Tag: grace chon

Darby Portrait by Clair Hartmann

Darby by Clair Hartmann, 2012

Three months after my Longhaired Dachshund Darby died in December, I received an email from North Carolina dog artist, Clair Hartmann. Attached was an image of this portrait of Darby she painted as a gift to me. In her email she wrote:

"Your blog post 'What Happened' touched me so deeply, I knew I had to paint Darby. I put it off, but it just kept asking to be painted, and when I started, to be honest, it just painted itself. I would like to think Darby helped."

After I wiped my tears, I sent her an email attempting to convey how much I loved it. Then, I sent her another one asking if I could interview her about Darby's portrait.

Here is our Q + A:

Moira McLaughlin: What compelled you to paint Darby?

Clair Hartmann: When I read the post "What Happened" I had to get up from my computer, go to the bathroom, lock the door and cry. It was one of those uncontrollable, can't catch your breath, crying spells. I was so moved by your experience and the pain of your companion passing that I HAD to paint Darby and honor his life.

MM: What medium is the painting?

CH: Oil on canvas

MM: What photo(s) did you use to create it? Were you inspired by his blue blanket that I mention in the post?

Darby on his Blanket by Moira McLaughlin, 2011

CH: I saw some photos that were professionally taken on your blog with perfect lighting that really showed his eyes. That moved me. Originally I painted the blue surface he was standing on, but it just didn't seem right. I have this white down comforter that my Chumley loves and it looks like clouds when it gets fluffed up, so I used that instead which I'm really glad I did.

MM: Those photos were taken by photographer Grace Chon and I treasure them. See more here.

Darby by Grace Chon, 2009

MM: In one of your emails, you mentioned you consider this piece a breakthrough for you, can you elaborate on that?

CH: I have been painting dogs for years, trying to perfect my style. I've moved through realism back to painterly styles and now I feel I've come to a nice middle ground. I feel this painting exemplifies everything I have been working towards for the past four years. The painting almost painted itself, taking only about two hours. It happened so quickly that I was sad to stop, but I knew in my gut it was done.

MM: Have you lost a dog before? If so, did you paint your pet after he or she passed away?

CH: I had a beautiful Dalmatian when I was a child, and I spent hours learning how to draw her sleeping. One day she ran away and was hit by a car. Thankfully I didn't see it and was told about a week after she had been gone. I didn't paint her after she died, but I feel she was an integral part of why I love to paint dogs.

MM: I know you have been following Dog Art Today for some time. Did you know that Pointy by John Singer Sargent is my #1-all-time-if-I-had-to-chose-a-favorite piece of dog art? Your Darby reminds me of it in many ways.

Pointy by John Singer Sargent, 1880s

CH: I did not know that and surprisingly I have never seen that painting, but I love the style! And I am honored that you would compare me to John Singer Sargent.

MM: I can't tell you how deeply touched I am by this painting. It hangs in my kitchen (which is also the main room of my house) with an abstract by my niece, Layla Cameron, and another Darby by Heather LaHaise. I love how they look grouped together…

MM: Also, I have it as my screensaver. And it is responsible for the first photograph of my new dog, Tyler, with his predecessor…

Clair, this painting helped me heal on so many levels. And that healing made it possible for me to say yes to Tyler and help save his life.

Often I say on this blog, that "art matters." Receiving the gift of Darby, which gave me a chance to see him one more time in a new and beautiful light, brought the power of art home to me more profoundly than ever. Thank you. — Moira McLaughlin

To see more of Clair Hartmann's work visit her website.

April 12, 2012
Casting Call: Los Angeles Dogs + Their Owners
LA photographer Grace Chon, whose hilariously brilliant Les Chiens Erotique (Erotic Dogs) was recently featured on an episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” is looking for a few good dogs and their owners, and possibly some cats. She is casting a photo shoot for a national pet store campaign and needs to find some specific types for her clients. Here’s the breakdown:
- A couple mid to late 30’s, early 40’s with dog(s)
- A couple late 20’s, early 30’s with dog(s)
- A family with children 5 yro – 10 yro with dog(s)
- A couple mide to late 30’s, early 40’s with dog and cat
If you or anyone you know in Los Angeles is a good fit, visit Grace’s website, ShinePetPhotos, to submit yourself. Previous modeling experience is not required. There is some financial compensation too.

