“Oreo” framed

Does my new Charcoal Pet Portrait need a frame?

YES!!! You will need to frame your Charcoal Portrait ASAP, and please do not take it out of its protective plastic covering before doing so. I actually recommend that your picture framer remove it at the TIME of framing.

Why Cy?

Some art pieces,  Acrylic or Oil paintings for instance do not need frames.  They do not need to rely on the extra protection that a frame provides to ensure their longevity.  Charcoals, Pastels and Ink drawings and paintings WILL need this protection because their surface and the actual medium on the surface is very fragile. The support, or paper, can easily bend or tear and the Charcoals (Medium) can smear and smudge if touched. Water would be devastating to both.

Also and most recognizably to all, a frame will give your piece a complete and finished look.

When should I frame my new Charcoal Portrait Cy?

Now!! Or as soon as possible. The longer you leave a fragile piece of art around unprotected the better the chance of it getting dropped, mishandled spilled on etc… Get it framed and on the wall where it can be enjoyed safely for years to come!

What kind of frame do I need Cy?

You will  need A frame big enough to include at the very least A piece of foam core backing, one mat, a piece of glass, and the outer decorative and supportive frame piece itself.

Here is how it works:  The paper the piece is drawn on will be mounted to the backing (Your piece was already mounted onto an 11 x 14 in. piece of backing for protection when you received it). A bigger back will probably be needed. The matting goes over this and it’s purpose is to keep the glass off of the drawings surface. and it provides  visual enhancement. The Glass is next, and it will keep anything from touching the artwork. And the Frame will hold all of this together and will again provide  a decorative finish to the piece.

“Cleo” framed

How do I get this all done Cy?

Find yourself a reputable picture framer to do this for you.  Do not try to do it yourself, It is not worth it, one mistake and your piece can be easily compromised or ruined.  It will cost, but this money is well spent. Your framer will work with you and can give you many different options and sizes and price ranges. You actually will have an important say in how your finished and framed Portrait will look.  Use colors you like, match with your decor etc…

Getting a new original piece of art framed is actually a fun and exciting experience!

Thank you for reading my Art Workshop By Cy Blog Post.  Check back soon for more instructive and informative posts.  And of course, please Pet Your Pets for us!  Oreo, Cleo and Cy

“Tanner” Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 Why do you write the animals name on your Charcoal pieces but not on your Paintings Cy ?

I always include the animals name, or its breed (In a Wildlife piece), on every one of my Pet Portraits in Charcoal.   I do this for the following reasons:

First, It is a simple way to honor the subject by putting a name to the face. Most of my Charcoal Portraits are head and shoulder portrayals focusing on the animals face, eyes and facial expression that best shows its true demeanor. I believe when you view all of this with a name right there it personalizes the animal and better connects her to the viewer.

Secondly the  information that the written name provides the viewer helps to tell the story of the piece. My Charcoal Portraits are Illustrative in that they focus mainly on the animals face without much else as far as composition goes. This is the purpose of this style, so a name helps “fill out”  and complete this  story.

Lastly I just love pet names and I think the name adds cuteness and fun to the artwork. This reason actually relates to both the previous ones.

Paintings do not include the animals name?

I do not paint the animals name on my Acrylic Portraits (unless asked to) for one main reason:

My Acrylic Pet Portraits contain much more information. Color for one thing, but along with the illustrative component that a Charcoal Portrait has, a painting also includes the total composition.  A background is always present  sometimes containing more subjects or perhaps a  landscape.  A lot of the time the whole animal is painted  or even maybe a person is included. All of this tells the complete story, This total visual story is the goal of my paintings.  Any writing, other than my signature (Covered in the previous Blog Post) I feel would take away from the story, looking out of place and creating clutter.

The animals name is still very important to the piece however, and is always written along with the finish date on the rear of the Paintings support. Also many folks include a small name plate on the frame (if they choose to frame their piece), which proudly states the animals name.

In finality and put very simply, In a Charcoal, the Animals name is part of the piece itself.  In a painting, the name is the pieces title and is displayed in its traditional place.

Thank you for reading my Art Workshop Blog.  Check back soon for more instructive and informative posts. And of course, please Pet Your Pets for us!  Tanner and Cy

Art Workshop with Cy: Signatures

Why, When, How and Where does a fine artist sign his or her artwork?

WHEN: 

Sign your piece when it is finished. When you are done revising and touching up.  I know sometimes this part of a painting is never ending but when the time comes…Sign it! Then move on!!

