Gus

9x12

oil on canvas

portrait info:

www.clairhartmann.com

 

Pug Wine

Jampa
Pug Wine Commission
Sold

This is the fifth label painting I have done for Pug Wine.
Here are some of the others…

PAINT MY DOG #11 - Foxy

Foxy
10" x 8"
oil on canvas
reserved purchase

PAINT MY DOG - Dexter

"Dexter"
8" x 10"
oil on canvas

Really had fun with this one!

This is Dexter's story….
"Dexter is our 4 year old English Bulldog..he has that perpetually, sad look, but uses it to fool us into spoiling him with love and affection. He lives up to his reputation as an affectionate, loyal, companion, who not only loves us, but other dogs and children.

His secret talents are his ability to not only skateboard, but skim board in the ocean, as well as being a great swimmer, rather Unusual for his breed....needless to say, he has our hearts..
He is a character!"

PAINT MY DOG - Jersey

Jersey
8" x 10"
oil on canvas

Jersey's story…
"We got Jersey when she was 8 weeks old while living in California.  We are both dog people but she was our first small dog.  Our previous dog was a German Shepherd so a Frenchie was a big change, and she did not disappoint. This dog had our number from the day we got her and she knew it.  The day we got her we said she would sleep in her bed next to ours, By day 2 she was sleeping in our bed, under the covers, with her head on the pillow...snoring.  We actually got a king sized bed to fit her more comfortably.

Her two favorite things are to cuddle and to cause trouble.  When she can't cuddle she causes trouble.  At 6 months old she set off our 75lb motion detectors (she is 25lb) and got a visit from the local police department when her mommy forgot to put her in her kennel for the day. She loves walks, but if you take her too far she will lay down and you have to carry her back.  There is nothing you can do to get her to walk.  She will keep laying back down.  

When she was a year old we added a baby boy to our little family.  She was not amused.  Especially when he was 18 mo to 2 years and loved to try to tackle her.  Now that he is three and knows how to play nice they love each other.  Jersey is a complete joy, she has kept her mommy company during 2 of her daddy's deployments. We don't know what our life would be like without her."

You may recall seeing jersey in a painting I did a few months ago…

PAINT MY DOG - Lucie

Lucie
10" x 8"
oil on canvas

Lucie's Story…
"I first met Lucie (Bootie) in 2005 at "Tails U Win" in Oak Island NC. She was about 3 months old at the time and was very sick with Parvo. Her rescuers were not sure if she would pull through or not. We had just lost a dog to old age & I was visiting different rescue organizations & donating food etc in order to ease the pain of our recent loss. We were unsure if we were ready for a new pup and when I left "Tails U Win" that day I had no idea that I would soon be bringing her home. A couple of weeks after my visit, Betty with "Tails" called and said that Lucie (Bootie) had recovered and would be available at PetsMart for adoption. My husband and I went over there "just to look" and someone had Lucie out on a leash. Instantly, I felt my heart in my throat. The minute they put that leash down, I snatched it up and haven't let go ever since! I think the fuzzy red boy I had just lost sent this fuzzy red girl to take his place."

This is the second time I have painted Lucie…

Curly Cow

"Curly Cow"
22" x 22"
oil on canvas
sold

This is a commission I just completed for a collector.
My friend humorously calls it a "cowmission".

The show is tonight from 5-8pm -
I'll have all the new paintings up!
(they look so much better in person than on this silly monitor)

PAINT MY DOG - Huck

"Huck"
8" x 10"
oil on canvas

I just love this face!

About Huck:
"You can say he is very stubborn; incorrigible but more than makes up for it by being very sweet."


I will have all the new paintings at the show Friday!

PAINT MY DOG - Bear

"Bear"
10" x 8"
oil on canvas

Bear's story:

Bear is the dog I waited 40 years for. I wanted a dog as long as I can remember – from childhood on. Growing up, we always had cats but no dog. Of course, I couldn’t have a dog in college or grad school or even as a single working professional living in an apartment complex.

