The Rainbowdog Blog

New Fun Frames: Another Breed of Rainbowdog Joins the Pack

2011-10-18T09:14:00.000-04:00

I've heard so much positive feedback about my dog paintings in decorated frames -- now on exhibit at the Easttown Library -- that I've decided to offer them for sale as custom portraits alongside my larger-than-life Rainbowdog portraits. My husband came up with a (tentative) name for them: Fun Frames, which does pretty much hit the nail on the head.

What's the difference between a Fun Frame and the 'standard' Rainbowdog? The Fun Frames include the same vibrant dogs but have intricate patterened backgrounds and come in a slightly smaller 11 x 14 inch size. Each has a solid wood frame, hand painted and decorated to coordinate with your portrait, embellished with a your dog's name or a humorous saying in funky decoupage writing.

From canvas to frame, each piece is hand painted, extremely personal, and packs a powerful visual punch. And the size means that everybody has room for a Rainbowdog portrait, no matter how limited their space.

If you would like to commission a Fun Frame or a Rainbowdog, please send me an email. Now is the time to order for the holidays!

Please let me know your thoughts, either with a comment here, or join the conversation on facebook. As always, thanks for sharing my art with your family and friends.

Easttown Library Goes to the Dogs

2011-10-10T14:40:00.000-04:00

An exhibit of a dozen Rainbowdog paintings is hanging in the Easttown Library in Berwyn, PA for the month of October. The library hosts different artists nearly every month, and I'm happy to add my pack of dog paintings to their number.

Here are a few pictures of the Rainbowdogs among the stacks.

The dogs really brighten up the library, if I do say so myself. They can do the same for your house, too. Now is a great time to commission a portrait as a special holiday gift. Just shoot me an email if you'd like to get started.

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits. Life's more fun when it's colorful!

Exploring a New Approach to Dog Paintings

2011-09-23T13:20:00.001-04:00

Here are the first four paintings in a planned series of non-commissioned dog paintings. I will be offering these - and more to come - as prints. Still working on titles for some of these, but I do believe a good title really lifts a picture from the ordinary. Feel free to leave suggestions for titles in the comments section!

1) "Did You Forget Something?"

2) "Walkies?"

3) "My Couch"

4) "Short Legs, Big Ball"

I am having a great time with the colors and patterns in these paintings. If you have a great picture of a dog -- that you have taken yourself -- that you would like to see transformed into a Rainbowdog original, send it along. If I use it, I'll send you a free print. Don't forget to suggest a title!

I hope to hear from you!

Yellow Lab in Color

2011-08-26T08:12:00.000-04:00

As you probably know, I love to use unconventional color to make my portraits sing, and I really had a blast with this latest commission of a yellow lab, a 20 x 24 inch acrylic on gallery-wrap canvas.

The "light" in this painting is coming strongly from the side, allowing me to make some beautiful rainbow shadows on the "dark side" of the dog's face. There is also a lot of energy coming from the red shadow against that green background. Who remembers from elementary school that green and red are opposites on the color wheel? That means they are complementary colors, and an artist gets the most tension and contrast when they are next to each other. (Don't mix them together though, unless you want mud.)

If you'd like to see your pet come to life on canvas just like this, it's easy -- and fun! -- to commission a Rainbowdog. Just send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for sharing my art with your family and friends.

Thee Amigos

2011-07-12T09:49:00.000-04:00

This one of my latest paintings is large, at 24 by 36 inches, but I needed that space to capture the larger-than-life personalities of my subjects, three different dogs all from one family. They are a happy bunch, and I used vivid color to help convey the joy and camaraderie these pups share.

The original photograph I worked from came courtesy of Sarah A., and her dogs' names are from left, Kita, Scout and Ruby. The portrait is an acrylic, as usual, on gallery-wrapped canvas with the painting continuing around the sides. I love the way the electric green glow around these guys makes them pop from the background.

If you'd like to commission your own Rainbowdog portrait, just send me an email.

Vibrant Bulldog "Miss Weezer" is a Winner

2011-06-13T12:53:00.000-04:00

Readers may remember this fabulous photograph of Miss Weezer, submitted by her owner to the Rainbowdog Dead-of-Winter Portrait Giveaway contest earlier this year. Who could forget a face like that?

Well, Miss W didn't win the portrait contest, but that didn't stop me from capturing her adorable mug on canvas a few months later. To keep the focus on Miss Weezer's face, I removed her bandana, but made sure to emphasize her soulful expression and those distinctive bulldog teeth! I also enlivened the entire portrait with bright bands of color.

Bulldogs are lots of fun to paint. One of the first Rainbowdogs I ever painted was a bully named Gracie, and I liked her portrait so well that I used it on my business card for quite some time. Gracie's portrait is also part of a book of bulldog art created by Art 4 Causes entitled Full of Bull. Purchases of the book go to bulldog charity.

If you have a bulldog you'd like to see immortalized on canvas, send me an email. I'd love to get working on those wrinkles!

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life's more fun when it's colorful.

Feel the Joy: A Rough Collie "in the Pink"

2011-05-18T09:40:00.000-04:00

This Rough Collie's expression just radiates happiness, don't you think? I tried to capture that spirit of joy in this 24 x 30 inch portrait, and keep the mood warm and vibrant with a striking pink background.

In a little bit of a change for me, I also added some strong black line to this portrait. Collies are naturally somewhat "frosted" with sable and black fur, and I wanted to exaggerate that feature while making my subject Maggie pop from her strong background color. I am really pleased with the result. This painting makes me smile every time I look at it. (Is it wrong to be a little in love with my own painting? Maybe . . . )

Alert readers may notice that I am not exactly on pace to complete 50 paintings this year, since it's mid-May and this portrait is only number 11. Don't worry though, folks. I have been planning some new work on a smaller scale that -- I think -- is going to significantly up my output before summer is over.

Stay tuned!

And remember, it's always a good time to commission a portrait of your own Rainbowdog. Just send me an email and we can get started.

