If you would like to draw or paint an image of your own dog, you can paint so with confidence from your own dog photo. Please see the “How to” videos on this website that will show you how to shoot a good photo of your own pet and how to transfer the photo to paper for painting. Or, you can contact me for a professional commission using the contact form on the opening page of this website.

This is a pastel of Maverick. When her dad, Dave took time off work to take him down to the lake he thought it was to chase the birds not to have his picture taken for a portrait. Hence the  look of ‘I don’t understand” on an otherwise very happy dog.

Many changes took place when painting this dog in pastel  before his hair color was  correct. He is mostly golden retriever but his mother was an Irish setter and it shows. He was Connie took him to the spa that morning , so his hair is perfect, for now.

Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent, trainable, people dogs, excellent for active families with a large yard and as care givers, bomb sniffers and search and rescue dogs. What they are not good for is protection as they are more likely to lick a stranger than bark at them. Also, provide your golden with his own chew toys or he will choose one of your slippers as his favorite. This is generally how they handle separation anxiety if they are left without their ‘peeps’ for too long.

These dogs are not low maintenance though. They do need to be walked once or twice a day or given lots of backyard play. Maverick’s beautiful hair has to be brushed regularly in between washing.

Due to their train ability, and people-pleasing personality, golden retrievers are prime candidates for mixing with other breeds. The golden doodle has become a very popular combination of personalities and characteristics.

 For more information on the golden retriever, please see (LINK) or your local golden retriever organization or breeder.