Hi! Wanted to share my pet paintings (pics)

[thepetpainter]

Hi! I'm new here and just wanted to share with you all what I do.

I love to paint pets. Dogs, cats, lizards, even frogs.
Here are a few I've done recently.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/144885/1027044collage1.jpg

Can you tell I've got a thing for bulldogs?

I just finished this portrait of Kiba.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/144885/1033300kibaandoriginal.jpg

I'm working on a Cairn Terrier right now. And I just got a commission to paint two American Staffordshire Terrier mixes - in their Halloween costumes.
That will be fun! :D

Hope you enjoyed looking!
Monika

If you want you can check out my website:
Pet Portraits (http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-vhstudios)

[Puppy power]

You can draw my favorite things GREAT! :D welcome to Chazhound. :)

[Renee750il]

Hi, Monica,

Good work on all the portraits. Your love of the bulldogs really shows; those are your best ones.

[emc]

I paint and draw dogs too. You can see my artwork on my website at http://www.waterart.ipfox.com

[Renee750il]

Really nice site, emc! Beautiful work. It would be great to see a short biography of the artist on the site. You have some good links there, too.

I wonder just how many different talents are represented here at Chazhound?

[thepetpainter]

Nice site. Love your birds EMC! I love seeing other artist's work. Do you eBay? There is a great group of self-representing artists on eBay. Check out the artist discussion forum on eBay and that's where you'll find them. :)

[rosalee]

nice painting, can,t wait to see the amstaff,s

[emc]

Thanks. No I don't do ebay but I'll have to check that out, sounds interesting. Have you been able to sell anything through ebay? I like seeing other artists work too. Hey how about having a separate section in this forum where folks can display their poochie art?

Dog Portraits
http://www.waterart.ipfox.com

Chihuahuas On The Web
http://www.freewebs.com/chihuahua

[chazhound]

Hello ThePetPainter, welcome to Chazhound Forums!

Wonderful Bulldogs! Be sure to list your site in our Dog Directory
under the Pet Art category and to put a link in your signature
on your profile for more exposure. You too EMC, your stuff is great!

Chazhound

[MEG126]

GREAT paintings!! both of you!! is this just a hobby for you, or are you thinking of pursuing a career? do you draw from pictures and personalize for people? or just draw?? just wondering! you're both really talented!!

[MEG126]

whoops sorry the last picture hadn't downloaded when i replied! i think it's really neat to see the picture and then your artwork of it. i can't draw worth a darn but i looove taking pictures. they're nothing too great but i'm planning on minoring in photography in college. anyways... keep up the good work!!

[thepetpainter]

Thanks Meg! For me it is a career. I usually work from photos of pets. Quite often I have painted pets who have already crossed the rainbow bridge and a photo is all the I have to work from. You are welcome to visit my website: Click here to visit (http://www.thepetpainter.net)

Here is the latest commission I'm working on. It's for a local vet. This is the picture he wanted me to make a painting from:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1062246WrinklesBooHalloween2002.jpg

And here is the initial sketch I did based on the photo. In the sketch, I left the witch's costume white (Makes the stars easier to see) - but I will be painting it in black later.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1062247WrinklesBoosketch.jpg

Right now I am in the process of painting it. I should have some photos to post in a few more days. If you want to see how I do a painting from start to finish check out my 'The painting process' page on my website.

Cheers! :D
Monika

[thepetpainter]

Hi everyone!

Here is where I am at today. I started painting on this 5 days ago. For those of you who are wondering 'where's the color?' : I usually begin my paintings with a two color (black & white, or brown & white) underpainting. Since I use oil paints - most of them are transparent - so I can put the color on top of the underpainting and it will show through. It makes for a little more work for me, but it helps me establish the correct light/dark values without the color confusing the issue.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1064870WrinklesBooHalloweenBW2.jpg

And here is a closer view of the dog on the right.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1064871WrinklesBooHalloweenBW3.jpg

Tomorrow I will begin the head/neck of the dog on the left. In a day or two I should have the whole underpainting finished. Then I'll start laying down the color. Last thing I do is add the final details - like the highlights in the eyes, or whiskers.

Hope you enjoyed looking. :eek:
Monika

[chazhound]

It is very cool watching you create your art peice. I had no idea so much goes into it.

Chazhound

[thepetpainter]

After a good day's work:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1066568WrinklesBooHalloweenBW4.jpg

( Forgot to mention, this is a somewhat big painting: 20"x24". )

And a close up of Wrinkles:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1066571WrinklesBooHalloweenBW5.jpg

Tonight, I will show Dr. Ratnoff how far I am on his painting. Once I get his approval we are ready for the next stage.

