Tree Hugger Painting

I admit I have (at least) a couple of self-imposed hang-ups when it comes to painting.  One is that I find a white canvas uninspiring and the second is that I hate to waste paint.  So after I complete a painting project I satisfy both problems by using left over paint to awaken a blank white canvas that will be used for a future project.  I may do this once or multiple times before a canvas is chosen for its "real" job.

This painting called "Tree Hugger" was born through my waste-not process.  The background colors were layered smears of leftover paint from several other projects.  I also used it to test colors as I worked on another canvas.  It lay on the side table waiting to collect more dregs when I happened to have some extra brown mixed at the end of a dog portrait.

Inspired by the wild array of colors I used the brown to paint one of my regular activities - tree hugging.  I have been practicing animal communication for over a year now and discovered that it is also fun and easy to talk to the trees.  Turns out they are very wise.  I chose one tree I pass on my daily walks with my dogs to be my regular counselor.  It's a young ash tree - no different than the hundreds of others on our property.  It isn't as big as the tree in this painting, but I hug it anyway.  Trees have great energy.  I read this article the other day that confirms what I already felt - Trees Can Heal You.  If you haven't hugged a tree lately (or ever), I highly recommend it.

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse at my painting process.  I kind of like this little ditty.  It will likely inspire a future rendition and that is always fun.  Not a bad way to use left over paint and a blank white canvas.

Visit my OtterTail Art website and Amy Reges Print Gallery to see more and shop.

Do you need a cuddly gray kitty to make your house feel like a home?  This sweet cat is waiting for you.  One of my latest paintings of another model from the Humane Society of Schuyler County (if you are looking for a live version there is one there looking for you too!).

This was a fun painting that went through many transmutations.  It started out wildly colored.  I thought the cat would not be gray at all even though the model was this color.  But as it progressed my fairies took over and kept changing colors of both the subject and background until this image emerged.  Sometimes that happens - what I start out planning takes a totally different track.  It's part of the fun and always a learning experience.

The original Gray Cat is an acrylic painting on canvas panel, 8 inches by 10 inches and is available for $175.00 to the first adopter offering a good home.  It will be simple for you to frame and no glass is needed.  If you prefer a print in the size of your choice with a variety of substrate options you can find your heart's desire here at Gray Cat Prints in my Amy Reges Print Gallery under Other Animals.

Thanks for visiting!  Can you hear the purrrrr?

Black Lab and Yellow Labrador dogs lead Santa's Reindeer

One of my new Christmas designs for 2014 is this dynamic trio of two Labrador Retrievers leading one of Santa's reindeer to the sleigh in preparation for his long night's work.  All are filled with the excitement of Christmas! 

This design is available in my Labrador and Dog Christmas Cards gallery as well as on prints of various sizes and greeting cards in my OtterTail Lab Art print gallery.  These are two of my shops and both printers make high quality Christmas cards with my Labrador and dog designs.

This design is also available with a black Labrador and a chocolate Lab leading the reindeer.  I know very well that Labrador lovers have their favorite colors!  I like to keep everyone happy.  If you would like this design with 2 black Labs (always popular) or any other color combination I will be happy to set it up for you. --- As long as they are REAL colors.  Labrador Retrievers come in three colors - black, yellow and chocolate.  The whole silver, charcoal, champagne and other crazy colors people have come up with lately are recent mix breeds, not true Labradors.  I'm sure there are lovely dog souls among them, but as a traditional Lab lover I cannot recognize the "flavor of the month" dogs that are offered by breeders who only care about money and not the health and integrity of the breed.

Just to set the record straight, I personally have loved many mixed breed dogs.  Both those I have owned and those I fostered for rescue groups when they were in need.  I love all dogs.  I paint portraits of dogs of many breeds and mixes and consider that an honor.  I offer animal communication with all dogs of any heritage.  It is the unscrupulous, devious breeders that I am against - not the dogs!  Here's to the pure hearts of dogs everywhere!!  May all people find that level of love and integrity within themselves.

So, off my soapbox, I am happy to offer this and many other Christmas and holiday cards designs featuring black, yellow, and/or chocolate Labradors and other breeds.  My ever-growing collection is sure to tickle your fancy if you are a dog lover looking to share some fun and happy canine spirit this holiday season!

Be Thankful for all of your blessings

Rest In Peace Dad.
Aug 1925 - Oct 2014

Thank you, Universe and Dad, for everything.

