Wendy The American Bulldog

"Wendy" ( See all Proofs)

This pretty American Bulldog was named after Wendy from Peter Pan. I enjoyed playing with this lovely sweet girl today. I don't know why, but for some reason I wanted to use some purple on her portrait.

Kara Dog Art

"Kara" ( See All Proofs)

Anyone that follows my blog has heard me whine on occasion about the low resolution grainy pics that clients send us sometimes. Every now and then we have the opposite problem ... too many fantastic photographs to choose from. Kara's Mom sent us over 20 different very very good photos to choose from. Sometimes this can be sort of a scary trap because several times when this has happened I have spent hours pouring through photos, carefully analyzing in order to determine which would work best. Then I created the artwork only to discover later that the client really had a favorite photo among the ones sent that she really wanted us to use. These days I try hard to avoid that trap by really communicating well before I start why I chose the photo I did and I also give the client an opportunity to trump my decision if they have a favorite in mind. Kara's Mom was actually a breeze to work with and her favorite proof was the top sample.

About The Art:
I rotated Kara slightly in the frame to give her a playful expression. The client requested that I change the bandanna color as pink was a favorite for Kara. The proofs above have colorful highlighting around Kara, and I also proofed her with a more subdued coat option. I loved her eyes in this portrait and their intensity is one reason I chose this photograph to work with. I also loved the fun negative space her ear creates to the left. When you think about composition the negative space is just as important as the space your subject occupies.

Mosaic Monday / Dog Houses

2 Really Cool dog houses from:
Anne Rea Designs at etsy

Mission Statements And Manifestos

The other day I was over at the accidental creative website and I was reading their manifesto. I really like what Todd has to say about generosity: "We are generous because we are free. We know that the goal is to act on the best idea, whether or not it’s our own. We build other people up, even when they don’t reciprocate." Check out the entire manifesto if you have time.

It really got me thinking about several things, generosity of course and also the entire concept of the "mission statement" or "manifesto". I have always wanted to craft a really good mission statement. Here I am eleven years into my business and I never tried to write one, and now they seem sort of 90's. A manifesto sounds like a cool idea, but so very serious, like I am ready to start an art revolution or something. I think all my qualms about approaching either writing project has more to do with fear than the concept. I am afraid my writing skills may not be good enough and afraid I may not be able to dig deep enough to come up with brilliant bullet points. Are there areas in your life where fear is keeping you from doing something for your business that you really should tackle?

Well next week I am going to sit down and try to do a little writing. I am not going to start with a mission statement however I do want to explore the subject of generosity a bit in relation to the web. We will see where it all goes.

Rebecca Collins Has a new Site

I have been working on a new portfolio site, "rebeccacollins.com". I still have a few kinks to work out in the menu and I need to add more animal art, but the mosaic gallery is looking good. My pet portrait site Art Paw is also due for a makeover, but that will have to wait awhile. I decided it was time to work on my personal site because I am going to be showing my mosaics this month and it has been a long time since I have given that domain any love. I really should try harder to keep it fresh and make sure it reflects what I am working on in my non-commercial art life.

The mosaic below is going to be in an upcoming show at the Dallas Bath House. The show is called "EXQUISITE CREATURES: The Mermaid and Octopus Show ". The opening reception is tomorrow night from 7-9. It is a group show and I am really looking forward to seeing all of the other sea creatures. It should be a fun night.

What My Pals are Up to

Every now and then I like to do a blog post about what my web buddies are up to.

Kathy Weller has been playing with video and you can check out her painting process videos on her youtube channel.

My pal Bob has created a video with a pooch in it for a competition where he might win a computer. You can check out his rather silly and fun video by clicking here. Be sure and leave a comment and vote for him.

Jamie over at Cowbelly has been writing actual content for her blog ... imagine that! So many of us artists rely on our images alone to fill our posts. Go check out her article on competition and today's post on starting a photography business.

Bernie from A Place To Bark is starting a vlog.

Tomorrow I will post one of my mosaics and a reminder about my upcoming show.

