Chloe

Title: "Chloe"
digital painting/mixed media 8"x10"
(please click on image to enlarge)
© 2009 Christine Pierce

My sister and her partner have adopted a little black and white rescue dog with over-sized ears. Her name is Chloe and she is about 11 months old. I haven't met her yet, but from all accounts she is a very sweet little pup!

This painting is based on a fairly small photo of Choe. I digitally painted her likeness, printed on Hahnemühle fine art paper, and added watercolor embellishment and highlights.

I look forward to meeting Chloe soon!

Darling Dogs of Paris

Dogs of Paris
Digital Photos, Nikon D40
(please click on images to enlarge)
© 2009 Christine Pierce

The dogs in Paris were as well-behaved and darling as ever. It seemed to me, however, that I saw fewer dogs than on previous trips to the city. Nonetheless, they were all clearly doted-upon by their owners and they were a delight to observe.

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!

Which One?

Title: "Major with Bright Color"
5"x5" digital interpretation
©2009 Christine Pierce

Title: "Major with Soft Color"
5"x5" digital interpretation
©2009 Christine Pierce

For Father's Day, I want to give my dad a painting of his dog, Major. I've done two new versions, and I need your help, dear readers, in deciding which version I should give him. I could ask my dad, of course, but I would rather surprise him (and no, he does not read my blog)!

The top painting is more bold and graphic, but loses some of the detail around the forehead and eyes.

The second version is easier to "read," but is somewhat blander.

To make it easier, I've added a poll to my right side-bar. Please feel free to take the poll and/or leave a comment. The poll will be open for 5 days.

Thank you so much!

West Highland Terrier at Farmer's Market

Title: West Highland White Terrier
at Farmer's Market
12x12 inch digital interpretation
©2009 Christine Pierce
(please click on image to enlarge)

We walked to the local farmer's market Saturday and were happy to see a doggy day-care set up for the event. All of the dogs were carefully attended, and we had the opportunity to see some very cute animals, including this little West Highland White Terrier.

Jester Pug

Title: Jester Pug
©2009 Christine Pierce
7"x5" digital interpretation
(please click on image to enlarge)

Yesterday, we went to the Oregon Humane Society's Pug Crawl. There were hundreds of adorable pugs in costume for this fun annual fundraiser. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon and I took tons of pictures as references for future paintings.

The little Jester Pug, above, caught my eye because he seemed so confident and poised as he marched down the runway.

Rainbow Boxer

Title: Rainbow Boxer
©2009 Christine Pierce
21"x24" Digital Art
(please click on image to enlarge)

On a recent urban photo shoot in Portland, my friend Jenny and I met this very bouncy white boxer. He was so wiggly, I forgot to ask his owner what his name was!

But I did manage to take a picture of him. Then I played with the photo in Photoshop and Corel Painter 11 and came up with this piece of digital dog art.

I must say, creating modern digital art is more fun than I could ever have imagined!

Jack the Portuguese Water Dog

"Jack," a Portuguese Water Dog

(4x4; watercolor and micron pen; 90# Fabriano hp)

Yesterday I met the sweetest Portuguese Water Dog named Jack. He is barely one year old and is quite the boisterous pup! I love his unique coloring. Most Portuguese Water Dogs (including the new Obama dog, "Bo") are black with a little white fur. Jack is mostly white, with beautiful chocolate brown ears. As I noticed when petting another Portuguese Water Dog, their fur is SO soft!

Here is the picture I managed to take when Jack sat down:

"Jack" © Christine Pierce 2009

And here is a stylized version of the picture, just for the fun of it, using Photoshop filters:

"Jack" - digitally adjusted © Christine Pierce 2009