I'm not posting what I'm currently working on because these are meant to be gifts for Christmas, so you'll have to wait! And I'm telling you, my studio space is FULL right now! So many paintings! And I really love it~ I'm so lucky!
This ones from 2023!
I thought I'd just keep posting a few of these- I've got a stack of commissions I'm working my way through, really enjoying them actually! I realize how lucky I am that I enjoy the whole process of creating commissioned work for people... it is a bit of pressure, having to have something done on time and to someone's whims, but for me, most people are asking me to paint their pets because they are familiar with my work already and want something like what they've seen. I think the more difficult commissions are when someone is gifted one, or when someone isn't familiar with what I do.
This little peanut is from a few years back- I was realizing I have a lot of work that has never made it into my blog!
I am learning how to give a discount code on my Dailypaintworks site, and I haven't had a chance to tell anyone about it yet!
Mostly because I wanted to make sure I had marked all the ones as SOLD that are no longer available- so if you'd like to try this out for me, and to snag a good deal, AND because you are reading this writing, I'l going to give you the code!
So what you do is you go to my Dailypaintworks gallery, find what you want to buy, and where it says "discount code" you type in my code for you!
Do you want to know what it is?
I also wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out and bought the lovely work I had with me at the Highland MS Sale this Saturday! I had a great time!
Alright, here it is-
the code is....
LOVE24
Have fun! Tell me if it works!
yes, i'm painting a lot right now! I love it! Send me more!
This was a darn fun one- I love the forthright gaze- straight at you! Isn't he something? I do often wish that I could hear what they're thinking, but it probably isn't anything like what I'm imagining... anthropomorphizing our pets is something we all do, isn't it? I have a lot of conversations with my dogs...
Happy Thanksgiving to you! I hope you are able to find something and someone to be grateful for today~ it really does change the flavor of your mood when you are able to think about something that has made you feel good, or something someone did for you, or something unexpected that made your day...
Life is always an opportunity to improvise...
Just like painting!
This is from my painting class last weekend- we were working with landscapes and contrast, and this is a scene from Grand Marais...
I love it up there!
Have I mentioned that i love to paint black dogs?
This is Nala~
There's still time for me to paint your pet before the holidays, but you gotta let me know soon!
So, I'm making things. I'm painting. I am fortunate to have 4 potters wheels in my art room and not a lot of skill, so I sit in the morning and work on learning how to throw a nice pot. Working with my hands grounds me, centers me, connects my brain a little farther out into the world. I'm working to stay connected to my actual human friends and neighbors. We had an incredibly lovely family game night last night with dear sweet generous friends and I laughed so hard playing Utter Nonsense, my head hurt (in a good way)! I'm still waking up, having feels of anxiety and fear, and I don't expect those to end soon, but I'm promising to stay connected and keep my eyes up, my friends.
Make something today!
Here's an apple! If you like this painting, let me know and I'll draw a name next Sunday~
Thanks all!
I don't think I've posted this one yet, and I really wanted to post something positive today, and hopeful, and silly, and here is a pomeranian pug wearing a tiny crown. I think that works~
The crown was a Christmas Tree Ornament from last year, and Duane put it on her head and got this photo of her in it. The painting is currently hanging at the Ames Center in Burnsville, with an Honorable Mention award.
I just loved the expression on her face- kinda sassy, kinda twinkly. She's the best!
Yes, I've been a bit busy, and I don't want to post commissions before they've been given to their intended and spoil the surprise, so I have some of the pet portraits I did at our Blessing of the Animals as a fundraiser for the Golden Valley Humane Society~
They were done very quickly and outside so are not the best quality!
Dang! It's been too long since I've posted! There's been a bit going on over here, my mom needing some extra care after a fall, the Barebones Halloween Extravaganza takes Duane away all of this week, and Max my son is having a hard time shaking a cough...
So I've been distracted and not able to paint, though thank you all for commissions, because those DO make me paint! As a matter of fact, now is a great time to get on my list for a holiday gift of a painting of your pet or house or favorite vacation photo, and get me painting too~ I've got a sweet little pile of pets on my easel right now and may be able to post some of those soon~
This is the amazing ancient maple tree that stands near the beach of Pokegama Lake at our beloved Camp Mishawaka- the sun was setting behind it and the light was absolutely glorious... I hope it comes through a little in this piece.
