Yellow Labrador Canvas Painting Commission

One of my recent dog portrait painting commissions was this yellow Labrador named Merlin.  He crossed Rainbow Bridge a few years ago so this painting will serve as a wonderful memorial and tribute for his family.

If you would like to commission a portrait painting of your animal friend please visit my Portrait Painting webpage for information on getting started.  All of my commissioned pet portraits like this yellow Labrador painting are done in acrylics on canvas.  This painting is a head study with a simple background, which is the standard composition.  It is on 11x14" canvas and is currently priced at $339.  Want extras?  No problem.  Just let me know!

Although I specialize in dog paintings, I am happy and honored to work with you on creating artwork of any animal you may know and love.  Don't hesitate to contact me for more information and to get started on a special keepsake of your own.

Adopted dog leaves us after a year of peace.

It was just over a year ago that my Dad's old dog, Buddy, came to live with us.  He was blind for years, did not hear well, had serious skin issues and his arthritis was pretty bad.  Dad just could not take care of him anymore with his own health issues handicapping him.  So rather than euthanize Buddy as Dad had feared was necessary, we loaded him into the van with our 3 other dogs for the 7 hour drive upstate.  For a dog who had rarely been out of his own backyard and never liked us much he handled it pretty well.  My dogs spent the ride plastered against the walls to stay out of his snap-zone and did their best not to touch him.

Over the next few weeks Buddy adapted amazingly well and began to enjoy his close encounters with the Labradors.  He was still a cranky old man, but he began to mellow out and take an interest in his new surroundings.  We had a host of health problems to deal with which kept us busy, but even those eventually got under control and life became a new normal.  Buddy began to enjoy his daily walks and accept direction from us much more amicably.  By late summer he was melded into our pack and our lifestyle.  He began to enjoy walks off-lead (his choice - "Don't tell me what to do.  I can do it myself!"), taking himself slowly around our hillside property, gently bouncing off of obstacles without issue and smelling new smells.  His crankiness waned and he rarely snapped at anyone or the air anymore.

Winter was long and cold.  Although he enjoyed the snow and cold weather more than the heat, he was clearly aging with each passing month.  His arthritis got worse and he could no longer stand without help.  His breathing began to be congested.  Eventually he lost the fun in walking himself, sometimes falling, and preferred to stay on lead.  Buddy said "Jump" and we asked "how high?".  Finally on April 24th he lost his will to go on, collapsed and let us know he was done being a dog.  The vet suggested a number of conditions which could cause his symptoms, but we were not up for any of the tests and drugs that would only mask some issues while causing others with no hope to fix his condition.  I asked Buddy what he wanted.  He said he was ready to rest.  We kissed him good-bye and held his head as he departed.  I am surprised how much I miss this cranky old man.  He had worked so hard at his self-appointed job before he came to us and yet he managed to carry on his work and teach us lessons while he was here.  It was a good year Buddy.  We are glad you came.  Rest in Peace.

Yellow Labrador Lazy Afternoon Painting and Prints

Here is one of my recent yellow Lab paintings created while I was dreaming about warm weather.  It's been a long cold winter.  Today we are having an April snow shower with temperatures in the teens tonight.  I covered as many daffodils, tulips and hyacinths as I could and now it looks like I am growing upside-down pots and buckets in my garden!

This painting was lots of fun.  It is a scene I saw many times between these two OtterTail yellow Labradors who were mother and son, as well as the yellow mother with her best friend, a chocolate Lab girl.  They were such good friends and loved to relax on the porch, sun bathing and keeping watch over their dog-dom.

I made this painting small and simple, just to catch that feeling.  I love it!  It is 8"x10" acrylic on stretched canvas.  The edges are painted so it can be hung framed or unframed.  For a mere $175 you can have this charming scene to admire on your own wall.  Email me to claim this bit of sunshine.

You can also purchase yellow Labrador canvas prints and paper prints from my online OtterTail Art by Amy Reges print gallery.  There is a nice selection of mats and frames for you to choose if you would like to have it arrive ready to hang or give as a beautiful finished gift to a special friend.

Gray and White Cat Painting Donation for Animal Shelter

I am donating this handsome gray and white cat's painting to the Humane Society of Schuyler County for the Mardi Gras party fund-raiser auction.  It's happening this Saturday night in Watkins Glen, NY.  Join the party and bid high!  The money will go toward the long-awaited new shelter building for dogs.  The cats have already been relocated into a nice, new facility.  It has taken YEARS to jump hurdles and raise enough money to finally get the dog building re-modeling underway.  The place they are housed now is - miserable.  There is no way to say it nicely.  It is old, cold and dingy with tiny spaces for each dog, sometimes needing to contain more than one together.  Being in the country without many local adoptions, the sad fact is that some dogs live in our shelter for years.  Please make a donation to help HSSC help all the dogs who pass through.  Better yet, join the party Saturday night and help while you are having fun!