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits. Life's more fun when it's colorful!

Painting #10: Are You Talking to Me?

2011-04-29T10:40:00.000-04:00

I love the attitude and expression on the face of this cattle-dog mix. This Rainbowdog portrait is a 20 x 20 inch square on gallery wrapped canvas with the painting continued around the sides.

Today was such a nice day I thought I'd take the dog (painting) out for some fresh air and see if I could get a color-accurate photograph of my portrait. (What you see above has been photoshopped to get the color to look as close to real-life as possible.)

I have a deep respect for photographers. It is quite difficult to get accurate color reproduction, whether inside or using natural light. No matter how sophisticated our automatic cameras get, I still believe there is no substitute for a knowledgeable and skilled photographer behind the lens. See how my dog looks a bit washed out in this photo?

For those of you interested in my process, here's a peek at my palette near the end of work on this painting. Still not quite sure what I thought I was going to do with that cadmium red mixture there on the right. Certainly I did not use it much in this painting!

Would you like a Rainbowdog original of your pet? It's easy and fun to commission a portrait!

Just email me: janetburt@verizon.net, and we can design the portrait that's right for you.

You can get more information at my website: rainbowdog.net

Check out what's new on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life's more fun when its colorful!

Painting #9: Doxie Up Close & Personal

2011-04-15T11:04:00.000-04:00

I had a lot of fun with this portrait of a long-haired dachshund, a 12 x 12 inch painting destined for a child's bedroom.

The bold outlines give the portrait a certain punch that I especially love, and the colors are just right for spring-time.

Would you like a Rainbowdog original of your pet? It's easy and fun to commission a portrait!

Just email me: janetburt@verizon.net, and We can design the portrait that's right for you.

You can get more information at my website: rainbowdog.net

Check out what's new on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life's more fun when its colorful!

Painting #8: Retirement Dreams

2011-04-13T10:12:00.000-04:00

I just love the expression on the face of this grizzled Border Collie named Remi. This is a 20 x 24 inch portrait on my usual gallery-wrapped canvas - no framing necessary.

According to his owner Debbie Schwagerman, my model Remi is "a 14-year-old man we rescued from a rural Oklahoma shelter just 3 1/2 weeks ago. We just adore this dog already and this picture just screams JOY." I couldn't agree more.

Although Remi might just be enjoying the spring breeze here, I imagined that he had a little more on mis mind. That's why I included a fantasy world of biscuits and bunnies and a toy running through his brain. Whatever Remi was really thinking about, I believe we could all learn a thing or two from dogs and their Zen approach to life.

If you would like to commission your own Rainbowdog original,
just send me an email: janetburt@verizon.net
For more information, visit my website: rainbowdog.net
Interact with Rainbowdog on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life's more fun when it's colorful.

Painting #7: A Day at the Beach

2011-04-11T09:56:00.000-04:00

Here's one of my latest commissions, a 30 x 40 inch acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, of Rosey, a black lab who lived a wonderful life frolicking at the beach near her house in Massachusetts.

Most of the Rainbowdog portraits have a simple, one-or-two color background, but the beach played such an important part in Rosey's life that it seemed appropriate to include it in her memorial portrait.

I enjoy mixing things up and creating something a little different with each portrait. Our pets are such individuals that it makes sense to create portraits that are individual and special too. My clients know their pets best, so I love to incorporate their ideas.

Would you like to commemorate a special pet with a Rainbowdog portrait? It's easy!
Send me an email to get the process started: janetburt@verizon.net
For more information, visit my website: rainbowdog.net
You can also follow my progress on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life is colorful here.

Mug Shots: Canine Art Guild Show

2011-04-04T14:28:00.000-04:00

If you're a fan of dog art (and, I'm thinking that's likely if you're reading this), you should definitely visit the newest online exhibition showing at the Canine Art Guild, entitled "Mug Shots." The variety of styles and artistic visions on display will inspire you -- either to commission a portrait of your own dog, or maybe to get a puppy.

My submissions included these three acrylic paintings:

Dodger;

Rudy, a recent commission you may recognize, retitled for this exhibition as "Power Smile;"

and Devon, titled "Waiting for my Buddy."

Works by other artists in this show I particularly love are:

Tyra, My Perfect Valentine by Jane Oriel;

Aussie Pup by Harry Boardman;

Dog Peek, by Heather Mitchell;

and Cautious Observation by Cristina Penescu (yes, there is some photography, too)!

These is just a small sampling of the 60 works on display. Let me know which ones are your favorites!

Need more information or want to commission your own Rainbowdog?

Send me an email: janetburt@verizon.net

Visit my website: rainbowdog.net

Visit me on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits. Life is colorful here.

Portrait # 6: Power Smile

2011-03-21T09:14:00.001-04:00

Check out the power smile on this English Bull Terrier, a 20 x 20 inch acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas. I knew the minute I saw this photograph that it would make a charming portrait.

Generally I don't like to share pictures of my work in progress, because I can sometimes make major changes midstream and lose all respect for the direction I chose initially! However, occasionally things proceed in a relatively straight line (as in this case), so I've included a few photos to illustrate how this portrait developed.

First is the photo I started with from my client. The shadows across the mouth are a bit strong, but otherwise it's clear, in focus, and chock-full of personality! A successful portrait always comes more quickly and easily when I'm able to begin with high-quality photographs.

My first step was to paint a burnt sienna undercoat over the entire canvas, which helps bring warmth to a portrait, and then roughed in my shapes with watered-down paint. Generally I sketch my subjects in a bit more detail, but I knew where I was going with this painting so was able to dive right in.

Next I started to add lights and darks and build up layers of color in the background.

Between this stage and the completed portrait, I also opted to change the position of the leg in the lower right hand corner, straightening it out in a more conventional pose.

I've submitted this portrait,"Power Smile," along with two others, to the "Mug Shots" exhibition, an online art show hosted by the Canine Art Guild, which will go live around April 1. I'll keep you posted on where to go to view all the entries and how to vote for your favorites.