I'll probably bring this one along next weekend for the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival! It's a cutie, and pretty irresistible, I hope-
We've never done this art fair, and I was excited to be accepted into it! It should be a lovely weekend, looks like the high 70s, and we're there Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 10-4~
It's just a little over an hour drive and the leaves should be looking pretty beautiful! Come on down!
Yes, Kel took a few photos, and I like how this one turned out- the bird is coming towards us, with one foot just visible below his body, and that elegant curve of the head... sometimes they just work!
I don't have a lot of painting time lately, and am so grateful for my Paint Love classes that allow me to talk about painting and to paint with people! Come join us in my last 6 week session of this year! You might want something fun to look forward to this early winter...
Lots of transitions happening right now- keeping my heart open and my optimism as high as I can hold it- this peacock was visiting my sister, somewhere in Switzerland. I had to paint it~
Ah, people! I had such a great time this weekend at my studio! Thank you so much everyone who made the treck all the way up the stairs and around to the back to see me! It is just always such a joy to invite people into my space-
I also did much better than I'd anticipated because several sweet people came and decided my work needed to go home with them- thank you!
And my friend Trish decided she could home my huge bear painting for me, so she came and brought him home during half time on Sunday! Go Vikings!
I can't tell you how great it is to get one of my larger paintings out into the world... I LOVE painting big, but wrestling those canvases around can be tricky, and they are surprisingly delicate... it sucks when you accidentally punch a hole in something you've been working really hard on...
Just so you know, if you ARE interested in a larger piece, let me know because I am happy to work out a "relocation" discount! Just saying...
Here's a few pics of the bear and Trish and me, and the bear in its new home!
This is a lovely wolf-dog rescue named Leeloo, whose owners met me at the Art-A-Whirl crawl in Northrup King earlier this year- I was so honored to be asked to paint this creature, whose humans were so clearly in love with her.
That is the part of painting commissions that I am constantly awed by... I'm not sure that's grammatically correct, but that's how you can tell I wrote it myself... no AI used here, just heart! What I mean is that there is a grace in being invited into that love between owner and pet, I get to be a part of that love, even just on the barest edge of it, and it touches me so deeply. I feel like I can't quite say it right without sounding corny.
Being human is hard enough. Having animals helps us be better humans. My best job is to somehow illuminate and honor that love through my art. And sometimes I don't quite get it right! I appreciate it when a pet owner lets me know something is a little "off" in a portrait, and I know that can be hard, especially in Minnesota with our kindness to one another, but I do want you to have a painting that you will hang in your house and will love to look at for years to come. If something is wrong or just a bit strange, always let me (or any artist!) know so we can adjust it for you. I think anyone else would agree- the best advertising is when someone loves your work and tells others about it.
Whew! That was a lot!
It isn't too early to get your holiday commissions in to me! I love it because it keeps me painting, my friends! I do have stuff I'm working on, but having something to do for someone else keeps me on my toes and working, and that's part of the happy bit of pressure I need to keep working~
Think about it! I can paint from just about any photo you have- this is a painting for Steph, who commissioned the piece for a friend who lives far away, and she gave me a choice of a few photos and I loved her story that went with this one, so I wanted to paint this!
And I'm so pleased with how it turned out~
The cat is so clearly in possession of the shoes...
I love that expression!
Oh and thank you everyone who came to Diamond's for the 30 Dogs Closing Party! I'll be getting your paintings to you this week, everyone who couldn't make it~
Thanks all!
Here's another one I'm working on, from Camp Mishawaka- there's just something about the light in the reeds, all those darks and lights, that I just get hooked on! Not sure if this one is done yet or not- Duane liked it while I was working on it in our little cabin...
