, so cute and sweet!

I don't know what it is about them (besides the obvious - they're adorable and have very soulful eyes), but I just love these little dogs.

See the companion piece here: Welch Corgi Cardigan art work

I've been featured on the Jake & Micah blog!

2008-05-09T09:56:00.003-04:00

(Jake and Micah has the cutest logo EVER.)

Jake and Micah is an online shop for kitty cat stuff. Most of their offerings are adorable catnip treats for kitty.Their stuff is NOT run of the mill. To the contrary, the design of both the site and the product offered is fabulous.

Jake and Micah have a blog as well, and they have mentioned me in a really flattering post. Thanks Jake and Micah! And right back 'atcha -- if I had a kitty, I would be loading up on J & M stuff mysefl -- it's pretty irresistible. Have a look for yourself!

Friday night -- can you come to the party?

2008-05-07T23:26:00.001-04:00

This Friday night, May 9, I will be at Custom Art Framing and Gallery Nine in Norwood MA! It's the Spring Show, and I will be taking part! :) You can read a little more about it on my Wellerwishes blog, and also at Custom Art Framing and Gallery Nine's blog here.

"Plaiddington Beagles"

2008-05-03T13:07:00.001-04:00

Here is another of my new little paintings. I call this "Plaiddington Beagles" - I am punny and I just could not help myself. You can see the companion piece, Polka Dalmatians, here.

5/12/08
Prints now available: Plaiddington Beagles Polka Dalmatians

Painting just for me

2008-04-27T19:18:00.000-04:00

Been doing some painting, just for myself. I thought it'd be good to do some painting just for myself, with no expectations and no rules attached -- just to reconnect with doing stuff without anything attached to it other than my own subconscious visual ramblings. :) I also missed the feel of paint with body since I usually use watercolor these days, so I am using acrylic paint which I used to use a lot, so I know the medium and feel comfortable with it and could jump right in. I also wanted to painting on something that would not warp for a change. No matter how fabulous the watercolor paper I use is, it's still paper, and paper warps when it gets wet. So I am using Gessobord, which is panels you buy pre-gessoed, and they're great . I love working small, so this is 5x5. My plan is to do a bunch of them and then put them on Etsy . (I *LOVE* Etsy. Wow, is it great!) But for now, I'm just posting this one so far.

Here is my second effort. (No you are not missing anything; I haven't posted the first one yet.) "Good Dog" is a painting of a little black pug. You know, it looks mysteriously like our very special and genius first pug Guinness, who was my creative muse! He is showing up again here as the model for "Good Dog". Hope you like this piece! Please tell me what you think. I'd love to hear.

Daisy at the vet...

2008-04-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

My little Daisy had an unexpected vet visit today. She had the same issue that her sister Ruby had a few weeks ago, when we had to rush her to the vet (warning: graphic language). Luckily, I'm all broken-in now, and I kept my head this time around. She absolutely kept her head too. She is such a trooper, this little girl!!

Daisy is now on the road to recovery. She is on the same antibiotics as her sister. Now, hopefully, this will pass once and for all, and my girls can have less bitter pills to swallow in the near future. :)

Meet Chewy, World-Traveler!

2008-04-24T14:47:00.000-04:00

"Chewy" © kathy weller 2008

This is my most recent portrait. I call it a "biggie", partly because of Chewy's size. Chewy might just be the largest dog I've ever had the pleasure of painting! Might be the sweetest, too -- just look at those eyes, that mug. :)

Detail of "Chewy" © kathy weller 2008

I will also call it "mini" because there is lots of minute detail in this one - lots of tiny postcards and travel stickers from Chewy's travels frame the center piece.

Chewy's mom gave the portrait to Chewy's dad as a gift! I think it is a pet portrait that does double-duty as a travelogue!

Hope you enjoy.

Here is the original roughie, too, just for fun:

"Chewy" rough sketch © kathy weller 2008

A Place To Bark raffle winners!

2008-04-03T21:15:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

A while back (March 17th, to be exact) I sent an email out to every winner of a print from the A Place To Bark print giveaway here at my pet portrait blog. I've only heard back from two of the ten winners, and it occured to me that perhaps the email ended up in the other winners' junk mail folders. If you donated, please check your email box for an email from March 17th entitled "Kathy's Raffle - you've won a print!" If you've since emptied out your junk folder and are unsure if you received it, please email me (kathyweller@mac.com) and I'll let you know if you are a winner!