At age 28, I married a non-dog person. He had never grown up around animals and had never been around a really great dog. I knew that he had the potential to become a dog lover if given the chance. A friend of ours had a wonderful golden retriever, and once or twice a year we would travel to Montana to stay with her and photograph in the surrounding area. Sure enough, over the years Mike ended up falling in love with Bridger, and so I started dropping hints about getting a golden of our own. Even after I had him convinced, we ended up waiting until we built our dream house on several acres just outside of town. We decided a golden retriever would be much happier if he had lots of room to run and play.

Bear came into our lives almost 10 years ago. He was the blondest and fattest puppy in his litter, and we both knew he was the one. He has given us more joy over the past 10 years than we could’ve ever imagined! He is smart, kind, playful, loyal, and goofy all rolled into one! And although his face is now white, he continues to be just as playful as he was years ago. Bear always greets us with a stuffed toy in his mouth, so in that sense he is a true retriever. However, he has never been into playing fetch. Instead, he likes to run around with the ball in the mouth and play keep-away from his humans.

Clair’s painting is based on a photo of Bear I took when he was less than a year old. 

PAINT MY DOG - Sailor

Sailor
oil on canvas
8" x 10"

This is Sailor's story:

I adopted Sailor 2 weeks before I adopted Cleo but I "met" them at the same time. It was fate :-)

Hard to believe but one year ago tomorrow Sailor adopted me.  I initially went to the shelter because I'd seen a photo of Cleo on the New Hanover Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit and have every intention of coming home with a large black Newfoundland mix.  Teri at NHSOASU walked me into the cage area toward Cleo's area but halfway down the hall was this small, trembling and terrified Cairn Terrier mix who was by far the smallest dog in the joint and without a doubt the most hysterical and frightened.  He was desperately climbing the chain link of his cage in an effort to get my attention.  It was impossible not to notice the little guy and feel his fear.  Teri escorted Cleo and me to one of the "get acquainted" rooms which also happened to be right outside of the little Cairn's cage.  All the while I was seeing if Cleo and I meshed, the Cairn was expending every ounce of energy to elicit my attention.  What to do?

I asked Teri about the little guy and, sensing my weakening resolve, she suggested bringing him in to join us.  I felt my resolve melting like a puddle.  Cleo was mostly just interested in the treats and didn't appear to be in any real distress at all.  Cleo was obviously a shelter celebrity and had everyone fawning over her. 

Sailor burst into the holding room and leapt into my arms.  He was shaking...behaving as if he was scared of Cleo (ha - what a joke that would turn out to be!) and frantic to avoid a return to his cage. 
Basically, Sailor was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  How could I put that little guy back in the cage and leave him behind?  Sometimes I wonder if Sailor and Cleo conspired to lure me into their plan of household domination.  One year later, neither of them will confess or comment.
Teri told me that she was sure Cleo would be adopted before the weekend was over - such a magnificent and gorgeous Newfie mix wouldn't stay available long.  She did her best to pave the way for my change of plans.

Cleo showed no particular unhappiness in being returned to her cage at the end of the room.  I'm not sure Sailor would have lived through another day there and, because of his hysterics, I found myself signing papers, being invited to choose a leash and collar color, and before I knew it I was walking out of the shelter with a mere shadow of the dog I had arrived to adopt. 

I put Sailor in the back seat and just shook my head at how funny life turns out when I make plans.  Before I was two miles from the shelter, Sailor had thrown up all over the back seat.  Ha! 

