The Fox and the Hound

I'm not sure if the blistering heat is making me look forward to Autumn or if I'm just accustomed to living in such a frigid climate that I am utterly beside myself when the sun actually shines. Either way, I have begun to long for Fall.  This painting of little Chloe was painted for a client of mine last fall, therefore it is representing my hunger for hot apple crisp, brisk nature walks, and reading mystery novels by the fireside. I drew inspiration from the style of Ralph Lauren and the traditional English Fox Hunt.

If you click on the  image below, you will be directed to the treasury that I created around this painting of Chloe. 

"I'd like to draw you out. You've rather a look of another world about you.." - Lord Rochester

If you like these images and want to browse through more of this nature, please visit the tumblr page from which they originated:

WASPing Through the Countryside.

I am hoping that this post will inspire me to finally post on several estates that I want to share with my readers. I had the most amazing time that I will be disappointing myself if I do not record the visits. Hopefully you'll see more soon.

Miss Maggie

When a client from Nashville asked me paint her Schnauzer, Maggie, I wouldn't have ever predicted the setting. Can you believe the way this little cutie floats on a raft with such contentment?  Although I have had an opportunity to paint a Schnauzer not to long ago, this Schnauzer on a raft was definitely a first.

That's what I'm really loving about this venture into pet portraiture--there always seems to be a new challenge and I'm getting to correspond with so many amazing people! 

Clearly, my interpretation is far from realistic in this one and I'd have to say it looks quite different in person, but I was definitely inspired Cezanne on this one. (I still can't believe I was able to see so many of his works at the Courthauld Gallery in London, England) To my surprise, Maggie's owner, Gayle has always been fond of Cezanne! I hope she is pleased with this painting and can see her little one's character.

While painting Maggie, how could I not be reminded of Jerry Lewis' pet rabbit, Harry in Geisha Boy? I used to crack up every time the magician's rabbit had any screen time. I was really looking for images of this rabbit to prove my point. Later on, the camera pans over to the rabbit who had been sunbathing and he clearly had been soaking up the sun too long because his fur is unfortunately bright orange!

vintagegal.tumblr.com

Apparently Maggie not only has incredible balance, but she has the foresight to apply sunscreen. ;)

Thank you, Gayle for allowing me to work on this project! It's been so wonderful getting to know you!

A Sunday in St. Abbs

I haven't had many opportunities to paint landscapes, but last month, my host mumsies invited me to turn one of their favourite photographs into a painting. What I learned from this experience is that I need to paint more landscapes because they can be very challenging.

My host mumsies were so generous to my Whitney Houston-loving-host brother and me. Here's a snapshot of Nat, Patty, and Michael!

They toted us all over the place and we had so many outings. Some of the remarkable places they took us to feel imaginary now. I was pinching myself the entire time we walked the winding way of St. Abbs in Berwickshire located on the south east coast of Scotland. You see, this was not an everyday occurrence in Scotland if you did not own a car. Patty and Nat had a car, so this scenic escapade became a reality for Michael and me.

This settles it, I seriously do not see enough sheep in the States. They are such characters.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 I regret not having a picnic along these cliffs. Maybe if I get another opportunity to go overseas, I'll know how to seize the moment.

 I'm obsessed with the Prussian Blue of that North Sea! SO gorgeous!

This is no mere screen saver, folks! 

 I feel like I looked like Bilbo Baggins heading off on an adventure in this one. I was told by a bus driver that the yellow shrubs to my left are known as "Aya-Aya" bushes because when someone walks into them, you can hear them cry "AYE-A! AYE-A!!" due to the plentiful thorns. They were beautiful, but you couldn't pay me to run into them.
I am so thankful that I had such a loving host family during my studies abroad. What an amazing experience! If Patty and Nat ever read this, THANK YOU!!!!

EMMA!

This is a drawing of Emma or Emma Bear as I call her. I gave this card to my friend who was celebrating her birthday last month. I just didn't get around to posting it.

This husky is a really sweet dog, but she's had a crazy month! She ran away and spent the night in the clink, was attacked by a porcupine (she had around 50 quills in her poor little snout and tongue), AND she was sprayed by a skunk!!! We just need to pray that she doesn't get in anymore trouble!

Shady Shadshaderson

This pet portrait was commissioned by one of my "roomies" while I was in Scotland. We both missed our dogs terribly. How could you not miss this little guy? Just look at this face! He's so cute that I find it hard to believe that she didn't hop on a plane and fly home at just the thought of him! I was really excited that she asked me to paint Shady as a gift for her father.

I had such a blast!

"Just let the boy water your plants!"

And, here's the proud recipient holding my pint sized model!

Thanks for another great opportunity to paint, Sharon!

For more information on my Pet Portraits by LaPine Design click here.

Gemmerson Lake & Palmer

There are dogs that I have painted that I will never be fortunate to know because they are no longer with us. Then there are some dogs that I've painted that I have only met once...maybe twice, but this little dog is one that I have met many times.

I like to call him "Baby Gemmers." He belongs to my best friends.

When his mama, Moseby was nowhere to be found on New Year's Eve, we went to look for her. I was the lucky one to discover that she had given birth in the dog house beside my best friends' garage.

This little miracle had just been born and he was the epitome of a runt. So small! He was so much smaller than his sister and he is a petite version of all of his other ancestors. I have had the pleasure of knowing him his whole life and now have had the honour of painting his likeness. This one went to my best friend, Sarah on her birthday! Happy Birthday, Sarah!