A New Old Dog Joins the Pack

We are happy to be able to welcome old Buddy into our home.  He was my father and step-mother's dog since he was a wee baby adopted from North Shore Animal League.  His "mom" passed away last summer and Dad could not take care of him any longer so Buddy will live out his days with us here at OtterTail Farm.  He is 11 1/2 years old and has been blind for 5 or 6 years.  He seems to have lost most or all of his hearing in one ear, so locating sounds is difficult for him and he ends up circling to find his way.  He has a few health issues we are addressing.

I was worried that such a major move and change of life style might be too much for the old boy, but he is proving to be very adaptable.  Buddy gets more comfortable with our home, yard and schedule every day and is very interested in all the new smells.  He has always been ok with my dogs though not particularly friendly and sometimes annoyed if they came too close, but he is more relaxed with them now too and has initiated a few good sniffs of his own.  The thing that wowed me the most is that after only a few days of being lead on a regular route he managed to find his way from far out in the dog yard back to the stoop and figured out the dog door all by himself!  Way to go Buddy!  We hope he finds happiness here despite missing my Dad.  We are thankful to be in a position to take care of him and offer him peace for the rest of his journey.

Colorful Blue Dog is a Black Labrador Abstract Portrait Painting

On this paintingI had fun experimenting with different colors and getting back to a more abstract style that I enjoy.  I used a very limited palette of blue, purple, red and white in the background and then only blue with the tiniest touch of black mixed in to dull it down, purple, and white for the dog.  Well, the eyes have other colors of course.  The reference photo was over exposed and had been faded by becoming wet, then lying in the sun for months before I used it.  I thought that would still be interesting to use by providing me less information which would keep me from slipping into extra detail or realism.  I guess it worked, though looking at a good version of the photo I may have to do it again.  I am happy with the result.  I feel it is a good departure from the more realistic pet portraits I have been painting lately while still capturing the expression and sentiment.  The model is Tallulah.  I titled it "Need Help With That?" and the truth is I'm sure she thinks she can do it better - whatever it is!

I have a pile of canvas panels to paint and this is one.  That means it can fit many standard ready-made frames if you remove the glass.  Since the painting is varnished it does not need glass and looks better without it (in my opinion).  This Labrador painting is 9" x 12" and is available for $175.00 plus shipping.  Doesn't everyone need a supervisory dog?

You can also buy this sweet mug on canvas prints, paper prints, acrylic prints, metal prints and greeting cards in my Labrador and Dog Art gallery on Fine Art America.  Happy shopping!

Tonto, black Labrador Wins Third Class and Rally Novice Title

Congratulations to my boy, Tonto, for earning his Rally Novice title at the Labrador Retriever Club of the Piedmont specialty show!  He won his class with 99 points out of 100, giving him 3 wins in 3 tries toward completing the requirements for his first obedience title.  This is pretty easy stuff, but what I like is that his foundation for future work is good and I love that he is having a good time.  It is very important to me that my dogs enjoy their work.  I love that wagging tail and happy attitude.  Perfection - at least as much of it that I ever look for in my dogs - will come with experience and maturity.  Tonto is 19 months old in this video.  He is still a distracted teenager.

Good boy Tonto!  Now Moonlit OtterTail Kemosahbee, RN.

I am available for private training lessons for you and your dog in rally, obedience and basic good-dog-behavior as well as specialized in-home training for show puppies.  Contact me for information.

Brittany Spaniel Portrait Painting - 2 red and white dogs.

It was fun to paint dogs of a different color!  These two Brittany Spaniel boys gave me new challenges in several ways.  Aside from not being black, yellow, or chocolate as most of my customers tend to be, the reference photos were from different places, different lighting and very different times.  Now both dogs are older and gray, but their people wanted them painted as they were in their younger days.  Taking out the gray where the white and orange hairs blend proved to be a bit of a guessing game, but eventually I got it right.

The Brittany boy in the bottom front was purchased as a puppy while the upper fellow was rescued as an adult.  Both got lucky to be part of a loving family and it was my honor to paint this lasting tribute to them.  I will be shipping them home shortly and ready to start my next fun project.  Will it be for you?  Treat yourself or someone you love to the special gift of a custom pet portrait.

I will be happy to paint your Brittanies, Labrador portraits, or any other breed or mix-breed dogs as well as cats and horses.  I am open to other challenges too, so if you have an unusual pet contact me and we can plan together to make the perfect painting just for you!  Visit OtterTailArt.com for more information and let's get started.

Happy Birthday to my silly brown tank - Lobuff OtterTail Noble Nissa, RE, CD!  Five years old already, thanks for all the fun!  Nissa is a fine example of what a Labrador should be - inside and out.  It is a joy to share our home with this wonderful girl!

