1999 - My First Graphite

I thought I should start at the beginning of my canine art so here is my first completed graphite portrait from January, 1999.  This is of my beloved Collie, Flash, and it is entitled, Flash in Black & White.  It has an 8" diameter.  This is the only image I have so it is quite small as it is professionally framed and I do not want to remove it from its frame to scan it.

In 1983 I commissioned an artist, Mary Cordell, to do a portrait of Flash for a birthday present for my husband and we still have that framed and on the wall.  It was only when I started doing my own art that I wanted to do my own portrait of her and it was very satisfying to complete it.

Pet portraits are a way to give a lasting tribute to the love we feel for our pets.  I encourage owners to take lots of photos of their animals, especially while they are in their younger years.  Since most animal artists work from photos, choosing a photo from when the animal was in its prime is a wise thing to do.  This is the way we want to remember them.

Welcome to Petals and Pets!

I am finally joining the Blogging world.  I plan to introduce you to my art and tell you a bit about my pet, my garden and what is going on here on Vancouver Island.

This time of year I am busy helping out with the island Seedy Saturdays.  These are the first gardening events of the season and everyone has so much enthusiasm.  On February 20th I'll have my display representing Seeds of Diversity Canada at the Victoria, BC event so that will be fun.  Anyone who is interested in these events that are held across Canada can visit:  http://www.seeds.ca/ to find them in their area.

Artwise, I have just rejoined the Canine Art Guild.  You can see some of my art there at www.canineartguild.com/shirleybellows