Tomorrow, I will begin adding thin glazes of color to the painting. Then, the final touches.

Once again, hope everyone has fun watching this painting come together.

Smiles,
Monika

[Kagome100]

I love it....

[Renee750il]

This is really fascinating! How did you develop your technique of layering the color on the black and white drawing?

[thepetpainter]

It is actually a very old technique used by the oil painting masters during the Renaissance period - they would do a two or three color underpainting and then put thin 'glazes' of color on after it had dried. The colors used could be brown/white or blue/white or black/white.

This technique is different from 'alla prima'. Alla prima involves putting the paint on the canvas and finishing the painting in one session. That way of painting is more popular with the impressionist painters - it doesn't suit portraiture work (IMHO).

As for how I learned: Not quite sure I could name any one way... Got my basic art education through osmosis: I grew up with a mother who had attended art school, but decided to marry and have children instead of a career. For years I worked in watercolor, pastels, and acrylic paints - but something always was lacking in what I wanted to do with my medium. Then I tried oil paints last year. Many books, videos, and a few classes later - here I am. And haven't looked back since.

:)
Monika

[Renee750il]

It's wonderful to that you are able to make your "work" something you love. You are very fortunate; most people end up caught in the trap of merely tolerating or even enduring their work.

[thepetpainter]

Wow! Thank you everyone for your replies!

I'm still waiting to hear back from Dr. Ratnoff before I continue on his painting, so I started my next portrait. This one is an older Irish setter named Casey. Such a sweet old dear. She is twelve and has cancer. Since the owner is local, I went and took photos. Then I made a composite in photoshop.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1070140CASEYcollage.jpg

So here's the rough pencil sketch I made on the canvas.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1070106casey1.jpg

One closer photo of just her head pose:

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1070107casey2.jpg

I will be working on both paintings next week and will post updates as soon as possible.

Thanks for looking!
Monika

Come take a look at my website and see more paintings
The Pet Painter (http://www.thepetpainter.net)

[milo]

hi there welcome to chazhound i like your pics of your dogs and I like the way you have painted them. I have tried to draw my dog he's a black lab cross retriver and i think its really hard but you might think its really easy. Any way i hope you enjoy your time chatting to us pups and dogs!!!!!!!! :D :D

[thepetpainter]

Hi everyone!

I finally got the painting finished. I ended up changing the backround - at the customer's request (he wanted just the simple neutral tone backround) - and here it is:
"Wrinkles & Boo Halloween" 20"x24" Oil on canvas
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1096922WrinklesBoofinished.jpg

A close up of Wrinkles: (sorry for the out of focus photo)
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1096924Wrinklesclose.jpg

And a close up of Boo:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1096923BooHalloweenclose.jpg

While I was working on this painting - I finished another Bulldog painting:
"Charlie" Oil on canvas board 14x20"
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/140783/1086039charliefinished.jpg


I'm also about 25% done on the (Irish setter) painting of Casey. And I will be able to post pics in a day or two.

Hope you all enjoyed looking.
Monika

For More Photos Click Here (http://www.thepetpainter.net)

[chazhound]

VERY COOL!!!
The finished versions are great!

Chazhound

[thepetpainter]

Thank You! Dr. Ratnoff saw his finished painting for the very first time last night. He was very pleased and is going to hang it in his office. I'm working on the frame today and will be delivering it on Friday evening to him personally.

Monika

[DarthVadersMum]

WOW.......Great work!

[thepetpainter]

Thanks!

Here is where I am at with the painting of the Irish Setter, Casey.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1108776caseyhalf1.jpg

A close -up of her:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1108778caseyhalf.jpg

I'm beginning on the full body portion tommorrow.

Cheers.
Monika

[Renee750il]

You've really caught a beautiful expression on Casey's face and the gentleness in the eyes.

[thepetpainter]

Thanks Renee! ;)

Hi again,

I finished Casey's portrait today. My pictures aren't the best today - I think my hand shook while taking the photos. (Note to self - get a tripod )

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1118146caseyfinished.jpg

And one close up of the upper portion:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/148939/1118151caseyfinishedcloseright.jpg

Hope everyone has a super Monday.
Monika

[MEG126]

it's so amazing to see how your paintings start and all the different stages before it becomes a finish product. thanks for sharing all this with us! :)

[thepetpainter]

I have a sad update: Casey passed away on 7/2. Even though her owners knew her time was short (she had cancer), it still came as a shock. I'm saddened too. She was such a sweet dog. My only regret - I was not able to deliver the painting before she passed away. So, I will hang the painting on my wall while her owner grieves - then I will deliver it when she is ready.