My sister Sharon Pate Batts had asked me to meet her somewhere so she could see my new baby so we rendezvoused at Petsmart.  Sailor was a scraggly looking, bony and sparsely furred canine who looked as if life had been rough and unkind.  He was picked up as a stray and weighed in at just over 13 lbs.  I can't convey the fright in his eyes but he looked so much as if he wanted to trust that it was all going to be ok.  His tail was firmly tucked and there was no spring in his step at all.  Sharon said he reminded her of her beloved dog Annie who had passed away a couple of years earlier after a long and happy life.  We both, however, thought the little guy needed some good food, a bath and a whole lot of love.  Fortunately, I could take care of all three of those things.

I felt so guilty leaving Cleo behind at the shelter but confident that she would find the right home - little did I know that less than two weeks later I would be back there signing more papers and bringing her home where she belonged! 

One year later, Sailor now weighs a robust 18 lbs, has no fleas and basically runs the house.  He's a wonderful cuddler, poses at the hint of a photo op and can be heard to emit a grumpy growl if he doesn't get enough sleep.  He's also a funny, sweet, smart and savvy little guy who has us all wrapped around his paw.  His coat is no longer scraggly but rich, thick and lustrous and he LOVES baths and a daily brushing.  Oh, and that tucked tail - it wags vigorously and often.

Sailor arrived two weeks after I had to say good bye to my sweet Cassie, who had to be put down following kidney failure.  My heart was still broken but I couldn't handle not having a dog.  Sailor needed me as much as I needed him. 

Thank you Sailor for giving us so many smiles this past year and entertaining us with your Terrier antics and backyard squirrel chasing prowess and for being such a happy and talented swimmer! 
I may have signed the adoption papers and paid the fee but we both know the truth, you rescued me.

PAINT MY DOG - Cleo

"Cleo"
10" x 8"
oil on canvas

Cleo's story:
Note: Sailor is Susie's other adopted dog
- stayed tune for Sailor's portrait!

One year ago today, two weeks after initially heading to New Hanover Sheriff's Office Animal Services Unit with the intent of adopting her, Cleo FINALLY came to the home she truly belonged in all along.  I had visited the shelter with the full intention of bringing her home on 2 November 2012, but Sailor wound up joining us that day after putting on one of the most heart-wrenching, theatrical displays I've ever witnessed. 

Upon our first meeting, Cleo was calm, happy and seemed perfectly fine with the people taking care of her at the shelter.  Sailor...not so much.  Sailor was a great fit for our family but...something kept tugging at me. I could never get Cleo out of my thoughts. I monitored her status on the NHSOASU site hoping every day to see where she had finally found her family. On 12 November 2012 it appeared she had been adopted and was off to her new home.  On 13 November 2012, she was back at the shelter, apparently having the misfortune of being adopted by someone who didn't clarify to her roommates that this was a BIG dog, so back she came.  This is when my heart moved to my throat. I was so sad to see this.

Cleo had initially been an "owner surrender" and to be returned again was too much for me to handle. I made up my mind if she was still available by Friday, 16 November, she was coming home. I'd even posted my intentions on the shelter site.

Sure enough Friday rolled around and, true to my word, I headed to the shelter at noon following some prodding by my beautiful and wise daughter in law, Stephanie Tyler Parker who knew it was meant to be.

I walked tentatively back into the shelter and upon crossing the threshold, was greeted warmly by the staff who knew why I was there.  "Susie - Cleo's ready for you!" they announced exuberantly. I was toast.

But I still wasn't convinced entirely. Picking up on this one of the great staff at the shelter suggested Cleo and I go to the play yard and get to know each other.  Talk about a flat meeting - if this had been a date, we would have smiled, shaken hands and said "see you later" which is match.com speak for "I don't think so". 

Cleo was having NOTHING to do with me. They would throw a ball for her and then hand me the ball and this giant loping black dog would return it to them, not me.  There was no chemistry, no "I'm so happy to see you please take me home and love me forever".  Cleo was playing VERY hard to get. I had doubts about it working out but a promise was a promise. The staff did everything they could to make it work but Cleo was having NONE of it.  She was far more interested in everyone there.

