Westie Portrait in Oil...Back at the Easel

(Westie Commissioned Portrait in Oil...In Progress)

Today was a good day, I'm starting to feel a bit better after my recent dental work and was able to get some more work done on this Westie commissioned portrait I started a few weeks ago. I actually have four Westie portraits that I'm working on...I'm thinking pretty soon I may just start to get type-cast as the 'Westie artist', not that I would mind, I really enjoy painting Westies :o) I don't actually own a Westie, my Godmother does, and I have done charity work for a number of Westie rescue groups, but my 2 dogs are not too fond of the smaller pups. I actually have a New Zealand Huntaway/Kelpie (Taffy) and a Yellow Lab/Stumpy-Tailed Red Heeler (Jedha). Both were rescued off the streets of Cairns in Australia by my Aussie husband. We had them flown to Michigan last July all the way from Sydney as we would never have dreamed of leaving them behind!Their blog is Aussie Dogs Up & Over~Jedha & Taffy's Adventures in America :o)

Westie Portrait Paintings in Oil...the beginning of a Trio

So, after a short hiatus from painting precious pups, I have returned today to start a trio of Westie paintings. The first is a commission of an adorable Westie named affectionately as 'Boo,' lounging in her parent's chair at home. The second is a portrait I am doing for the winner of a charity auction for Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond. And the third is being done for the winner of a photo contest that helped raise funds for River City Westies Rescue. These are all just initial rough sketches, I will soon begin blocking in color and then finish with the fine details. I am actually in the middle of packing and cleaning as we are moving in about 8 days, but once we are finally settled I will be getting back to the easel to finish these portraits as well as a large Westie portrait I started a few weeks ago. So wish me luck that I get everything done and check back in a few days!:o)

The Canine Art Guild & Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond Charity Picnic!

Some news of the canine persuasion here! First of all, I am officially a member of the Canine Art Guild, a great group of artists specializing in dog art. Aside from that, I have created two groups known as Fine Artists of Michigan on both flickr and facebook. If you are an artist currently living in Michigan feel free to join these groups and upload your artwork!It's free and a great way to show off your work!
I also just completed a painting of an adorable Westie for the Charity Picnic being put on by Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond on Sunday, April 26 and this very painting will be auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to the rescue. There will also be a Custom Pet Portrait by me (Lara Harris) auctioned off as well, so if you are in the OC area at the end of this month be sure to sign up for this grreat event!