Sheep Dog Art And Cartoon

"Jack & Lady" ( See All Proofs)

Today I just proofed Jack & Lady, the adorable Sheepdogs I used last week in a video about process. In the video I mentioned that Sheepdogs just don't have eyes that are going to show up in a photograph. That got me thinking about an old cartoon I remembered as a child with a working sheepdog. I got on yoytube and found a version of that Merrie Melodies Warner Brothers Cartoon. The date on this is 1962 ... the year I was born. They just don't make them like this anymore. Enjoy Sam The Sheep Dog below.

Mosaic Monday

Life Size Scottie from Raquel Stanek at Etsy

Public art found in Mondoagogo Flickr Stream

By Christine Brallier / Flickr
Check out her kitties too.

Dog's portrait, by Takako Hirai
from kokomosaico/ Flickr

A few doggy mosaics to start the week. I love that top Scottie mosaic. I have some wire form Scotties that I have been wanting to mosaic for months now ...maybe I will tackle them this summer. Raquel's 3-d work is certainly inspiring.

If you are in Dallas please try to come by a show I will be in at the Dallas Bath House Cultural Center. The show is Exquisite Creatures, The Mermaid and Octopus Show, curated by Katrina Doran. It opens on May 9th and will have many terrific works by local artists. There will be mosaics, paintings and even a quilt. I can't wait to see all of the different Octopus & Mermaids! I will post a reminder on Friday about this along with one of the pieces I am showing.

In Progress Video of Digital Painting

Today I am posting an in progress painting video of Jack & Lady. I sound a little like Donnie Hoyle in it, there is some goofy frustration in my voice as I explain things. What can I tell you, it was late in the day and I was tired I guess. I don't really mean to sound like such a snot. I am having fun with this project and I look forward to finalizing a colorful set of proofs. Sheepdogs are so fun. They are a lot like Bulldogs in that people can not help responding with a smile when they see one out in the world.

For those of you that are not aware of Donnie, you have to check out his You Suck At Photoshop Videos. I stopped following him back at video #10, I thought he was done. I just discovered that he is back and just as funny as ever. Parents be aware he is a little pg-13 in his humor.

Jack & Lady

Last Day for Mother's Day Promo

Today is the last day to order pet portraits with our 50% discount on non-proofed works.
Click here to see that special. It is also the very last day to commission any sort of project with a deadline of Mother's Day.

Bosco The Black Lab

"Bosco" ( See all Proofs)

Today has been a very busy client revision day. I also managed to create a new pet portrait for Bosco the Black Lab. New clients that have placed pet portrait orders after the 17th of April and are waiting on proofs should sit tight for one more week. I should be caught up very soon. Anybody with a deadline concern can call us toll-free at 888-225-4278.

Ollie The Wheaten Terrier

"Ollie" ( See All proofs)

Wow, I can't believe the month is almost over! This week I will be working on getting a few more pet portrait projects finalized. Don't forget that Friday is the very last day for our non-proofing Mother's Day Promo. This promotion is a great deal for folks that are either on a budget or in a hurry. I will not offer this type of promotion again until possibly July.

Mosaic Monday!

Ok, I can't start every week working on a mosaic due to the demands of my full time pet portrait business, however I can do a blog post every Monday and share other people's work with you guys. I think this is a great way for me to fuel my passion for mosaics and stay inspired. Hopefully I will discover some terrific like minded people in the process.

Bosco by Christine Humphries

Stunning work by Judit Bozsar from Hungary

Zoe Afloat, from Susan Crocenzi's Flickr stream

"Kalli" From Flamingo Fanny Mosaics

Also found on Flickr Today:
The Fisherman's Dog by Griselda from Argentina
Dog Mosaic (no.1) by Amanda Neville

My Space Themed Mosaic

"Blast Off" 12 x 12

Blast off baby! This is a piece I did in a tempered glass workshop last weekend. I still need to work on framing and deal with some jagged edges, but it is almost done. I used vintage space stamps, and threw on a lot of glitter, the rocket was found in an old 1950's astronomy book for kids. The book was a lot of fun and talked about "when" we go to the moon some day. I put a lot of gold flake around the fire part and ended up painting over the rocket & glitter a bit for definition. I am not 100% thrilled with my composition ( too heavy on the right) , but that is ok since I have a better plan in mind for my 2nd space themed mosaic. Special thanks to my teacher Katrina for her help and continued support.

