Sunday, May 30, 2010

Love On Canvas, DOG PAINTINGS

Clients somehow spot my dog paintings, even when surounded by scores of others. Their faces light up as if they have found their new best friend.....which our dogs often become.
In April, during my Marburger Farm Antique show, one client discovered the 3 dog paintings I had purchased from a private collection ...when she heard the 3 paintings had always been together at their earlier home in France...she simply could not split up the family and took all 3 to her home!!
For more than 5000 years, artists have portrayed the image of the dog. During the 16th century more and more people wanted to be painted with their pet dogs. The first paintings solely of dogs started around the 16th century, taking off even more in the 17th century. By the 18th century, the importance of dogs to hunting, especially in France, added to the increased number of dog portraits.Artist have portrayed dogs as mythological beings, hunting companions, prized possesions, a symbol of fidelity, and one that greets us with eyes lit up, tails wagging, and never ending love.


My favorite quote....
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semi-human.
The point of it, is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog."
Edward Hoagland (known for his nature and travel writing)
I think that also explains the joy of being a grandma.






























These little guys have all passed through my fingers....on the way to clients' homes.
I can see all of them licking my face!
Which one would you like to greet you at the door ??








16 comments:

  1. I love these! I am a huge dog lover. We have a dachshund and a papihuahua (chihuahua, Papillion mix) ~ I would gladly display any one of these beautiful paintings in our home! Have a great weekend. xo

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  2. I love the first one...very painterly. Not sure if you will allow this post......I am a cat lover! We have had dogs in the past, just not for a while. Please forgive me for being from the "other side"!

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  3. Thanks to both of you for loving the animal soul.
    Theresa, My 8 year old granddaughter is a big cat lover and we spend our outings going to the pet shop where she plays with cats up for adoption. So, you are in good company :-)

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  4. Dear FFA! I am so glad you did stop by this morning, so I could discover your beautiful art and style! I adore it! especially # 7 and 8!
    And why don't you have a look at my friend PVE's blog, she is an artist as well and just finished a lovely dog painting! (on my bloglist)
    You might want to have a look!

    I'll put you on my list as well...
    XX
    Victoria

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  5. Thank you Victoria, your kind words have special meaning with your European background and love of beauty. I agree, PVE's art is wonderful. I discovered her last week and enjoyed so many of her works. She definitely knows the dog's soul.

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  6. I have a 140lb lab mix named Henry who has been my companion for 4yrs. I also have Miss Kitty, so I ride both side of this fence. The paintings are wonderful, and I'm inspired to do one myself...thought about it for a while, but this might be the post that spurs me on. Mine won't look like the French paintings, but I'll love it just the same. Thanks for a fun post.
    www.divinedistractions.blogspot.com

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  7. Something about a portrait of ones beloved pet. The very last is my favorite!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  8. These are gorgeous! I like the Jack Russell portrait the best, such personality! I think these would definitely add some elegance to any home, kind of like equestrian prints, they just automatically add style!

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  9. Ps do you paint cats?

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  10. Thank you Shari, The Jack Russell was painted by a female French artist and was purchased by a client that even travels to London for the big dog painting auctions...so I glowed. When I saw the painting in the south of France, I did a double take...the dog was so life like!

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  11. Sally J,I totally understand the love of a lab. I had one when my children were young...and now my son has one for his children.
    In my next life..I am returning as an artist and live in both France and Texas. So I envy your artist eye and where you live:-)

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  12. Thanks Fifi, I loved the purple dress on your post today...and the gloves ! You capture the personality. I can see you have a connection with dogs...your paintings show the love.

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  13. As a former multiple-time weenie dog owner, I think we know the one I love best. Love these!

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  14. I love collecting dog portraits but they are pretty hard to find and pretty expensive

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  15. I love the painting of the Jack Russell (7th Painting down). I have a painting that looks to be in the similar style of a fluffy black dog also with a pinkish background. Do you happen to know the Artist's name please?

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