Need more information or want to commission your own Rainbowdog?

Send me an email: janetburt@verizon.net

Visit my website: rainbowdog.net

Visit me on facebook: facebook.com/rainbowdogpetportraits

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Life is Colorful Here.

Greetings from Rainbowdog

2011-02-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

I just designed a new business greeting card featuring some of my portraits, inspired by the lure of a freebie through Shutterfly. Thought I'd try out the free sample cards and decide whether to order more. On the inside it reads, "Life is colorful here."

I can't say that it looks as good in this format, with the Shutterfly advertising, as it did when I designed it, but they offered me a $25 coupon toward future orders if I shared it "their way." What's a girl to do? Anyhow, I'm very excited to see how the finished cards look. What do you think?

Classic Black 5x7 folded card

Create personalized greeting cards and invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Results are In: Barney the Beagle Wins Dead-of-Winter Portrait Giveaway Contest

2011-02-24T14:57:00.000-05:00

Rainbowdog fans cast their votes in my portrait giveaway contest, and the overwhelming favorite was this picture of a beagle named Barney. With that soulful expression, is it any wonder he was chosen ?

To make a portrait of this little guy, I cropped the picture to present more of a closeup, then added a bright and simple background. I didn't get too crazy with my colors on this portrait, because Barney's mom is more of a traditionalist, and asked that I keep impressionist colors to a minimum.

This particular portrait was painted in acrylic on recycled board, and will go off the the lucky winner in a repurposed frame that I repainted in gold to pick up the golden highlights in Barney's fur.

If you would like to commission your own Rainbowdog, please email me at janetburt@verizon.net. You can learn more at the Rainbowdog website, and keep updated on future contests at the Rainbowdog Pet Portraits facebook page.

Rainbowdog. Painting 50 portraits in 2011

Stella! Valentine Dog is Portrait #5 in 2011

2011-02-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

I had to hold off posting about this painting of my dog Stella to keep it a surprise until after Valentine's Day. My husband had been wanting a portrait of Stella, who has been a member of our household for a little over a year now, but she had somehow escaped being committed to canvas -- until now.

This painting is 24 x 30 inch acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas. I frequently leave collars and dog tags out of paintings, but since Stella really does have a dog tag shaped like a red heart I included it as an extra Valentine touch.

If you would like to commission your own Rainbowdog, please email me, at janetburt@verizon.net. Visit my website for more information about sizes and prices and my process. You can also keep up-to-date on projects and special deals on the Rainbowdog Pet Portraits facebook page.

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Painting 50 portraits in 2011.

50 in 2011: Bella the Bichon-Poodle Mix is Portrait #4

2011-01-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

Just in time to melt some hearts, if not the excessive amounts of snow we've all been enduring, here is my portrait of Bella, a Bichon-Poodle mix.

It's always fun to paint fluffy dogs, so I had a good time painting this 16 x 20 inch acrylic portrait. Bella's mom intends to frame this picture, so I painted it on a traditional, 3/4 inch deep canvas. Clients can always choose between the traditional, "frameable" depth canvas and the gallery-wrap I most frequently use, which can be hung as-is, no frame needed.

Here's one of the pictures of Bella I used for reference. It's not the one I worked directly from, but I love the "over the shoulder" pose.

For color inspiration on this portrait, I even had a swatch of wallpaper where the portrait will hang!

My client was worried that giving me colors she wanted and wallpaper samples would limit me, but I welcomed the input. After all, I'm working to make a keepsake my clients will love that also fits with their decor.

If you'd like to commission your own Rainbowdog portrait, please email me at janetburt@verizon.net. You can learn more about sizes, prices and my process, on my website, rainbowdog.net.

Rainbowdog Pet Portraits: Painting 50 Portraits in 2011.

Announcing the Rainbowdog Dead-of-Winter Portrait Giveaway!

2011-01-24T10:16:00.000-05:00

Bring a little warmth to winter by entering the Rainbowdog Dead-of-Winter Portrait Giveaway Contest. If you submit the winning photo, you will win a custom 9 x 12 inch portrait of your pet!

Here are the details. To enter, email a photo of your pet to me, at janetburt@verizon.net. Because of the size of this portrait, please include only one pet per photo, and please send only one entry per pet. By all means, enter multiple photos if you have multiple pets!

Once I receive entries from 30 people (I'll keep entries open at least until the end of this week), I will post the photos in an album on the Rainbowdog facebook page. Get your friends and acquaintances to vote for your entry by clicking "like." Voting will be open another week, or longer if needed, until someone has at least 20 unique votes. And yes, you can vote for your own photo, but only one time. Winner will get a custom 9 x 12 Rainbowdog acrylic portrait from the winning photo!

I have two objectives with this contest/giveaway. I'd like to introduce more people to my art, obviously. But I'm also introducing a new greener Rainbowdog offering. The winning portrait will be painted on recycled board (which just means I've acquired large pieces of thin board that will make good painting supports), rather than on canvas. I've chosen the 9 x 12 size because I also have an upcycled frame in that size, and will include the frame with the portrait if the winner wants it.

Eventually I hope to move the majority of my paintings over to upcycled/recycled wood supports, presented in refurbished frames. They look fabulous AND help cut down on the amount of "stuff" in our landfills.

So get your cameras out (you might first want to watch my video on how to take better dog pictures, posted on the Rainbowdog facebook page), tell your friends to do the same, and send me your pictures. I can't wait to see them!

50 in 2011: Yellow Lab "Snickers the Wonder Dog" is Portrait #3

2011-01-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

I have a soft spot for yellow Labs. My husband and I both grew up with a yellow Lab as the family dog, and our first dog together was the uncreatively-named-yet-wonderfully-special yellow Lab Daisy. So I was particularly pleased to paint Snickers, known in her family by her full title, Snickers the Wonder Dog.

This portrait is a 24 x 30 inch acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas. At this dramatic size, Snickers appears on canvas pretty close to life-size - perhaps even a bit larger. To help you compare, here's a picture of Snickers (the dog) posing with Snickers (the portrait). She seems fairly humble and unaffected by all the attention.

