Tag: pets

  • Dog Art Today Turns 4: Please Give to Japan’s Pets

     

    Japan_dog_earthquake_1

     

    A woman with her pet dog and belongings pauses on the way from her devastated area in Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, Monday, March 14, 2011, AP Photo

    Usually on this blog's birthday I raffle a gift to a Dog Art Today reader.  This year, I'm proposing we all give a gift in the form of a donation to World Vets.   This 501(c) 3 non-profit is already on the ground in Japan setting up shelters, working with local animal rescues, and coordinating veterinary treatment and shipments of medical supplies.  Any amount, even $1, would help. 

    Please know, giving to an animal rescue by no means implies I value animals over people.  But many times pets are not allowed into shelters.  There are rumors that pet owners have tied zip lock bags with money to their dogs' collars, knowing they had to leave them behind, but providing for them with this small gesture.  Giving to World Vets is a way to support experts who can address the needs of these animals and give the other rescue teams, the ones focusing on human survivors, peace of mind.  (Dr. V at Pawcurious writes about "Why Animal Rescues Matter" eloquently here.)

    On a personal note, I have been in many smaller earthquakes during my life in Los Angeles.  Every time, as the earth roared and turned to liquid, I clung to my dog and found stability.   I don't know what I would have done if I had to leave him behind.  Thank you in advance for your donations, and thank you for your continued readership of Dog Art Today.  It is my pleasure to share it with you.

    This is a coordinated effort of many pet bloggers.  Track the progress of this virtual fundraiser and give what you can via this widget:

     

    If you are a blogger and would like to post the widget on your blog, click here.  For updates and rescue stories "like" World Vets on Facebook.

    Japan_dog_earthquake_2

     

    A family and their pet dog take shelter in an evacuation center for pets and their owners near a devastated area hit by earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, north of Japan, March 17, 2011.       Reuters Pictures

    Japan_earthquake_dog_radiation

     

    A woman holds her dog as they are scanned for radiation at a temporary scanning center for residents living close to the quake-damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.  AP Photo

    Japan_dog_earthquake_shelter

     

    A family along with their pet dog warm themselves around a stove at an evacuation center in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, Thursday, March 17, 2011.  AP Photo

    Japan_earthquake_dog_radiation_2

     

    A man holds his dog as they wait to be scanned for radiation exposure at a temporary scanning center for residents living close to the quake-damaged Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.  AP Photo

    Japan_dog_earthquake_3

     

    A woman shares her food with her dog at an evacuation center for pets and their owners near an area devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, north Japan March 17, 2011. Reuters Pictures

    Japan_earthquake_dog_4

    A woman sleeps with her dog at an evacuation center for pets and their owners near a devastated area hit by an earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, north of Japan March 17, 2011. Reuters Pictures

    All photos via daylife. See more here.

    Thank you.  And please pass it on.

  • Scientists Research Our Companion Animals

     

    Yvetta_fedorova_New_york_times

     

    Image by Yvetta Fedorova

    Benedict Carey of The New York Times recently wrote about several new studies looking at how and why pets, referred to as companion animals by researchers, impact family dynamics so significantly…

    Pets alter not only a family’s routines, after all, but also its hierarchy, its social rhythm, its web of relationships.  Several new lines of research help explain why this overall effect can be so comforting in some families, and a source of tension in others. The answers have very little to do with the pet.  –Read full article "Emotional Power Broker of the Modern Family."

     

    There is also an interactive feature where you can upload a photo of your pet and share stories of your own little power broker here.

  • VOTE for the 2010 Mutt Lynch Winery – Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest

    Please scroll down and view all 77 entries.  Then CLICK HERE to cast your vote.
    {Voting ends May 25 at noon PST.  The Top 10 will be announced on May 27.}

    Belly rub3
    1.) “Belly Rub” by Kit Cutting

    Riehl, Lisa - The Nose Knows

    2.)  “The Nose Knows” by Lisa Riehl

    PaintthetownREDrandiheimert
    3.) “Paint the Town RED” by Randi Heimert
    Winey_dog
    4.) “Such a Winey Dog” by April Murphy
    Simone_Guimaraes
    5.) “Lucky” by Simone Guimaraes
    Melisa_hicks
    6.) “Untitled” by Melisa Hicks

    Katherine_Spiering
    7.) “Dog with Bone” by Katherine Spiering

    Carolyn_anne_anderson
    8.) “Return to Gaia” by Carolyn Anne Anderson

    Cyndra_bradford
    9.) “Esther Brown” by Cyndra Bradford
    Jennifer Flynn-Taboo