I half-heartedly nodded and signed on the dotted line, chose the complimentary purple collar and leash, smiled for the obligatory shelter photo to the cheers of the staff and as soon as the door opened, Cleo literally pulled me to my car.  No really - I had no idea a dog could have so much strength.  It took two hands and a lot of begging on my part to SLOW HER DOWN.

Oh my...this had all the ingredients for an adoption disaster.

I herded her to the back seat of my car and as I was backing up in the parking lot, I looked in my rear view mirror and was stunned to realize that Cleo was taller in the seat than I was.  What had I done?

Of course, I hadn't alerted anyone at home that I was bringing a 90 lb pony to live with us.  Sailor, after two short weeks, was running the show and the Prince of the palace.  You can imagine his glee at my opening the door and Cleo bounding in the house running over anything in her path, including Sailor. Talk about indignant - Sailor was all that and more.

My parents looked at Cleo and looked at me and then back at Cleo as if they were sure I had lost my mind. I was wondering the same thing. I'd never had a dog this huge. I thought Cassie was large at 50 pounds. Ha!

Sailor and Cleo circled each other and Sailor feigned a combination of disgust and fear. Cleo, for her part, was just completely clueless but seemed to love the backyard and really enjoyed chasing Sailor. I just didn't know if this would work at all. Here I was with a small terrier who was suddenly shaking and afraid of his shadow and a pony which didn't seem all that fond of me and appeared to think Sailor was an interactive wind up toy. 

Somehow, we made it through the rest of the day. That night, Sailor decided to bed down with my parents and Cleo thought my bed would be just fine and oh, by the way, I was suddenly her new best friend.  I can't pinpoint the exact moment it happened but during that first night she had gone from decided indifference to becoming my shadow; my really large, loping, gangly shadow.

Within 48 hours, I couldn't remember life without her and when someone would approach me she would sit upright and get in front of me in full protection mode, large white teeth exposed for added effect.

Sailor and Cleo spent the next week establishing their place which basically meant that Sailor let Cleo know that HE had seniority and size notwithstanding, Cleo would forever be his minion and underling.  Cleo seemed to accept this without any real static and within a week or two, you really would have thought they were siblings, save for the fact there was absolutely no physical resemblance and the approximate 70 lb difference in size. 

While Sailor is the clown of the family, Cleo is the steadfast, deeply devoted, follow me anywhere and everywhere (except the pool!) best friend I could ever wish or hope to find. She wakes me up at unreasonable hours to toss the tennis ball outside (and I usually oblige!) and she stretches out right beside me every evening. She gazes at me as if I really am her one and only mother and sits faithfully beside me on driving errands (unless Sailor is in the car and then she sits in the backseat).

Cleo, I absolutely adore you and I am so thankful that in spite of previous human misfortune you gave my species another chance and found a way to trust that I would take the best care of you that I know how.  I could ask for no finer companion and bodyguard and I am so proud of how you have acclimated to our family. I appreciate your menacing bark when I don't know who's at the door and I dearly love that you make me go outside several times a day to toss that ball and have some fun.

Thank you so much for waiting on me to meet you and thank you to the New Hanover Sheriff's Department Animal Services Division for taking care of my girl until we could properly meet. It was the best kind of destiny.

I ♥ you Cleo.

PAINT MY DOG - Star Puppy

8" x 10"
oil on canvas
sold

And so it begins… the "PAINT MY DOG extravaganza!
The list has grown to 38 reservations!!
So plan on seeing lots more doggie portraits.

Lord Boots and Lady Misu

Lord Boots and Lady Misu

Oil on wood

8" x 8"

I just finished these two commissions. 

I don't usually paint cats, but I thoroughly enjoyed painting these two gems!

Julie

12" x 19"

oil on canvas

sold to a collector in Vermont

This is Julie. She was a stray in Greece, rescued and brought to Vermont to her permanent home.

