Ronald Kurniawan’s “Awestruck” was upsetting to me at first. The poor dog is impaled. But, then I remembered that primal, mama-bear feeling I had when I first saw my dog. It was violent, traumatic. I knew my life would change forever, but I didn’t know how truly AWE-some having a dog would be. Ronald clearly does. He lives and works in L.A. accompanied by his Pug, Ruffles. See more of Ronald’s provocative dog and non-dog paintings at RonaldKurniawan.com.
Emily Wagner has been a child TV star, a club hopping teen, an art student, an Ivy Leaguer, a white female rapper, a DJ, a hip hop promoter, and a screenwriter. Now, she is a working actress (paramedic Doris Pickman on “ER” and star of her brother’s film “The Talent Given Us”), a mother, a yoga-dance teacher, a blogger, and last but c-e-r-t-a-i-n-l-y not least a dog artist! (And a certified Diva.) Emily, I’m in awe…and a little exhausted. Love your work!
When Michael Newton’s “Black Dog” popped up on my computer screen, I gasped. It was a visceral response and exactly what the Manchester-born artist intended. Michael, who likes to explore aspects of melancholia in his work, says that in this painting he attempted to “render visible a force that is invisible and draw the viewer into the painting to experience that force.” Mission accomplished, Michael, very powerful.
Readers in the London area, you can see “Black Dog” and six of his other paintings (including “Almost Seen” pictured below) on exhibit at Boundary Gallery April 27 – May 12. Meet Michael at the opening night reception April 26, 6-9pm. To enquire about his work contact his representation at The Brick Gallery.
Colored pencils always seem like the least interesting option to me when it comes to arty endeavors — the pale, bland alternative to magic markers, paint and even paper. But Brooke Bradford Churchill’s “Dog Days of Summer” make me reevaluate my bias. These dogs are spectacular! Got to go find my pencils…
Wood carver Stephen Huneck started out as an antique furniture picker. That experience gave him an eye for good design and a love for woodworking. But, it was an accidental fall and subsequent two-month coma that inspired him to create his series of woodcuts of his Black Lab, Sally. Starting with “Life is a Ball,” Stephen carved out a name for himself as a premiere dog artist and New England celebrity. Visit his site to see more of his life-affirming work and learn about his visionary Dog Chapel, “A place where people can go and celebrate the spiritual bond they have with their dogs.” Amen!
Brooklyn based artist Kristen Haskell prefers painting with oils on canvas. But one look at “Mila,” the snuggly French Bulldog, and you’ll fall in love with her watercolors. Her deeply vivid style is a rare find in this medium. Contact Kristen to commission a portrait of your dog and know she’s worked with lizards, turtles and bats. She’s up for a challenge no matter what your fancy is.
Heather Houghton’s pet portraits are bold and powerful. But she also has a whimsical style, “children friendly” as she calls it. Visit her website to see both sides of Heather’s artistic personality. You may just find the perfect artwork for your baby’s room or the perfect artist to illustrate that children’s book sitting in your drawer or the back of your mind.
