Happy Annie.
Annie was much loved and left a big hole in her family’s lives.
Annie
Leave a reply
Tag Archives: pet
Paris
It was a pleasure to paint Paris for a second time. I never met Paris but sweetness shines from her face.
JACK
You may know the Fab Four as John, Paul, George and Ringo. Well, not where I live, we had Harry, Jack, Blue and Elsa. They were well known in these parts. Three Lurchers and a Collie cross. On any given day we could be seen crossing the meadow, woods and park with the Fab Four or, should I say, the Fast Four. They would run and run and run, in big loops before coming back for treats. My friends and I had to stop meeting for morning walks because the dogs were all over-exercising and beginning to suffer muscle related problems. I miss those days.
This is Jack and he is fast and funny and if you stand still chatting for too long he can jump as high as your shoulder from a standing position just to remind you he’s there … and bored … and wants to go home to crawl under the covers.
Luna y Dino
Around 49 years ago eleven year old me was standing on the open platform of the 168 bus waiting to get off at the next stop. There had obviously been some altercation between me and the dark haired Spanish schoolgirl standing in the aisle – but for the life of me I don’t remember what it was about – although I do remember surprising her (and myself) by sticking my finger in her Home Economics pudding and ending the argument on the spot. She was livid and I got off the bus.
That was the start of a friendship that has lasted throughout the years, across different countries, with never another crossed word.
Last weekend I made a surprise visit to Inma’s home in Spain with two paintings to celebrate her 60th birthday.
This is Luna, she’s a really sweet Miniature Yorkshire Terrior but don’t be fooled, she rules the roost!
This is Dino, the new addition to the family. He’s full of bounce and love sticks!
Of course, I asked them all if they wouldn’t mind posing with their paintings for me ….. just for a second!
Oh, come on Dino, no sad faces – you only had to put down the squeaky toy for a second!
Do you remember Birra from my April 2016 post Pequeño Perro Negro? (I’ll link it if I can find out how!) I couldn’t forget a quick photo of him too.
My stay was short and sweet, just for the weekend, but it was lovely to catch up again. Plenty of good food and drink – but no finger dipping in puddings this time 
Click the link below to see to my journey to Spain with the paintings:
Cocoa the Cat
For my latest commission I was sent an envelope full of great photos of a very handsome black cat and given total freedom to chose which one I wanted to paint.
It looks to me like Cocoa loves his garden. Perhaps he’s out there pondering why black cats get such bad press.
I love the way the light is bouncing off his shiny coat.
Before the painting left to go to its new home my own little black cat gave her approval 
Paris
My next commission was to paint Paris, a 13 year old Staffie. I’ve never met Paris but I was sent lots of photos and was asked to paint one specific pose and background. The background requested was a spot-light effect, which I’ve never done before.
So I watched YouTube tutorials and learned about a product called an ‘Extender’ which allows more movement of acrylic paint before it dries. It also allows you to blend and smooth-out brush strokes. With this medium the acrylic paint performs just like oil paint and is workable for a longer period of time.
I visited my local art shop to buy the canvas and invested in a bottle of Extender, went home and practised, practised, practised. At first I thought the spot-light looked like a halo so I practised more and blended more and eventually I was happy with the effect.
I’m so glad I was asked to paint Paris because I feel it’s pushed me to learn a new paint effect which I know I’ll use again.
After Christmas I received a lovely thank you message from Paris’ Mum together with photos of the canvas framed and hung.
Sandie
My portrait of this beautiful ginger cat has now been delivered to her mum and dad for Christmas so I can now share it with you without fear of spoiling the surprise.
Sandie was a beloved pet but has since passed away. I hope my painting brings back happy memories for her family.
Pequeño perro negro
Earlier this year I visited my childhood friend in Spain and had a great time catching up with lots of old friends. It had been many years since we had seen each other, so many that I had never met my friend’s grown up daughter. When I returned back home I thought it would be nice if I made something to show my love and appreciation for their warm welcome. This is my gift.
Lester
This is my painting of Lester. Lester could always be seen with his little tag wagging, doing his own thing while his Spaniel mates were chasing around the woods.
A loyal friend, Lester (July 2015)