    10.) “Where Being Bad Never Felt So Good” by Jennifer Flynn
    Kristin_bauer
    11.) “Sarah & Pickle” by Kristin Bauer
    Kimberly_suda_blake
    12.) “Libby Shiraz Suda-Blake” by Kimberly A. Sauda-Blake
    Robert-Amaral
    13.) “Stuart” by Robert Amaral
    RobKaz
    14.) “Tail Wagger” by Rob Kaz
    Nikki solone
    15.) “Doggedly Faithful” by Nikki Solone
    Lauri_luck
    16.) “Lucy and Pete” by Lauri Luck
    Kim_meyer
    17.) “Sally the Bull Dog” by Kim Meyer
    Corene Kendrick
    18.) “Mila at the Beach” by Corene Kendrick
    Kavita_ramani
    19.) “Fred” by Kavita Ramani
    Kelly Page
    20.) “Misty Blue” by Kelly Page
    Pat Saunders White
    21.) “Keef” by Pat Saunders-White
    Carol_nesbitt_iyer
    22.) “Greyt Dreams” by Carol Lynn Nesbitt

    Laurel_Davar
    23.) “Jake” by Laurel Davar
    Judith_ogus
    24.) “Bull Mutt” by Judith Ogus
    FerrisCook
    25.) “Honey” by Ferris Cook

    Lesley Zoromski

    26.) “‘Wine’maraner” by Lesley Zoromski

    Kait_matthews

    27.) “Happiness is a Best Friend and a Bottle of Mutt Lynch Wine” by Kait Matthews

    LauraLannon_post
    28.) “Link” by Laura Lannon

    Michael_jurogue_johnson

    29.) “Dancing Poodles” by Michael Jurogue Johnson

    Karen Van Welden-Herman

    30.) “Mike, Sheri, and Jake of Shawsheen Village Liquors” by Karen Van Welden-Herman

    Barkuss

    31.) “Barkus, the Dog-gonest God of Wine” by Char Banach Caudill

    Lori_rowe

    32.) “Sky’s Harvest Night” by Lori Rowe

    Red Ball by Jaime Ellsworth

    33.) “Red Ball” by Jaime Ellsworth

    Vicky_kaseorg

    34.) “Unleash the Wild Grape” by Vicky Kaseorg

    Judy Brown Fletcher

    35.) “Swissy Missy” by Judy Brown Fletcher

    Mylette-

    36.)” Monkey Business” by Mylette Welch

    Megan Newcomb

    37.) “Wired Weimaraner” by Megan Newcomb

    Sarah_haywood

    38.) “Bully” By Sarah Haywood

    Christineplantenga
    39.) “Rescue” by Christine Plantenga
    Janet_burt
    40.) “Multi-breed Mashup” by Janet Stanton Burt

    Ruth_chase
    41.) “Holy Horace” by Ruth Chase

    Kathryn_wronski
    42.) “Red Nose Wine” by Kathryn Wronski

    Lisa_rydell
    43.) “Jimmy Waitin” by Lisa Rydell

    Joe.Loehle
    44.) “Drawing” by Joe Loehle

    Karla_Smith
    45.) “Charlie’s Nose Finds the Scent” by Karla J. Smith

    Angieketelhut
    46.) “Kaiba” by Angie Ketelhut

    Corinne Humphrey
    47.) “Rudy’s Red” by Corinne Humphrey

    Dawn Secord
    48.) “Bona-Fido Red” by Dawn Secord

    Jean Glaser
    49.) “Quintessential Canine” by Jean Glaser

     

    Robin_levy_post

    50.) “Twisp” by Robin Levy

    DanaFeaginlowresimage
    51.) “Wide Eyed Red” by Dana Feagin

    Jocelyn_audette

    52.) “Zachary in the Mustard” by Jocelyn Audette

     

    Katie_lewis_post

    53.) “Louie Loves Lynch” by Katie Lewis

    Christine Throckmorton_wine label_art
    54.) “Magnificent Mutt” by Christine Throckmorton

    Susan_johnson
    55.) “Lord Jackson – Ruler of All Mouse Minions – King of Muttitage” by Susan Johnson