HOW: 

WHERE:

Whimsey

“Why Pet Portraits Cy?  I know how much you love animals but is this a good choice as a subject to spend  all of your time and talent on?  Can you make a living Drawing and Painting pets and animals?  Art is a tough gig to make money at.”  - Myself to myself.  Spoken many years ago, and on occasion to this day.

My answer to myself received in an email  earlier today;

Cy,

“I worked from home today so I wouldn’t miss the delivery of Whimsey’s portrait.   I had no idea.  I loved the photo of the Portrait, but had absolutely no idea of what it would look like in person so to speak.  My God, Cy, it looks exactly like my darling basking in the sun and it is in three dimensions!   I can count the number of eye lashes as well as the number of whiskers.  How can I thank you?  I would have been happy to pay you twice what you charged me to have my boy given back to me like this!  I feel like I could just reach out and touch him and he’d begin to purr.   I swear that Whimsey must have sitting on your shoulder when you painted this.  My baby has finally come home!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!”

And the questioning of my Art career and subject matter choice is answered. End of story…

…And…The beginning.   This Blog post,  however,  is NOT about me or how good or average of a painter I am. This Blog post, and actually my whole career, is about animals like Whimsey,  pictured above, and the people that love and care for them like Elizabeth, who in her last, Hardest, and possibly greatest act of love for Whimsey had to release him from his suffering and the body that had finally failed him.

My Artist statement reads like this:

My motivation for creating and selling art is first to share my interest and enjoyment for the images that I paint, Secondly, to honor my subject matter. And finally when I am gone, I want to leave behind a body of work that will continue to accomplish the first two objectives.

The result of this,  from beginning to end,  is to help people and animals with my gift.  I want to make people happy, give them a reason to smile, or be moved, and in some cases also to help heal and gain some closure from the loss of a pet.  The second part is as it states,  I am honoring the animals that I portray.  In my mind I am giving each animal I Paint or Draw, whether they are with us still or not,  a small piece of immortality.  People will gaze upon them long after they are gone, and can still enjoy their beauty and personality.  And finally I find peace in knowing that all of these positives will continue far into the future long after I myself am gone.

Thank you for reading this Blog post, and please have fun with your animals. Remember you are probably the main thing that makes them happy!

Cy

"Trooper" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

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“Trooper” welcomes you to my next Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog post! You can learn how you and your pet can become involved in your own Pet Portrait Blog Post at the end of  his story.

Trooper, full name, “Trooper For Peace” is a Yellow Labrador Retriever. He is owned by Jennie and Mike who live full time in Lake Stevens WA but visit often to their second home here in Chelan WA.  I photographed Trooper on a beautiful early Summer day on the banks of the Columbia River, just a few miles from Lake Chelan.  This is his second home as well, and in the background you can see one of his favorite family toys,  Mike’s  Ski Centurion competition ski boat named “Ruby C”.

Trooper is 6 years old.  he was picked from a litter of puppies owned by a family at Jennie and Mike’s church. He loves the family and spends all day running after the kids or visiting the other families along the shoreline. He is a very friendly dog but does tend to wander. Luckily he is loved by everyone he meets, and does come home whenever called.

On the day I took his picture the Ruby C was moored just beyond where Trooper was looking up river, probably at some kids playing nearby. I thought it would be appropriate to include the boat because apparently whenever the family  uses it, Trooper runs along the beach barking. Whether they are leaving, or especially coming back in, Trooper is there waiting, wagging and excitedly “Talking” them in.  He does not bark at other boats, just this one. Very cool, I thought.

The Labrador Retriever is happiest when he can have both a family and a field. He has a most agreeable disposition, loves children, and enjoys being trained as a gun dog.  All “Labs”  Yellow, Chocolate, and Black, love the water as well, and swim regularly if they can.  Labs are responsible workers and easygoing household companions. They have also been used very successfully in Police work and as seeing eye dogs for the blind. A special breed for sure. Trooper exhibits all of these great qualities and  I am honored to be able to Portray him in a Portrait and to write about him here. May you always fare well at the River Trooper, and keep watch over the Ruby C and her crew!

I hope you have enjoyed this story about Trooper.  If you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in. Charcoal Portrait sent to you, (or anyone you choose), anywhere in the world, and also have the animal included in one of these blog posts for the world to see… Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743

"Maxx and Matilda" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 Click on this picture, then click on the next version of it to enlarge!

Maxx and Matilda welcome you to my next Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog post! You can learn how you and your pet can become involved in your own Pet Portrait/Blog Post at the end of  their story. Maxx and Matilda are owned by Kim and Alan from Niwot Colorado. Maxx is considered a “Yorkydoodle” by Kim,  equal parts Yorky and Poodle.  Matilda of course is an English Bulldog.