Dog Paintings to benefit shelter rescue dogs

Meet Max!  This adorable pit bull has been in the local shelter for over 2 years - the majority of his life.  He is sweet and would really love to have a home and family of his own.  I have painted this picture of him to donate to the Humane Society of Schuyler County for the auction at the Mardi Gras party they are hosting this Saturday (Feb. 9) from 6-11pm in Watkins Glen, NY.  It will be a fun event with music, food, wine tastings, festivities and great stuff to be auctioned to raise funds for Max, the other shelter dogs, and the much needed new shelter building.  Click to learn more: HSSC Mardi Gras Celebration

Max's painting is 9" x 12" acrylic on canvas panel mounted in a black floater frame.  I fell in love with him while painting his picture and have high hopes that this donation will not only benefit the shelter in a big way but may also help Max find his forever home.  Since he is such a cutie I decided to promote his cause with a second painting which will also raise funds to benefit HSSC.  The second painting, also acrylic on canvas panel, is 8" x 10" in a black frame and is titled:  Make Someone Happy.  As I worked on his beautiful smile I thought about the song - "Make someone happy.  Make just one someone happy.  And you will be happy, too."  Surely that sums up what a dog gives to us when we give him a happy home.  You are repaid 1000 fold.  So this second painting is in honor of Max's happy spirit despite his hard times.  Please help by supporting HSSC.  Max thanks you!

Portrait painting of two black Labrador Dogs

This was my last portrait for 2012, finished in the (Saint) nick of time to be a surprise Christmas present from my collector to her husband.  This is Stella and Gus, sister and brother black Labs.  The reference photos were taken in a hurry and that really does influence the details of the finished painting.  Both of these were taken from above the dogs looking down.  Your angle is one more thing to consider when you take photos whether it is for portrait painting references or your own photo collection.  Try to get down to dog eye level for some shots and see the difference it can make.  Speaking of photos, this is not a very good one of the painting as the light is uneven and color is off.  I had to hurry them off in the mail so no time was left for accurately recording the finished painting - tch tch.

I think you can tell that Stella (on the left) is the boss of the pair.  Gus is a softie.  Sadly Stella's time with her family may be short now due to cancer.  I am happy for them that they got this painting as a lasting tribute to her and her bro.  What will Gus do without her?

Happy Birthday Black Lab Tallulah

This post is belated due to holiday madness, but we celebrated the big birthday on the actual day.  Dec 5th my "Tallulah Bear", officially Whitsprgs OtterTail Tallulah RE, CD turned 7 years old.  It is hard to believe how fast the years have gone and now she is considered a senior.  Don't tell her though, she still acts like the same crazy kid as always!

The weather was great and we had an extra long walk with a December swim in the pond.  I had to scold the birthday girl for being so wild with the younger dogs that someone might get hurt.  At least in her "old age" she listened.  Then there were special treats with dinner and extra loving all around.

Happy Birthday silly girl - You keep us all on our toes!

Give the Gift of a Memory, Commission a Pet Portrait Painting

Here is my latest dog artwork commission.  This yellow Lab portrait painting has been enthusiastically approved by my collectors and will be heading home in a couple of days to be a surprise birthday gift for her Dog-Mom.  I hope she loves it too!

This sweet yellow girl was caught sunning on the back patio.  Like all good Labradors, she is ready in an instant if there is something to help with or fun to be had.  I cropped and edited the reference photo to exclude distracting details while maintaining the feeling of the moment.  Good quality reference photos lead to good paintings, but they don't have to be perfect in every aspect!

It's not too late to book a special holiday gift for someone you love and give a painting that will last a lifetime.  Our wonderful pets do not stay in our lives long enough - as I am feeling all too keenly having just lost two of my own.  I cherish the portraits I have of my dogs.  It is difficult to put into words how special these paintings have become to me.  I know that is true for many of my collectors as well.  Don't wait for a "better time", treat yourself or someone you love with a portrait painting of your own.  Visit my OtterTail Lab Art website for pet portrait painting information, then email me for details.

Pssst - only a couple of openings left for the holidays, but gift certificates make wonderful presents and allow the recipient to be involved in the process.  Even last minute shoppers can be heros!

Sad Days at OtterTail - Rest In Peace rescue dog Butch

Butch   5/19/02 - 10/28/12

It is with great sadness that we say good-bye to another sweet Labrador so soon after losing OtterTail Eponine.  Black Lab, Butch was the dog I rescued after his owner was in a critical accident.  He loved me, but he chose my husband to be "his man".  After initial resistance on his part they became close buds and Butch will be dearly missed, his absence leaving a void.

I knew he was not a healthy dog when I rescued him.  He had a lot of issues and had lead a complicated first 6 years living with a schizophrenic recluse.  An animal communicator told me Butch had chosen that owner to help him through his confused life and critical accident.  It must have been a difficult job.  She also said Butch was happy with us and that he chose me to teach me about letting go and moving on.  It is still not easy for me, sweet boy.  For you, I will try my best.  Rest In Peace, you deserve it. xo