I didn't know this, but the incidents of animal cruelty and abuse have reached epidemic proportions in countries like Greece where, culturally, companion and working dogs are not regarded as they are here in The United States, Canada and most parts of Europe.
Without humane societies or animal shelters, or any kind of spay/neuter system thousands of homeless Greek dogs do their best to survive on the streets, beaches and rugged countryside. They are unwanted, unloved and considered common pests, especially during tourist season, when the international community might bear witness to Greece’s “dirty little secret.” Though technically against the law, dogs and puppies are routinely poisoned, shot, beaten, drown and hung as means of population control. Perpetrators are rarely identified and almost never prosecuted.

Luckily, Julie and lots of others were able to get out and have safe loving homes with the help of a network of people. If you want to get more information about adopting a Greek stray or helping the rescue effort, here is their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-England-Helps-Greek-Strays/145586548934094?ref=br_rs
 

Chloe and Milton

Chloe and Milton

11" x 14"

oil on canvas

Sold to a collector in Virginia

50% off Studio Clearance Sale 

going on now!

Click here for my Etsy Shop

Random Facebook Pet Painting #21 and 50% OFF Studio Sale!!

Random Facebook Pet Painting #21

10" x 8"

oil on canvas

sold to a collector

I wanted to let you know of two exciting events going on. 

The first is my show at the MC Erny Gallery has been finalized - here is the info poster. Hope you can be there - it's gonna be BIG!!

The second is I am having a STUDIO CLEANING SALE! 

50% OFF 

Selected paintings and portraits til Jan 31st. 

and there is a lot to choose from :)

Here is the link....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClairHartmannFineArt?section_id=14897067&ref=shopsection_leftnav_8

Commissions!

"Kordell"

10" x 8"

oil on canvas

This is Kordell. He belongs to a woman who does rescue work. In my opinion he has aged beautifully and has an excellent profile. I really enjoyed working on this. 

Commissions are starting up early this year! Can I get a Yayy to that?

If you are thinking about a portrait, now is the time to put in an order. I have a feeling it's going to be a busy year. 

This year I'm giving a 15% discount to anyone who does animal rescue work. Let me know and I will add in the discount.

Just wanted to use this animation for no reason, just really like it. 

The Daily Dog - Twenty Nine

"Dakota"

8" x 10

Oil on canvas

A few years ago a friend asked me to paint Buster, the family dog, for his wife's birthday. Last Christmas his wife asked me to paint her parent's dog that had suddenly passed as a gift to them. 

Sadly, sweet Buster passed away earlier this year and although the husband was concerned it was way to early for another dog, the wife started scanning the shelters. From the moment she saw Dakota, she knew she was the one! 

You can read the full story here and see pictures if you scroll to the bottom of the blog...

http://stylegirljessjames.com/style-girl-fashion-fix/fashion-fix-rachel-zoe-for-the-day-celeb-styling-new-puppy-cfw-highlights/

I wanted to paint Dakota because first off she is ADORABLE. Secondly, she is a rescue and I'm so happy that she has found a wonderful loving home and they are a great match.

Fortunately for sweet Dakota (and them) they were looking in rescue shelters  - there are so many wonderful dogs and cats out there that are needing good homes right now just waiting for the opportunity to make you happy.  

Here is where they found Dakota:

http://www.savinggracenc.org/

"Buster"

Officially rescued!

The Daily Dog - Twenty Seven

"Jewel"

8" x 10" 

oil on canvas

The Daily Dog - Twenty Six

 

"Jip"

8" x 10"

oil on canvas

I knew Jip in his younger days - he used to be all black, but now he has turned to gray. He belongs to a dear friend of mine that was sort of a second mother to me when I was growing up. She asked me to paint him as a memorial even though he's still kicking around and I was more than happy too. 

It was interesting to paint this because he is all gray, but there are subtleties of purples, yellows and blues as well - it's rather pretty and quite a challenge. 

I hope I did him justice.