“Clare” Pet Portraits In Charcoal

This is a post written a year ago featuring “‘Clare”.  Clare is an Affenpinscher and I am re-posting this because Clares’ breed won this years (2013) 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show BEST IN SHOW award!! And I wanted to share some information about this fun breed.

Welcome back to my Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog!  Please read on about  Clare, her breed, and other Pet issues…BUT FIRST…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,  Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743

Clare is an Affenpinscher. an interesting little breed  that I will provide some info on shortly. Clare is owned by Julia, a sweet 11 year old who lives in Thornton Colorado. In Julia’s household there are a total of 3 dogs and 2 cats. Clare is Julia’s dog and they are very cute together. Julia will carry Clare around with her and they can often be seen snuggling together. Clare is great with kids and other animals, but she will get a little nervous when a stranger enters the house. A friendly dog however, and warms up to new people quickly.

In little Julia’s words she chose Clare for adoption because she thought Clare was showing off to her when they first met. Apparently Julia was throwing a little toy bracelet for some dogs and Clare would run after it and bring it back to her. It was a perfect match, and their love for each other is readily evident upon watching them play together.

Affenpinscher translated in German is “Monkey Terrier”. It is one of the most ancient of the toy dog breeds. It originated in central Europe (Germany and France). During the 17th century these small terriers were bred as Ratters and were kept around farms and stores to keep the mice and rat populations down.

The Affenpinscher is a very peppy dog and has the impish nature of a monkey.  They also were nicknamed “Little Dog With a Moustache”. This wire haired terrier struts around and acts as if it were a much larger dog. Nowadays they are fun loving, mischievous, very intelligent and a great house pet. Julia and her family will happily attest to the fact that her Affenpinscher Clare loves kids and gets along with other animals as well.

Thank you for reading my Pet Portraits In Charcoal blog, Check back soon to read about many more interesting animals. Feel free to share this blog with whomever might find it interesting!  Thanks and please take good care of yourselves and your pets! Cy

"Jarvis & Lucy" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

Welcome back to my Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog!  Please read on about ”Jarvis & Lucy”, about their breed, and other Pet issues…BUT FIRST…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

Jarvis and Lucy are owned by Jenni and Jeff from Louisville Colorado. Jarvis is 3 years old and Lucy is 11. They are both Pure bred Dachshunds and are happy little dogs, enjoying a loving relationship, with their owners. according to Ali, Jenni’s friend, they enjoy jumping from surface to surface  around the house, and are not happy if their masters leave home. But I am sure all enjoy an exuberant and happy reunion upon the return.

The Dachshund breed belongs to the hound family. They were bred in Germany hundreds of years ago to hunt Badger. “Dachs” is in fact the German word for Badger.  The Elongated body and short legs were bred into this dog to dig the prey out and go inside their burrows, forcing them to leave their dens. The miniature variety was bred to hunt Hare and stoat (Weasel). Dachshunds also hunted Fox and Otters.

The Dachshund is now mostly seen as a companion rather than a hunter. They are very clownish and mischievous, and is a very intuitive dog. This breed loves people, is friendly, fun loving and outgoing and steals the hearts of everyone he, or she meets. They can become jealous and irritable at times, being complex in both mood and temperament. Proper training, care and affection is important and advised, and  children should be gentle and considerate. This wonderful and cute little dog would be a great addition to  any home.

Thank You for reading about Jarvis and Lucy, I hope you found it enjoyable and educational. Check back  soon for the next Pet Portraits In charcoal Blog.  I have a lot more fun animal pictures and stories to share. Next up I will be showcasing three of the most beautiful cats that I have portrayed.

Please share this with anyone you know who may be interested….. Thank you and  I will be talking with you through my Blog soon,  Cy

"Smarty Jones" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

Welcome back to my Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog!  Please read on about “Smarty Jones”, about one of his greatest fans and about his wonderful career as a thoroughbred racehorse.…BUT FIRST…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

Smarty Jones is a retired champion thoroughbred racehorse. In 2004 he won both the Kentucky Derby, and the Preakness Stakes, and narrowly missed the triple crown by running second in the Belmont stakes. He earned $7.6 million over a wonderful career running against the worlds best horses.  Upon retiring he stood stud at Three Chimneys farm in Midway Kentucky, and now resides at Ghost Ridge Farms in Felton PA.

I was commissioned to draw Smarty by Tara from longmont CO. As a sweet gesture she wanted to give this piece as a gift to one of her good friends and as it turns out one of Smartys most avid fans, Tammy from Niwot CO.  Tammy fell in love with the Smarty Jones story shortly after his wonderful 2004 Triple Crown run. She has traveled to Three Chimneys or Smarty’s other farms at least once a year since 2005 to see and learn more about him. I would consider Tammy an expert on this horse, and as a racehorse fan myself, I found it very enjoyable, and informative to discuss him with her. 

