ROXI #18/50

8x8 oil on canvas panel

Seriously, I blinked and Roxi painted herself; she was a joy to watch appear on canvas. Roxi has the distinction of being the very first painting I painted when I moved into the new studio. I will share studio photos one day; with the 100+ temps, I don't have the desire to finish the exterior painting, easel painting is more my taste and appeals to my comfort level.

CLAIRE'S SHEEP #17/50

8x8 oil on canvas panel

I have many more paintings to post in this series, but I'm afraid school has already consumed all of my "computer playtime". Please take a look at Claire Beadon Carnell's beautiful blog; she was kind enough to send me my very first sheep to try and paint. Thanks, Claire, this was fun!

FIONA #16/50

8x8 oil on canvas panel

Fiona was rescued by a wonderful group called Take Me Home Pet Rescue located in North Texas. I hope she finds a family to love her forever...floppy ear and all.

IZZE #15/50

8x8 oil on canvas panel

Izze just happens to belong to my next door neighbors, not only is she the most delightful pup, so are her mom & dad; we seriously have the best neighbors ever!

When I began this little portrait, I knew I wanted to keep the background monochromatic with Izze's coloring; I think the end result emphasized her smiling eyes.

FRANKIE #14/50

8x8 oil on canvas nfs

At four months of age, she found herself abandoned at a dry cleaners. A young man went to the dry cleaners, saw her, went home...and as we all know, could not get her out of his mind or perhaps his heart. The Veterinarian explained her age, her mixed breed status...Australian Shepherd plus Something Else...there were no explanations for her missing tail, her eyes were crystal blue, her heart was strong, but the young man already knew that because already their hearts were one, and one more thing...she was deaf. More than likely, she had been thrown away because of her deafness, but the young man did not care, he brought her HOME and loved her. Frankie was brought home to live with Lucy, you can see Lucy here. Frankie and the young man had to learn how to communicate, and Lucy had to learn how to accept Frankie's natural instinct to herd. All was learned and they lived happily ever after until a few weeks ago...for some reason, Frankie only lived to be four years old. She is buried amongst her favorite day lilies... the same day lilies she like to trample to make a soft bed. Rest in peace, Frankie, you were the best dog ever.

EVELYN & MAURICE #13/50

8x8 oil on canvas panel

I don't think Maurice is enjoying Evelyn's hug.

SAM #12/50

8x8 oil on canvas panel

This is Sam who belongs to the incredibly talented, Dana Cooper. I love Sam's intense gaze and his ready stance to jump off the ottoman and bark at the cat across the street/fetch his ball/attack his squeaky rat...oh wait a minute, I got carried away and was thinking of my little Cowgirl pup. I'm certain Dana's Sam is well-behaved with impeccable manners, unlike Cowgirl.