To the two winners who have contacted me already: your prints will be sent off to you soon!

Best wishes to all!!
Kathy

Scary situation

2008-03-30T17:31:00.003-04:00

We had to rush our girl Ruby to the hospital today. There was blood in her stool this afternoon, and it was extremely alarming. (We are very lucky to have a world-class 24-hour pet hospital nearby! )

She is now doing fine. She apparently has either a parasite, a bacterial infection or a viral infection, or some combination of those. But all other signs were good, so we were sent home. She is doing just fine now, albeit she's quite tired after all the excitement today.

The ER doc told us that the majority of dogs rushed into the ER are brought in due to blood in the stool. Apparently, it's an extremely common occurence in dogs. Happens more frequently in dogs than in cats, too. Who knew?? Pretty interesting stuff, I think. Good to know, too, because there are a lot of signs unrelated to the stool which help to gauge whether it is a grave situation or a simple, easily remedied illness.

Ruby checked out today with only a course of antibiotics, and we are counting our blessings (and keeping our fingers crossed, too). Hopefully, she will be feeling better soon!

Check this... Daily!

2008-03-13T15:43:00.000-04:00

What better way to add a smile to your day. How come I just learned of this site?? No matter... now that it's here, I will check it regularly. :)

This is just...

2008-03-12T16:24:00.000-04:00

Personally, I think the day when it will be fine to color your dog's hair is the same day when your doggie can tell you what color they want you to dye it...

Anyhoo... take a watch of the vid and read the story. Yuppers...

Inside Animal Minds

2008-02-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

National Geographic's March 2008 cover photo -- Photograph by Vincent J. Musi

National Geographic magazine's March 2008 issue has a story on animal minds. Matt and I were out and about today and saw it at the newsstand and it looks really interesting (plus, it had the most adorable Border collie gracing the cover). We bought the magazine, but I have not read it yet. I instantly thought of sharing this with you all here, so I looked it up online, and lo and behold, here is the article. Not sure if it is the complete article or not, but it is a lot of free content (8 pages of copy)... And, if it isn't the complete article, you know where to find the rest of it. Also enjoy the beautiful photos.

While looking up the National Geographic article online, I bumped into this - a three - part series that the Nature Channel did on the same general subject. I think the special has already aired, but there looks to be some interesting content here, as well. Check out the "Special Features" side bar. Interesting and fun to read.

When we were very young...

2008-02-21T12:51:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures of my pugs Ruby and Daisy (now 6.5 years old),
when they were just teeny tiny little niblets.
Hope you enjoy!

The "Hallmark" shot!

Ruby with paper cup "toy"

"In" Slippers...

Come over here!

"Tug of War!"

Blanket pug fun

Stand-off!

Salem's So Sweet

2008-02-13T10:17:00.000-05:00

On Saturday Feb. 9th, I visited Salem MA with my friend Jen. We checked out the Salem's So Sweet promotion, saw some cool ice sculptures, did a little shoppin', met some cute dogs (one of which took a nice photo!) Take a look!

New breeds recognized by AKC

2008-02-11T16:18:00.000-05:00

Click here to get ot know the three new dog breeds recently recognized by the AKC. I think they'll be showing this year at Westmister!!

YEAH --- Westminster's on tonight

2008-02-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

(AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

YESSSSSSSSSSSSS....... Westminster's on tonight and tomorrow night!!!!
Check your local listings (USA network, I believe).

Go Doggies!!!!!! Yahoo!!!!!!

Photo galleries:
dog show preview
doggies' eye view

The "A Place To Bark" Fundraiser is over

2008-02-03T00:35:00.000-05:00

Hi all!
The "A Place To Bark" fundraiser drive is officially over. Thank you to everyone who made a donation and entered into my drawing or another artist or donator's drawing!!! Everyone has been really generous and it's been so wonderful to see so many people really come together for such an important cause.

A Place To Bark did not make it into the top 4, but they were able to raise a LOT of much-needed income to help grow their facility!! It's still a great outcome. Claudine Hellmuth has a lot of great in-depth information about it on her blog (see the entry from January 31). She explains all of the details way better than I could!

Please also make sure to visit the A Place To Bark blog for more in-depth information, too!!

Once I get the names and emails of entrants from Bernie, I can go about the fun business of picking names out of a hat to see who wins what !! :) So please stay tuned in for that. Thank you all again for participating, and for helping to support A Place To Bark!! XOXO

Win an archival, signed art print from Kathy

2008-01-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Thanks for visiting!!

