Arthur – American Bully

“Arthur”

Arthur was a very stubborn boy—he always had a mind of his own, often balancing between being belligerent and, at times, incredibly loving and charming. In his later years, he grew a bit cranky, but his favorite chew was never far from him. His striking eyes, one blue and one brown, gave him a unique and unforgettable look. When I painted this piece, he was actually seated at the top of our stairs in Connecticut, nursing a dislocated nail on his left foot—attention to detail, right?

For the backdrop, I played with the color palette to avoid overwhelming the composition with too much brown. I introduced blues to create a counterbalance and to add depth. As always, I tried to create harmony by bringing elements of the background colors into the subject. This technique helps guide the viewer’s eye through the painting, ensuring that all parts of the piece feel interconnected. The acrylic medium allowed me to blend these colors together seamlessly, giving Arthur’s portrait both warmth and balance, while also capturing the essence of his complex personality.

Baby Bou

“Bou in Shadow”

Captured from a photograph when Bou was just a few weeks old, this portrait beautifully contrasts the delicate innocence of a young Dalmatian with the quiet depth of shadow. Bou’s face, strikingly split between black and white, is rendered with a minimalistic palette, emphasizing the purity of her white fur while allowing the black side to dissolve gracefully into darkness. This interplay of light and shadow mirrors her gentle, contemplative nature—soft yet curious, reserved yet always hungry for more. Painted in acrylic on a small canvas, the intimate scale invites viewers to lean in, to discover the subtle nuances of Bou’s character and the quiet elegance of her form.

 

 

Barry

“Barry – Portrait of an Aussie”

This portrait of Barry, my granddaughter Maya’s beloved dog, was painted in acrylics as a quick but heartfelt piece before she returned home to Los Angeles with her parents at Christmas. Barry, a Labradoodle, is more than just a pet—he’s a soon-to-be great friend to Maya as she grows up.

Though painted in a rush, the portrait aimed to capture Barry’s character and spirit. It was a joy to create, blending my expressive brushwork with the challenge of portraying Barry’s personality in a short time.

This piece reflects my approach to painting—bold, instinctive, and full of life, whether working on portraits, animals, landscapes, or abstract explorations.

Eric

“Eric’s Gaze”

This vibrant acrylic portrait captures Eric, the dignified Russian Blue whose serene presence graced the family home for many cherished years. Painted in collaboration with my son Andrew in 2009, the canvas measures 3ft by 2ft—an expansive tribute to a cat whose quiet elegance filled every room. Eric’s piercing gaze reflects the wisdom of a once full-time house cat who, in his final year, embraced the world beyond his familiar walls. Loved and missed by ACE and all the family, Eric’s spirit lingers, his memory immortalized in each brushstroke.

Fergie

“Fergie’s Majesty”

A tribute to Fergie, the distinguished Black Border Collie, painted in his later years yet still radiating the regal presence of a majestic hound. This acrylic portrait captures the captivating sheen of his sleek coat, each brushstroke reflecting the vitality and dignity of a life well-lived. His eyes, bright and expressive, hold a clarity that speaks of loyalty and wisdom. It was a joy to portray his spirit, preserving his noble essence for those who loved him.

Jade

“Jade’s Winter Spirit”

This portrait celebrates Jade, the fiercely independent yet unfailingly loyal Husky who was a steadfast companion to TMFL. Her love for snow and knack for finding the coldest spot to nestle showcased her true Husky spirit, protected by her double-layered coat. Despite long stretches between visits, Jade’s memory never wavered, greeting me each time with familiar eyes and the occasional howl over FaceTime.

Now resting in that big snowy kennel in the sky, Jade’s essence is preserved through natural, earthy tones that echo the hues of her fur. This backdrop seamlessly blends with her form, enhancing her majestic presence while maintaining a delicate balance with the subject—a technique that feels instinctive yet carries its own complexities.

Maggie and Bou

“Maggie and Bou: Sisters Apart”

This playful acrylic portrait captures the contrasting personalities of two beloved companions. Maggie, the affectionate German Pointer—fondly known as the “velcro dog”—leans in, unapologetically demanding attention with eyes full of devotion. Meanwhile, her Dalmatian ‘sister’ Bou watches from a distance, her curiosity tinged with quiet bewilderment, as if still trying to understand Maggie’s unabashed need for closeness.

Painting dog portraits is always a joy, as each captures a unique spirit and story. In this piece, a little roughness around the edges mirrors the lively, imperfect beauty of their bond—raw, real, and full of love.

Muffy

 

“Muffy – Fluffy”

This commission piece captures the essence of the subject through the simplicity and immediacy of bold brushwork. My preferred method of using a large brush allows the texture of the fur to emerge effortlessly, with the paint itself creating a natural flow and depth. A touch of yellow and blue shading brings subtle nuance to the piece, while the addition of black paint adds definition and contrast. The result is a vibrant, dynamic representation that feels both instinctive and complete, showcasing an ability to let the medium do the heavy lifting.

Muffy (2)

“Muffy Again”

This larger piece emphasizes the ‘happy face’ and natural beauty of her pure white fur, created effortlessly with broad brushstrokes that let the paint shape the texture. Set against a striking black backdrop, the contrast enhances the delicate features of the animal, allowing the lightness of the fur to pop against the deep darkness. The composition captures the simplicity of the subject while drawing attention to the fine details, creating a strong yet minimalist portrait.

Old Chap

“At Rest”

This intimate portrayal of an old Alsatian at rest focuses on the subtle details, particularly the large, wet nose that defines the dog’s expression. Despite the lack of feedback from the commission, the painting captures the essence of tranquility and age, conveyed through the soft rendering of the dog’s features. The choice of a small canvas heightens the focus on the subject’s personality, and the impact of the subjects snout protruding from the canvas offers a glimpse into the dog’s peaceful nature. It’s a tender piece, showcasing the artist’s attention to both character and form.

Spaniels

“Sisters”

So here was a chance to experiment with a different background colour. Each dog has subtle shading in blue, which translates into the backdrop. A commission-free piece for my Realtor who then screwed us over. You can’t win them all, but at least the dogs were nice.

Tortoiseshell Cat

“Tortoiseshell Gaze”

This commission piece captures the classic, fixed gaze of a tortoiseshell cat, a look many cat owners are familiar with. In the process of researching the subject, I discovered that tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female—an interesting fact that adds another layer of fascination to the piece. The use of wide brushstrokes allows the texture of the fur to develop naturally, with minimal overworking, giving the cat’s coat a rich, flowing quality. The bold, confident brushwork and the intense focus in the cat’s eyes bring the painting to life, highlighting both the beauty of the subject and the artist’s curiosity in the creative process.