Studio Pets
 

Linda Brandon suggested the topic of "studio pets" on another thread. I'm more than happy to start this off, since my zoo is such an important part of life and art.

Before I overwhelm the thread with my dogs and cats, I'll let someone else start. In the meantime I'll be looking for the perfect photos of my best friends. :)

Jean

The Critic
 

another critic.

Jean

Well here they all are, hopefully they will load in the right order.

First we have the miracle kitty, Snickers. We found her in our backyard in -30 degree weather, her feet, ears and parts of her tail were frozen. She couldn't walk for almost three months, so lived in my pocket. She sits on my shoulder while I paint.

Next, Gypsy my son's German Sheperd.

Judo, the old man of the bunch (18 years old).

Last, my dog Zoetrope. Her name means "life", and she is my therapy dog. She is always at my feet or around me when I paint. Sometimes she rests her head in my lap, while Snickers is on my shoulder.

Jean

Topsy
 

I just could not resist posting Topsy's in my studio. Before having kids I thought they would sit and play with wooden blocks on the floor while I was painting and keep me company.
Now, three sons later, when I retire to my studio upstairs dodging footballs and swords, Topsy sits patiently with me and I am happy
Ilaria

My Senegal parrot
 

I hesitate to post this photo of my scruffy parrot in case Cynthia is awarding a "Cutest Pet" monetary prize.

Tikki was banished to my studio on the grounds of shrieking and excessive mess-making; pretty much the same reasons I've been spending so much time there. :)

He's very affectionate with me, though.

Linda, is this the parrot who took a dive into the lead? If so, I think he deserves the award for the bravest in the face of danger.

Jean

My shadow
 

I couldn't resist either.
Although this photo was taken a couple of years ago when she was just a kitten, my little "Tequila" is never more than 10 feet away from me at all times (except when she ventures into the back yard for her second favorite pass time - catching cocroaches, crickets, scorpions,hummingbird moths, lizards, birds, snakes, and anything else that moves).

Mr. Meow
 

Here's my little buddy. His name's Mr. Meow, seven years old, but he'll always keep me company at 3am.

Linda
 

Tikki is fabulous!. And the pose was so strikingly familiar, I just couldn't resist.

Marley
 

What a cool thread!

Here's Marley, our 7 month old Goldendoodle

(golden retreiver/standard poodle)

He's total sweethear t - a dog rendition of my 6 year old son.

I am so enjoying all of these!

Jean

Here's my little zoo. Kicha, Taboo (the one of walking through palettes infamy), and Mocha (as a puppy, she's not so svelte now!)

This is Penny Penscher, my painting assistant, squirrel chasing, homestead protector, face licking Miniature Pinscher. While not assisting me she is, as you can see, a dominatrix over all things small and stuffed.

When she is not mixing my palette, cleaning brushes etc., she is perched on my shoulder holding paint brushes in her mouth and offering criticism using the low level growl method.

Chester
 

Here is our 3 year old kitty, Chester, who often sleeps at the bottom of my easel when I paint. He's a big help.

Joan

Lord Nelson of Greenwich
 

Great thread! Meet our little Lord Nelson, a Matlese named for the great British Admiral and for our boat location. He is four months old which, in "doggy years" puts him in his "terrible two's." I must be vigilant. He always seems to find something he shouldn't chew on! A great book I recently read is "Dog Paintings: The European Breeds." Nelson will surely find his way into my portraits as he has into our hearts.

This Kitty Rules
 

Princess was my painting companion for a good while. In the beginning the studio was in the bonus room and then Dad came over to visit and stayed. Then I moved to the spare room which was also my son's room when he was in town. The master bedroom became the studio for a good time and this is where princess lives. She would be able to roam the house with the other animals but she prefers our room! Eventually things got to crowded so I moved my studio away from the house. I miss princess messing with my paints and brushes but she still plays on the computer with me. Now I watch the birds and critters from my studio window!

Joey
 

This is my studio assistant, 4 year old Joey from Brooklyn Heights. Always good for a romp on my palette and a fun chase through the apartment trying to clean his paws and everywhere he has been. This portrait hangs over his litter box. In my apartment, If it holds still long enough it will most likely be painted and all he does is sleep.

My critic, Kid, Jr.

I had to share - here is "mo" - one of 21 others all different. He is 4 days old and he isn't really a studio pet, but the kids keep bringing him in!

What is it?
 

Kimberly -PLEASE -

tell me what kind of bird this is? One of those fancy Japanese chickens?

Hallsy As Still Life
 

This is my newest buddy of two years....Hallsy. Named after a very good friend Terry Hall. When he's not posing for still lifes he's asleep under my drawing table or easel downstairs.

Julie -
Mo is a White Crested Black Polish Chicken and he is a funky-looking thing.

[QUOTE=Jean Kelly]Hi Beth,

German shepherd in German is: deutscher sch

Great face! Okay now I'm looking for a great Zoe pic to post. ;)

That is a wonderful reference photo, I want to see it if you paint it!

Jean

[QUOTE=Jean Kelly]Hi Beth,

German shepherd in German is: deutscher sch

I might use the first one as the basis for a large portrait of my husband and Zoe. The sun was setting so I have lots of wonderful golden light.

The second one is a crummy photo, but it still makes me laugh.

Oops, I mixed up the order.

HI
I'm in the processof trying to move these into the stuidopets thread:) Wish me luck

Introducing Magnolia
 

Here is my new addition to my studio family. She's another rescue, and still looking a little ratty, but after she heals all the way she will really be a beauty! She has already learned to preen for the camera.

Jean

Resurrecting thread Studio Pet
 

Just had to share the pic of my puppy, 11 mos old, Erin, in my studio, which she is not always allowed to be in, she sheds!!! But she's great company. Being a puppy she still gets jealous and finds a pencil or erasure, sneaks it from my table and chews it up - S T I N K E R ;)

Oh Pat, she's going to be a beauty. I can already see a very expressive face with those eyebrows.



Beth, I think you should post your painting and drawings of your dogs here. Come on--please?

Jean

Tgif
 

I guess Erin is glad it is Friday and refuses to do any constructive work. I am not much more motivated if I am taking these pics reducing them and posting on the forum!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Mon Amour....

Adorable
 

Now she is alert on a Friday afternoon!

Actually, Benji is a 12 year old little tea cup Yorkie, who thinks he is a really big boy!

I love Erin's pose (picture #2) what an ellegant stretch! LOL

Never knew this thread existed till now. Couldn

So many cute pets! Carlos, I love your dogs face, he looks like he would follow you to the end of the world. He has that royal look about him.

What a great thread! Carlos, that's a beautiful golden.
This is my "Annie". She feels it's necessary to pose with my clients. And a picture of what Annie does when she's not working as an artist's model.

Carlos,
 

I'll bet he did explain the golden mean! He looks extremely wise. And Enzie your little Yorkie is soooooo cute and doesn't look her age At ALL!!