Open Studios

This photo speaks for itself.  North Coast Open Studios, June 2,3 and 9,10,  11-5.  Hope that you can come by!  In addition to dogs, I'll be showing the first in my series of The WWII Veteran Portrait Project.

From Terri

Terri, who owns Slim Shady (see below), works full time as a jail nurse and also breeds these wonderful dogs.  She has no time for much computer work, and asked me to post this comment on her behalf:

Dear Kathrin,
My watercolor of Slim Shady arrived a few days ago.  I haven't called you yet, because I haven't been able to tear myself away from it!
The eyes!  You have his expression spot-on.  Not the faux arrogant look some assign to basenji art. 
I think of Slim as the George Clooney of dogs---handsome, masculine, but with a sweetness all his own . . .

To which I say, thanks, Terri.  It was a joy to paint such a beautiful dog.  He really does have movie star quality.

Baby

This is Baby, a positively angelic Corgi that I met at the Corgi Faire last fall, and my  most recent commission.  I am looking forward to delivering this painting, and seeing Baby and her owner Joyce, as well as lots and lots of other Corgis at the Corgi Specialty, hosted by the  Golden Gate Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fanciers, Inc. (of which I am proud to be a member).  It will take place Friday and Saturday, (May 18 & 19) at the Los Gatos Lodge in Los Gatos, California.  I'll have paintings on display, and Raleigh and Emma will be competing in Rally on Friday.  Come on by and say hello.

Lately I have been drawing and really enjoying the simplicity of pencil on paper. This is handsome Harry, Raleigh's brother.

Dog Icons

Troy

A reader contacted me to ask if I am still doing icons of animals.  The answer is yes, and I have posted a few examples.  As many of you know, my early training is in Byzantine iconography, so there is a underpinning and flavor to these paintings that is rooted in ancient tradition.  Obviously, I have taken some liberties in terms of subject matter, but it comes from my belief that our canine companions have some very saintly qualities, as any dog owner knows.  And there is no denying that that reflect a bit of divine glory.  These are both done in acrylic, another departure from the traditional approach. 

Cricket

 

 

 

 

It only seemed right to post this acrylic painting of my corgi Raleigh. He had oral surgery yesterday and seven molars (!) were removed. He is healing well, and taking this fairly serious procedure in stride.

Welcome suggestion

One of the things I like most about blogging is the feedback I get from my readers. Most of these come to me directly, but you all are welcome and encouraged to post right on my blog. One long-time reader of my other blog suggested that I include descriptions and a bit about each of the dogs whose portraits are featured on these pages. So, I shall do so, and appreciate the input! Again, I welcome thoughts and suggestions from all of you. Dogs and their owners, art lovers, casual visitors all add up to a great community.

Slim Shady

This is the first Basenji that I have painted. It was a commission for a woman in the Bay Area who breeds first rate dogs, and Slim here is a real champion. The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock originating in Central Africa (somehow I can't seem to get away from an Africa connection--not a bad thing). This dog is so beautiful and alert, which is what I tried to capture in this painting

Brnayr Where There's a Will

Tabu

Harry

Harry is Raleigh's brother and one of the sweetest dogs around. He also runs agility and has great enthusiasm for the sport. He doesn't have the angst that Raleigh does, and is an example of a well-adjusted Corgi who is enthusiastic about, well, just about everything and everyone.

Raleigh

Raleigh is my seven year old Corgi, the first that I bought from Nancy Handgraaf of Birtwistle Kennels. He is a remarkable little guy with soulful eyes and a deep spirit. We chose him because of that look in his eyes, not realizing that it revealed an existential angst that is often expressed in mournful sighs for no apparent reason. For Raleigh, life is never as easy as it might be, except perhaps, when he is running agility. When he is on the course, his love of life is not diminished by questions that can never be answered.

Cayenne

Chiba