This cat painting is based on one of the long-term resident HSSC felines named Boots.  I chose background colors that coordinate with his dark grey tuxedo cat coat in gentle, mellow neutrals so it will fit right into anyone's home - just like Boots himself (who is available for adoption).  He is looking very sublime and will bring a calming and peaceful energy to your space.  Gray kitty prints are available at Amy Reges Fine Art Gallery.  Have it matted and framed while you are there, or choose a canvas print.  Either way it will arrive ready to hang.  You can even get a greeting card to match.  Great for gift giving!

If you would like to commission a special portrait painting of your cat -- or dog, or horse, or any pet, visit my OtterTail Dog Art portrait page for general information, then email me to get started!

Being Happy and Sharing it - A singing black Labrador Retriever

I have not been posting much because I have been so busy learning many new things.  2014 is off to an exciting start with my OtterTail Dog Art business expanding in new and different directions. I hope it is a great new year for everyone else too!  Being busy never stops me from taking time to enjoy little pleasures and that always includes fun time with my dogs.  So here is a video of my little boy, Tonto, making his singing debut.  Have fun with your pets and remember to enjoy the moment!
Click this link to go to LabradorDogs on YouTube.  You can find some of my training videos and other fun stuff there too.
Tonto dog sings a song

Happy Holidays Dog Lovers!

Happy Holidays from our OtterTail Lab Art dog family to pet lovers near and far!

We attempted to take a family photo with me setting the camera timer and rushing in to the picture.  It was fun.

As you may guess we got a lot with dogs looking the wrong way, changing positions, me as a blur, and just crazy expressions.  This was the best one - at least we are all facing forward. (Grin!)  Helen, the cat, and Dad's cranky old dog, Buddy, (who lives with us now) opted to skip the photo session.  So this is the rest of us, here to put faces behind the names and wish you all wonderfully happy holidays filled with festivities and joy!

Best wishes for a new year full of good health and love!
Amy, Jim, Tonto, Tallulah and Nissa

Labrador Dogs Silk Scarf Ready for Winter Cold

Something new in time for chilly weather and holiday gift-giving. This one-of-a-kind Labrador scarf is a combination of hand-painting on 100% silk crepe de chin stitched to a comfy, warm polar fleece backing. Now you can show your heartfelt style all winter! My popular 6 Lab Heads scarf pattern in black, chocolate and yellow Labradors shines to keep the cold out. Total size including fringe is 8.5 x 59". I don't plan to combine this again, so the first person making a claim will be the only lucky one! $70.00 - tell me you saw it here before December 15, 2013 and I will give you free-shipping.

I make this pattern in a wide variety of colors and currently 3 choices of silk in 8 x 54" and 11 x 60".  You can order one (without the polar fleece backing) in any 3 colors of your choice at no extra charge!  I will be cutting my choices of silk to one as my supplies of the others are extinguished, so if you want lots of options order soon!  Visit my hand-painted silk scarves page at OtterTailArt.com to see more examples and the other dog designs for scarves plus one-of-a-kind originals.  Every scarf is unique! (plus hand or machine washable.)

Why is this be the only "winterized" silk scarf I will make?  Simple - the hand stitching makes it a steal at this price and not a good investment of time for me.  An un-backed version of this design on this type of silk can be purchased for $65.00.  It was a fun experiment that I know some lucky dog woman will love!

OtterTail Labrador Earns His Companion Dog Title

Congratulation to Tonto!  My little boy completed the requirements for his AKC Companion Dog (CD) title in 3 straight days at the Wine Country Circuit dog shows in NY.  We were thrilled to have glorious weather all 3 days and the Sampson Park show site is always one of my favorites.

 Our classes ranged from 6 to 14 dogs and we were combined with the Novice A dogs for stays on the first 2 days.  Many dogs broke their sit and down stays, so I was proud of Tonto for taking those jobs so seriously.  He tried very hard on that part!  He is still a bit immature mentally (he turned 2 yrs old at the end of June) and he had a couple of lapses in concentration which lead to him not doing his very best heeling.  Nonetheless, he placed 2nd in the class each day.  Tonto becomes my 11th Labrador to earn a CD, all earning at least one class placement on their way to the title.

Good job, baby boy!  Tonto is now officially - Moonlit OtterTail Kemosahbee, RN CD.

Yellow Lab Puppy and Girl Share Ice Cream Painting

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!  Does anybody say that anymore?  This painting brings back fond memories for me.  I did not have Labs when I was young, but I had mutts that I loved and I was happy to share my treats.  The truth is, I may still be caught sharing.

The title of this acrylic on canvas panel is "Double Dip - Ice Cream for Two".  This is my first real attempt at painting a person, so I consider it an experimental piece and it is priced as such.  Make it yours for a mere $188.00 (plus shipping).  It is 9 x 12", unframed.

