"Moppet," from The Gratitude Project, companion piece to yesterday's portrait of "Dixie," 6" square, commissioned portrait of a rescued Yorkshire Terrier, done in Golden Open Acrylics on gessobord, private collection (THANK YOU!!). As with all the paintings in "The Gratitude Project," proceeds from the sale of Moppet's portrait will benefit Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue. Both Moppet and Dixie were understandably terrified of the camera (did you read their story?), so there was some coaching and training that went on behind the scenes. The idea was to gradually desensitize the dogs' to the camera and reinforce their newfound trust in their caregivers. Their Mom began by associating the camera with treats - a smidge of peanut butter or a morsel of chicken, along with lots of petting and kind words. No picture taking, just nosing around the camera, smelling good things, and getting loved on. Once they were comfortable with it, a (spare) camera got tucked into their bed and left around where they could comfortably co-exist. Moppet and Dixie became used to seeing and smelling it, just like any other household object. And they began to look forward to the camera getting picked up, because guess what? they got treats and love when that camera was being waved in the air! After several months, photo sessions ensued with the flash off (did you know that flashbulbs scare many animals?) and lots more treats and kind words. And I had the references I needed to build their portraits and share their stories! Do you have a rescued dog? share her story with me - you might just see a familiar face show up in your email one day....... Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim
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"Tabby Kit," 5" x 7", acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a tiny little orange striped guy from Morgue File . This painting can be yours for $289, which includes s&h inside the US. And in case you didn't see it, a little doodle of him is also available for sale here . Inquires may come directly to me . Although it certainly doesn't FEEL like spring here (snow and ice and wind chills, brr!), I can tell that spring is coming. The mercury is rising a wee bit each day and the days are getting longer and brighter. Over the weekend we drove with the moonroof open just to feel the sun's meager and oh-so-very-welcome warmth (although the heat in the car was cranked, too, in the interest of full disclosure!). I wanted to work with spring-like colors today, and this little guy was still on my mind , so I grabbed a small panel and got to work. Of course, I also have Poppy to finish and some changes to make to another po
okay, every time i come look at your site i'm overwhelmed by how stinking talented you are!!! i just love your brush strokes and color combinations!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, you are the best! keep coming back, chickie - I love to entertain you!! :) thanks for the comment, Kim
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