Another dog portrait painting commission is ready and waiting for approval.  As usual, my photograph does not do it justice.  Photographing original paintings is a skill in itself!  They always look better in real life!!  I think it captures her and the fact she is a cutie with plenty of thoughts and ideas of her own.

This lucky girl was adopted from a rescue group by a very loving family who has provided a great home for quite a number of Lab and German Shepherd dog mixes.  This is Daisy and she is one of two new members to their pack.

This original portrait is painted in acrylics on stretched canvas, 11x14" full of color and loving energy.  Get one of your own by contacting me.  Check out the basic information for pet portrait paintings on my OtterTail Dog Art website at:  http://www.OtterTailArt.com/Portraits.html

 

Since I have been practicing animal communication I discovered that once you tap into your ability to talk to other souls you find it is not restricted at all. It was actually the trees who first contacted me. Since then I have found them to be full of wisdom and great teachers. There is one particular tree I stop to connect with on my daily walk with the dogs. It is a young ash tree - one of hundreds, nothing particular. In addition to great advice, this tree has given me numerous images to paint. Here is the first one in what I hope will be an interesting series of Paintings from the Trees.

Titled: The Tunnel in the Trees, this original artwork is acrylic on 8"x10" canvas panel. Before I began painting the canvas was textured with shapes of leaves scattered throughout which adds another layer of dimension.  To get your daily dose of inspiration buy the original for $159.00 and go deep in to the tunnel.  Contact Amy to purchase this original paining.


Giclee prints, canvas prints, acrylic prints, and greetings cards of my Paintings from the Trees are available through Amy Reges Fine Art Gallery where you can process your order efficiently and safely online.

Feel the energy, hear the wisdom, be inspired by the trees.

 

Dog and cat paintings are in progress, as always.

Pretty Black Labrador Portrait of a Dancer

This was a fun portrait to paint!  Pretty girl, Maggie, was a dance partner with her person.  They enjoyed participating in Canine Freestyle.   Here she is in her fancy dance collar, ready for the show.  No doubt if you are a dog lover you have seen videos of some of the fun dog-and-person dance routines.

Maggie crossed over a few years ago.  It was my privilege to honor her with this memorial portrait painting.  I know her person will treasure it forever.

During the progress of this Labrador dog portrait painting I took some time to communicate with Maggie.  I have been doing animal communication for 6 months or so and it has opened up a new world for me!  Maggie told me how much she loved dancing with her partner.  She said sometimes she comes back and tries to get in the way now when her person is practicing with another dog.  Her presence has been felt!

I love the way this painting turned out - as does the owner - such a sweet remembrance!  Please visit my OtterTail Dog Art website for information and contact me to commission a portrait of your own!

New Labrador Retriever Puppy at OtterTail

I am pleased to welcome this new little boy into the OtterTail pack.  I had recently started looking for a puppy, but did not expect to get one so soon.  Fate had a different idea and this boy became available.  He is the son of my Tonto's litter sister, making Tonto a true uncle as well as an honorary one.  I had this pup's mom, Vampire, here for training when she was about 7 months old and we quickly bonded.  I love her temperament just like I love Tonto's - and her good looks too.  So, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to have her son.

The sire is a handsome and popular young champion making this a match that was hard to resist.   I think he has a bright future as a stud dog, having already produced some eye-catching pups from other dams.

Like all of my puppies, this boy got started in training from the moment we arrived home.  Puppies learn so fast and are so eager - truly little blank slates waiting to be taught and shown.  You can see his first training video on my LabradorDogs channel at youtube, where I will also post more videos as training progresses.

I have not posted about this here yet, but I have been working on expanding spiritually for the past year.  This includes learning animal communication.  I contacted this pups mom, Vampire, a few weeks ago to ask about her and her puppies.  At that time this boy was destined for another home.  Vamp remembered me from when she was here and told me she wanted me to have one of her pups because she knew he would have a really good home here.  I thanked her, but figured the Universe had different plans.  Then things changed and through a quick and unexpected course of events here he is!  In keeping with my current journey and becoming a Lightworker and to add some balance to his mom and litter sister's who are all named following the "darkness" theme, I am happy to introduce:

Moonlit OtterTail Knight of the Light   aka  Mooki 

(CH Wiscoy's Jack Sparrow, JH x Moonlit's Queen of the Night).

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.