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Nine Dog Pet Portrait

April 26, 2015 By Colleen 7 Comments

Pet Portrait of 9 dogsLong, long ago, in a life formally known as mine, I started this portrait of eight dogs.

What I mean is, I started painting this pet portrait back in July of 2014 . . . before I got food poisoning in August, before my mother went to the hospital 3 times, and before she came home on hospice care for 6 weeks.

All the while, the client that commissioned this kept assuring me she was in no hurry and to just relax and get to it when I could.

This lady is one of the most patient people I’ve ever met, but she’s oh-so much more. Yes, she’s an animal lover and she takes care of her dogs using the extend k9 health formula most of the time, but she goes above and beyond in her care for these animals. Five are deceased but she and her husband wanted all of their “babies” which include 5 dachshunds, 1 German shorthair pointer, 1 Chi-weenie (half chihuahua and half dachshund, and one chihuahua.

Sometime after our first conversation she adopted another one – Frankie. I’m not sure what breed but I’d guess he’s probably part dachshund.

So, of the nine babies, two were blind and one had only 3 legs, one was deaf and blind, and another was rescued from an abusive home. It takes a special person(s) to take on animals with so many problems but I don’t believe she saw them as “problems” at all. Just characteristics that made each dog unique and special.

I’ll introduce you to all nine as I painted them –

dachshundPhoto of Gus – black & tan dachshund

dachshund painting“My first dachshund and the one that made me absolutely fall in love with the breed.”

Miss LolaMiss Lola – red dachshund

red dachshund painting“She has looked like an old lady since the day I got her.”

tan chiweenieTucker – tan chiweenie

 chiweenie painting
Frankie Frankie

pet portraitFrankie – the newest member of the family

SquattySquatty – brindle, bigger dachshund

dachshund painting“He always had the most loving looks on his face.”

sophie Sophie – chihuahua

chihuahua painting“tan Chihuahua with big ol’ ears that I absolutely loved.”

MollyMolly – three legged German shorthair pointer

German shorthair pointer painting

NarcNarc – black & tan dachshund

black and tan dachshund painting

Jack Jack – dapple dachshund

dapple dachshund painting“He is blind in one eye so there is no eyeball in it at all. (This is what happens when breeders don’t know not to breed two dapple dachshunds together, they come out deaf and blind.

pet portraitNine Dog Pet Portrait

I have to admit, this was one of the most challenging paintings I’ve ever done – partly because of the large scope of the project, partly because of what I was going through in my life, and partly because I had to take a lot of artistic license with some of the portraits.

However, like most challenging endeavors, they’re also the most rewarding. And while some might see this as a simple painting on canvas, it won’t be simple to the client who’s love for her babies knows no bounds. And for me? It’s a clear sign that after challenges come great rewards and that one day I will feel that . . . really and truly feel that.

So, Carla, I am so very grateful to you for your patience, understanding and the honor of painting your beautiful dogs. I will remember them always.

Colleen

about Colleen

Filed Under: my paintings, My Stuff

Comments

  1. Cookie17 says

    April 27, 2015 at 9:25 am

    This picture made me cry Its’ one prettiest picture I’ve seen,to look at dog’s then your painting I know you put you talent into each one.Some times things late for reason & this portrait is proof that Colleen out did your self in this one .I know your client got this feeling same way..Great work & great job !!

    Reply
    • Colleen says

      April 27, 2015 at 9:29 am

      Oh Cookie, thank you so much! It took such perseverance but I’m so glad I finished it. The client loves it (I’ve sent her pics) but, for me, it meant so much to keep going and complete it. Thank you for your lovely comments. They always make me smile.

      xoxo
      Colleen

      Reply
  2. Carla says

    April 27, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    I do love it! I cant wait to receive it in the mail! You were correct Frankie is a piebald dachshund! I forwarded this post to all my family and friends so they could see what a wonderful job you did as well!

    Reply
  3. Kris says

    April 27, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    Absolutely wonderful, Colleen! Every pup shows their uniqueness. I’m sure this will become a cherished family heirloom! Well done!

    Reply
  4. Jan Mardis says

    April 27, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    I absolutely adore this pet portrait. What a wonderful tribute to these wonderful fur babies. You did a beautiful job!!!!!

    Reply
  5. Leigh Kidwell says

    April 28, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    Colleen, these fur babies are my grandchildren. I’m Carla’s mom. Your painting is beautiful and a wonderful tribute to the ones we’ve lost. Thank you for putting as much love into the painting as Carla loves them. Leigh

    Reply
    • Colleen says

      April 29, 2015 at 8:45 am

      Oh Leigh, it means the world that you would take the time to comment. Carla told me how you rescued that sweet dog. What a wonderful daughter (and son-in-law) you have. It was a huge privilege to paint such a special portrait.

      Thanks again,
      Colleen

      Reply

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    About Me

    Hi there! I'm Colleen, a self-taught artist, writer and blogger, among other things. You don't get to be old enough to order off the Denny's senior menu without accomplishing a few things in life. Read More…

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