Wow, I do hope you were able to get out and enjoy the weather this weekend! It has been absolutely glorious in Minneapolis! I went to the Minnesota Zoo by myself on Saturday and walked the Tree Top Trail for the first time- lots of familys ambling all over the place, and on Sunday Duane and Max and I went to the State Fair. Unfortunately, we didn't leave as early as we'd intended and got there around 11, which meant it was a madhouse and we ended up driving all over to find a parking spot, and walked around 7 blocks just to get IN to the fair. We went in by the horse barns to a gate I didn't even know was there, and were rubbing elbows (literally!) with our fellow humans within minutes. It was SO packed! We managed to make our way to the Global Bazaar where I ate bison meatballs from the Midtown Global Market and Max found a alpaca poncho (and I found a gorgeous turquoise bracelet!) and the boys ate egg rolls, and then we wandered a few more places, having to track after Duane as he snaked his way through the masses of humanity. We finally escaped to the Sky Glider and rode almost all the way back to where we came in- whew!
And then YESTERDAY, we went to the Renaissance Festival! This time we left around 8am and got there before the gates opened. A lot more space and less humanity, and we all had a great time! I love the way everyone talks and jokes around at the Renn fest...
So I hope you've had some fun too!
Yes, I see blue and purple everywhere. I was doing a watercolor birch tree demo for my sixth graders this week and was showing them (with a photo!) that the shadows were blue and purple, and they had a hard time seeing it. Isn't that funny? Am I just trained better to see it? Sometimes I don't think you see what's really there until someone points it out to you-
These are some gorgeous water reflections in the watery area behind a hotel in Two Harbors, Mn.
Love this!
Good morning!
It's been a bit stormy here in Minneapolis last night and this morning. The storms woke us up with the strobe flashes of lightning and torrential rain. Last night the front came through with tremendous winds, blowing all the trees around in wild dances... it looked like a Harry Potter movie... one branch across the street and broke in our neighbor's windsheild.
And this is a view of sunset on Lake Pokegama in early August...
I really enjoyed painting this one! When you paint a cat, there's so much going on- their eyes are rounder than a dogs, so there's more luminosity happening, and the facial structure, the anatomy is very different. And sometimes when I'm teaching a Pet Painting Class, people get caught up in the whiskers. You have to do them last. Very last. And you have to practice your quick, deft brushstroke first. It's a very light touch, just enough!
Oh and the dogs are up at Diamonds, in case you needed an excuse to pop by!
Yeah, I couldn't come up with a better title.... those are hard! Any good ideas come your way, be sure to share them with me! I'd love some help with more creative titles for my work...
It's been just gorgeous in Minnesota this summer. I feel a little bad for the rest of the world. It's a beautiful morning, just walked the dogs down to Lake Hiawatha, and Duane made me a spinach omlette for breakfast, and now I'm heading to school for our workshop week.
It's what a life is made of, isnt' it? Those little moments...
I hope I'm painting some of them- and if you're interested in painting some moments too, come join me next Saturday for my Paint Love Sessions! More info here!
Just so you know I haven't only been painting dogs! I did get a couple cats done. And I've got a few commissions I'm working on now~
And we will NOT be at the Carpenter Art Fair tomorrow- we have had a bit of a family emergency, and I have not had time today or will have time for the event tomorrow. But you should go anyway!
And this is Walter!
I still have room in tonights' Paint-Your-Pet Class at my studio in the Ivy! We're painting from 6 to 8:30 pm! Come on over!
And this is another horse from Camp Mishawaka- it was an extremely buggy early summer so most of the horses had full face coverings to protect them from the mosquitos and black flies... it was rare we were able to take photos of their naked faces! This was one of them~
Did I mention there were horses up at Camp Mishawaka? This is our fourth summer there, and it is the FIRST year I was able to ride a horse! My horse's name was Merle, and he was older and a bit clumsy, I was told. He was a delight to ride through the woods! It's such a different experience, riding on another being... it wasn't a long ride, but long enough to feel like we were working together a bit, especially on watching for fallen sticks in the path and humping up the taller hills in the path.
So this is one of the horses! And I'm afraid I don't know exacly who... but I'll have this painting with me at the Carpenter Nature Fair this Saturday! Duane and I will be together under the big tent again- come see us!