This portrait was a surprise birthday present for Snickers's human "Mom." The rest of the family hung the portrait in the living room while Mom was out and waited for her to discover it. Now that's creative gift-giving!

If you'd like to commission your own portrait, email Janet Burt at janetburt@verizon.net, or visit Rainbowdog on the web for more details. You can also check out special deals and get inside information on upcoming projects on the Rainbowdog Pet Portraits facebook page.

I'm just beginning my series of 50 portraits in 2011 (the year I turn 50 myself - gasp). Join me in my quest to turn a mid-life crisis into beautiful art and commission your own portrait today.

Rainbowdog - Painting 50 Portraits in 2011.

50 in 2011: Dodger the Corgi Sparkles on Canvas as Portrait #2 by Janet Burt

2011-01-15T14:56:00.001-05:00

I knew when I saw the photo of this adorable Corgi that I could turn it into a fantastic portrait.

Dodger the portrait is a 12 x 16 inch acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas. Dodger the dog is a 13-year-old Corgi who has already risen to fame as the Corgi of the Day on thedailycorgi.com. You can read all about him and see more pictures by clicking here.

Dodger's "mom," singer Susan Stevens Mooring, has even written a song in tribute to her fur baby entitled Blues for Dodger. No recording is available to share with you at the moment, but if Susan ever makes one I'll be sure to update this post. Not many (if ANY) dogs have their own blues song, after all. Here's a small sampling of the lyrics (copyright Susan Stevens Mooring):

He may be red and white, but he’s got a right to sing the blues
I say he may be a red and white dog, but he’s got a right to sing the blues
Let him tell you his story, hear this little Corgi’s views

Can't wait to hear that set to music.

If you'd like a portrait of your own unique dog (or cat), email Janet at janetburt@verizon.net. You can visit Rainbowdog on the web, or on facebook, too.

Butter the Basset Hound Mix

2011-01-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

Here's the final version Butter, my first portrait of 2011, and Number 1 in my projected series of fifty portraits for the year.

Completing this particular painting was fraught with obstacles. Before I began painting, my not-that-ancient Mac computer died (didn't know Macs ever died, did you?), and since I only back up my files weekly, some data, including the photos Butter's dad had sent me, were lost. Once those were replaced (THANK YOU), there were issues of deceptive lighting in the photos to deal with. I struggled to get his wrinkles painted in accurately. But finally, after several revisions, I was able to complete Butter to my client's satisfaction, and I'm rolling on to portrait #2: Dodger.

Isn't that the cutest smile? Dodger has actually enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame already, having been featured on The Daily Corgi blog here. I'll be posting his finished portrait by the end of the week. Stay tuned.

Pushing 50

2011-01-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

Among my goals for the new year is to paint at least 50 portraits. That may seem a modest goal in comparison to those daily painters who manage to churn out hundreds of paintings each year, but I'm realistic about my speed. I was never the fastest sprinter in sports, and I'm not the fastest painter out there, either. However, 50 paintings sounds like a good challenge. That's about one per week with a couple weeks off for good behavior.

And here's my first candidate for 2011, Butter, the Basset Hound mix. I just love his turned-in knees (or, that place that approximates knees on a dog's legs.)

Ill be posting the finished portrait later this week. Please tune in to see the body of work I produce this year. I only just realized as I started to write this that I will also turn 50 this year, which makes the project of 50 even more fitting.

Please consider adding your dog to my project list for this year.

Cutest Christmas Commission

2010-12-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to share a recent commission of Atka, one of my cutest subjects ever! (He does have the advantage of being a puppy, and I've never seen a not-cute puppy, but still, that is one sweet face.)

Here's the photo I worked from, for comparison's sake -- you can see what a big difference cropping and enlarging the subject make.

I definitely loved working on this portrait. It is a surprise Christmas gift - I can't wait to find out how it's received!

Another Top Five List: Christmas Dogs

2010-12-06T10:31:00.001-05:00

I just unpacked a slew of boxes from the attic full of holiday decorations and paraphernalia, including a box labeled "books." Over the years my family has acquired quite a collection of Christmas-themed books, even though everyone here is technically beyond the appropriate age for them (except me, I love looking at the illustrations and always will). After some relaxing couch time perusing this library, I noticed that there were a LOT of dogs featured in these tales. So, herewith my second top five Dogs Illustrated in Kids Books list, this time featuring Christmas story illustrations:

5. Carl's Christmas by Alexandra Day. Realistically rendered Rottweiler meets Santa!

4. The Night Before Christmas, illustrated by Cheryl Harness. Basset Hound in Victorian-style house meets . . . Santa.

3. The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy, illustrated by Gertrude Elliott Epenscheid (her real name!). Sweet Collie-esque puppy gets an entire orphanage of boys to live with on Christmas Eve (Santa not featured).

2. Auntie Claus illustrated by Elise Primavera. Mirror-image mutts have jobs with Santa.

1. Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs. Santa is an animal lover.

I knew it!

Keep peaceful during this holiday season, everyone.

Rainbowdog in the News! (Kind-of)

2010-11-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I sent a dogs-and-art news tip to Moira McLaughlin, artist and author of the blog Dog Art Today. (My suggestion included information about a documentary called The Art of the Steal and the Barnes Foundation in Merion, PA.) Not only did Moira write a great article, but she was gracious enough to mention Rainbowdog and to link to my website. What lovely publicity! We're barking for joy here at Rainbowdog, frankly. You can read the entire article by clicking here.

Here's the movie trailer to whet your appetites, but be sure to visit Dog Art Today to see the whole story!

Thanks, Moira!

Art Helping Animals

2010-11-03T09:22:00.001-04:00

I've been recently invited to join the group Art Helping Animals, a fellowship of artists dedicated to helping animals in need. How does it work? Artists post work for sale on the website (actually a blog) and designate what percentage of the total purchase price will go to a specific animal rescue charity. This allows people to purchase beautiful art and help unfortunate animals with one fell swoop. How great is that?

