Painting & Fine Art

I have not posted in a while, distracted by a number of things, for one the start of school, (I am a part time teacher) and second, the failing health of my father.  I felt compelled to paint his portrait, so here is the work in progress.  I love trying to capture his jovial nature, in his prime.  Very proud of his Irish heritage, I chose to paint him in his favorite hat.  The wool herringbone texture is a little tough to paint to my liking, but still working on it.

On a happier note, I received this gorgeous dog from Tina of The Enchanted Home Blog and Shop, after I painted her beautiful retriever after a terrible accident.  No secret that I am a great dog lover, and I seem to need to have a certain level of dog home accessories around.  Many I own have come from Tina's shop at The Enchanted Home.  I am trying to figure out the best place for it, and although I know it would survive outside, and be a very pretty garden statue, I think for now I would like him inside, where I can see him more.  But just not sure where, tried these different locations.

                                                


This kind of works, but not sure.  I also like the next couple places I tired.

             

Gorgeous, with the slight moss and patina!





Getting checked out by my live girl!

Not the best photo, but the spot isn't bad..............

I think I like this sunny spot best!  Other great dog home accessories!





Handpainted toile trays of your own dog from TWO GIRLS ARTS, here.

All items from Enchanted home Shop, here.http://www.theenchantedhomeshop.com/

A personal favorite that I have are these great little pugs with crowns.

Now also being a lover of accessories for the home, I also love well designed objects for our beloved dogs too.  These are some beautiful and creative ideas.  I have always loved the idea of built in dog beds in cabinets.

I just love these beds!  For the truly pampered dogs, I mean REALLY pampered, these over the top dog houses are very fun!

One of my favorites from Design Sponge!  Love the idea of recycling, and such a cute bed.

This one is great not only as a recycled bed, but also donates 5% of every bed sold to animal shelters.  I know my dogs love to snuggle up in our clothes, so it makes such great sense, and very fun idea.  From Wooly Buddy Beds here.

And just a fun image to end on, I have a personal attachment to dachshunds, and love the bright colors of this photo.  Cute dog too!