    Brenda_eschenbacher
    56.) “Red Over Heels” by Brenda Eschenbacher

    Rachel_rossman

    57.) “Chickenbone Jones” by Rachael Rossman

    Jill_perry
    58.) “Untitled” by Jill Perry

    Amelie_marchesseau
    59.) “Laughing from the Pit” by Amelie Marchesseau

    AnneMitchell

    60.) “Thirsty” by Anne Mitchell

    Anneleuckfeldhaus
    61.) “Mixed Breeds” by Anne Leuck Feldhaus

    Nancy_schutt

    62.) “Pia Never Bites, Only Loves” by Nancy Schutt

    Maria_Zaretskaia
    63.) “Wining Around” by Maria Zaretskaia

    Chelsea fedigan
    64.) “Billy the Bully” by Chelsea Fedigan

    ShariSherman
    65.) “Home Is Where Your Mutt Is” by Shari Sherman

    Jo_sanders
    66.) “Massive Acid Dog Attack” by Jo Sanders

    Hollyce_jeffriess
    67.) “Yes, I Would Like Some Cheese with my Wine!” by Hollyce Jeffriess

    Rhonda_skinner
    68.) “Boozer with Ball” by Rhonda Skinner

    Bethany Drogula
    69.) “Pooch-edelick Blend” by Bethany Drogula

    Natalya_zahn
    70.) “The Great Barrel-chested Red” by Natalya Zahn

    Suzanne Kasiewicz
    71.) “Vintage Dog Year” by Suzanne Kasiewicz

    Gary Ellis
    72.) “The Anchor” by Gary Ellis

    Cheryl_snyder
    73.) “Dogs by the Glass” by Cheryl Snyder

    Jennifer_belair

    74.) “Dog of Wine” by Jennifer Belair

    Frank_zio
    75.) “Big Brown Happy Dog” by Frank Zio

    Kimberly Santini
    76.) “Rusty” by Kimberly Kelly Santini
    Katy_brack

    77.) “American Girl” by Katy Brack

    CLICK HERE to cast your vote.
  • Paul Boddum’s Pet Portraits

    Paul_boddum_dog_artist

    Moti

    Visit If It’s Hip, It’s Here for an excellent profile of dog artist Paul Boddum.  Lots of amazing works.  Thanks, Laura.

  • Lauren Grabelle: Documenting Dog Love

    Lauren_grabelle_1a

    When NJ-based photographer, Lauren Grabelle,  pitched me the idea to feature her work of "dogs at play, " I put her email on the back burner.  Her work is terrific, but I had done action shots before, and I am always looking for something new. 

    Later, when I had some time to visit her site, the shots I really responded to were the intimate ones of dogs and their owners.  I think Lauren's ability to capture the bond dog lovers have with their pets is extraordinary.   It makes perfect sense that her undergraduate work was in Anthropology, because these photos are really more about the owners than their dogs.  You can sense their intoxication, that split second when oxytocin levels soar and dog love consumes them.   Realy beautiful work, Lauren.  Thank you for sharing.

    Lauren_grabelle_4

    Lauren_grabelle_3

    Lauren_grabelle_5

    Lauren_grabelle_6

    Lauren_grabelle_7

    Lauren_grabelle_8

    Lauren is also a very talented wedding photographer.  So if you're a lucky couple able to include your dog in your wedding, I think Lauren would be perfect for you.  Visit her website and blog for more information.

  • Dog Art Today’s New Photo Album: Enter Your Dog + Win a Mug!

    Photo_album copy

    In September 2008, I ran a contest
    asking readers to finish this sentence: "My dog is chicken soup for the
    soul because…" The winner was Linda Belthius whose response included,
    "Because I have been blessed beyond my understanding with having
    [Winnie] to help me through a loss of my dear sister-in-law….She is
    an angel with fur!"

    This made me think of all the Angels with Fur who inspire my
    readers, and how I'd like to meet them.  So, I set up this photo album.  If you
    would like to be included, email me
    a photo of your pet (72 dpi) and a few sentences describing him or her.
    Also let me know if you would like me to link to your website.

    I will have a random drawing of all the dogs and the winner will recieve a large mug from my CafePress store.  Contest ends next Tuesdeay, November 18th at noon.  Good luck!

  • Jane Oriel’s Domestic Dog Art

    Forrestsmall

    When I first saw Jane Oriel’s pet portraits, I knew I would feature them today, the first day of fall.  There is something so autumnal about her palette and something so cozy about her dogs.  Here, dogs are at home, posing in front of intricate wallpaper, lounging around in the den.   Even her outside paintings incorporate manicured branches, probably from no farther than the front lawn.

    Rummy

    Kainu

    Teddyandbeckybest

    Greyhounds

    They remind me of one of my other favorite domestic dog paintings, Stove by Alex Colville.