Art Helping Animals was founded in 2006, and has raised more than $76,000 to benefit animals to date. That's quite an impressive track record, and I'm very flattered and excited to be part of the group.

I've got two artworks posted for sale right now. The first, "Three Dog Night," is a fabric 'painting,' created entirely from recycled fabric and felted sweaters, hand-sewn and embroidered.

This artwork measures 14 x 18 inches and comes framed, under glass. The frame is also up-cycled, a wooden frame I painted in cream to complement the colors in the picture. Three Dog Night is listed for $185 including shipping, with 15 percent of the purchase price going to Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals.

The second work I've listed is "Basset Hound Blues."

This mixed-media work measures 8 x 10 inches. The hound is painted in acrylic, with a watercolor wash background on watercolor paper. Basset Hound Blues is listed for $75, with 15 percent of the purchase price going to Old Dog Haven.

Come check out my art and the work of the other hard-working, animal-loving artists at Art Helping Animals. Maybe you'll find the perfect holiday gift for someone special - your purchase would be a gift to animals in need as well.

Email me if you'd like to buy! The money still goes to the charity whether you purchase directly from the blog or through Art Helping Animals.

Thanks, everyone.

Hooray for Hollywood

2010-10-18T11:08:00.001-04:00

Here is my most recent commission, a portrait of Hollywood. He's not actually a Labradoodle as I had thought when I first glanced at his photos, but a Cockapoo, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Handsome boy, no? This is actually the second portrait I've done of Hollywood. The first can be seen in my Rainbowdog gallery, where he's posing in front of the Hollywood sign.

There is still time to commission your own personal pet portrait for the holidays! These portraits make wonderful gifts, and the special introductory (and so affordable!) price of $125 for a 12 x 12 inch portrait is available until October 31. Let me color your holidays for you. Email me at janetburt@verizon.net to get the process started. Thanks!

Painting a Memory

2010-10-05T13:22:00.000-04:00

One of my latest commissions is of this beauty named Zoe. Sadly, Zoe passed away recently, and her owner Diana wanted a portrait of her beloved companion -- half Chesapeake Bay Retriever, half chocolate Lab -- as a keepsake. I frequently paint memorial portraits, and customers always tell me how much they enjoy having a custom artwork to commemorate a special relationship with a pet.

Here's what Diana wrote me when she saw the portrait:

"Janet, I love it! The use of color around her eyes is truly amazing. You captured her gaze perfectly and the pink in the background and the way you incorporated it into her coat totally suits her. If I didn't know otherwise, I would think that you had met her...........I couldn't be happier with the portrait!

I am so glad that I found your Rainbowdog website. You are incrediblytalented and thanks to you I will be able to "see" Zoe everyday when I look at her portrait."

Now that's the kind of endorsement that makes it all worthwhile! Thank YOU Diana.

Diana purchased a 12 x 12 inch portrait of Zoe, which not only suited her available wall space, but also saved her quite a bit, since the 12 x 12 inch is still at the introductory price of $125. Commission one before October 31 to receive the same introductory pricing!.

Hey Kids, Look What I Found in the Garbage!

2010-09-24T10:14:00.004-04:00

I've always loved making great finds in the things other people put out in the trash. My husband and I practically furnished our first apartment with the discards of other lives. The attraction isn't just that one finds cool things --

Me: OMG look at this typewriter I found today! It actually works! If Pottery Barn could replicate these, tasteful living rooms across America would be graced with imitation-authentic Antique Accents -- but I have the real deal!
Teenaged Children: Mother, you are pathetic.

As you can see, my enthusiasm for 'garbage' is high. (The fact that this enthusiasm embarrasses my children is just gravy.)

I also keep an eye on other people's discards because I feel bad about how much we all acquire and throw away in this country. I've been trying to find a way to connect my feelings about over-consumption and under-recycling to my pet painting business for a while, and think I've come up with a way.

What do you see when you look at this cabinet (also rescued from the street this morning)?

If you said, "ugly, old, blue cabinet," you would be only partially correct. I also see many square inches of 1/2 inch solid wood, waiting to be cut up with a circular saw and used as the support for quite a few paintings. Yes, it will take more work to cut this baby up and sand and prep each piece than it would to buy some canvases from my local art-supply store. But that extra work will not only keep this cabinet out of the landfill, it will also reduce my consumption (I'll buy fewer new canvases) AND recycle an old, beat-up piece of furniture into something new and beautiful.

I'll keep you posted on my progress in realizing this goal: ultimately, I'd like to have all the Rainbowdog Pet Portraits painted on recycled surfaces. What do you think about that?

How'd They Get Those Dogs to Do That?

2010-09-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

Anyone who loves dogs should check out this video from OK Go, if you haven't already. It's an amazing mix of performance art and doggie cuteness.

This is the official video of the song White Knuckles.

Thank God Almighty, I'm Free at Last!

2010-09-21T10:47:00.001-04:00

Would it be too politically incorrect to rant about my mother-in-law in this space? I don't want to seem mean-spirited, but we just got finished with a long weekend visit with the MIL, and frankly, I think the things that come out of her mouth are far more extreme than the ones you can read on "S%#* My Dad Says." (Except not profane, just inane.)

Let's have a sampling, shall we?

The Scene: MIL has recently arrived from a visit with Other Son's family.

MIL: I have this wonderful picture of me with [Other Son's children], and it's so fabulous, and everyone says, "Oh, that should be on your Christmas card!" Then I also have a picture of me with [our college age daughter], and then I need one more with these last two grandchildren [our two that live at home].
Me: It might be hard to fit three photographs on one card. How will you do it?
MIL: You're right. Maybe I'll just use the first one and leave out your kids.

The Scene: MIL and me at the computer, me having just uploaded all the pictures from her new (and first) digital camera to my computer

Me: See, that's how you can put the pictures on your computer when you get home, and you can look at them or email them to your friends!
MIL: I don't know how to send a picture in an email.
Me: It's easy! See this little icon that looks like a paperclip? Well--
MIL: I'm lost.