I am giving away 10 archival, signed pet art prints to benefit A Place To Bark's fundraiser drive!! (Please read all about it here.)

To be entered in the drawing, please make a donation to A Place To Bark. In my last blog posting, I covered A Place To Bark, who runs it, what they do, and all of the details behind this fundraiser drive. It's for a FANTASTIC cause.
Please make a donation to this wonderful place for abandoned dogs, and, at the same time, be entered into a drawing to Win one of TEN signed archival art prints!! :) To donate AND be entered in the drawing, please put "wellerwishes" in the dedication section of the donation field box.

Here is the link to make your donation:

Here are the prints which will be given away in the drawing:

Nina and Violet

Kiki and Chico

Thai Chihs

Pinkie the fashion plate chihuahua

Rosie and Waker the boxing dogs

Norbert the Basset Hound in jolly old London

Princess Merry from PamperedPuppy.com

Kaya, Modern Dog magazine's doggie mascot

Elvis the lovely kitty cat

Buster the Cow-Dog

A Really Important Raffle!!!

2008-01-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite artists is raffling for a great cause near and dear to every animal lovers' heart!!
A Place To Bark is a very unique, very special and a VERY IMPORTANT doggie half-way house! A woman named Bernie Berlin founded it and runs it. She is, basically, a one-woman dynamo. I just learned about A Place To Bark on one of my favorite artists, Claudine Hellmuth's blog.
Claudine is currently having a very generous raffle to drive donations for A Place To Bark.

The background:
See, there is this site called Sixdegrees.org which drives donations to worthy causes, and if Bernie's A Place To Bark is in the top four, Bernie will win a $50,000 grant to help keep A Place To Bark going strong. This is a woman who has been saving pets, all on her own, since 2001. She receives no financial assistance from the government. She supports A Place To Bark through her own art sales (yes - she is an artist, too!!) and through private donations. Check out her site - she's gotten some air time on the local news, and there is a video reel on the home page. You can get a very good sense of Bernie and the wonderful work she does with these beautiful, sweet and lovable abandoned animals through the video!!

The general donation is $10, but the number of donations matters more than amount donated! The four top 'badges' on the site Sixdegrees.org by January 31 will be the charities that have received the most number of unique donations. EACH OF THE TOP FOUR CHARITIES will receive a $50,oo0 donation courtesy of America's Giving Challenge!!! Fabulous!!! Remember, the cut-off date is January 31, so please, do your donating before then!!

Claudine is raffling off an original work of art, PLUS, several copies of her wonderful books!!

To enter her raffle, make a donation using DONATE button on her web site, or click on the "Donate" button below, and in the "dedication" section, put in "Claudine Hellmuth Gift".

Please help Bernie continue her work saving these animals!! Enter Claudine's raffle, and tell your family and friends about it, too!!

Stand-off between Daisy and Ruby

2008-01-05T16:19:00.000-05:00

Here is a funny new year's video of my two girls having a silly pug stand-off. (Daisy is the one who is the aggressor, Ruby is the stroller... ;) )

Heeeere's Ollie!!

2007-12-27T00:23:00.000-05:00

Ollie is King of the Forest. He's a spry and energetic Jack Russell terrier. You should see some of the photos that Ollie's mom sent me to work from. This dog is an amazing athlete. A veritable Rocky inside this adorable little Oompa Loompa. Okay, maybe that isn't an apt description... but you get the picture. According to the photos, I suspect that Ollie could lug a large piece of wood four times his body weight carried in his mouth, through a ten-mile river, while wearing a backpack full of sand. Superstar outdoors-dog!! Indiana Ollie! Cool little-big dog...

Recent portrait wrapping...

2007-12-24T12:27:00.000-05:00

I've been experimenting with different portrait packaging lately. Here is one of them. I wrapped this gift-style, partly because I just liked it, and partially because the portrait was originally ordered to be the client's birthday gift to herself.

Kitty Wigs

2007-12-19T10:58:00.000-05:00

Believe your eyes...this is not a joke. And I am so happy about that. Kitty Wigs almost make me wish I had a cat. My dogs won't dress up and I'd love a fun girl to play dress up with. And these cats seem to REALLY be enjoying these wigs.
Kittywigs.com

Keep your eyes on kitty wigs! I predict big things! Just imagine the possibilities...
Cleopatra headgear wig, anyone? What would be more purr-fect for a kitty than that?

