Waiting for Art

Well I have been waiting here patiently for belly rubs but my human is so focused on drawing other people's dogs that I think she forgot about numero uno here, moi.

I hear her saying Christmas and presents but what does art have to do with it। Dog bones, squeaky toys and balls YES! Pretty soon I will have to put on my most sorrowful face and whimper if she doesn't pet me soon.
I mean it is snowing big time outside and I really really want to go out and dig in it. I found the most amazing thing in the snow yesterday, a yellow ball... and it even squeaks... but my human won't let me have it indoors. She says it is an outside toy but I see it on the counter and want to bite it.
I can't believe that any dog of their right mind would actually leave it behind.
So mom, hurry up! Who knows what I might find today?

Gifts for Dog Lovers At Christmas

At this time of year, many of us are busy playing Santa's Elves as we are putting the finishing touches on our paintings - commissioned pet portraits to be ready in time for Christmas.

For those of you who have last minute plans, this is exactly when a Gift Certificate or a Limited Edition Print can be a saving grace. Find out how the Canvas Dog can help you find the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life.

Gift certificates are ideal... they be for any amount. Gift Certificates can be for a custom drawing or custom portrait or a dog print.

Limited Edition Prints start at $25; Drawings from $185, a custom painting start at $500.


If you have any specific question feel free to call me or email me or visit the Canvas Dog Website

That's it for today! Keep warm... it's cold outside.

Art - The Gift of Giving to a Dog Lover - a Magical Experience

Something magical happens each time I paint a pet's portrait. It was no different with this painting of Licorice.



I experienced such pleasure in getting to know Licorice and in painting him.
I had first met this vivacious dog of 12 yrs. running through the hallway to greet me. Licorice, a black yorkshire terrier / poodle mix has a huge heart and in spite of his small size, his energy is that of a young dog. I noted those saturated, vibrant colors that are reflected in the owner's love for modern american southwest art and knew that I would incorporate those expressive colors of turquoise, purple, rusty orange and brilliant yellows in my painting.

While painting , I couldn't help but feel Licorice's strong upbeat personality, so tangible... almost as if he was in the room with me. Such a moving experience that it brought tears to my eyes. It was in that second that I remembered why I love to paint animals. Their spirit and their unique personality really speak to me; and to be able to transfer this moment into something tangible is a miracle. To pass this on to a pet's owner is a gift to me.

One of the greatest satisfactions that an artist can have is seeing the utter joy in a client. After unwrapping Licorice's portrait, his owner jumped up and down in delight. As an artist, I can't tell you just how much that means to me, for it is an experience that truly lasts forever.
An added bonus, was when I had helped to hang Licorice's portrait only to discover that the room had been painted recently AND that this new colour of was exactly the same as one of the background colours in the portrait. It couldn't have been a better match.

Now that I have finished this portrait it is back to the studio to start on some commissioned drawings, all to be gifts ready in time for Christmas.
It is not to late to order a gift for the dog lover in your family. I use the most dependable shippers that can get your gift to your friend or loved one in time for Christmas.

Nina Otulakowski
The Canvas Dog Studio
http://www.theCanvasDog.com