Break a leg.
January 26, 2010
Grace Chon Wins National Pet Photography Contest

Congratulations to Grace Chon, winner of Unpawsed – a competition to find America’s next fine art pet photographer. A show celebrating her work opens this weekend in Culver City at Royal/T. I am so thrilled for Grace, but not surprised. Her soulful, polished style and her ability to connect with your pet makes her the best. I know I am biased because I adore the photos she took of Darby last fall. But visit her blog and see for yourself. Her work is exceptional.

Better yet, stop by Royal/T, a space “inspired by the meido kissa (maid café) phenomena of
Akihabara–Tokyo’s electronic district. Recontextualizing the
underground culture of Japan that celebrates cosplay (costume play)
waitresses dress in maid uniforms, with a Lolita-esque touch and the
café serves a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine with local and
organic California style,” and celebrate with Grace. Brava!

Click here for more information.

P.S. I finally decided on the Darby photo by Grace I am going to frame:

May 27, 2009
When Darby Met Grace: Darby’s Photo Shoot with Grace Chon

Last fall, when Grace Chon, recent friend and LA pet photographer, offered me a photo session of Darby, my Longhaired Dachshund, in exchange for some PR help, I flipped. I had been a fan of Grace’s work since she emailed me to introduce herself and her company, Shine Pet Photos. In fact, I had featured her on my blog more than any other photographer at the time. I loved her work and her design aesthetic.

The session was scheduled for November 21, the day after Darby’s 14th birthday. The timing was perfect. When Darby was a pup, his birthdays were exciting. We went on adventures at the Tree People preserve or hiked up Runyon Canyon with his friends. Now, I hate to even write this, each year passes with a sense of foreboding. Oh no, my puppy is 14…that’s…I won’t even do the math…in human years. I get depressed.

With the photo shoot scheduled, I couldn’t suppress the thought, “I am so glad I am doing this now…before it’s too late.” Morbid. I know. But I couldn’t help it.

But, when Grace showed up, something completely unexpected happened. First, Darby fell in love with her. Yes, she was plying him with treats, but there was something else too. She was so focused on him, not just her camera, but her energy, that they totally connected and really started to work together. And me, I got to step back and simply watch. And watching him frolic and smile and obey was like watching him when we went to puppy school together, but better.

Perhaps it’s what it feels like to attend your child’s recital. I was so proud of him and I was thrilled that someone else, Grace, got to really know Darby’s unique personality. Our dogs are shapeshifters. They are complex little beings we have intense, finely tuned relationships with when we are alone, and then, when someone comes over, they turn into pets. But this didn’t happen with Grace. Grace met Darby. She got to know him, one-on-one, and it was so fun to watch.

And that’s what surprised me, that as much as I LOVE these amazing photographs, the memory of that morning is just as special to me. Just as precious.

By the time it was over, Darby had reverted to complete puppyhood. In fact he started doing something I hadn’t seen him do in years. He humped Grace’s arm. It was completely inappropriate and completely hilarious. And it reminded me of Grandpa Joe getting out of bed and dancing when Charlie finds his ticket to the Wonka Factory. Darby was young and vital and madly in love. And it was as beautiful to behold as each of these photographs.

Thank you Grace, for that day and for these images that I will treasure forever.

See more of Darby’s photos here or schedule a session for your dog at Shine Pet Photos.

January 7, 2009
Happy Birthday Darby!

Baby Darby, 12 weeks old

This was from the first roll of film I took of Darby 14 years ago. I had no idea how my life was about to change. That I could love this little guy so much and wake up the next day loving him even more. That I would become a crazy dog person after a life of being oblivious to dogs. My company, my art, my friends, all grew out of the bizarre chance-happening that, much to my amazement, Darby entered my life. I feel beyond lucky, I feel profoundly blessed that somehow he found me, and I had the sense to trust him.

Happy Birthday, Darby. I love you more than you can imagine and you have earned that new stuffed duck that’s coming with us to our house. (Just as soon as I swing by Petco.)