Can you catch a cold from your pets?

2007-12-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

Sort of an interesting article here. It's certainly something I've wondered about, so I am glad to see the article finally put my imagination in it's place! Facts are good.

Brand New Pet Portrait Shops Are Live!

2007-12-16T18:24:00.000-05:00

New pet portrait shops are now live! Please check out:

Olive doggy and Abigail kitty

Buster the border collie cow-dog

Ruby Chihuahua

Emilee and Julian kitties

Timmy and Midnight kitties

Archie the chocolate labrador

Getting the most out of your pet portrait commission experience - Photos

2007-12-12T23:41:00.000-05:00

A new series of essays where I share some tips to help guide you through the pet portrait experience!

All About Photos

Facial expression
When choosing the perfect photos of your pet for me to work from, make sure to pay special attention to your pet's facial expression in the photos. Is the expression in the photo exemplary of how you would like your pet immortalized in the portrait? If not, instead, try finding (or taking) a photo or two that shows your pet's facial expression in his or her best light, and send me those, instead.

Working from high-resolution vs. web-resolution photos
Thanks to the world wide web, it is very easy for me to collect photos of my clients' pets by being directed to their blogs and web sites.But in order to produce the level of detail present in my portraits, I can only actually work directly from high resolution photos. The photos you can supply, whether high or low resolution, are great to use for basic reference material, but the only ones I actually can work from are the 300 dpi ones you supply. Working from 72 dpi photos will not supply the level of detail I need to capture the important details.I need to zoom on the photo reference material quite a bit while drawing and painting very detailed parts of your portrait, such as the facial features, for instance, and high resolution source material is paramount.

Digital photos vs. Traditional photos
Nowadays it seems like everyone has a digital camera, but believe it or not, I get a fair amount of United States Postal Service mailed, traditionally-shot-and-processed photographs to work from. Do I have a preference between traditional vs. digital? Which is better for my purposes? I am happy, always, to work with whatever my clients are able to supply. But, objectively speaking, the clearest, sharpest, best reference material undoubtedly comes from the high resolution digital-source photos as opposed to the traditionally shot-and-processed variety. I love traditional photos just as much as anyone else who was born in the non-digital age - - hey, I was, too! ;) But photography has undergone nothing short of a revolution in the computer age, and I work from photos exclusively... So, as far as my personal preference goes, I unequivocally prefer digital photos.

A note about scanning traditional photographs
Scanning a traditionally-processed photograph does not turn it into a digital photo. It does turn it into a digital file, but it is still the same 'analog' photo, but transferred to a digital format. Scanning a traditional photo does not increase the amount of information or level of detail in the photo.

As an extra tip, I find that even the not-so-high quality (or just plain older) digital cameras often collect better detail than the typical traditional photo offers. I'm not saying that everyone needs to run out and buy a digital camera (thogugh they sure are fun), but, if you can borrow one from a friend for an afternoon to snap some shots of your furbaby, it sure makes a huge difference in the detail of the photos, and, by extension, will also produce better detail in your final portrait. Just remember, the over-reaching rule of thumb is that, the better, higher quality photos you can supply to me, the more high detail and color quality I can produce for you in your portrait! :)

Is it possible to send too many photos?
I usually say "The more, the better!" The only time this is not the case is when I have so many photos to work with, and not enough information from you about which ones are the favorite ones to ultimately use to 'model' the portrait after. This can get confusing for me, and if photos are not labeled I can forget which photo has Fido's perfect expression! In a case like this, I ask that you label the photo accordingly, so the note is on the photo somewhere, easy to see (either as a footnote on the digital photo, or a sticky on the back of a hard copy mailed photo).

In general, having many pictures to choose from really does allow me to be more creative. It allows me to have flexibility with the pet's pose, before the composition is finalized. If I have a lot of photos to choose from, I have some different angles of your pet to take into consideration while mapping out the composition. I can choose which works the best with the background scene or overall theme we've decided on.

In the beginning, nothing is cut and dried - it's all pretty fluid until I have a rough blocked composition to show you. At that point, if you are on board with the composition ideas we've worked out and I feel it's really important to have additional photos to work from, I may ask for a few more. The reason is because, even though I may have thirty-nine photos of your pet, none of them may actually be clear enough of your pet in the particular position we've chosen for the portrait. Or, perhaps the original photo I used for blocking the pose is clear and sharp, but the feet/tail/ears may be missing and, also, it's taken at a funny angle. These are the types of instances which would require extra photos.