Smarty Jones’  Sire (father) was Elusive Quality and the Dam (his Mother) was I’ll Get Along .  Smarty’s blood line includes some of the most famous racehorses ever to run including, on his fathers side, Secretariat, (his great, great grandfather), Bold Ruler, and Native Dancer.  And on his mothers side Fool-Me-Not and his sire, Tom Fool.  Smarty Jones has sired some fine horses himself since his retirement including,  Backtalk,  Be Smart and Smart Coco.

 Smarty Jones was bred by Roy and Patricia Chapman. Patricia’s mom,  Mildrid (Milly)  McNair who died in 1989, shares the same birth date as Smarty (February 28, 2001) and this is how he got his name, Milly’s nickname as a child was Smarty Jones.

Smarty Jones is a beautiful Chestnut Colt. There is a  great heritage and success story that will always follow him and I am honored to share my Portrait of him, and his story with you all. Thank you for reading my Pet Portraits In Charcoal blog, and check back soon for another informative entry and some great looking animals!  

Know some Horse lovers or Racing fans?  Please share this!  Thanks, Cy

"Max & Willie" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

Welcome back to my Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog!  Please read on about “Max & Willie”, about their breed, and other Pet issues…BUT FIRST…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

Max and Willie are brother and sister from the same litter, born on May 25th and owned by Susan and Ron in Boulder Colorado. Willie is currently 11 years old, and Max sadly passed on at the age of 8. They were inseparable, and shared a special bond. Willie, the sister and smaller of the two was in fact the boss, she would at times herd Max around and would often literally sit on his head during times of rest (which come often for a Bulldog). As younger dogs they loved to chase the spot of a flashlight  around the yard. Ron would wield the light watching them flounder on the grass trying to get the elusive bright circle. This would tire them quickly and they would soon retire to their doggy bed in the kitchen, usually with Willie sitting or lying on some part of Max.

Willie, understandably went through a period of depression after Max died but eventually returned to her more or less normal cute and very sweet tempered demeanor. She will follow you where ever you go around the house (especially if there is lightning) and is a cherished and loved important part of the family.  Max and Willie could not have found a more wonderful family to live with, and Susan, Ron and their family all can say the same about these two awesome Bulldogs.

The Bulldog breed has made the most radical shift in canine history–from ferocious fighter to gentle companion. Originally they were bred for violence, mainly Bull baiting. With his short head and powerful jaw he could maintain a grip on another animal and remain breathing indefinitely. His low slung body was protection from a bulls horns. A Bulldog is a cross between a Mastiff, a Pug and a Terrier.  Males weigh about 50 lbs. females around 40.

Bulldogs are renowned for their courage and tenacity and also possess great dignity and a noble heart. Not withstanding the previous paragraph on violence, nowadays he is a great guardian of both property and children, and few breeds can match his zeal and devotion as a friend. Bulldogs are  an admirable breed for sure.

Thank You for reading about Max and Willie, I hope you found it enjoyable and educational. Check back  soon for the next Pet Portraits In charcoal Blog.  I have a lot more dogs, cats and next up I’ve got  the Racehorse Smarty Jones!  The 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner!

"Patrick" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

Welcome back to my Pet Portraits in Charcoal Blog!  Please read on about Patrick  and other Pet issues…BUT FIRST…if you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in Charcoal Sketch sent to you, 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

Patrick is considered a mixed Terrier, more about the Terrier breed later, but as far as Patrick goes,  apparently he was a very spunky and mischievous soul, He was owned by Melissa in Littleton Colorado. Melissa’s sister Liz tells me he was quite often getting into little trouble causing adventures around the house including everything from stealing food off your plate, to chewing on your socks and playing with the electrical cords.  A smart little dog however as he would run under the bed when he knew he was in trouble.  Landy, Liz’s dog, was Patrick’s best doggy friend and they would spend much time together having  what I am sure was a lot of fun!  Patrick, unfortunately has passed on, he had some heart problems and died at only two years of age. Even though his life was short, he was greatly loved and spoiled by Melissa and her family and had a wonderful life both getting and giving much love and devotion. His family misses him dearly, and I am honored to be able to help him live on in a small way though my art and this story.

There are traditionally two types of Terriers, short legged and long legged, Terriers were used mainly in The English empire throughout the 18th and 19th century as hunting,  guard and watch dogs. Many breeds originated throughout  the British Isles region including Scotland and Ireland. Terriers are very smart and brave regardless of there sometime smaller size. They will fight a fox or other animal many times bigger than themselves. They were used for everything from hunting, to war service to guarding mines,  farms and livestock.  And as was true with Patrick, they seem to have a playful almost tangible sense of humor, and comical air about them which makes today’s hybrid breeds wonderfully fun and loyal household pets. 

