Dogs in Art - Strathmore Exhibition

Dogs in Art by Moira McLaughlin
 An Interesting Video Solution 

Morphs Faces of Dogs, Painting to Painting

I've had people ask me why I took a structure class. I'm interested in the connection between structure and performance, of course. But it also connects to the art I see in the canine form and in canine art in general (and in art in general).

So taking the leap away from structure study, we seque back to art for a look at some of the art that's been brought forward by the Strathmore Exhibition, Art Unleashed in Bethseda, Maryland.

I discovered the event and a treasure trove of dog related art on the blog Dog Art Today. 

Beautiful examples that exemplify the relationships of modern day humans with their dogs. Also, carefully classified examples of art from every age.

Desire by Clair Hartmann
Dogs in Relationship 

to Humans and Others

Before you go on to another boring day, I'd invite you to take a look at this carefully curated virtual gallery. Give your eyes a treat. Give yourself a smile. It's a joy anytime we're fortunate enough to come across art that captures art the way we see dogs in those sacred, secret moments that drift like furry tumbleweeds across the greater landscape of our lives.

Celebrating Chris Duke and the Art of Westminster

2012 Westminster Kennel Club Show Poster

Every year, the Westminster Kennel Club has the exceeding good judgment to commission original art for a poster commemorating the annual event. The project has the side effect of showcasing some wonderful examples of canine art that might not otherwise get such wide exposure to the general public.

This year's choice of Connecticut artist, Chris Duke, just took our breath away here at the View from 4 Inch. We dabble in dog artwork ourselves and truly appreciate examples that seem to bring across the true spirit of man's most faithful companion on the canvas.

 Head study of Hickory.

Above is the artwork that, according to the artist website, won over the selection committee's nod for the creation of the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club poster. It's a masterfully rendered portrait of a 2011 Westminster Best in Show winner, Hickory. The lines of the Scottish Deerhound's noble profile bring to life the classic calm/alert expression and far away gaze so characteristic of the sighthound. Getting the coat "right" is one of the big challenges in painting dogs, and this one makes the look of wave and wire almost touchable.

Love in a brushstroke.

No breed snob here. Duke creates artful pet portraiture for dogs of any lineage. A gallery of portraits, full figure renderings and pet/owner paintings are on view here. Complex montage paintings, similar to the Westminster poster art and the Daisy Dew portrait above may be commissioned as well. Prices are available here.

In today's world, people who love and show dogs face many challenges in gaining the respect and honor the sport deserves. Outsiders too often focus on the goofy, indulgent side and miss the dedication, the hard work and the beauty.

Each February, the Westminster Kennel Club presents a high profile event that provides a fitting display for the nation's finest dogs, breeders, owners and handlers. The decision to present some of the canine art world's finest talent in the annual poster is an important part of that objective. Thanks to the Westminster Kennel Club for keeping the bar high.

Little Friends Pet Photography: Capturing the Spirit of Dogs

Revealing the nature we know,

yet somehow never even suspected about dogs.

All of us have photos of our dogs. Some snapshots, some captured in the heat of competition. Some carefully posed, or at least as much as our dogs will allow us. Many I've taken of my own dogs have been featured in my posts.

But still...when it's all said and done, few really seem to capture that extra "something" we see, or at least believe that we see in our dogs in those sly little moments they give us every day.

Today, however, I found something really special: A photographer that seems to have developed the gift for capturing in images the coy, humorous and even fierce nature of our wolfling pets...seemingly as effortlessly as capturing fireflies in a jar.

The site is innocuously named, Little Friends Lifestyle Pet Photography by Seth Casteel. But the name barely begins to describe it.

Take a virtual stroll around the gallery. You'll find many of those moments that are so similar to the ones all of us glimpse in our dogs as we travel through our days. You know. That flash of a moment that seems to capture everything about who your dog really is, and what your relationship with him is all about.

Only, you never seem to be able to quite get it on film, much less truly share it. I really love the way this "seen/unseen" nature of dogs comes through in Casteel's work. Don't wait. Take a break from your day and steal away a moment to indulge.

Tintype Impression

Light dims, and a dog seems

less like a creature,
and more like the impression of a soul.

Rediscovering Pangaea

Honor your new title in artisan jewelry

Social media is a wonderful thing. Or can be sometimes. It has at least put me back in touch with the maker of some jewelry I once saw at a dog agility trial in Glen Carbon, Illinois. One of our favorite places to trial, by the way!

Anyway, this lady (who also runs Pugs) hand cuts and stamps silver jewelry and will customize it with your dog's name and title. You can personalize your piece further with beads, stones and other nice touches.

Browse the online Etsy store to your heart's content here.

I missed the chance to order last time we crossed paths, but now that I have the address, I plan to order a piece to celebrate Taylor's PAX2. Taylor and I both love sparklies!

I See Dog People

Small towns in America often hide interesting surprises. Like this photographer in Tuscola, Ill. They will take a photo of your dog and create a "dog person" portrait. These particular dog people seem to be frozen in a perpetual 1950's suburban world.

http://www.dogtownartworks.com/site/Home.html