We're on the WISCONSIN side of the St Croix, just past Hudson, from 10 to 5pm!
Wahoo! So I've completed all 30 dogs, we drove home Friday night and I spent most of yesterday getting the dogs lined up and varnished as well as unpacking and doing mounds of laundry (anyone who's ever sent a kid to camp knows this job...) and today I'm driving up to Two Harbors for a brief holiday with my two sisters and my mom and my youngest sis' sweet fiance~
No rest for the wicked, right?
I do have some spots left in this Thursday's Paint Your Pet class if you'd like to join me!
AND this Saturday August 17th I'll be at the Carpenter Art Fair at the Carpenter Nature Center in Hudson WI! This is a great little art fair with REAL artists and no crap, and music and beer and wine too! We are on the Wisconsin side of the St Croix, so make sure you look at the directions!
And I still have space in my Paint-Love Six-Week Saturday Morning Painting Class! This is an opportunity for you to hone those painting skills and commit to a six week daily (or almost) painting regime with me as your guide (and dominatrix if you need that!) I only do three or four of these Six-Week classes a year, so let me know if you have any questions! We start August 24th, 9:30 to noon-
Thanks so much everyone! What a beautiful summer we've been having! I can't wait to see the colors of fall!
XOXO
This is Lilli Mae~ and my dear friend Cindy asked for this portrait for her love of her life, Brent's birthday~
Lilli Mae is the sweetest most loving girl. She is a Shiba Inu American Eskimo Mix. On our way home from our lake place, we always stopped at our favorite little farm, for ice cream and puppy snuggles. On one of those stops, there she was. We ate our ice cream, had lots of puppy snuggles, and were on our way. It was so hard to leave her. We talked about her the entire week. She melted our hearts. The following weekend was our 23 Wedding Anniversary. We decided, if she was still there it was meant to be. Happy Anniversary to us! Lilli absolutely loves her treats! She learned “like a lady” because when a treat was offered, she nearly took our fingers with it. She loves car rides, walks, stuffed toys (especially bunnies), and travel adventures. She is NOT a fan of fireworks or thunderstorms. Her favorite food is licorice. She doesn’t care if it’s red or black, she’s just happy to share either with us. There is no sneaking it when she is near.
We are so grateful she waited for us. Life would not be the same without her.
I don't think it looks like it, but I spent a lot of time on Sir Winston here... the photo was a bit blurry and so I did my best but he looks a little muppet-y.... I'll see what I can do later!
Sir Winston passed away on July 28th, after a diagnosis of kidney failure and attempts at IV fluids and meds. He was a well known presence in our neighborhood, as he paraded the sidewalks and inspected our local flora and fauna. He loved being petted by humans and could be a little stand-off-ish to other dogs, especially bouncy little pups!
He will be missed~
This is a sporty looking dog, and I believe the photo was taken aboard a boat, with the spray in her teeth and her bandana fluttering in the wind... the dog of summer, perhaps?
Luna was a bit tricky to paint, and I'm still not completely happy with the shape of her head somehow... something seems off and I didn't have time to figure it out before I had to post this, so I may be adjusting as it comes to me! I think her fluffy ear puts off the shape of her forehead, and the 3/4 view is also a bit weird...
But she does have a great smile!
Pluto is another one that I just could not NOT paint! I mean, really! Look at that face! Open, loving, joyful, ready to lick all those worries away~
I also really loved the straight on gaze~ I love photos where the dog (or cat or horse or cockatoo, whatever they happen to be!) is looking right at the viewer- its just a more fun one to paint. I paint the eyes last, the "bling" of the hightlights last, and that's when I know the painting is done. When I pull back and say "hello!"
This is Gigi, who belongs to Laurie, who is an amazing artist and puppeteer and community member and I'm not sure she even knows I'm painting Gigi today!
Gigi looks like an interesting mix of dogs, and has such a gentle look in her eyes, I imagine she's a comfort and a cuddler.
I just have a few more dogs left to paint here people! I've been painting other things up north here too, so once the dogs end, there will be more paintings to see!
Thanks so much for following!
This is Andy. He has a very expressive face. And the main expression seems to be worry...
