Dog Portraits by Polly McGrory

 


McGrory met her first Afghan Hound on a visit to New York City. A friend of hers was dogsitting for a blond Afghan named Christian, and McGrory instantly took to this joyful dog. She canceled her party plans and spent the weekend romping through Central Park with Christian. Within one year, she owned her first Afghan, a dainty jet-black female named Tania. She has owned Afghans ever since, and has now added a long-haired mini Dachshund to the family. She has painted countless breeds of dogs, and several breeds of cats.

Talk to the artist to order any portrait of your Dog or any pet from your Photographs

 

Polly McGrory

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Detail from Luke by Polly McGrory Click on image to see enlargement



ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL
WATERCOLOR 16" X 21" IMAGE
TRIPLE MATTED

This beautiful dog lives on Cape Cod. She was a
challenge to paint because of her glossy mane of curls. In reality, her coat ranges from black to silver to white, but in order to give it extra sparkle, I used shades of dusty blue, lavender and mocha, mixed with the rich black and grey. The portrait is done in watercolor with highlights picked up with casein and Prismacolor pencils.



AFGHAN  MALE
WATERCOLOR 14" X 20" IMAGE
TRIPLE MATTED, SILVER FRAME

This beautiful Afghan is the artist's dog
He is shown here on Cape Cod's Marconi Beach,
on a windy winter day, his full coat brilliantly
backlit by the strong sun. Luke is an exceptionally
gentle dog, with a joyful disposition and a regal
bearing. He attended obedience school
as a young lad and remained extremely responsive
to voice commands, atypical of the breed.

AFGHAN HOUND MALE
BRITISH GRAPHITE PENCIL
12" X 24" FRAMED
DOUBLE MATTED, BLACK WOOD FRAME

Luke is shown in this portrait at the age of 2
years. Contrast this younger version with the
watercolor portrait done when he was ten years
old. This beautiful cream-colored Afghan is
from a championship line, and his face is
distinguished by the lack of a black mask.
Unusual in Afghans, it nonetheless enhances
the impression of gentleness and gives a soft
expression to his face.



ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL FEMALE WATERCOLOR AND CASEIN 21” x 25” FRAMED DOUBLE MATTED WITH SILK MAT DISTRESSED SILVER FRAME

 Champion Gelsey is an outstanding example of her breed, and obviously, many show judges took notice of this lovely little lady. The English Cocker Spaniel has a more refined facial structure than its American cousin, and Gelsey is typical with her elegant jaw line, the long silky feathering on her ears and the lush copper patches on her coat. This dog is truly a movie star!

MEMORIAL PORTRAIT NEWFOUNDLAND FEMALE WATERCOLOR AND CASEIN 21” x 25” FRAMED TRIPLE MATTED, BLACK WOOD FRAME

This watercolor is a memorial portrait painted for a New York City lady whose beloved Newfoundland passed away last year. Her husband commissioned the painting with very specific requirements — chief of which was that the dog be painted parked in front of the fridge, which was where she was most often found. Midnight has the classic features of the gentle giant Newfies — the rich thick coat, the sad eyes and the wistful expression. She was a joy to paint!
 




WATERCOLOR, PASTEL AND CASEIN
24" x 30"

This unusual dog is pictured in her snowy habitat in New York State. Typical of the Great Pyrenees breed, Sugar is a gentle giant, with a sweet disposition and an unmistakable sense of humor. Her full coat and lion-like head lend her dignity and majesty, but her fun-loving spirit make her an ideal family pet.

 





MEMORIAL PORTRAIT
DOBERMAN MALE   WATERCOLOR
24" X 36" FRAMED
TRIPLE MATTED, BLACK WOOD FRAME

This handsome Champion Doberman had belonged to a young couple in Massachusetts.When he died at age 11, his owner was
inconsolable. The owner’s wife commissioned Max’s portrait as an anniversary present for her husband. The painting was presented at a small gathering of friends, all of whom were deeply moved.
The portrait was specifically designed to be hung over the large mantel of a fieldstone fireplace.
   



GOLDEN RETRIEVER MALE   WATERCOLOR
20" X 30" FRAMED
TRIPLE MATTED, GOLD WOOD FRAME

Typical of the friendliness and enthusiasm of
Golden Retrievers, Hudson belongs to a couple on
Cape Cod. His coat is a deep amber color, and he
is full of energy and canine charm. Photos were
taken of him at two years of age, and his youthful
exhuberamce made for an amusing but somewhat
challenging photo session. Originally, the owner
wanted a more formal pose, but upon seeing the
photos, she decided that the shot with Hudson’s
tongue hanging out was not only the most typical,
but also the most charming.
   



GERMAN SHEPHERD MALE   WATERCOLOR
21" X 32" FRAMED
TRIPLE MATTED, WALNUT WOOD FRAME
TOWN OF HARWICH POLICE DOG

 This portrait was a special project, done with the cooperation of the Harwich Police Department.Mr. Bear had been written up frequently in the
local newspapers, and Ms. McGrory thought a portrait of him would be a natural for her portfolio. She contacted Sgt. Dennis Kendrick, Mr. Bear’s trainer, who was delighted at the idea of having Mr. Bear painted. During the photo session, Sgt.Kendrick had Mr. Bear run through his paces. His unswerving attention and instant obedience to commands was most impressive. The portrait was
done from a photo where the dog’s gaze was riveted to Sgt. Kendrick.

GERMAN SHEPHERD MALE BRITISH GRAPHITE PENCIL
14" X 24" FRAMED
TRIPLE MATTED, SILVER METAL FRAME

Mr. Bear’s watercolor portrait, shown above, was exhibited for one year
throughout various locales on Cape Cod, and then was donated to Sgt. Dennis Kendrick in gratitude for his and Mr. Bear’s time. Several years later, when looking for a suitable subject for a pencil sketch showing the true features of the German Shepherd breed, Ms. McGrory remembered the photos of Mr. Bear, and used the same shot for this classic Shepherd portrait.

 

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