P.S. I am super excited that the fabulous Grace Chon is coming over for a Darby photo shoot tomorrow. Can’t wait to see the photos and share them with you.

November 20, 2008
Celebrate Dogs Rule Day This Saturday 10.11.08

The Pedigree people have christened this Saturday, October 11 International Dogs Rule Day. I know Dog Art Today readers celebrate their dogs every day with passion and creativity. And I am in awe by the generous ways you support issues that impact the welfare of dogs, especially shelter dogs, but why not give our friends their own super, extra special day, too?

It's a great excuse to upload all those photos sitting in your camera. Or download them and make that collage you've been meaning to make (that one is for me.) Or sleep in late with extra belly rubs. Or get up early for a long walk. Let your dog decide, as if s/he doesn't already.

There are 101 ways to celebrate at DogsRuleDay.com. Here are some of my favorites:

#29 Get a professional photo taken. The best selection of dog photographers from all over the country is right here on Dog Art Today. Find one in your area and make an appointment.

Sabrina Helas, Los Angeles

#41 Give up your favorite chair.

Squeak by Sharon Montrose, Santa Monica

# 45 Get a tattoo of your dog. If you're in LA go to Onizuka Tattoo like my friend Allison did.

Tattoos of a Dog Lover by tby_v

#47 Get your dog a fire hydrant. The Hydrant Dog Bed by For the Dogs would be perfect.

#54 Go a shelter and give the dogs some love and attention. Check out the sweeties that Dog Art Today reader, Grace Chon of LA's Shine Pet Photos, photographs for the rescue Paw'd Squad. You might just come home with this little guy, Helio, an 8 week-old American Staffordshire Mix. Or simply make a donation.

Helio needs a home today.

#74 Watch a dog movie marathon. Or better yet, sneak your dog into Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

via Gowanus Lounge

And here is my tip…

#102 Save the date November 15 to bid on the Dogs Rule Fatbook, a labor of love created by 13 different dog artists from across the country (myself included). All proceeds from the auction go to the animal rescue A Place to Bark. Watch the sneak peek video:

And last but not least, stop by facebook and join the Dog Rule Day celebration by uploading photos + videos of your precious pup.

October 8, 2008
Peace for Dogs: Anti Dog Fighting PSA

Micheal Killen is the man who makes the California Cheese Cows, the Taco Bell Chihuahua, and the Panda Express Pandas talk. When he heard about the horrors of Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring he felt heartsick and compelled to do something.

With the help of his partners, Jim Kreitzburg and Kathy Dziubek, he called in favors from Lindsey and Bronson Smith of Smith Brothers Advertising to produce this beautifully executed and profoundly moving PSA called Peace for Dogs.

Read more about the passion everyone on the team, including his 9 year-old daughter Erin, brought to this project on Michael’s website.

And, you may not have heard about the recent successes at the ASPCA busting huge dog fighting rings in Tennessee and Georgia with the help of the ASPCA’s Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, Dr. Melinda Merck, and their Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit — a CSI lab on wheels. Maybe these barbaric torture enterprises are finally coming to an end.

I heard about this PSA on pet photographer Grace Chon’s lovely blog.

July 15, 2008
Grace Chon Launches Woof Magazine…Sort Of

Look what L.A. pet photographer, Grace Chon just created for her clients. Covers of Woof Magazine so your superstar dog can have the press exposure he of she deserves. They look so authentic, no one needs to know that, like almost everything in this town, it’s just a façade. Very Hollywood and very clever!

May 2, 2008
Design*Sponge L.A. Biz Ladies Meetup

Grace Bonney gives her PR tips.

Tuesday night’s Biz Ladies Meetup at Design Within Reach was as educational as it was inspiring. Organized by design and blogger maven, Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge, the event attracted nearly 200 talented, crafty, entrepreneurial women looking to connect and learn about taking our cottage industries to the next level.

It was so great to meet so many creative women and listen to the generous guest speakers share their expertise. Grace gave an excellent presentation on PR for the independent designer which you can download here. Billie and Tootie of the indie-oriented store Reform School discussed making their retail dreams a reality. Brilliant furniture designer Tanya Aguiniga illuminated us with her passion for work and philanthropy that has paid off with a skyrocketing career in a male dominated industry. And Lindsay Horstman of Smith Barney knocked on our right brains with reminders about finances and investments.