LATER

ML: If I click something on Google (she's heard of Google!!) and then I don't want to see that website anymore, how do I see the things in Google again? Do I have to delete the website?
Me: No, just click the back button.
MIL: What's a back button?
Me: See these little triangles up here on the --
MIL: I'm lost.

LATER

Me: You know, there are lots of classes for older folks to help them get comfortable with technology, where you can learn to manage your digital photos, and --
MIL: I don't need a class! I'm great with computers! I know all about cut and paste and everything!
Me: . . .

The Scene: Dinner, Second Night

MIL: I'm leaving my diamond engagement ring to Granddaughter, so I'm putting it in a box with her name on it. [Wags finger.] If someone gets there first and takes it, be sure to look for it.
Me: Who would get there first?
MIL: You never know what might happen.
Me: Well, if you really want to be safe, I think you can leave specific instructions about who gets what things in your will.
MIL: Just get there first.

On reflection, I think this probably IS mean-spirited, but happily, I'm confident the MIL won't navigate her way here to see what I've written (see "I'm lost," above).

New Size, New (Bargain) Introductory Price!

2010-09-16T10:09:00.001-04:00

Introducing a new, smaller size of Rainbowdog, just perfect for that family room nook, kitchen wall or unused corner of your house, or the house of a special hard-to-shop-for someone. Clocking in at a manageable 12 by 12 inches, these new "mini" Rainbowdogs are available for a limited time for only $125. What a steal!

The picture below should help you get some perspective on the various sizes of the Rainbowdogs.

In this shot are Chu Chu the Yorkie on the new 12 x 12 inch size, Tinkers the cat on what used to be the smallest size, a 16 x 16 inch canvas, and two of my favorite dogs, Roxy and Sylvie, pictured larger-than- life on a 24 x 36. Sylvie herself is also in the picture along with my daughter Bridget, on the theory that everything looks better if pictured with a 17-year-old beauty.

Order by October 15 to secure the new, introductory pricing. Due to its smaller size, the 12 by 12 incher can only accommodate one pet. But at this price, you can order several and hang them together for a fabulous display.

After October 15 the price will rise to $195, so order now, and please tell your friends. This offer isn't limited, so individuals may order multiple portraits.

Here's one more shot, which I just wanted to include because Sylvie the real dog and Sylvie the portrait are so in synch it makes me laugh.

Thanks for stopping by, and remember to visit Rainbowdog Pet Portraits on facebook for more updates, contests and photos.

Golden Years

2010-08-24T16:28:00.004-04:00

"Golden Years," 9" x 9" inches acrylic and watercolor on watercolor paper. You can add this portrait to your collection for $99. Just send me an email if you're interested.

The face in this portrait is Faith, a rescued Mastiff who endured a challenging past but is now, fortunately, spending her golden years in comfort.

Kept as a breeding dog in a puppy mill for years, Faith has given birth to untold litters of puppies. Her life must have been extremely challenging, since her living conditions were anything but cozy. She was kept chained to the side of a building, and still has places on her haunches where her fur is rubbed off and replaced with callouses because she had nowhere soft to lie down.

Fortunately for Faith, along came Kristin, who recognized her "canine soul mate" in Faith, and adopted her once the puppy mill where Faith had spent her life was shut down. Faith has been sharing her forever home with Kristin for more than a year now, enjoying slow, sedate walks, lots of cuddling and a soft bed. Some people might reasonably expect that Faith would be distrustful of people after all she's been through, but she has such a sweet disposition that she is even helping Kristin rehabilitate a new, younger rescue dog that Kristen recently adopted.

Here's the picture of Faith I worked from, so you can see her "battle scars" clearly.

Happy retirement, Faith!

Off to the Woods

2010-08-04T09:16:00.001-04:00

My family and I are hauling off to the woods for a couple of weeks of rest and relaxation (including plenty of drawing and painting for Mom). I hope to have lots of new artwork to post on my return.
Happy August!

Happy Birthday, Mom

2010-07-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

Here is a recently completed portrait I did of an adorable Yorkshire Terrier named Jill. A young college-age woman commissioned the picture, together with her dad, as a surprise birthday present for her mother.

Rainbowdog portraits make great gifts. Is there someone special in your life who would love of keepsake portrait of their special pet?

Wild Beasts?

2010-07-23T10:58:00.000-04:00

The Fauves, or Wild Beasts, loved to used color to express emotion, and weren't concerned with making colors realistic. For a while, one of my artistic idols, Henri Matisse, was experimenting with this form of painting. This portrait of his wife, "Woman with the Hat," painted around 1905, is a good example. I think we all understand that Madame Matisse's face wasn't actually green.

So, given that bit of art history, is it wrong that Rainbowdog uses, shall we say, unrealistic colors when painting my portraits? I hope you don't think so. (And no, I and NOT comparing myself with Matisse!) Look at this portrait of a pug named Chloe.

No, she isn't actually blue and purple in real life, but I love the way she looks. Maybe your dog would look great in purple?

Stupid Pet Tricks, Here We Come!

2010-07-15T16:05:00.001-04:00

Taking a break from painting today, getting a little R & R with my dogs Sylvie and Stella. It's a close tetherball match, but I think Sylvie (the brown one) finished ahead.

Bulldog Calendar

2010-07-13T10:58:00.000-04:00

Are you a student, past or present, of Georgetown University? Mississippi State University? Tredyffrin Easttown Middle School? These schools and a host of others boast a bulldog as the school mascot. Tapping into the bulldog love in the USA, the people at Art 4 Causes are drumming up support for an all-bulldog calendar, with the proceeds going to bulldog rescue. Here's Rainbowdog's proposed calendar girl, Gracie. She would make a nice Ms. March, I think.