I do find though, that, in the end, we always manage to find ways to 'make it work' using whatever limitless (OR limited, as the case may be) tools we have available to us! :)

Next subject: Portrait Timetable

Reasons I love doing pet portraiture... part one

2007-12-11T21:42:00.000-05:00

Doing pet portraits gives me an outlet for this unique style and niche of artwork that I don't have elsewhere. It also allows me to flex some specific 'muscles' that I don't necessarily use in other ways with other artwork.

Itis truly an honor to do a piece of artwork that will have significant sentimental value for a long period of time.

I truly enjoy working one on one with other pet people, and hearing their personal stories about their pets. It's so much fun!

Pet portrait clients count among some of the toughest critics I've ever worked with. While this is not always easy, I am always learning new things from, and with, my clients - and I am always further sharpening my communication skills throughout the entire process. The wisdom I collect from discussing the work one on one with my clients is truly priceless. I consistently gain valuable unique experiences that I would not find in any other line of professional creative work. With pet portraits, every sentiment is sort of magnified to an extent because our pets are truly like our children, albeit fur-faced ones. So you can see how the experience is very different in the communication aspect and in the execution of the work, than it would be for, say, greeting card art or illustrating and designing for textiles. This wisdom also gets passed down to my work indirectly, because I am always striving to create something truly outstanding, unique and special for each new pet parent client I work with. I really try to knock your socks off, each and every time. It takes a lot more energy, but it's worth it! (It's your baby we're talking about, here. :))

Emilee and Julian got framed!

2007-12-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Emilee and Julian's dad had their portrait nicely framed by my sisters at Custom Art Framing! They did a beautiful job, and the portrait looks fab! It was a Weller group effort!!

These are a few of my favorite things...

2007-12-09T23:09:00.000-05:00

This is my secret weapon against a dirty water bowl. I always use a dropper to wet my paints. Keeps me from having to dip my brush in the water bowl too many times, which allows me to be more productive with less breaks to change the water.

If you use watercolors and you have never used sea sponges, you don't know what you're missing. They are pretty amazing multi-taskers. There is even a special trick you can try, when you absolutely, positively need to lift some pigment and have no other recourse. I always have some level of success trying my method wirth the sea sponge. Some tries are without a doubt more successful than others, but the sea sponge is a miracle worker, nonetheless.

Some of my favorite paints! I favor Holbein brand watercolors. I also like Daler Rowney. These are some of my favorite colors as well - these colors are standards in my own unique 'universal palette'!

Brushes are so important, and these are my favorite: Princeton. They are pricier, yes but they are great brushes for fine brush work. There are others I like too, but this line of brushes is my consistent favorite, plus they are innovative as well - I've seen some interesting brushes from Princeton which I have not seen anywhere else : A for innovation!

This is my secret weapon against eraser bits. I don't know how I ever got by without this brush. It belonged to my sister Julie (a framing goddess) and I asked her if I could have it one day... so if you covet this brush, I'm sure you can find one in a framing supply store catalog..

Next to the brush is my standard eraser - - Staedtler white eraser. It's a good consistency to do the job I ask of it, while keeping it's shape. I do have some special tricks I have to do to keep the eraser from getting hot from friction, though. I never erase one section too aggerssively for too long of a time because the eraser/paper friction can cause problems - it builds up a lot of heatr and can actually rip the paper! Fascinating, huh!

Here is my favorite favorite paper - - Arches hot pressed 140 lb watercolor... and I don't just love it because of the cover design, although it is yummy, no?

Gift Guide For Furry Friends

2007-12-06T11:08:00.000-05:00

(istockphoto courtesy boston.com)

Boston.com picks some pet gifting ideas for the holiday...check it out..

Olive & Abigail

2007-12-05T09:53:00.000-05:00

Here is my most recent portrait "magnum opus"! I am truly thrilled with this piece.

The subjects of this piece are Olive (the big fluffy dog) and Abigail (the sly fluffy cat). What an amazing experience it was working on this portrait. I am really proud of it. The palette turned out just right. It's a vibrant, jewel-toned palette with just the right amount of burnished antiquing. Getting the details just right in Olive and Abigail's coats was so important, and I worked really hard to achieve the texture and coloring. But, the most important part of the portraits, for me, is capturing the expression of the pet. I want you to really get a sense of the nature of their personality and the general mood of the pet - that's my goal. I think I captured that here. At least, I hope I did. I do feel it in this piece!

