Pet Portraits in OIL by Lara Harris: 4 Boston Terriers (Painting in Progress)

I've been busy most of the summer working on various commissions. This is a portrait I am working on of 4 Boston Terriers for a client in Chicago. The 1st & 2nd pup are pretty much completed and I am now working on the 3rd. I'm really happy with how the piece is coming together! Stay tuned for the grande finale! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or visit my site at Studio Lara.com.

Summer Commissions. . . . Golden Retriever Portrait in OIL

I've been truly blessed this summer with a number of commissions which helps so much with Taffy's continued treatment for bone cancer! This is a piece I just finished of a beautiful Golden Retriever. If you are interested in having a portrait done feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at Studio Lara I am running a Limited Special for 5x7 portraits on canvas panel for $65 or $100 on stretched canvas or 8x10 portraits on canvas panel for $125 or $150 stretched canvas. Larger sizes are available on my website.

Summer Commissions & Update on Taffy

Working on a number of commissions...this is a Golden I've started...not done yet, but soon! If you are interested in having a portrait done feel free to contact me! I am running a Limited Special for 5x7 portraits on canvas panel for $65 or $100 on stretched canvas or 8x10 portraits on canvas panel for $125 or $150 stretched canvas. And I thought it was a good time to take a video of Taffy today...he's been a bit lethargic the past few days, but still eating & still wagging his tail...so we continue the fight against his bone cancer. If you know of anyone interested in a portrait we would be so grateful for you to pass along my name! God bless & thank you for your support & prayers! :)

Four Bostons in Progress...

My largest piece to date, 24"x36"...quite a challenge but I'm really loving how each pup has such unique markings...it creates an interesting design element to the piece....stay tuned! :) If you or someone you know is interested in having a portrait done feel free to contact me! and/or visit my website at http://www.studiolara.com 

Taffy's Ongoing Battle Against Bone Cancer...

Thought it was time for another video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQlthHfcY20

Poodle with Ball...Painting in Oil by Lara Harris

This piece may already be spoken for...if not it will be available shortly. With our dog Taffy in need of possible surgery for cancer all of the proceeds will be going towards his treatment. If you or someone you know is looking to have a portrait done of their precious pup please feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at Studio Lara.com
(*photo used with permission: flickr id The Pack)

Doberman Portrait in Oil by Lara Harris

I've been juggling a number of commissions the past few weeks & this is one I have completed...a beautiful Doberman portrait that will be given as a gift. If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at Studio Lara.com

Still Holding Our Breath...

The blood work came back with not so great news...Pepper has a kidney infection & her kidneys are only functioning at 25%. We were prepared to say goodbye, but the vet wants to try & clear up the infection and then see if using medications & a special diet will give Pepper some more time with us. Time will tell...we are cautiously optimistic as she has started to eat a little bit after not eating for several days, but we will just have to wait & see. Fingers, toes, & paws crossed that this is not 'that time'...we just aren't ready to let go. Thank you to everyone for your warm thoughts & prayers!

I'm In!...My Dalmation Painting is in the Art Show at the Dog Show in Kansas!

 

Just wanted to share the good news that this piece will be on its' way shortly to the 2011 Art Show at the Dog Show in Kansas! Fingers, toes, & paws crossed it wins! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or check out my website at Studio Lara.com

Meet 'Buck'...the Black Lab

So thrilled with how this piece turned out & so is the customer so win-win for me! ;)) If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup feel free to contact me or visit my website at studiolara.com

Poodle with Ball...entry for Art Show at the Dog Show 2011

This is one of 4 paintings I have entered into the upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show 2011 in Kansas. I will know in February if any have been accepted so stay tuned! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at www.studiolara.com.

Dalmation Pup on Red Vintage Suitcase...Entry for the 2011 Upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show

This is one of 4 paintings I have entered into the upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show 2011 in Kansas. I will know in February if any have been accepted so stay tuned! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at www.studiolara.com.

Westie with Vintage Suitcase...entry for Art Show at the Dog Show 2011

This is one of 4 paintings I am hoping to enter into the upcoming Art Show at the Dog Show 2011 in Kansas. I have one more almost complete, and then will have to try and hustle to get another two finished in time. Fingers, toes, & paws crossed I can do it! ;)) If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me and/or visit my website at www.studiolara.com.