They make for a wonderful pair. Maxx is Kims dog, He is full of energy and was constantly running here and there during our photo session. Matilda was basically the opposite, although very interested and inquisitive, she was extremely laid back and pretty much stayed close by Alan. Both Kim and Alan told me that their respective dogs mirror their own characteristics perfectly.

Matilda actually came over to the States from England so she is a legit ENGLISH Bull Dog!  Maxx was specially picked out by Kim from a friends litter. Matilda loves to sleep and Maxx loves to play with children and give them kisses.  Both dogs love kids, and  have a happy life spending the days at their neighborhood daycare. 

The Yorkshire Terrier is considered a toy dog, the Poodle depending on whether it is the larger Standard, or smaller toy, also falls into the non sporting dog category.   Maxx exhibits great traits from both his ancestors. The Yorky is very active and devoted to his master. He was bred for the show ring in England during the 1800′s and shows striking good looks and fluid movement.  Few people except owners of show dogs go through the process, but there is an elaborate amount of grooming and coat care that these dogs go through for the ring. I guess they really do clean up nice!!  The Poodle’s native land is not known.  He is highly civilized and intelligent, is an excellent household pet and is also a protector of children.  He can swim well and is a fine retriever…Who’d of thunk?

The Bulldog has made the most radical shift in Canine history, from being bred as a fighter to now being a gentle companion. This breed is renowned for his courage and tenacity. He also possesses a great dignity, strength and noble heart. As a guardian of property and children, few can match his worth. As you have read both of these dogs make for excellent pets and are wonderful family dogs. It was a pleasure to meet them and portray them in a Charcoal portrait.

I hope you have enjoyed this story about Maxx and Matilda. If you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in. Charcoal Portrait sent to you, (or anyone you choose), anywhere in the world, and have the animal included in one of these blog posts for the world to see… Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743

"Beamer" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 Click on this picture, then click on the next version of it to enlarge!

“Beamer” welcomes you to my next Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog post! You can learn how you and your pet can become involved in your own Pet Portrait/Blog Post at the end of  Beamers story. Beamer is a special dog with a special owner. I was commissioned to draw Beamer for Brandon.  His Mom Claudia contacted me from Texas and she needed a graduation gift for Brandon, who was graduating from Medical school. Quite the accomplishment but even more impressive because he also is a Navy officer having graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland.  He will be a Navy doctor.  I enjoyed this story because I grew up in a Navy family and actually lived in Annapolis while my dad worked on the Academy during my high school years.

Brandon  Rescued Beamer from a shelter so they are not sure exactly what breed he is.  They believe he is part Beagle and maybe some Boston Terrier. His looks, unique bark and love of chasing squirrels all point to these as the probable ancestry.  Brandon chose Beamer due to the fact that he was always wagging his tail, Claudia states, “ His name comes from the fact that he beams and makes you happy”

I have nicknamed Beamer  the “Navy Dog”  not only because of his military ties but also because of the picture below. This is the Bachelor cake for Brandon’s wedding.  As you can see another artist did a great job of portraying Beamer as a Naval Officer. I do not know if the cake tasted good or not….

Lola

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Welcome  back to the Pet Portraits By Cy Blog.  I want to share with you my most recent Acrylic Pet Portrait,  “Lola”.  Donna and Mike from Longmont Colorado own this beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. Lola is 3 years old and was acquired by Donna at the age of 10 months.  Lola is a very sweet dog and was very cooperative during our photo session, with the help of a few treats of course. I photographed Lola on a beautiful day in Niwot Colorado. She seemed very well trained and was very easy to work with.

The sun was bright on this day and the sky appeared as it does in the painting, with the front range mountains of Colorado in the background. Donna really liked this pose cause it shows Lola’s “smile” which apparently she does quite often, and she did seem like a very happy dog. Also I wanted to show off her beautifully colored coat and the sun struck her just right. Lola, according to Donna, is “really laid back  for a Lion hunter” (this breeds nickname) and I witnessed this firsthand.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is peculiar to the South African region. The breed was created by the interbreeding of dogs which were brought to Africa by the Dutch and English settlers. Its ancestory includes, Mastiff, Great Dane, Greyhound, Terrier, and Bloodhound. The dog  has an unusual and highly distinctive ridge on her back because the hair along her spine grows forward instead of backward. Her strong suit is hunting, she was used to flush game including Birds, Boar and even Lions from the brush. She is very alert in the field and loves to roam open areas. She was also trained as a guard dog.