He is being fostered by Wendy, who helps a lot of dogs out and has a few foster fails, I believe. I do think Andy is available, however, and if you're interested in him, let me know and I'll get you in touch with Wendy!
He's a golden retriever, I think~
I don't often do dogs in profile, because I really love the connection that a full on gaze has with the viewer, but I was caught by the expression on Flurry's face! That dog-joy is so obvious and present, and that looking into the future with excitement that dog's have- that's what I wanted to paint with this one!
And here is Buddy! I had several photos to pick from, and thought I was going to do a different one, but this one just has the greatest expression- I love that wise, considering look...
Here is his story by Debbi!
A little bit about Buddy.....his birthday was listed as Dec 13, 2019 (which was actually the date he was rescued off he streets in Texas). It is also the day we had to put our previous pup, Maggie, down, so I felt he was meant to join our family. We picked him up on the coldest day in January from Ruff Start Rescue. He's a crazy little guy (thus his full name, Nutty Buddy) who likes his walks, treats in his Kong, running zoomies, and toilet paper!! But at the end of the day, he likes to curl up in my lap and get some love before bedtime.
Aww, Buddy!
And this is Stella! Her photo was not a great one to paint from- it is a screen shot of the wallpaper on the opening screen of a cell phone, so rather tightly cropped and tall, and I had to make up some of her fluff... It was still really fun to paint, and also full disclosure, I do tend to start the paintings the night before, sketching them out and laying down some areas of paint, with the finishing up happening in the morning. Some mornings are easier than others!
I didn't get too much of a story from Stella's owner yet, so I'll let you know if that happens!
I do love to paint black dogs, you know!
This is Miss Francie~ who lives with Mary Sue, whose cat Jester I've also painted, twice actually! And Mary Sue herself is quite a story, as she is an avid swimmer of wild waters and I love following her adventures online!
This is a photo of Miss Francie in the car on the way to the dog park, as you can probably tell by the wild look in her eye and her huge smile!
This is Zen! It's Zen's birthday today! Happy Birthday Zen!
And here's what Sam's mom wrote about Zen~
"Zen aka OB (over bite), Zennifer, Zennatalia…
Zen is a beautiful 6 years old husky. She is the most chill dog ever.
Going for boat rides, chasing rabbits, and long walks with her partner in crime, Lilli Mae, are her favorite things to do.
She lets us know when she is hungry, tired, or needs to go potty with her different barks. We really think she has a different bark for each need. She loves having “bark offs” with us, always getting the last word in.
Zen is sweet, loving, and gives the best “farty face” kisses ever.
Cheese and Chicken are her favorite treats. When a bit defiant and doesn’t want to come when called, we simply yell out “chicken” or “cheese” and she comes running.
When she was five she had a torn ACL that required surgery to repair. She took it like a champ and handled surgery and recovery with such Grace. With each day she still amazes us with her strength and determination.
She brings us so much joy every single day! We are so lucky she chose us! "
Jimmy is my sister's neighbor in her new house in South Minneapolis, not far from us, and Eli is Jimmy's adopted hound, who is rather shy and hard to meet, and Jimmy is just a tremendously wonderful and generous neighbor! He has happily lent Beaner tools and an incredible broom to sweep concrete and I think he's mowed her lawn, and just all these great things, and this is his dog, as a thank you!
Yes, that is how Suzanne spells it so that's how Pearle's name is spelled!
She looks like a somewhat relaxed and patient nanny to me... though I did just read Peter Pan for the first time, so I may be seeing Nanny, that dog here!
This sweet face belongs to Hanky Panky, who was sent to me by Miriam for her friend Carey~
Here's what Miriam wrote about him~
Hope you’re doing well! I’m looking at the sweet portrait you painted of our beloved bird as I write this. And I wanted to introduce you to Hank as a possibility for your 30 dogs in 30 days project—he’s the angel dog that belongs to our friend Carey. Hank (Hanky Panky or le petit cornichon as my daughter calls him when we get to dog sit) has been keeping Carey company as she battles cancer for the past several years. I know how much joy he brings her and how much he inspires her on hard days. He’s also just the cutest ever, avid cuddler, prime nap partner, lover of stuffed ducks twice his size.
