Darby is hanging out in the garden contemplating Van Gogh's Irises. I am working away getting the Mutt Lynch – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest ready. Voting begins May 19, 2010. Stay tuned.
P.S. To every dog photographer I have ever featured here, I don't know how you do it!!!
Leeroy with the winning labels from 2009; Leeroy Out Loud! by Kellie Oliphant-Burns
Dog Art Today and Mutt Lynch Winery,
North America’s most renowned dog winery, have partnered again this year to host our 2nd Annual Dog Art Wine Label Contest of 2010. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Bark magazine, the nation’s leading dog enthusiast magazine, is joining us as a media partner. All artists are invited to submit one
dog-and-wine-themed work of art. The winning entry will be made
into a label for Mutt Lynch Winery’s limited edition wine (only 500 bottles) that will
debut at the winery’s Dog Days of Summer event on August 14, 2010. This annual event includes wine tasting,
dog themed art, and vendor booths to benefit the San Francisco SPCA.
The
Wine Label Contest winner will receive one case of the rare and
exclusive wine, a featured spotlight on Dog Art Today, a year’s subscription to Bark magazine, and an
invitation to attend the The Dog Days of Summer at Mutt Lynch Winery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County (travel and accommodations not included.)
Contest Rules:
Overview:
One entry per person. Artwork must feature at least one dog. You may
submit a title for the wine, but DO NOT include words, letters,
or any writing on the actual artwork. That information will be added by the
label designer, Rae Huestis. (Note: Mutt Lynch Winery wines are known
for their
clever wordplay. Click here to see examples.)
You must have complete ownership of the copyright.
Entrants from the United States and Canada only.
Wine Description: This year winemaker Brenda Lynch has decided to create a red blended from her finest barrels, and “in the spirit of all things dog,” she’s calling it “Muttitage.” Only 500 bottles
of this rare and exclusive wine will be produced with the winning label on it. It will retail
for $25 a bottle, with 10% of the sales benefiting the SF SPCA.
Size: The size restrictions are less rigid this year:
Medium: Paintings or drawings. No photographs or photographic images used in the piece. NO WORDS OR LETTERS ON THE ARTWORK.
Format: JPEG minimum 300 DPI. Titled with your first and last name.
Application:
submit the Word Document with all information complete and the word
“YES” in the release box. The release includes permission to alter
your artwork to create the label, and permits reproduction of it on t-shirts and artwork that will be sold to raise money for the SF SPCA.
Submission deadline: May 15, 2010, midnight PST. Email JPEG and completed Word Document Application to moira@dreamdogsart.com.
Selection process:
Dog Art Today readers will have a chance to vote online for their
favorite label May 19 – May 25, 2010. The winner will then be selected by
judges from the top 10 finalists and announced on May 27, 2010. The wine
label will be revealed at the August 14, 2010 Dog Days of Summer event.
Prize:
One case of the special release wine featuring your artwork and signed
by winemaker Brenda Lynch. A feature article on Dog Art Today. An
invitation to attend the unveiling of the wine at Mutt Lynch Winery’s
Dog Days of Summer event in Healdsburg Sonoma County, CA on August 14, 2010.
(Travel and accommodations not included.) A year’s subscription to Bark magazine.
Judges:
Brenda Lynch – winemaker/co-owner of Mutt Lynch Winery
Rae Huestis – wine label designer
Moira McLaughlin – Founder of Dog Art Today
Kellie and her Greyhounds Rupert + Leeroy
1. How did you get started as a dog artist?
I am fortunate to be the daughter of two artists, so art has always been a part of who I am. I have always painted but it wasn't until I got my Rupert five years ago that I fell into painting pets. I have always had a huge love for animals and art, so this blending of the two was a natural progression. I couldn't be happier!
2. What is your favorite medium and why?
Right now, I prefer to work in acrylics. They lend themselves so well to layering and color blocking. I like that they are quick drying and water-based. I also use acrylic glazes and extenders to enhance the brightness and sheen of the paints.