Tanya Aguiniga talks about her passion for perfection and giving back.

What was really fun was to run into people I’ve blogged or who’ve blogged me, like Lynda Keeler of Delight.com. I’ve proudly been on her Delightful Blog for close to a year. I also met the fabulous photographer Grace Chon whose beautiful black dogs I recently featured here. And Amy Turner who makes gorgeous dog art using wood grained contact paper. I featured her way back in April 2007, when Dog Art Today was just a baby. I definitely need to revisit Amy’s work with a new post for all my new readers. She’s a true original!

L.A. ladies listen to the Reform School founders.

Next time I attend one of these events, I think I should wear a sandwich board indicating "Looking for Dog Art" because I’m sure there were dozens of artists and crafters who would be perfect for DAT. So, let me just say, L.A. Design*Sponge Biz Ladies, if you have something you would like me to feature, put together one of those handy digital press kits Grace taught you how to make and shoot it over to me. moira@dreamdogsart.com

Thanks again, Grace, for organizing a great night! And DWR for being such gracious and stylish hosts.

Photos courtesy of Laure at Apartment Therapy.

April 17, 2008
Grace Chon’s Beautiful Black Dogs

Zoey

Yesterday, dog blog friends, Ann B. at the The Daily Dachshund and Linda O’Neill of Abby Creek Art both mentioned the AP’s article about Black Dog Syndrome – the sad fact that black dogs make up the highest percentage of dogs put to sleep in animal shelters because people have the perception that they are unfriendly. The article cites several reasons for this phenomenon including the misperception that all black dogs are aggressive, that white hairs in their muzzles can make them look elderly, that they are hard to see against the shadows of their cages, and that they are difficult to photograph, especially their dark eyes.

Maya

This reminded me of an amazing L.A. pet photographer I recently discovered named Grace Chon. I love Grace’s clean, modern style and her playful approach to photo shoots. She actually comes bearing treats and toys. But what I truly admire about Grace is her dedication to shelter dogs and the way she uses her talent to help them, especially black dogs, find forever homes.

Gorgeous black shelter dog

Grace spends her spare time volunteering for an animal rescue group called The Paw’d Squad. She takes beautiful photographs of the shelter dogs for their website in order help capture the essence of the dogs and help draw in people looking to adopt. Through what she affectionately calls her Extreme Dog Makeovers, she can make a big difference in whether or not a dog finds a home. For example, here is a snapshot of a Rottweiler named Fannie Mae taken by The Paw’d Squad:

Fannie Mae "Before"

And here is Grace’s photo:

Fannie Mae "After" really captures her happy, playful, silly nature. And by the way she’s still in need of a home if you know anyone.

And she doesn’t give up. Sometimes she will go back month after month taking photos of the same dog to try to get the exact right image that will attract a prospective doggie parent. Her results have been remarkable and have had a profound impact on helping The Paw’d Squad find homes for dogs that seemed completely unwanted, before Grace did her magic. For example can you believe this little guy had trouble finding a home?

Paw’d Squad snapshot of Brass a Rottweiler puppy mix.

Not after Grace gave him a photography makeover:

Who could resist seeing this little face on a website?

Also, as an owner of two black rescue dogs, Maeby, a former Mexican street dog, and Zoey, a pup born in the gutter of Taiwan whom she rescued through an international organization called ART, she is an advocate of adopting and promoting the joy of owning black dogs.

Maeby

Zoey after her bath

It’s been a tough week looking at the brutality of puppy mills on Oprah, searching for ways to raise money for the ASPCA, but when you see the impact that one person can make on the lives of so many dogs, it’s truly inspiring. It’s an honor, Grace, to feature you and your beautiful black dogs on Dog Art Today. Thanks for all your hard work on behalf of these sweet creatures just looking for a place to call home.

To commission a portrait of your pet visit Grace’s shinepetphotos website. To see more of her work along with more Dog Extreme Makeovers visit her blog.

April 11, 2008