How could I not paint this face?!
This face was irresistible! And it's my darling brother's birthday today too! And he's always said the best gift anyone can give him is to take something out of his house- his dream is to be able to wander the world with everything he owns in a backpack... I love him!
Here is the amazing Matty's story, from Gennae!
Here is Mabel! Another fluffy puppy! Isn't she something?
Mabel just turned one recently! And I think in this photo she perhaps had a bit of a messy chin, though I cleaned it up a bit in paint... can you see both her eyes?
It is chilly up here in the north lands today! Got down to 50 degrees last night- lucky I have two pugs and a husband to sleep with for warmth!
I hope you are having a fantastic summer wherever you are!
Wallace is Kari's granddog, and she said he gives her this look all the time, especially when he's sitting on her shoes.
I've seen that look before. I'm sure you have too!
And this is the first black lab I've had this year to paint- I love painting black dogs! Look at all that shine! Isn't he handsome!
And this is Cooper! And it's Monday, and everything feels damp in our cabin right now- though it is cool enough to feel chilly... the humidity seems high!
And I have to admit I'm feeling a bit better about the world at the moment too- thank you Joe!
Here's what Arah wrote about her pup, Cooper!
He is our eight-year-old golden doodle. We adopted him two years ago when his owner, my mother-in-law, Mary, passed away from a esophageal cancer. She was living in Albuquerque, but when she got him, she was in Rochester, MN and we helped raise him from a pup. I even taught him how to go downstairs by crawling down them on my belly. He is a 70 pound sweetheart.
This is Penny! She is an Aussie-doodle who is the 4th in a family of lovely fluffy dogs, three of whom I've already painted. So Penny is to join the wall of dogs, and here she is!
And here is what Kate wrote about her!
I love painting fluff on dogs, it is so erratic and wild, going every which way all over the place, and making sure you've got the right fluff coming out at the right spot... Plus Penny has that wonderful intense gaze, probably because you are eating something she thinks she'd enjoy, and you may as well get it over with and just give her some~
And those little lips too~
Just so much!
Sequoia was an amazing soul whose spririt was as tall as the trees he was named after. He lived in Todmorden, near Halifax in the Calderdale Valley of England, and was a warm and welcoming presence at our friends Alison and Weston's home every time we were there. Their house is a magical place too, with a swing upstairs and an incredible huge bathroom with high ceilings and a large white and blue porcelain vessel with fish and water plants in it, and beautiful arrangements of artifacts everywhere. They also had a small glassroofed porch out back with a small garden, and it all felt safe and full and enveloping, with love and humor and acceptance.
I want to go back there soon-
Max, when he was first visiting England at the age of four, kept commenting on how different things were in "our world". It does seem that way sometimes, though we are all on the same one!
Hello DOLLY!
here's what Claire writes about Dolly!
Long time fan of yours and so excited for another year of 30 Dogs in 30 Days! My family has amassed a collection of your dog portraits over the years including Doogan, Linus, and Cecil Huber - my parents’ and sister’s dogs. I am so happy to submit another Huber dog for your consideration for 30 Dogs in 30 Days: Dolly! Dolly is a little 11-month old mystery mutt rescue from Texas who has absolutely stolen our hearts!
As you can probably tell, I come from a dog loving family, but I waited up until my 30th birthday to get a dog of my own! My partner and I adopted Dolly in March 2024 and have been having so much fun ever since. There are so many things we love about Dolly but a couple traits rise to the top: her expressive ears, the way she greets you at the door by dancing around on her tippy toes, her barrel rolls when she gets excited, and the fact that she chases her tail for fun (I’ve never actually seen a dog do that in real life!). She is very protective of her family, but is in the process of learning how to make friends with other dogs and humans. She has found one good friend in my parents’ dog, Linus, who has the patience of a saint to put up with all of Dolly’s high-energy antics! We are so thrilled that Dolly is the newest four-legged addition to our little family!
Thanks for bringing joy into the world through your art - we love all of your work!