Contact me to purchase this original painting.  You can pay by sending a check or through PayPal.  It's the perfect picture for these hot summer days!  Perhaps you will want to rotate it with one of my other Labrador paintings during the winter.  Now that's a fun and simple seasonal decorating idea!

Not ready to splurge on an original painting? Prints are available in many sizes and you can have them matted and framed so they arrive ready to hang.  That makes unique art affordable to everyone!  Visit my OtterTail Dog Art Print Gallery to shop for "Double Dip" and other dog painting prints which are also available on stretched canvas, metal and acrylic.  Choose the surface to fit your own style!

Yellow Lab Puppy Painting

This one was fun! Cute little Tater has grown up some since the reference photo was taken. This yellow Labrador portrait painting will help keep the lasting memory of her puppy days.  I am often commissioned to paint portraits of elderly pets or those that have already crossed over the bridge.  It was loads of fun to work on this girl with all of her puppy wrinkles!

I couldn't resist adding a little excitement to the background since she is such a fun, up-beat girl.  My collector gave me free rein to choose the background and loved the result.  (I did show her a preview early in the process in case she had a different idea.)

So why not send me your photos and preserve those silly puppy days, kitten antics, or foal follies?  You don't need to wait until your best bud is a sophisticated senior to capture a memory.  Portrait commissions start at $275 and it's a fun process - I promise :-).  For more information check out my OtterTail Dog Art Portrait Painting page.

 Thanks again Tammy and Tater!! May you enjoy many happy years together.

Shepherd mix dog portrait painting

Here is one of my latest dog portrait paintings.  This girl was very lucky.  Her mom was adopted from a shelter with no knowledge that she was pregnant at the time.  A month or so later she surprised her new owner with a litter of multi-mix puppies.  Being kind-hearted, she raised the babies and found them all good homes.  This girl went to some close relatives who are also real dog lovers.  She has had a great life!  All dogs who start out with rough beginnings should be so lucky.

They tell me Griffin is the smartest dog ever - and usually in control of every situation!  I hope she likes this painting I did to honor her.  I admit that all the different colors of hair that appear on her face were a challenge for me to capture and retain my abstract style.  It was a good learning experience!

The background colors were chosen to coordinate with the owners' home and other artwork.  I am happy to make a background to fit someone's needs or you can leave me to my own intuition and I'll choose a background the subject suggests to me.  Yes, I talk to all of them -- and my fairies that come in the night to add their magic touches to the work I have done during the day!  I am ok with the idea that people want art to match their decor, so don't be shy - contact me to design a pet portrait painting of your own.

Custom Dog Urn with Yellow Labrador Print

It is always sad to say good-bye to beloved pet friends.  We have a collection of Labrador designs for urns that we create out of natural hardwoods.  The designs are backed with a contrasting type of wood.  In this case my collector asked for a custom urn that would hold a print of one of my yellow Labrador paintings.  She thought it looked so much like her boy who had crossed the bridge that she wanted this special print to honor her Lab.

So, now we have a new urn design to offer.  Not only can this hold a print of one of my paintings, it can also be sized to hold a photograph of your pet.  There is a glass covering on the opening and the print is securely backed to keep it separated from the bag containing your pet's cremains.

Our urns open at the bottom and are firmly closed with the four inset screws provided.  Our standard size was designed for Labs, so it hold dogs up to about 100 pounds.  Custom sizes can be made upon request.  It is a nice way to honor the loss of a good friend.

By the way, this yellow Labrador painting is entitled "A Head Pillow Is Nice" and is part of my "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" series.  The original is sold, but you can get a print in a variety of sizes, on a selection of substrates and even have it matted and framed to your specifications if you like.  Visit my OtterTail Dog Art by Amy Reges gallery on Fine Art America to order this or many of my other dog prints.

Moonlit OtterTail Kemosahbee, RN at LRCP 2013

My boy, Tonto, is growing up.  Well, not "up" so much as maturing.  He is a short fellow and will be small for life.  That makes him not the best show dog since all of the boys are bigger than he is now.  I love him anyway!

This picture was taken in April at the fabulous Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac Specialty Show.  He presented himself very well and I was pleased with that, along with some nice comments he got from breeders and spectators outside the ring (the judge did not care for him).  I will probably only show him a few more times as we are only doing it for fun and it isn't much fun if he doesn't fit in.  He will get another obedience title or two and spend the rest of his life being my little buddy.  It's funny because I particularly told his breeder I was hoping for a smaller dog than my last big boy who needed to be lifted and helped with walking at the end.  (Sweet Marius was a very big boy and I felt sad at the prospect of not being strong enough to ever help him as much as he needed.)  This munchkin is a classic example of "be careful what you wish for"!

Tonto is a lover and a gently sweetie pie.  He moves beautifully, strikes a handsome pose, and looks lovely running around in my yard.  He has an enduring smile, a wagging tail, happily greets everyone, and loves to ask for hugs.  That's the important stuff!

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?