3. How would you describe your art?
In university, I majored in silkscreen. When I went back to canvas work, I approached it in the same way I would have for printing. I love the technicality of breaking apart an image into pieces according to its color and tone and assembling it in layers of paint. My paintings have a Pop Art feel. But because each original is done completely by hand I hope I bring a warmth and depth to each piece. I also love fashion and design, so I incorporate those ideas into my backgrounds. I guess I would say my paintings are Pop, Modern, bold, funky, and full of love!
4. What are your 3 your favorite pieces and why?
Wow…that really can't be answered. That's like answering which of your pets is your favorite….or which one of your children is your favorite…sorry! Every Doodle Dog Painting I have done is a favorite and a piece of me is with each one. With each one I have learned the pets' story, spent endless hours sketching and painting, have named the piece, and sent it to its owner with a bit of my soul.
Here are my three most recent paintings:
Tammy's Tempest
Cheeky Charlie
Master Max
5. Tell me about your studio; is it how you want it to be? Plans for reorganizing? Wish list?
My studio used to be marmalade orange. I loved the color but it played tricks when I was mixing some of my colors, casting itself especially on whites. So, last year I repainted it in "Silver Dust" and added accents in black, graphite, and sunshine yellow.
I can ALWAYS use more storage, there can never be enough. I would love more of the white IKEA cubbies. They are perfect for storing my stuff and also create an extra work surface on top! I also plan to have more sample of my work in my studio, as well as a giant idea board for all of my inspiration clippings/cards/visual images. At the top of my wish list are: a velvet upholstered Victorian settee, more memory for my Mac, and an assistant! A girl can dream, right?
6. Upcoming projects or goals for the future?
I am taking six weeks from the end of August through September to put together a collection of Greyhound paintings. I will be heading to Greyhounds Reach the Beach, in Dewey Beach, Delaware in October 2009 to take part in their Greyhounds in Art show. It is a magical time. I went a couple of years ago and was so inspired. The sand, the ocean, the boardwalks and the endless stream of sight hounds! SO beautiful. This year, Rupert and Leeroy will be making the journey with me. I am also doing some exciting graphic design work for Bark & Fitz, a new health food store for dogs.
******
Thanks for inviting us into your studio and your process, Kellie. See you soon. To learn more about Kellie or commssion a pet portrait visit Doodle Dog Paintings or her blog.
Congratulations! The following wine labels now go to the finals. The winner will be selected by Brenda Lynch – winemaker/co-owner of Mutt Lynch Winery, Rae Huestis –
wine label designer, and Moira McLaughlin (me) – founder of Dog Art
Today, and announced here on Monday June 22. Thank you everyone who participated. And yes, we hope to do it all again next year!
The wine with the winning label will debut at a 12:00 pm press conference on August 8, 2009 at Mutt Lynch Winery's Dog Days of Summer event in Healdsburg, CA. Only 500 bottles of this exclusive Meritage will be released. Please come and help us celebrate dogs, wine, and art benefiting the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Tickets are $10. Click here for more information.
I am in awe of all your beautiful and ingenious entries for the Mutt Lynch – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest. Thank you everyone for participating. The contest has blown past my wildest expectations.
Description of the wine that will have the winning label: a Dry Creek Valley Meritage, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and
Merlot that is aged in 100% French oak for 18 months. Only 500 bottles
of this rare and exclusive wine will be produced.
Click here to review all 51 wine labels and then cast your vote for your favorite. The top 10 artists with the most votes will go to the next round. Then, the winner will be selected from the finalists by judges Brenda Lynch – winemaker/co-owner of Mutt Lynch Winery, Rae Huestis – wine label designer, and Moira McLaughlin (me) – founder of Dog Art Today.
Voting runs until midnight PST, Friday, June 19, 2009.
The wine with the winning label will debut at The Dog Days of Summer event at Mutt Lynch Winery August 8, 2009. Proceeds benefit the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Please come and bring your dogs.
photo credit: Vote Dog by Rebecca Collins.
