Chico

This retired racing greyhound was rescued & adopted by a great family I know.  For those who don't know, racing greyhounds are put through exhausting work & training during their racing career & are worn out by the young ages of 2 & 3.  Many of these racing dogs never know the love & comfort of a family home, even after they are cast away from the racing circuit. 
His name was Chico, he had a great life with his adopted family, & that family that loved him was my Aunt, Uncle, & cousin.  I loved him too.  Thanks for asking me to paint him, Aunt Nancy.

Hetty

 

Shannon's Christmas Card

These little ones are a little 5x7 painting for Shannon, who plans to use the image for Christmas cards this year.  Cute idea, Shannon!

Lou Dog

Louie!  This guy is the toughest, yet sweetest dog, with the toughest, yet sweetest owner.  I miss them both SO much, & really enjoyed getting so many great pictures from them for this portrait.  Thanks, Linsi! xoxo

Carol's Girls

These 2 little girls are a little older now, & just as sweet.  I miss them & their lovely Mom Carol too, now that we are across the counrty from eachother.  Carol assured me that we'd meet again one day in more pictures & portraits.

Adair's Saffron Finch

It is such an amazing thing to inspire children with art.  When I gave this little painting to Adair (age 10), it was not only her first piece of original art, it was the beginning of her realization that her own imagination can lead her in a real direction in life; That she really can become whatever she wants to be.

A Puppy Called Max

Don't you just want to SQUISH his cheeks!

Cody

You will be greatly missed, Cody.  I know you were a good boy.

Study Buddy

Kodak is a great help to an ER Resident friend of mine.  She keeps an eye on those 3" thick medical books & is within arm's reach JUST in case she is needed during those important study breaks.

Bogey

Yes, this little guy was as wild as he looks.

For Kathryn

This piece was done for the cutest off shore fisherlady I know! I love painting fish for the way that the scales & colors are so iridescent & bright. These particular fish are also faves of Kathryn & her hubby, & were a special request for their new home. This is not a pet portrait for them (I hope!) but a piece that will remind them of their no-doubt fun days fishing together.

Sassy

I have always wanted to have a dog named Sassy. Especially since Sassy reminds me of my Rat Terrier Roxy, I very much enjoyed painting this portrait!

Petey & Lucy

Happy Halloween!

I have never found owls of any kind to be "spooky". I think they are intriguing & can be quite cute. I have also never cared for the spookier side of Halloween. This is my idea of festive; A study of the Great Horned Owl with a little whimsy in honor of a fun & happy Halloween.

Dudley

Dudley's name captures his character in the perfect way, therefore, with this painting I was challenged to do the same. The picture used for the painting was taken when he was a pup, & I think I most enjoyed studying his sweet puppy eyes. He is now the charming & wise age of 4, & is just as sweet. After spending so much time with just his photo, I really loved seeing him & his family this weekend.

Beebo!

Finally I can post Beebo! Beebo was painted as a surprise gift for my friend's birthday & his wife & I have been anxiously awaiting the surprise! Beebo is a yellow lab who is approaching a year old, & has long ago grown out of this captured puppy moment. He now weighs around 65lbs. but is a big sweetheart. He has been staying with us this week while our friends are on vacation & celebrating the big b-day. I'm sure if Beebo could, he would say "Happy Birthday, Dad!"

Art for the Gulf . A portion of each print price is a donation!

20% of the proceeds from every print sold will go to The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation's
Gulf Response to help fund their healing, housing, feeding & much more for these animals endangered by the oil spill.
Buying a print is buying time & energy for the multi faceted strategy of the NFWF Gulf Response which will ensure the best possible health & longevity of the many species that inhabit & migrate to the affected area.

Gulf Coast Series . alligator

This creature actually terrifies me, although I greatly appreciate its beauty! I enjoyed painting it very much, however doing my research for this painting was hard, as I was disturbed by most images!

Gulf Coast Series . blue crab

Third in the Gulf Coast Series is the Blue Crab; A special little creature to many people I know, & quite beautiful, in it's own way!

Gulf Coast Series . red snapper

Gulf Coast Series . loggerhead sea turtle

One of the many species in the Gulf that is being hurt by the oil spill.
This painting is the first in a series, created to inspire & support the efforts on the Gulf Coast.

Lola Cupcake

Lola is a teacup Pomeranian who I know is very pampered & I imagine isn't on the ground much, but when she is, she has a bell on so she can be found when she gets lost inside a shoe or something. Adorable!

Lulu's Next Appearance

I can't wait to paint this one! Stay tuned!....

New Art Coming Soon!

I know some of you have been patiently waiting for my soon to come art pieces. Thanks for waiting! Things will begin being posted as soon as tomorrow!

An Afternoon with Belle & Roxy

Both of these dogs pretend that they don't pose for me, but I think they do.

Perching Roxy

To get a better view to the outdoors, Roxy found her very own spot.

Graphic Design

Here is a look at the logo design for southern Belle which appears on my business cards. The silhouette is of my Belle, the black Lab.

What is southern Belle

To begin, Belle is our beloved Black Lab. Her Southern name is a daily reminder(& often by-the-minute reminder-because she's a wonderful mess) of our southern home. Anyone who has ever had a pup friend knows how special they are. My art project celebrates just that in a contemporary way. With a snapshot of your pooch, I'll create an art piece that captures how special he or she is.