Is so very easy and the above portrait of a lovely and might I also add….so very lively Corgi named Scarlet shows just how easy painting fur is. This was a commissioned portrait and I actually was the one that photographed her while she and her person were visiting to help Scarlet socialize with other dogs…the original images had several dogs in the image. I copped the image below to show Scarlet alone.

 The entire portrait was created using the pastels in Corel Painter…and of course the blenders…even the background. You can paint as traditional and or  as photo realistic as you or your client prefer, or as colorful.  A special fur brush is not at all needed….although you could adjust the setting to any brush to give it a more tapered look at the end. Be creative and Never be afraid to just paint

Today finds it well below freezing here in the Atlanta area…a bit chilly. Of course my”pack” does not at all mind the chilly temps, they enjoy running and romping, going for walks, etc. Before the cold front came through earlier in the week Bailey and I were out wandering around when I spied buds on the Bradury Trees…and I mean all three were covered. I hope todays painting gives you warm thoughts of spring…its on it’s way

I am at the moment sitting in my very cozy, warm studio working on several paintings. I hope to finish the Beagle portrait from yesterday later today…hopefully I will be posting it tomorrow.

The last few days I have received numerous inquires from several in regards to Corel Painter Seminars and Workshops….for it seems there are soooo many being offered scattered about the country. Sadly, I have not ever attended any. I am not at all sure I could actually sit through one. As I type that I am smiling for there is one…. I would more then love to visit San Fransisco. I would of course have to make the time and schedule it just so that I can attend one of Jeremy Sutton’s workshops. He seems to be fun, creative and very original and it appears he leads the way for others to follow. In my Pawfect Pet Portraits, and Digitally Painting Animals online courses I recommend as a must have one of his books for he offers a wonderful collection of brushes that should be in everyones brush collection. In visiting his site for a few links I notice he has something new coming this month!! The next few weeks I’ll do my best to mention a few others that are offering Workshops and Seminars that if I had the time and thought I could actually sit through…I would attend.

Today finds me with several things on my Digital Easel…a Golden, Beagle and Horse, and on my pastel easel another golden. The above painting is still very much it’s early stages…I hope to complete it sometime tomorrow. Something about a Beagle…you cannot help but fall in love with their eyes…oh and that nose. The many things they can sniff out….such a wonderful breed.

Poor golden pup, waiting for someone to play with him. I love painting puppies…their expressions are priceless….and oh my, they grow and change so very fast.

The “Pawfect Pet Portrait” will be starting the end of the month. This is a small group course held in our forum, $45.00 per student.  It will be in the shopping cart by the end of the week. Also, for those that prefer learning at their own pace you can purchase the Digiatlly Painting Animals and the course is e-mailed to one lesson per week within a 24 hour period of purchasing.

Like many Americans, I sat in the comfort of my home this morning and watched our 44th President get sworn in. It was a lovely ceremony and I must say the musicians did a wonderful job with the music that was written for the occasion…the poem that was read, outstanding. The speech, yes in deed, very eloquently written and read. Sadly for this President….well, things are a mess and so many looking to him to fix all of our countries ailments, which he cannot. Things will no doubt improve….in time.

To those inquiring as to where I had disappeared to since the Holidays. Thank You so much for asking about me….I am still here….still photographing animals, and of course painting them. I have been very busy with the new pup….and then this terrible cough, cold that  just cannot seem to shake….and then…PC troubles.

Today finds it to be an overcast….damp….rain on and off kind of day. Having some free time I took the opportunity to play with Nikkor’s 50 mm AF S lens and I must say it is exactly what I have read and been told….Sweet It is really about time Nikkor updated some of the old favs. Wonderful Bokeh, and oh so quiet motor….fast enough for the puppies….and of course wonderful for inside and low light situations (1.4)!!! Other then resizing for the web, these images have-not been manipulated.

Since I had the time I decided it was time to “try” and get the pup to know just what he should do around the camera, of course we will need several more sessions for these were really just “luck” shots. When the pups were about 7 weeks old the breeder had sent a photograph to all of the new puppies families of all the puppies in the pen napping. The position that most were in made you smile….there was one pup that had actually climbed on top of one of the crates and was napping on it….half on, half off….can you guess which pup it was?

Even though the three adults are sooooo used to having their pic taken….when adding a new pup to the pack you have to have some patience….at this point the pup is actually a little shark with fur,!!! The other dogs do not want to be placed next to him….they will all learn…and really each will do anything for a treat

Yes indeed…it really is. When our Golden Phoenix died over a year ago…well our little pack of three was just not the same. While Phoenix can never be replaced it was time to add another Golden to our pack….bringing our three pack, up to a four pack.

While only with us a couple of days…he has made himself right at home.

After the meet and greet it was time to explore the new surroundings…everything had to be taken in, smelled…rolled in

Just look at that face…oh how he just melts our hearts!!!

Looking up at the A-Frame….just maybe one day he will be an agility dog??

And yes….Puppy Breath

He plays hard, and nap time….he sleeps soundly. Now, before you all run out for no doubt I have so enticed a few of you to get yourselves a pup…it is hard work. They need you there to potty train, crate train and of course teach them to have a soft mouth, what not to chew on. Just like with our children the most precious thing you can give is your time.

Rocky finally has a brother…Bailey (Baileys Irish Cream…yum) and yes…a little R & B is indeed good for your soul. Check back once in a while to se how Bailey is growing….oh and look for his training puppy training video’s which will be posted on occasion.

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Upon my return home yesterday my pack let me know right off the bat that it was just unacceptable that I left them behind. I cannot really blame them…they are used to having me hang around, or if I leave, so too do they. They were left in the very best of care….received enough play, attention. Still, they are way to accustomed to having me around. So in between catching up….I have had to groom, give hugs and of course lots of outside time playing. No….not at all spoiled!

This Sunday found me busy working. Doing the prep work on a couple of new portraits…as I am not the photographer on all paintings I create it can at times be a little challenging, especially if the animals are deceased and the original photographs are not very good. So…after running through PS and making the adjustments that will give me the best detail to see, I started painting. I got to thinking and I know, I have written this before…take the time to get a few wonderful photographs of your furry friends…easy to do if taking them yourself. I cannot imagine not having the many wonderful images of my beloved pets….know that in your local area I bet there is a pet photographer or two…well worth the investment…even in these troubled times….I photograph people and their pets all the time as I no doubt other pet photographers do….so make it a family affair and get some great images!!!!

So…during my break the above was painted…Niki in color!

Rainy afternoon here in the Atlanta area…the dogs, knowing it is a rainy day are taking naps…Rocky at my feet, Gemma behind me and Niki curled up in the doggie bed to my left. They know there will be no fun adventures this afternoon. The weather of course is what inspired the above…”Dog Walk”. The fall weather is wonderful to get you up and doing something fun with your furry friends, even if it is raining out!

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