On-Line Art Gallery Now Open

2010-07-06T14:55:00.000-04:00

Remember when I told you about the upcoming Canine Art Guild show featuring cats? Well, the show is now up and running, with more than 80 artworks depicting cats of all varieties, from house-cats to lions. Here is a picture of the inspiration for my entry, Tinkers the cat, as well as another view of the portrait I made of him.

There are many beautiful artworks in the show. Visit today and vote for your favorite. Some of the entries I particularly enjoy include:

Shelter Sweety #2 by Molly Poole

Moonstruck by Fran Dellaporta

and The World Upside Down by Terry Chacon

There are MANY beautiful versions of cats in this show, so I urge you to check them out at the CAG today!

Pupcakes!

2010-07-04T12:43:00.000-04:00

Happy July 4! At my house, we're celebrating with dog-themed cupcakes.

These mouthwatering 'pup-cakes' were created by my teenaged daughter, our house's resident baker. She used the book "Hello, Cupcake!" by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson for inspiration, but jumped off to create her own doggy designs. Word to the wise, although the subtitle of the book says the designs are simple ones that "anyone" can make, that "anyone" must be patient, careful and have good hand-eye coordination to execute breed-specific cupcakes. (Recognize the chocolate lab, schnauzer and pug in the picture?)

I think I'll keep my job as taster, rather than trying to get promoted to sous-chef.

Summer Fun

2010-07-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

The colors in this portrait of Pavel, a fun-loving, ball-playing Vizsla, are so summery and light that I thought I'd share it on the blog today.

As famed dog artist Steven Huneck illustrated, and as Pavel knows, life is a ball. After all, aren't dog days -- whether dog days of summer or any other season -- all good days?

Dogs & Wine: Connected at the Label

2010-06-30T17:02:00.000-04:00

After entering the recent contest to have my dog art chosen as the label for Mutt Lynch Winery, I started wondering whether other wineries around the country, and around the world, have the same fixation with dogs that the folks at Mutt Lynch do. Has that love of all things canine also compelled other wineries to put pictures of dogs - photos or other art - on the labels of their wines? Is the art any good?

A very brief and not-at-all comprehensive search of the internet turned up some interesting artwork on the bottles. Readers should note that I usually use the label as my primary criterion for purchasing a bottle of vino, and am not endorsing the taste of any of the following wines. They sure are nice to look at, though.

The sampling of faces below are part of the Vicktory Dog Wine Collection. Featured on the labels are individual portraits of all 22 dogs rescued from Michael Vick's dog-fighting operation.

Do you know of any other good dog wine labels out there? Please let me know.

Watercolor & Ink Practice

2010-06-18T14:48:00.000-04:00

Here's another watercolor and pen practice portrait. I plan on making a series of these this summer, with the idea I may add this type of portrait to the Rainbowdog line.

Below my drawing is the original photo of Ellie I worked from. Isn't she a beautiful girl?

Here, Kitty Kitty

2010-06-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

This painting is my entry in the Canine Art Guild online art show "Here, Kitty Kitty." I knew there was a reason I was practicing cats.

Tinkers, my poster child, is another denizen of Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals. This portrait of Tinkers, a 16 x 16 inch acrylic, will be for sale through the CAG show, with 100 percent of the profits going to Francisvale.

"Here, Kitty Kitty" will go live at the CAG website on July 1. It should be interesting to see what this group of dog loving artists comes up with when playing with the theme of cats. Also of note, prizes - CASH prizes - will be awarded to the top three finishers, as determined by popular vote. I'll give the alert when it's time to cast your vote for Rainbowdog.

Thanks, as always, for your support!

Is that . . . a CAT?

2010-06-10T13:45:00.000-04:00

Gasp! It's a cat! Summer is here, the kids are finishing school and trying new pursuits, and I thought it might be fun to try something new as well. Hence, the change from my usual canine subject matter, as well as the new medium. watercolor and pen.

This portrait is of a beautiful cat named Betty, currently residing at the Francisvale Home for Smaller Animals in Radnor, PA. According to the folks at Francisvale, Betty is seven years old, and although she's been passed from home to home over the years, is still a gentle soul who loves to be picked up and snuggled.

Francisvale is having a Cat Open House this Saturday, June 12, from noon to 3 p.m. Adoption fees will be waived on this special day in favor of a donation! If you have been thinking of adding a cat to the family, please consider adopting Betty or one of the other lovely cats at Francisvale.

The Canine Art Guild

2010-06-02T12:28:00.000-04:00

Imagine my surprise, having worked as a dog portrait painter for several years now, to discover that there is an actual Canine Art Guild. Where have I been all this time? The Guild has been around for five years, establishing a community for dog artists of all levels, exhibiting their work and providing a place to find support and advice. It's a great place to see and buy dog art on the web as well!

Their most recent show, entitled 'Dog Gonn-it Art Exhibit "The CAG is five years old!"' featured artists from around the country and the world. Some of my personal favorites included:

"Snuggly" by Judy Johnson

"Macy" by Harry Boardman

"He's Looking at You, Kid" by Susan Garrigues

"Curious" by Mary Singer

"Trio (Halle)" by Judi Evans

I'm inspired by so much dog art in one place. It makes we want to get to my studio and create. Look for a Rainbowdog painting in their next show!

I'm a Good Sport, But It's Painful

2010-05-28T09:31:00.000-04:00

It was a short ride at the top, and frankly, we're feeling a bit droopy.

(Notice the similarity between this photo and my signature Rainbowdog painting? It's my dear, departed dog Roxy, who was a professional at giving disdainful glances when feeling out of sorts.)

However, good sportsmanship compels me to report that Kimberly Kelly Santini, creator of the quilt-like picture "Rusty" has won the Mutt Lynch Winery - Dog Art Today Wine Label Contest for 2010. Kelly is an established artist with an interesting project of painting "a dog a day" with the proceeds benefitting animal welfare.

Congratulations Kelly, and THANKS again to all who voted for Rainbowdog.

Rainbowdog Makes the Top Ten!