Their mom is a very talented and also very prolific photographer named Jules Bianchi! She posted a bit about the portrait on her blog - - please check it out here! Also, do check out Jule's "Olive" category in her Blog index for more great shots of Olive!

For Boston residents - a great story!!

2007-11-29T09:36:00.000-05:00

Finally!!! A pro-pet Boston story!! I know my fair city is not the most "pet friendly" on the whole, but I am hoping the tide is turning, and this is an excellent sign. Thanks, Globe, for doing this story!

Brian Fonseca, of Dedham, and his Boston terrier, Sebastian, look for
dog-friendly places in the city. (Wiqan Ang for the Boston Globe)

Dog town Going shopping or out to eat? Bring your pooch along -- they're welcome in a surprising number of places around Boston Read story

Are pugs getting the 'pugnacious' end of the stick?

2007-11-27T11:51:00.000-05:00

Will "pugnacious" be the word of the year?
Merriam-Webster OnLine, the Web unit of the Springfield-based dictionary folks, is ginning up its annual search for the word that best sums up the year about to end.
Read the story:
http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2007/11/will_pugnacious.html

Learn what the word means:

pugnacious

Main Entry: pug·na·cious Listen to the pronunciation of pugnacious
Pronunciation: \ˌpəg-ˈnā-shəs\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin pugnac-, pugnax, from pugnare to fight — more at pungent
Date: 1642

Definition: having a quarrelsome or combative nature : truculent
synonyms see belligerent
— pug·na·cious·ly adverb
— pug·na·cious·ness noun
— pug·nac·i·ty Listen to the pronunciation of pugnacity \-ˈna-sə-tē\ noun

(Source: Merriam-Webster online)

Price Increase in 2008

2007-11-25T18:30:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I hope your holiday preparations are going well so far!

I want to let you know that my prices will be increasing in the new year. If you have already ordered a portrait and paid a deposit, this will not affect your price even though we may not start on your portrait til 2008. Your price is going to be the same as it was when you ordered it.

The Missing Phone Message/Voice Mail

2007-11-17T18:06:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!! Here is a doozy for you:

I received a phone call from a very nice woman who happened to pick up one of my postcards from my local veterinarian's office. She gave me a ring - was interested in obtaining some pet portrait information, and she left a message.

I retrieved my messages on Thursday. I listened to the message, jotted down the information and planned to call her back later. I deleted the message from my voice mail (do not ever do this if you have not yet returned a phone call).

As you might suspect, I did indeed accidentally throw away / lose / misplace said sticky note - UH - OH. I was devastated - it is a pretty hare-brained thing to do, and I'm pretty good about not making these types of hare-brained errors!!

If the very nice person who called me and left the message happens to come across this post, please give me another call - - I very accidentally lost your information!!

With sheepish apologies,
Kathy

Now, in 2007 - Boston's First Official Dog Park

2007-11-05T11:34:00.000-05:00

Here's a story in today's Boston Metro about Boston's first "official" dog park.
Hopefully, the first of MANY...and hurry up, city!! Hopefully, the future success of this park will show the city just how important a resource this is to the communities and all residents in Boston.

This is just the sweetest story EVER!!!!

2007-10-12T12:24:00.000-04:00

Golden retriever nurses stray kitten

Story, photo from AP, AP Photo/The Winchester Star, Scott Mason.

Enjoy!!!! Heartwarming!!

Emilee & Julian

2007-10-11T21:16:00.000-04:00

Here is Emilee and Julian, the final!

Meet Emilee and Julian. Their parents describe them as the high school jock (Julian) who is always trying to impress the homecoming queen (Emilee). Some of their favorite things to play with are colored bouncy (super) balls, paper clips, and the decorative branches which live in a vase in their home. Hours of fun! Emilee is shown on a 'pedestal' of pillows here, because she's 'just out of Julian's reach'! Hope you enjoy the portrait. I gave it to Julian's dad today! Can't wait to see it framed!!

Interview of me by Design Inspiration!

2007-10-01T20:40:00.000-04:00

I've been interviewed by Design Inspiration web site! It's a site which interviews designers and illustrators and other creative people. There are some wonderful interviews on there, by well-known artists as well as relative unknowns! A good mix, and an interesting one. I hope you will check it out when you have a minute!!

Wonderful write-up!