You still have time to put the finishing touches on your Mutt Lynch-Dog Art Today wine label entry before the deadline tonight at midnight. Contest guidelines are here. Voting for the top 10 finalists will begin Monday June 15 and continue through Friday June 19. Remember to get your friends to vote for you.
The winning label will grace an exclusive new bottle of Meritage from Mutt Lynch Winery. The wine will debut at Mutt Lynch's annual Dog Days of Summer event, a day of wine, dogs, and dog art in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, CA on August 8, 2009 from 11 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the Healdbsurg Animal Shelter. Click here for more information. Dogs are welcome. Darby and I will be there and we would love to meet you and your pups.
Photo credit: Dog in Knutsen Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon by Janis Miglavs.
12.) In Your Face by Lisa Riehl
18.) Merry Dog Meritage by Christine Pierce
Exciting news! We have expanded the Dog Art Today – Mutt Lynch Winery Dog Art Label Contest to include Canadian artists. The submission deadline is June 12, 2009. We are already receiving entries and it is very exciting.
Also, even if you are not an artist, or you can not participate this year, the Dog Days of Summer event where the exclusive wine with the winning label will be introduced is shaping up as a terrific place to meet fellow dog bloggers and artists. Several Dog Art Today readers are planning to attend, and Darby and I will definitely be there. So think about coming. It is on August 8 and 9, 2009, in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, CA from 11am to 5pm. Tickets are $10 with proceeds going to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Dogs are welcome.
A day of dogs, art, and wine all for a good cause sounds like heaven to me. And I have never been to wine country before, so I really can't wait. If you know the area, dog-friendly travel tips are welcome.
Contest rules are here. Visit Mutt Lynch Winery for more information.
Dog Art Today and Mutt Lynch Winery, North America's Most renowned dog winery, have partnered to host the 2009 Dog Art Wine Label Contest. All artists are invited to submit one dog-and-wine-themed work of art. The winning entry will be made into a label for Mutt Lynch Winery's limited edition wine that will debut at the winery's Dog Days of Summer on August 8, 2009. This annual event includes wine tasting,
dog themed art, and vendor booths to benefit the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Dogs on
leash welcome.
The Wine Label Contest winner will receive one case of the rare and exclusive wine signed by winemaker Brenda Lynch, a featured spotlight on Dog Art Today, and an invitation to attend the Dog Days of Summer in Healdsburg, Sonoma County (travel and accommodations not included.)
Click here for contest rules and application to enter. Deadline for submissions is June 12, midnight, PST
Tempting news from Chris and Brenda Lynch, the dog loving, wine making couple who own Mutt Lynch Winery in Healdsburg, CA; on Saturday April 4, 2009, they are hosting a dog feast and wine tasting event to benefit the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. The event, inspired by Bacchus the Roman god of wine, is christened Barkus for the dog of wine. Admission is $10 and dogs are welcome for free.
The day sounds like the perfect blend of indulgence and altruism. Brenda, the company's winemaker, will be introducing her newest releases of her Good Dog Series wines that feature the charming, clever labels designed by Rae Huestis. They include:
And while you indulge your pallet sampling the wines, your canine companion can enjoy gourmet treats such as Bowluga and Pate de Paw Gras from Dogs Uncorked.
Brenda hopes the day will be a "wine and treat tasting that causes both humans and canines to 'howl' with pleasure." All the admission proceeds and 10% of sales from the day will go to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter, a private non-profit animal welfare organization funded by the community where Chris is also one of the Board of Directors.
What an amazing opportunity to spend the day in the vineyard with your dog sipping wine and spoiling him with treats (the first 100 dogs will also get a gift bag from Molly's Pup-Purr-ee) while also helping animals in need. Arrrr-oooooo! I am howling already.
If you can't make it to Wine Country next month, click here to vising Mutt Lynch Winery and order some tail waggin' wines made by and for dog lovers today. They are offering 50% off ground shipping via UPS for the month of March as part of their Dogonomic Stimulus Package. Lovely!
Click here for more information about the Barkus event.
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