2010-05-27T09:12:00.000-04:00

My entry in the Mutt Lynch Winery - Dog Art Today 2010 wine label contest has made the top ten! Click here to see all ten of the entries that received the most votes. The judges will take it from here, and according to Dog Art Today, the winner will be announced some time today. I'll keep you posted.

We're all so excited here that we could really use a biscuit. MANY thanks to any and all who voted!

My Top Five . . . Picture Books Featuring Dogs

2010-05-25T12:14:00.000-04:00

This elite group of picture books was chosen on the strength of the story and the illustrations together. There are plenty of books with great illustrations and a so-so story, or a fantastic story with illustrations that are on the boring side, but I was looking for the total package.

In reverse order, my top 5 picks:

5. Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School, written and illustrated by Mark Teague.

Ike LaRue has been shipped off to a deluxe boarding school for dogs to learn better manners (such as not eating the chicken pot pie off the table). The story is told in snarky letters from Ike to his owner, Mrs. LaRue, in which he paints a dire picture of his life that doesn't quite match up with what we see in the illustrations.

As you can see in the example below, Ike is actually dining in a hilariously upscale restaurant with waiter service and "floor-dropped table scraps" on the menu, while his imaginary experience includes a domineering prison guard pointing out that howling, biting, scratching, growling, slobbering, barking and especially second helpings are NOT ALLOWED.

4. Officer Buckle and Gloria, written and illustrated by Peggy Rathman.

Officer Buckle gives school children the most boring safety presentations in the world, until the day he brings the new police dog Gloria with him. Turns out that Gloria is an accomplished actress and enlivens the programs quite a bit. Just not when Officer Buckle can see her.

Gloria isn't the cutest fictional dog in the world, but the illustrations are bold and bright and the safety tips on the endpapers are a must read (e.g., "don't play in the microwave").

3. Martha Blah Blah, written and illustrated by Susan Meddaugh.

Martha the dog is a great communicator (aren't all dogs?), but when she eats the right kind of alphabet soup - Granny's - the letters go up to her brain and she can speak words. This turns out to be incredibly useful for ordering meat from the butcher or making special requests for dinner. Unfortunately, a new Granny takes over the soup company and cuts out half the alphabet letters to increase profits. Martha suddenly loses her way with words, and goes on a mission to restore "every letter in every can."

Martha's personality leaps of the page, and is enhanced by clever illustrations that reward repeat views (Alf the "A" maker has arrows, anchors and alligators on his curtains.) Also in this series: Martha Speaks, Martha Calling, and Martha and Skits.

2. Go, Dog. Go! written and illustrated by P.D. Eastman.

This classic needs no introduction. Some might quibble with this selection because Go, Dog. Go! doesn't have a "story" per se. But who hasn't been gripped by the question of whether the big dog will ever like that poodle's hat? And where are all those dogs driving to? Why are they all going to that big tree over there?

A dog party for the climax of a book? It doesn't get any better than that.

1. Moe the Dog in Tropical Paradise, written by Diane Staley, illustrated by Elise Primavera.

A week's vacation in snowy January and no money for a trip to the beach could be a bummer, but not for Moe the Dog and his friend Arlene. When a tropical escape proves financially impossible, Moe uses his canine ingenuity to bring the beach to his house.

Primavera's illustrations are full of hidden "extras" - Moe and Arlene work at Frozen Cow Ice Cream, Moe's attic is full of dusty dog paraphernalia like a Lassie lunch box and copies of Benjie and Old Yeller. Hands down my favorite dog picture book.

Did I omit your favorite? Leave a comment!

Vote for Rainbowdog

2010-05-21T09:29:00.000-04:00

Voting is now open on the Mutt Lynch Winery - Dog Art Today label contest (see my post of May 7 for more info). Rainbowdog has entered "Multi-breed Mashup," number 40 on the list of dog artworks submitted. I thought a mutt was especially fitting, since the wine Mutt Lynch will release with the special dog art label will be a blend of several types of grapes.

Click here to cast your vote for Rainbowdog - again, number 40! You might also want to view the complete gallery of all 77 entries. There is some really fabulous art and many wonderful interpretations of dog life.

Your vote can't actually get me on the label, but it CAN help me finish in the top ten. Those ten will then be judged by a panel of experts, including Brenda Lynch, winemaker and co-owner of Mutt Lynch, Moira McLaughlin, founder of Dog Art Today, and Rae Huestis, a professional wine label designer. The winner's dog art will grace the label of the 2010 Mutt Lynch special reserve wine.

I should also mention that, among other prizes, the winner will receive a case of the wine. How cool is that? So please, take a second to vote for Multi-breed Mashup by Janet Burt (yours truly). Voting ends May 25, PST. Your support is appreciated!

Rainbowdog on Facebook

2010-05-13T14:09:00.000-04:00

Introducing Rainbowdog's official Facebook page. Click this link to visit the page and become a fan (i.e., click the "like" button). You will receive convenient updates on my latest projects while connecting with your friends on Facebook. Easy! I hope that the Rainbowdog Facebook page will also provide a place where dog art lovers can connect, share opinions and dog advice. Join today and tell your friends!

Camo Dog

2010-05-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

Can you spot my dog Stella, blending in to the best of her ability with the kitchen floor? Well, maybe she's not that hard to pick out, but this does show that even mutts with distinctive markings can use camouflage in certain situations . . .

Wine Label Dog Art Contest

2010-05-07T09:52:00.000-04:00

I'm excited about the second annual Mutt Lynch Winery dog art label contest, going on right now. The winery is partnering with the blog Dog Art Today to search for an original work of dog art to grace the label of a special limited edition wine (only 500 bottles). Last year's winner was Kellie Oliphant-Burns, owner of Doodle Dog Paintings, with her painting entitled "Leeroy Out Loud!"

In late May you will be able to check out this year's entries at Dog Art Today and vote for your favorite (me!?!?). The top ten artworks selected through public voting will be judged by a panel of experts. I'll keep you posted about when that's happening, along with a sneak preview of my entry.