So Stylish, and yet so Helpful!

HfH collar
Alisha of 2HoundsDesign and I have worked together for years now.  One of our projects has been the annual design of a custom collar and accessories to raise money for Hope for Hounds (an organization currently in transition).  Hope for Hounds has been a leading fundraiser for Dr. Couto’s dedicated work on cancer in dogs, with …

Bud – Digital Pet Portrait, and my Other Job

BudDigital painting (Artrage 4)5″ x 7″ @300dpi© Xan Blackburn 2014 My series of paintings of Ellen’s dogs continues with handsome Bud.  I loved his gentle, relaxed smile, his soft hair and wonderful markings, but who could resist those bluuuuuuue eyes! Working on paintings in a digital way allows a lot of freedom to experiment without committing …

Shawn’s Portrait: Love story

Shawn greyhound portrait
ShawnAcrylic on canvas, 9″ x 12″© Xan Blackburn 2013 Well, there you go. I swear I took some progress pics along the way, but the changes were so subtle that it was hard to see, once I got going with the colors.  So, yeah.  That’s that.  Done. Oh, but I promised you a love story …

Spring Forward

Shawn in the spotlight Shawn on Dewey Beach This portrait has been gestating since … Oh my … April, 2008!  Kelly won a portrait by me in a raffle, way back when, and we never did pin down just who was going to get the treatment.  Kelly finally decided Shawn would take center stage, we …

Hope for Hounds 2013: Collar Raffle!

It’s the big reveal!   This year’s Hope for Hounds collar is banging at the door for full release, but the very first collar made is being raffled off this week, and your hound could be the one to snag this collector’s piece for as little as $10!  Not only do you get a chance …

Petey: time for a new color

Petey in progress – Detailacrylic on canvas panel, 8 x 10© Xan Blackburn 2012 I swear, I haven’t been completely idle all this time! Hope for Hounds Since the last entry, I’ve been working on the 2012 Hope for Hounds collar and tee-shirt design, which is a yearly fundraiser, and collaborative effort between myself, 2 …

Petey: that watery phase

Petey: Greyhound portrait in progress Petey got some long-awaited (and well-deserved) attention today.  Let’s see where he’s at right now. Petey: work in progressAcrylic, 8″ x 10″© Xan Blackburn 2012 I know I’ve said this before, but I really enjoy this phase.  There’s a dreamy quality to it, the suggestion of things not quite pinned …

Seven – no, EIGHT – Pet Artists in one fundraiser!

Detail of Minkeeyes are leather buttons, painted withacrylic I’ll be creating a soft sculpture portrait: a first for me!  {edit: bidding is now closed.  Thanks to all the participants!} If you’ve been reading my blog, it’s probably because of my pet portrait work.  I’m really stepping outside my own box for this one, since I …

Keeping it fresh!

See a difference around here?I just finished my web re-design.  Tell me what you think!  Go take a look at my website and give me some feedback, okay? Okay, now I can work on Petey some more! Reminder!  Make sure you’re ready to bid on the SEVEN ARTIST Pet Portrait Artist Auction starting on April …