    Stove

    Stove by Alex Coleville, 1988

    And, I can’t help but comparing her impressionistic, swirly style to another artist who embraced the beauty of short days and ochre tones, Vincent van Gogh.

    Irishterrier1

    Vincent-van-gogh-paintings-from-paris-5

    Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh, 1887

    Yes, it’s true, Van Gogh the master of vivid, glowing yellows and oranges, knew how to dazzle with darkness. 

    In fact, MOMA’s current exhibition Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night proves it right now.  If you can’t get to New York, read the NYT’s Roberta Smith’s illuminating review.  And take a moment to witness the Van Gogh’s colors of night yourself via their excellent slide show.

    Oh, and if you want your own impressionistic masterpiece visit Jane Oriel’s website to commission one for yourself.

  • Hilda Spain-Owen’s Whippet Portraits

     

    Whippet_anything_for_you

     

    Anything for You

     

    Writing about artist Julian Chung and his circus inspired animals reminded me of a painter I’ve been meaning to feature named Hilda Spain-Owen.  Her work is so popular even non-dog owners collect her fabulous Whippets. 

    She also supports sighthound rescue groups in Florida and North Carolina and has raised thousands of dollars from her dog art donations.  Very cool!

     

    Whippet_break_point

     

    Break Point

     

     

    Whippet_cool_whip

     

    Cool Whip

     

     

    Whippet_Call of the Circus

     

    Call of the Circus

     

    Whippet_madame_x

     

    Madame X

     

    Whippet_designing_woman

     

    Designing Woman

    Visit Hilda Spain-Owen’s website for giclées, note cards, and information about commissioning a portrait of your pet.

  • Dogs of Vogue 2008

    Vogue_dog_fashion_week
    Keira Knightly in Ralph Lauren and Prada

    In honor of Pet Fashion Week starting tomorrow, I've selected my favorite fashion dogs from Vogue's September 2008 issue.  Which one do you like best?  Scroll down to see my pick for top dog print ad this fall. 

    Click on images for larger view.  Many are 2-page spreads.

    Vogue_vittadini_full
    Vittadini

    Vogue_dog_marchiano_full
    Marciano

    Vogue_dog_lord_taylor_full
    Lord & Taylor

    Vogue_dog_juicy_couture
    Juicy Couture's two Scotties logo on the bottle.   (Guess they're not afraid of whimsy in recessionary times).

    Vogue_dog_tumi_full
    Tumi

    Vogue_dog_dolce_gabbana_full
    Dolce & Gabbana (Click on image to see its full glory.)

    This D&G ad is my favorite.  The gypsy Joads squatting on some baronial estate with their dogs and their horses and their fabulous mixture of patterns and prints.

    For information on NYC's Pet Fashion Week, which is only two days August 23-24, click here.

    Also the always-fashionable Dara Foster of PupStyle will be judging the Crystallized Swarovski Elements Pet Fashion Design Contest for FIT students.  Click here to see the entries.

  • Heather LaHaise: Dog Portrait Duality

    Lahaise_graffiti

    Graffiti

    Heather LaHaise was born in N.Y. and grew up in Columbia, S.C.  After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in art, she moved back to N.Y. and took classes at Pratt Manhattan.

    I think this north/south,urban/rural cross-pollination comes through beautifully in her dog art.  Traditionally painted dogs drip down her canvases or are cleverly cropped into graphic designs.  I especially like her use of graffiti – as if she's still inspired (haunted?) by the gritty, dirty streets of Manhattan even as she embraces the gentility of South Carolina where she now makes her home. 

    This is a tricky duality to pull off, but Heather has figured it out.  Her paintings don't look gimmicky or divided by it.  In fact, I think the text unifies her works in a surprisingly remarkable way.  I just love them.

     

    La_haise_opposites

     

    Opposites Attract

     


     

    Lahaise_edit

     

    Edit

     


     

    Lahaise_hey_mister

     

    Hey Mister

    Lahaise_mine

     

    Mine

     


     

    Lahaise_doublescoop


    Double Scoop


     

    Red_alert

     

    Red Alert


    Lahaise_complimentary

    Complimentary

     


    Lahaise_grin_reaper

    Grin Reaper

     


    Why dogs?   Heather says, "Not only does their honesty make them perfect subjects, they lack pretension, and their only motive is to please.  They make our homes comfortable and even add a lovely distressed finish to furnishings."  Sweet.

    Visit her website to learn more.

    If you're in Charlotte, N.C. you can see Heather LaHaise's dog paintings at the Green Rice Gallery's The Dog Show until August 31, 2008.