Dog Mosaics

I have mosaics on the brain right now. I just completed a tempered glass workshop this weekend and I have the mosaic fever again. I will post my new piece later this week. I did a fun space themed piece. I know you guys would rather hear about doggy mosaics though so I will post some links to other people's work today. I guess I should start with someone I know so check out Jill's new Party Animal Piece below.

From Jill Beninato over at Flickr

"Blue Dog"By Artsyphartsy over at Flickr
( I just bought this Blue Dog)

From Stain glass garden over at flicker

"Chipper" from animal.artist over at flickr

From Ugly Boy Flutes at Etsy

From Rock Candy Mountain at Etsy
someone really needs to buy this leash rack so I will not be tempted!

A Doggy Named Picasso

Picasso in Progress

Today I am working on Picasso. I have a bit more work to do and I am having fun with this little Schnoodle. The penguin toy was lifted from another one of his photos.

2 New Pet Portraits

"Bandit" ( See all Proofs)

"Kam" ( See All Proofs)

Today I am posting Bandit & Kam to the blog. These two pets had great photos to work with and I really enjoyed playing around with their art. I think I am actually caught up on orders as of today ... yay... happy dance! I have around 10 pending approvals and only 3 pet portraits to work on next week. I do have plenty on my plate however I do not feel at all overwhelmed or behind on anything. That is such a rare feeling ... to actually be 100% in control of the work flow.

If the sunshine continues I hope to send Lola to the dog park today to shoot for a blog we have started updating again. Check out our Dallas Dog Park Blog. It is just a fun photography blog of random pups we meet at the park.

What's Your Recent Project?

Me:
I am working on pet portrait orders today. Sneak preview of Bandit the kitty above. I hope to get a few clients proofed on Thursday. This kitty is turning out fun and I will post his artwork tomorrow. Soon I hope to get back to my doggy butt project.

What some of my friends are up to:
Moira has been busy keeping up with news of the first dog on her Obama Dog Blog.

Manon just posted a lovely new painting on her blog called "thinking of you".

Melissa is sewing up more doodles, and making nightlights.

Sheila has just opened her "through and From the Lens" 4-session, 4 week telecourse starting soon.

Christine is working on a cool patio mosaic commission.

Eve just finished a funky octopus mosaic!

Jill created a Party Animal Mosaic.

Kathy is working on Chewy the Doxie.

And How About You?
What are you working on? Do you have any fun new projects in the works? Leave us a comment and tell us what you are up to.

New Video Project Preview

A few weeks ago Lola and I started a new video project. It has been a few weeks since we have been able to work on it and yet I am eager to post so today I have a preview on my vlog. We need to interview a lot more people about their dogs before we have a fully edited 5 minute video. This stuff takes so long. I love it working on it though. It is great to always have new and hard stuff to learn in life.

Mother's Day Pet Portrait Promo

I am starting a new custom pet portrait special for Mother's Day. You can save 50% on either an 11 x 14 or 18 x 24 painterly style portrait on stretched canvas if you order by May 1st.

There is a catch ... this promo does not come with our standard gazillion different colorful proofing options. Instead you select the background option you like best from 4 provided samples and then I create the artwork in a similar look and print & ship. You save time and money. My clients often have a hard time choosing from the huge variety of samples provided and since we don't have a lot of time to spare before Mother's day I decided to simplify the process for everyone and let you save some money.

Click here to order today!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone. It is a rainy day here in Dallas so we decided to skip the pooch parade. Dan is still working on taxes anyway. I wanted to find some Easter cuteness so I skipped over to Flickr and searched for "Easter Dog" and "Dog Bunny". There are many more great shots so check out Flickr if you are stuck inside with a rainy day.

" My Big Tommy" posted on Flickr in my Scottie setgreat peeps from image415's photostream

"Easter Bully" From kserack's photostream

from TW Collins' photostream

Easter corgis from mphoenix's photostream

"Easter Bunny Harry" from malteserus' photostream

"Bella Bunny" from studio 583art at flickr

from Chelsea Dagger at Flickr