Thank you for reading about Patrick and check back soon for another Cy Hundley Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog entry!

Kenai

Hello and welcome back  to the Pet Portraits By Cy Blog. Today I want to introduce all of you to Kenai, my latest portrait  painting. Kenai is owned and greatly loved by Ariel from Firestone Colorado. Kenai is a Blue Doberman, he is the son of Goblin,(father, a Black Doberman) and Jeepers Creepers (mother, a Fawn Doberman). We ironically chose to paint Kenai in this fall/Halloween scene and I did not realize his parents were named with this holiday in mind. In fact I later found out that the owners of Kenai’s parents were married on Halloween! It ended up being the perfect setting.

Ariel met Kenai when he was 2 days old, and she was a senior in high school, She would drive down to Colorado Springs to visit with Kenai for weeks before she could bring him home, which she did the day after she graduated. Kenai is now 6 years old and I can tell he and Ariel love each other and are best friends. 

When I met Kenai for the first time he was very friendly and gentle, I could see he has had some physical injuries over the years, a broken leg at an early age and a back injury later in life, But he seemed very happy and very well cared for.  He did not mind our photo session at all, and was a pleasure to work with. Upon the delivery of the portrait he was chewing on a bone, and aside from a welcoming bark of sorts he was content to stay near us and enjoy his chewing, apparently not knowing or caring that he has now been immortalized in a painting.

It was a very pleasureful experience to meet and paint Kenai, I really like the composition of the piece, I love the color orange, and therefore was thrilled to include pumpkins in the Pet Portrait. I also love Halloween and by putting the receding, dark, yet inviting forest in the background I was able to include some mystery in the piece.  These compositional components plus Kenai’s confident pose, I feel portrays him in the Regal and important way that he deserves.

Some Doberman facts: 

Dobermans date back to 1890 when Louis Doberman of Apolda Germany crossed a German Pinscher with both a German Rottweiler and a Greyhound.

Dobermans prefer other people to other dogs and this fondness is most easily developed and seen in a one person relationship.

A Doberman is well equipped to handle jobs that require strength, speed and intelligence. He has been used as a guide for the blind and has been involved in a considerable amount of war service. Also because of his acute sense of smell he is a formidable hunter.

The original Dobermans were bred as guard dogs and got the reputation as a mean animal, nowadays friendlier strains are available and are very adaptable as a household pet.

There are four main types of Dobermans: Black, Blue, Fawn, and Red. Kenai is a Blue Doberman.

Thank you for visiting my website and reading my Pet Portraits By Cy Blog!

Dont forget about my 2011 free wildlife print Holiday Promotion! Check out my Blog archives for September and view the “Pet Portraits By Cy Fall/ Holiday  Promotion” post !!!

"Rocky" Pet Portraits in Charcoal

Hello Friends and welcome to my Pet portraits by Cy blog! I will be periodically sharing charcoal sketches of pets which I will be drawing either from life or from photos which I shoot.  I will Accompany these pet portrait sketches with a number of possible stories or useful pieces of pet information. Sometimes I will write about the animal portrayed and or the sketching process and under what circumstances the sketch was produced.

Rocky is my first installment, Rocky is a very fun golden retriever who is owned by the owner of the Hitching Post here in Niwot Colorado. I was the featured artist at the first Friday art walk in Niwot on November 4th.  Rocky is the shop dog and spends all day visiting the shops customers. The Hitching post sells all sorts of items that a horse owner or enthusiast would love,  from saddles, riding gear and clothing to fine art.

I set my easel up and sketched Rocky from both a photo and from life, he was at my feet for most of the process. Many people ventured into the store and enjoyed watching me sketch the dog that would jump up for affection shortly after their arrival. I have two paintings for sale at the hitching post, both can be seen on  http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/ on the horse section of my fine art prints and cards page. There are many fine artists who have horse paintings and prints for sale at the store.

Niwot is a fun and thriving little art community located between Boulder and Longmont Colorado. There are nice art galleries, coffee shops clothing stores and of course the Niwot market, owned by my good friend Bert Steele. In Niwot you can also see beautiful murals both outside and in. Our latest is a 180 foot long mural on the west side of the excel energy building. It was painted by my good friend and fellow muralist Denise Chamberlain. I have painted a number of murals in town as well. you can see some on my mural site,   http://muralsbycy.com/.  For a fun art, dining and gathering  experience, check out our little town on the first Friday night of the month!

Please check back to see more of my charcoal pet portrait sketches. I will be potentially adding  charcoal  as a pet portrait medium to compliment my Acrylic on canvas work. More on this later,  but please feel free to inquire if interested. Thank you for reading my Pet portraits By Cy blog!!

Dont forget about my 2011 free wildlife print Holiday Promotion! Check out my Blog archives for September and view the “Pet Portraits By Cy Fall/ Holiday  Promotion” post !!!