2007-09-26T22:30:00.000-04:00

I received a really lovely write-up last week from Phillip Large of Talk magazine, a gay-focused Palm Springs guide! I'm very grateful for the nice words and the company I'm keeping in the piece - Pampered Puppy.com and Johnathan Adler's great doggie bed fabric designs also get some ink. Please check it out!

Emilee + Julian: Panting in progress

2007-09-23T22:45:00.000-04:00

Former New York Dog "top dog" moves on to "Fido Friendly" pastures

2007-09-20T17:57:00.000-04:00

doggie-magazine front:
Gregg Oehler, former publisher of Hollywood Dog and New York Dog magazines, has taken a position as VP Sales and Marketing at none other than Fido Friendly magazine.

This move should result in Fido Friendly presenting a much more visually polished overall branding strategy, which is great, because editorially I have found it to be a fine magazine with a lot to offer in the way of unique content, stories and points-of-view. What I am hoping is that the maggie gets a nice juicy redesign and tha visually, the brand gets an overall unification and face-lift -- from the logo on down (or up, as the case may be). The magazine does definitely have it's own niche, content-wise, so I'd love to see it elevated in overall look and feel, as well as in terms of promotional and distribution.

Archie at Mayflower Beach - Ink

2007-09-19T16:48:00.000-04:00

Archie loves to fetch his ball at Mayflower Beach. You should see the pictures of this beach. Looks so tranquil and peaceful. Sort of otherworldly, because the sand has all of these cool waves in it thanks to the ocean tides making their own design in the sand.

Here, he is shown with two of his favorite things: Archie likes to fetch his ball, and chew on his rawhides. His name is drawn in the sand. Understated elegance!

Next, Archie will be painted. I love the painting process. It's been a very busy month so far and I have not touched a paintbrush for the past couple of weeks. I'm excited to get painting again.

Check back for final!!

Emilee & Julian: Pencil Sketch

2007-09-17T15:48:00.000-04:00

Buster, the ever-faithful CowDog!!

2007-08-13T21:10:00.000-04:00

Here is a portrait I am very proud of, and is also a personal work because the subject is part of my family! This is Buster, my dad and step-mom's doggie! He is a GREAT dog. I LOVE this dog! He's very soulful. Okay, okay, I know ALL dogs are, but at the risk of sounding fruity, I will share with you that Buster and I have had non-verbal communication. ;)

I did the Buster portrait for my dad's 70th birthday present! My step-mom Cha Cha planned a big surprise party for him this past weekend and invited all three of my sisters and myself and all of our husbands. It was such a fun weekend! Thanks, Cha Cha and Dad!! (I think they really liked the portrait, too!)

The background on the portrait's theme: My dad grew up in Washington state, and was very passionate about horses and cowboy culture - he even had horses of his own. He loved to ride horses and spend time with them, and draw them too, of course! As an adult, he enjoyed a very illustrious career as an illustrator and graphic designer in Los Angeles, but eventually him and Cha Cha longed for a different lifestyle, and they moved to Utah. These days, my dad and Cha Cha still do some design work but they also have a wonderful life with horses and cows too, on their own ranch. My dad now is a western painter and he sells them through galleries. He also likes to engage in the sport of "cutting". My step-mom Cha Cha is a wonderful graphic designer and still does graphic design now. She has also designed and produced large quilts. (She also does a lot of yoga!!) They call themselves 'retired' but they are pretty busy for retired folks. ;) (I hope to be as busy and active when I'm 'retired'! :) )

Another surprise portrait

2007-08-03T09:27:00.000-04:00

I just completed another secret surprise gift portrait! I can't show the entire portrait or the pets involved just yet, but here are a few details of the painting I can share with you. Once the gift is unveiled, I will be able to share the entire portrait with you. Enjoy!

Part-time pet

2007-07-31T09:58:00.000-04:00

Service lets you pay for time with a dog -- but don't call it rent-a-pet -Associated Press

Read Story

My $.02:

I think, for the most part, this idea has merit. There is a financial commitment involved, which is good because it is a symbol of commitment - - people do not like to part with their money that easily. Aside from that, it is also a good way for people to be able to experience having a pet in your care first-hand, and could possibly be a good prep ground for being a full-time 24/7 pet parent (though that remains to be seen).

My main concern is the pet's psychological attachment to the part-time owners. It takes a certain personality type to do well in such an environment. I hope that the company owners have taken this into serious consideration when choosing their part-time pets for 'rent'.