At home the Rhodesian Ridgeback  has a mellow disposition and a genuine fondness for children. She makes for a very loyal member of the family. I saw these qualities in Lola. She was very alert, but very gentle and I could tell that she was very loyal and loved her owner Donna very much, the reverse being true as well.  It was a pleasure to paint Lola and I am grateful to learn about this amazing breed.

Thank you for reading this New Pet Portrait Blog post. Feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested, and check back soon for another Post featuring some great looking animals  in my Pet Portraits In Charcoal series!   Have a great time with your animals!  Cy

“Sarge” Pet Portraits In Charcoal

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Welcome back to my Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog!  Please read on about Sarge,  his breed, and other Pet issues…WHEN YOU FINISH…If you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in. Charcoal Portrait sent to you, (or anyone you choose), anywhere in the world, and included in one of these blog posts for the world to see… Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743

Sarge is a German Short Haired pointer. I drew this Portrait and donated it for a silent auction at an up coming Easter Seals fundraising event in Ephrata Washington. I will talk more about both this event and Sarges breed shortly, but first I am going to quote Sarges owner Maria as she shared some fun info about him for this blog post:

“This is Sarge he is a beautiful, sweet, affectionate and hyper German short haired pointer. He is an awesome hunting dog. He is 3 years old and is our pride and joy. And honestly our baby. This picture he is begging for an ice cube (his favorite treat) He came up and rested his cute little face on my knee. The look here says ( Oh please MaMa, please can I have a coobey ) That’s what we call them. He is very good at pleading with those adorable eyes.  Sarge is the best dog ever. I have never liked dogs ever. My husband said ( I am getting a hunting dog) and I tell you he has melted my heart. Such an affectionate breed, very social and eager to please. And Boy can they hunt!!   Sarge got his name from……….He was made, born and lived for the first 6 weeks in the back of a Army surplus store! Hence the name. It seemed to fit. Not a mean bone in this dogs body. And the most beautiful sight I have ever seen, I really do mean this, is when he gets to do what he was bred to do. HUNT! Brings me to tears to see the utter bliss on his face when he is running in the brush ”

Well said Maria!  Sarge’s social attributes and friendly fun disposition was well stated above. Here are a few more facts about The German Short Haired Pointer:

He was bred in Germany as an “all Purpose” hunting dog. His origins include Old Spanish Pointer, English Foxhound and Bloodhound. He has a keen nose, excellent endurance, a water repellent coat and even webbed feet! This all adds up to an fine retriever in the water. He is able to hunt under any conditions, can be trained to point, as is considered one of the best and most versatile  of the sporting breeds.

As I mentioned earlier, this piece was donated for a silent auction at an Easter seals fundraiser. This event is taking place on saturday April 21st, 2012 in Ephrata Washington and is sponsored by the nice folks at the Ephrata Safeway.  The event also will include a spaghetti feed and some other fun activities, with all of the proceeds going to the great charitable organization of Easter Seals. For information on this event please contact the Ephrata Safeway, a very nice lady named Janice can answer any questions you may have. here is the  Safeway stores number: 509-754-4441

I was honored to be asked to help with this fine cause. I had a great time drawing, and learning about Sarge. He is a wonderful dog and as you can tell he is blessed with a  loving family.  Thank you Janice and  Maria, and best of luck to you, and to your families and of course to Sarge as well!

 Thank you for reading My Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog. Please share this Blog Post with anyone who may be interested.  And if you are in the Ephrata/Wenatchee area please consider supporting the Easter Seals at Janice’s event.   A good day to all, and of course to all of your pets as well! Cy

"Boku" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 Happy Easter everyone!  This is Boku, and He lived in Japan!  He was owned by Sachico who lives on Awaji Island.  This Island is located just south of the city of Kobe in the eastern part of the Seto Inland sea. It is connected to Kobe by the longest suspension bridge in the world.  Boku’s breed in Japan is called “Kiji Neko” I was commissioned to draw Boku by Sachico’s daughter.

I was Honored to be chosen to portray Boku in a Charcoal Portrait, and have it delivered all the way to Japan.  Sachico apparently loves the picture and even talks to it. I am very happy to give her some good memories and allow Boku to live on in this small way.  He was, as you will read below, a very special animal.

In her own words Sachicos daughter was gracious enough to share what her mom told her about this special kitty: 

There were something very funny and I liked watching was ” Boku ” used play with grocery bag. He liked running in to it and it looked like bag was moving alone . He used do it over and over. It was just funny.I think he was nicest looking guy in the ” hood ” and he used come home injured so bad often. Tough world!!! Right?