Grreat Gift Idea!...A Pet Portrait by Yours Truly! ;) *New Pricing for 2011!

If you are looking for a grreat gift, look no further! Commission a pet portrait by me! New pricing is below...feel free to contact me if you would like a special piece done for you!

6"x6" ~ $125.00

8"x10" ~ $200.00

11"x14" ~ $275.00

16"x20" ~ $350.00

18"x24" ~ $475.00

20"x30" ~ $600.00

24"x30" ~ $850.00

24"x36" ~$1,200.00

30"x40" ~$1,600.00

36"x48" ~$2,000.00

Westie Winter Wonderland Painting in OIL by Lara

It seems hard to believe that there is less than 8 weeks now until Christmas, but alas it is true! A pet portrait would make a grreat gift idea or a custom winter portrait like MacIntosh here! If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup feel free to contact me!

Beautiful Cosette...Saint Bernard Portrait in OIL

("Cosette," Private Commission, 

5"x7", oil on canvas panel)

It was a true pleasure painting this portrait of Cosette...this is her touching story shared by her Mom:

 In August of 2006, our veterinarian called to say that he had just done a surgery on a beautiful 6 year old Saint Bernard, who was now homeless. He went on to explain that the owner did not want to pay for or take care of this dog following a simple bladder surgery and suggested that the Vet "put her down." The dog's owner went on to say that he was always away and she spent most of her days and nights by herself. Her name was Dog. The Vet told him he would not put the dog down, as she was healthy other than needing this surgery. He would, however, find a home for her, if the owner would relinquish custody to him. Fortunately, this is exactly what he did.

 And so the Vet instantly thought of us and wondered if we would like to have another Saint join the 2 we already had, Nanette and Alexis, also rescues. I was skeptical, but still, couldn't get her out of my mind. On the way home from work, I pondered over names we would give her should we decide to bring her into our family and 2 popped into my head immediately: Sophie and Bernadette.

 After days of discussion, we decided to at least have a look at her. The Vet told us that she was going to a Foster Home until a family could be found and to contact the office to make arrangements to see her. I did so, and spoke to a very friendly and warm receptionist who just raved about her. I told her I couldn't believe that the Saint's name was "Dog" to which she replied, "I know. We have been calling her Sophie." That didn't get past me. Then I asked the name of the Foster Mom and where she lived. "Her name is Bernadette Huard and she rescues dogs all the time." In a span of 3 minutes, the 2 names I'd considered a few days before were mentioned. I knew that this was no accident. I knew this dog was going to join our family. And she went home with us the first time we visited her.

 She had no socialization skills and often looked on at others while sitting by herself. She was incredibly beautiful, soft facial features with a lovely mask, but a strong body composition. Ironically, we did not give her either of the 2 names that had been so strongly suggested in my mind. I came to realize that was a sign. We decided on Cosette, the orphan foundling from "Les Miserables" who had such an empty start in life, but fulfilling days once adopted. She lives up to her name.

Custom Pet Portrait ...Westie, Daschund, & Labrador Retriever Painting in OIL

A large private commission just finished last night...3 pups kicking back and relaxing on a couch :) Feel free to contact me if you would like a portrait done of your pup or visit my website: studiolara.com

Custom Pet Portrait (Almost Finished)

Almost done! Finish line is approaching...stay tuned! ;)

Custom Pet Portrait (Beginning Stages)

It's been a busy summer and I've been a bit neglectful of my blogs :(...hoping to get back on track soon! This is the beginning stages of a private commission I am currently working on. If you are interested in having a portrait done of your precious pup, feel free to contact me or visit my website at www.studiolara.com

Bernese Mountain Dog Pet Portrait in OIL

Another portrait of an adorable Bernese Mountain Dog named 'Mosby'...I just love his soft expression in this piece. You almost want to ask 'a penny for your thoughts?' :) If you are interested in having a pet portrait done feel free to contact me!
 10% will be donated to Heart of Michigan Bernese Mountain Dog Rescue.
(*photo used with permission, flickr id: jtscanlon )