Dog Portrait Updates

Title: Major (framed)
5"x5" digital art (14"x14" framed)
© 2009 Christine Pierce

I'd like to provide an update on my recent dog art. First of all, thank you to all who voted and sent comments regarding which version of Major (above) to give to my Dad for Father's Day. It was a close call, but, after much consideration I decided to go with the softer version. Ultimately, it is easier for older eyes to "read" that version.

And secondly, I gave the printed painting of "Saucy, the Bernese Mountain Dog" to my friend yesterday and she was so enthusiastic! She said that it is "gorgeous" and that I have "captured the essence of her soul!" She is saving the picture to give to her husband for Father's Day, as Saucy was his special pet. I am so happy she liked it!

Title: Saucy, Bernese Mountain Dog
8"x8" digital print
© 2009 Christine Pierce

By the way, I had the Saucy portrait printed by a Portland company called Plywerk. They use an interesting process of adhering the print to a wood panel and then laminating the surface with a lustrous finish. This is a wonderful way to have one's art stylishly printed and immediately ready to hang. (Also, artists, photographers and students who show or sell their work qualify for an immediate 20% prodeal discount).

I discovered this company through friend and local blogger, Mrs. French, who writes a beautiful blog called Bliss. I encourage you to check it out!

Drinking Chocolate

Title: "Drinking Chocolate"

18" x 18" digital interpretation
©2009 Christine Pierce

I may have mentioned that my favorite place for imbibing hot "drinking chocolate" in Portland is Cacao. I had my camera with me on a recent visit and photographed a demi-tasse of hot, spicy Mexican drinking chocolate. Mmm-mm, so good!

The actual cup and saucer were bright, white porcelain. I added a woodcut filter and some borders in Corel Painter 11and Photoshop to get this swirly-effect.

Yellow Chicken with Blue Eye

Title: Yellow Chicken with Blue Eye
6"x6" digital interpretation
©2009 Christine Pierce

I was busy checking out the plants in a hip, urban boutique/garden store in North Portland, when this busy little chicken came pecking by. I was so surprised! I went inside the store and discovered a crate full of baby chicks peeping away and warming under a light.

The owner explained that he supplies baby egg-laying chicks to dozens and dozens of customers. Apparently urban chicken farming is becoming quite popular in Portland!

Here is another version:

Title: Multi-Colored Chickens
12"x12" digital interpretation
©2009 Christine Pierce

Beautiful Blossoms in Portland

Title: Crab Apple Blossoms
Nikon D40 (please click on image to enlarge)
©2009 Christine Pierce

My husband and I took a walk around Northeast Portland last Saturday, and the blossoms were blooming with gusto! I had thought cherry blossoms were my favorite tree flower, but the crab apple blossoms and pink dogwood blooms are giving them a run for the money!

Title: Pink Dogwood Branch
Nikon D40 (please click on image to enlarge)
©2009 Christine Pierce

This little pink dogwood blossom looked so demure, with its little leaves crossed just-so:

Title: Shy Pink Dogwood Blossom
Nikon D40 (please click on image to enlarge)
©2009 Christine Pierce

Upon further reflection, I guess my favorite blossoms are whatever flowers are blooming at the time...