I love painting all kinds of portraits, but my favorite subjects are dogs. I have painted many dog breeds, from elegant, pampered pooches to rough-and-tumble mixed breeds. I almost think that dogs have more character in their faces than people — they are less inhibited in showing how they feel. I am always looking for a new breed to paint — each one is like being introduced to a new friend. Each pedigree carries with it centuries of instinct and evolution. Zillions of inherited particles fuse to make each dog what it is. Even the more exotic breeds carry their ancestors' genes, the same as a humble shelter rescue can tell you much about her past when you observe her character traits. I work from photographs. Frequently, a client will have a favorite photo of his or her dog that I will work from..Often, the client will take a series of photos with the dog on his favorite couch, or curled up on a chair with her best-loved toy or splashing through the water with sparkling droplets flying. Many portraits have been commissioned as gifts ... for Christmas, a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday, even as a housewarming gift.