I finished a new painting this week - a bulldog puppy portrait.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/140783/1140185star1.jpg

And a close up:
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/140783/1140183starclose.jpg

Take care,
Monika

Visit my website for more paintings
Pet Portraits (http://www.thepetpainter.net)

[chazhound]

I am sure Casey is in a great place now... at least you created something that can remind them of the wonderful memories.

Nice bulldog pic! You really captured the expression :)

[Ajax]

Thanks so much for sharing these. They are wonderful, and I love how you captured the individual character of each dog. This shows, to me, not only gifted art talent but a sensitivity toward the animals. My sympathy to Casey's folks. They will treasure your painting.

[Renee750il]

Casey's people are going to cherish your painting. The expression you've caught is beautiful; gentle, loving, trusting, curious, with a glint of humor in the eye and a deeper look of calm wisdom and contentment. What a wonderful memorial you've created.

[thepetpainter]

Thank you all. Painting for me is another way to share my love of animals with others. :)

[Ilio]

You guys are amazing! You have wonderful artwork and I can't wait to see more. Update us on your paintings!
LilyRose

[BabyBoo]

Absolutely beautiful work. I'd love to see the one of the Cairn you had mentioned a while back.

[Kagome100]

LOVE THEM.... I really love the kiba one. YOu know what the name Kiba is off of Wolf's Rain. In Japanese it means Fang. I named my Milk snake Kiba. But still love the pics....

[tl_ashmore]

Wow, your paintings are wonderful. I would really like to have a portrait done of my two dogs. I just might get one of you to paint one for me. They are really great paintings.

[thepetpainter]

Thanks! It's been awhile since I've posted photos. My thread was moved and I had no clue as to where it went. But now I've found it again.

Here is my neighbor's dog, who we thought was a Cairn Terrier - but a few friends of mine were quick to point out he is a West Highland Terrier - a Westie. He was from the pound and they mislabeled him.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/159268/1172906cairnterrier.jpg

And here is yet another bulldog commissioned painting. Harley, 11"x14" Oil on Gessoboard.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/159268/1177016harleyoneasel.jpg

Also, did a large (20"x28") animal abstract just for fun. 'Fish I', Oil on canvas.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/162480/1183020fisheyewebedition.jpg
The inspiration for this painting is a fish called scarus vetula - or the Queen Parrotfish. It is found off the coast near where I live. They are strikingly beautiful with their bright colors and distinct markings.


I'm currently working on a new commission of a man and his puppy together. Hope to post it in a week or two.

[chazhound]

Wow! Great artwork! The bulldog looks so realistic.

We created this Forum called Dog and Pet Art so everyone can find them easier.

Chazhound

[Renee750il]

Really, more great work! The Fish Abstract is superb. I love the Bulldog - got a good giggle from him too . . . he looks like Winston Churchill. ;)

[thepetpainter]

Thanks Renee! I have many bulldog commissions from members of a bulldog club - no two are ever quite the same. I love that.



Well, I managed to finished this portrait finally. Here is it sitting on my easel:

12"x12" Oil on archival canvas board.
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/159268/1283455glengertfinished.jpg

And I also have completed a few other paintings as well that were sitting around only half done.

11"x14" 'Watching the Sun Set' Oil on stretched canvas
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/116/116879/folders/131844/1001052bullysunset2.jpg
(Of course the copyright statement is NOT on the actual painting)

And one other commissioned portrait I just finished:

12"x12" 'Scarlett' Oil on archival canvas board
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/191/191717/folders/159268/1284065scarlettfinishedcopyright.jpg

I also listed some paintings on eBay. If you would like to check them out Come See My Art on Ebay (http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=mvanhine&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50)

I'm starting on a new painting today - a Lilac point Siamese/Balinese cat.


Have a great day!
Monika
My Webpage (http://www.thepetpainter.net)

[smkie]

Got any new pieces? Can we see more? I would like to! Your color usage is intrigueing(sp) they are very rich. Nice work.

[serline]

I'm very happy to be able to see a few of your painting. I love to draw too.
But I don't really do painting, not familiar with it. Instead I drew some pictures on the computer.

[serline]

I'm very happy to be able to see a few of your paintings. I love to draw too.
But I don't really do paintings, not familiar with it. Instead I drew some pictures on the computer.

[luvmydogs]

very talented!!!!!!!! i draw like a 5 yr old :P

[Swiftwind]

I really love your style, it's so unique! :)

[Babyblue5290]

Wow all those are just wonderful!! You really have a talent!!

[Juicy]

Nice!