DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY - the IRISH SETTER

Here at Sheltie Hollow, the Autumn colours are just beginning, and what better dog to see going past my window than the gorgeous IRISH SETTER. This dog is a shimmering red, either chestnut or a dark mahogany, and he is a striking image against the golden leaves - and everywhere else. The Irish Setter is a large, elegantly graceful dog who has a big sense of fun, and a loving nature.

Today's image is a watercolour sketch, less detailed than one of my larger paintings, but full of colour and the essence of the beautiful Irish Setter. It is offered as a 4.5 x 6.5 (image) matted print for $25. shipping included. This little treasure will make a wonderful gift for Irish Setter lovers, or treat yourself to a little present. If you are interested in today's print, please contact me at: anderson.animalart@sympatico.ca

PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI

I've been keeping this portrait quiet for several months, but now I can show it. Rhys the Corgi was done earlier this year and was to be a surprise gift for an Autumn birthday, so I had to be patient about showing him.
I always find graphite to be an enjoyable challenge. Translating all the colour variations into black and white, and putting in the highlights, mid-tones, and shadows is time consuming, tricky work (at least, for me it is) and I was very pleased with the way Rhys turned out. Happily, so was my client!

DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY - the BULL TERRIER

The BULL TERRIER is a neat, clean looking dog who despite his rather fearsome past, is now a superb companion with a great sense of humour, loyalty, and gentleness towards his family. They are smart, energetic, complex dogs who demand attention, exercise, and intelligent handling. Many of these beautiful dogs are white, but you will also find coloured Bulls, especially brindle.
A number of years ago, my husband and I were having a picnic in a peaceful park, and a couple with a white Bull Terrier came to sit near us. I had never actually met a Bull Terrier at that point, and had an "uh-oh" moment as the dog shot away from his own table and ran towards us. I learned a lot that afternoon. The Bull Terrier popped his front paws up on the bench and shoved his bullet shaped head under my husband's arm, a gorgeous doggy grin on his white face. He was all friendliness, and very willing to share our lunch, until his master ran up with apologies to take his very charming dog back to their table. The lesson I learned was to never pre-judge a breed or an individual dog. You could miss out on a lovely encounter by doing so.

You may notice that today's image is a bit different. Although I have enjoyed doing the tiny paintings, I am beginning to feel a bit hemmed in by the size. I am a detail person, and need a little more space and time to do what I do best. From now on, my DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY paintings will be painted in a larger size - usually 5 x 7 inches, and offered as 5 x 7 inch matted prints for $25. Some of the originals will be available as well. These are still small enough to be considered a miniature gem, and make wonderful gifts- for yourself or for someone special. If you are interested in this week's dog print, please contact me at anderson.animalart@sympatico.ca

DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Today's dog is real treat. It's not every day you see a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog around here. This one is a 3 month old pup, and when I met her, she displayed all the gentle affection of her breed. Nevertheless, this adorable pup will grow into a huge dog who will protect your home and family, pull a cart for you, or help rescue you in the snow, should the need arise. The Greater Swiss is the largest of the Swiss breeds, and looks very elegant in the black, white and tan that is so prevalent in the Swiss dogs.
These original little watercolour sketches are 3 x 4.5 and come with a 5 x 7 mat. Including shipping, they are only $40. If you are interested in this painting, or if there is a breed you would like to see featured in DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY, please contact me at: anderson.animalart@sympatico.ca

Good Dreams Ducks

This summer brought some interesting commissions, and I had great fun with these slightly unusual duck decoys. They were hand carved and then fitted with music boxes, with the intention of giving them as baby gifts. The owner of the ducks wanted them painted in a fanciful fashion that would suit a baby's room, and he asked me if I was interested in doing it. I had fun painting these two in acrylic so that they looked like friendly ducks, but without getting into traditional "baby colours". I decided to call them the GOOD DREAMS DUCKS. They have been a hit with everyone who has seen them, so I hope Baby likes them too!

DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY the AMERICAN ESKIMO

Look at that little white fluff-ball walking past. (Sometimes, you may even see her stroll along on her back legs!) This is the incomparable American Eskimo!! The Eskie is a member of the Spitz family who date back to prehistoric times in Northern Europe. Initially, they were used to herd Reindeer, help on the hunt, and guard the home. They are always white, or white with cream, and they come in three handy sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Eskie came to North America with German immigrants and soon became the Circus Dogs who dazzled with their brilliant tricks. It was in 1917 that the name American Eskimo was adopted for these little German Spitz dogs. They are loyal, eager to please, and with their love of learning tricks, they are fun to be with. Depsite their fluffy appearance, they still have an instinct to guard you and your home. Gentle, respectful, consistant training will bring out the best in an Eskie. They are a sensitive little dog.
No matter what size you choose, your Eskie will be charming, loving, beautiful, athletic, intelligent, and amazingly clever about getting her/his own way.
Do I sound ultra enthusiastic about this breed? I guess it's because one of our Shelties is half Eskie, and she is wonderfully unique, sometimes frustrating, and totally adorable.

These little Dog Parade paintings are quick, original watercolour sketches measuring 3 x 4.5 inches and come matted with a 5 x 7 mat. Double or triple matting can be used to present this small painting as an important miniature treasure. Each one is $40. including shipping. If you are interested in this painting, or if there is a breed you would like to see presented here, please contact me at: www.anderson.animalart@sympatico.ca

CORN DOG Yellow Labrador

In the Fall, I often see a Yellow Labrador contentedly patrolling a corn field near here. He blends into the scene so well - the gold shaded yellow dog with his handsome dark brown points around eyes, nose, and mouth, against the dark earth and yellow/gold corn stalks and stubble.

Crows are ever present at this time of year, but the dog minds his own business if the crows are willing to do the same.

I enjoy these friendly big dogs who always seem ready for a cuddle. Big, solid, and reliable, the Labrador Retriever is just an all round great dog.

CORN DOG is an 8 x 10 watercolour on Arches Hot Press paper.

Heather Anderson www.heather-anderson-animals-in-art.com

DOG PARADE WEDNESDAY - the FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a tall, dark, elegant dog. Originating in England this handsome fellow is welcome everywhere because of his friendly, affectionate nature. He makes a fine family pet, and still excels at the field work for which he was bred. Field Trials are a joy to him, as he just loves to retrieve.
I have had the pleasure of knowing several of these beautiful dogs, and some time ago, I was delighted to have one of my full sized Flat-Coat paintings used as the cover art for FLAT-OUT, the Canadian Flat-Coated Retriever newsletter/magazine.

These little DOG PARADE paintings are quick, original, watercolour sketches measuring 3 x 4.5 inches, and they come matted in a 5 x 7 mat. Double or triple matting may be used to present this little painting as an important, miniature treasure. Each one is $40. including shipping. If you are interested in this painting, please contact me at: anderson.animalart@sympatico.ca