Buster, a Beagle mix, also a rescued dog, is snuggled in orange striped sheets and cozy floral quilt

"Buster"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

...and here's Maggie's new brother, Buster, a Beagle mix who is also a rescued pup!  When you scroll down to see Maggie, you'll realize that it was truly a blessing that Buster was offered for adoption at the same time.  I suspect that Buster helped Maggie recover from her intense fear, and likewise, Maggie must have helped Buster.  Together they are enjoying a new life full of love and security with lots of play time!  They're truly special little pups.  Everytime I've heard of rescued animals being adopted, and from my own personal experiences, it seems they never forget who saved them!  I just love stories like Maggie and Buster with happy endings...or shall I say happy beginnings! 

If you have a story of rescuing a pup, kitty, bird or horse whose portrait you'd like painted, please email me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net 

Oil painting of Maggie a Rat Terrier who is a rescued pup happy in her new home! orange & white striped sheets & quilt

"Maggie"

10x8 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Maggie, a Rat Terrier, was rescued by my client's daughter when she saw a photo of her online.  It was love at first sight!  So, although ill at the time, she hopped on a train and endured the 3+ hour ride to meet Maggie for the first time.  They had another pup there also, just in case she didn't like Maggie.  Well, you can anticipate the happy ending...she took both home right away!  Maggie spent the first week in her new home, huddled in a corner shivering with fear, but as you can see, her recovery is fabulous!  Love conquers all.  Look for her new brother, Buster a Beagle mix, coming up on my blog tomorrow!

Fawn Resting Amidst the Long Grass - Available

Fawn Resting

4x4 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Having a creative spirit as well as the fact that my medium is oils which is slow drying, means that I'm always working on numerous paintings simultaneously.  When I receive commissioned orders I'll put my other paintings in storage somewhere in my studio until I have time or happen to come across them again . . . or as with this precious little fawn, I just glanced upon it in my PC images.  Therefore, it's my pleasure to offer this charming "Little Gem" oil painting to you for purchase (click here).

Westie Dog in Santa Hat West Highland Terrier Holiday

"Patience"

Original Oil Painting

 

Who can resist this darling little face waiting so patiently for Santa to arrive?  Decked out in an old fashioned Santa cap of soft red velvet, trimmed in fur, bells and holly, this adorable Westie pup awaits the arrival of Santa Claus! 

BERT Poodle Puppy on Oriental Rug Sage Celery Green Wall

"BERT"

8x10 inches, oil on panel

SOLD

This is Robin's new puppy, Bert!  She'd just had three pet portraits done and when she recently saw my painting of "Sammi" (scroll down) she was so surprised at the similarities that she immediately requested a portrait of her darling little Bert.  Scroll down to see Bert's new siblings, Lilly, Penny and Sandy.

Here's Yogi, Smokey's brother oil paintings pet portraits from your photos Westie West Highland Terrier

"YOGI"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Here's darling Yogi, Smokey's brother!  Adorably windswept, Yogi sits contentedly on the dock with the color of Autumn grasses in the background.  What a beautiful day to be remembered!

Westie West Highland Terrier 

(I've since added details in his eyes.)

Smokey Caim Terrier dog portrait oil painting

"Smokey"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Smokey, a  Cairn Terrier , is an absolutely adorable standing here in dappled sunlight with that happy, perky expression!  Who couldn't fall in love?  Her sibling, a Westie aptly named Yogi, will be posted tomorrow.

To commission your pet's portrait email me.



dog portrait in oil Black English Springer Spaniel Victorian bed blue floral sheets

"Finn"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

A most delightful scene of serenity, a darling black and white English Springer Spaniel sits quite contentedly amidst fresh blue and white floral sheets in a Victorian bed with inlaid floral swags.  I always say it, but as I'm a still life artist first, these extra details in my pet portraits are an extra joy for me while painting!  The moment I saw the photo reference of Finn I knew I had to paint his portrait!

darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel peeking out from antiques in a French Shop Miniature Oil Pet Portrait

"Molly"

7x5 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Molly is a darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loves rummaging about Leslie's French Shop in Williamsburg, VA.  (I'll get her shop name / link for you!)  Being an interior designer, she wanted to show as much of her shop as possible in this tiny little portrait.  There will be another somewhat larger portrait of Molly's siblings, Tucker and Jilly coming next week so keep looking!

If you'd like to commission a pet portrait email me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

BIRD PARROT PORTRAIT OIL PAINTING vibrantly colored Rosella Parrot Tiger Lily bird eating corn

"Tiger Lily"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Carol describes her beautiful Tiger Lily as a little scampy, befitting her slightly disheveled appearance.  As her "ruffled feathers are uniquely her "style", I felt it would be best to accentuate Tiger Lily's darling silhouette by placing her against a lighter background.  It was a little daring for me since most of my subjects, both still lifes and portarits, are set against medium toned or darker backgrounds.  This was a wonderful change and so suitable for spunky little Tiger Lily!

view my commission schedule here

exquisite Ragdoll cat on teal moire sofa with floral tapestry pillow oil painting

"Osa"

7x5 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Osa is an absolutely exquisite Ragdoll cat with big blue eyes, who is pictured here on a teal moire, tufted sofa with fringed, floral tapestry pillow.  She is only a 10 month old kitten but will become quite big as an adult, and is very lovable.  Just imagine snuggling kisses in all that thick fur! 

Sammi white poodle puppy original oil painting custom pet dog portrait

 

 

"Sammi"

12x16 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

 (Please excuse sway from digital camera; I really need another SLR.)

I love when people tell me a little about their pets so I can think about them while painting; somehow that helps me connect to them which always makes for a better painting.  When I first saw the reference photo of Sammi, my reaction was sheer delight!  Then I began considering cropping and editing the image to improve the composition, i.e., remove horizontal white moulding behind her head, etc.  However, something was lost in the process.  Yes, the result was a better composition but a little magic was lost, then I realized why!  Part of the undeniable charm of Sammi was her small proportion, enhanced by the background moulding and wide layout.  So in this case, although contrary to my design instinct, I chose to work as closely as possible to the photo reference in order to retain that irresistible, "Awwww," when I first saw her!  :o)

SNEAK PEEK AT TWO MORE DOGS ON MY EASEL THIS WEEK

IN PROGRESS

(digital camera puts a horizontal sway in pics)

Two more paintings in progress this week, Finn and Sammi.  I expect to have darling little Sammi done in one more sitting then rush shipment later this week.  Beautiful Finn is in a Victorian bed with lovely blue & white linens which you'll see emerge shortly in the next sitting with him. 

A personal note....

Please note that all the portraits in my commission list will be done very shortly!  I'm working overtime to meet the demands and this week has really put me over the hurdle of feeling overwhelmed with orders!  I'm so grateful to have this opportunity to share in the special bond between you and your precious pets.  With that in mind, I'd like to mention that I'd be delighted to paint people portraits as well, especially since that's the first subject I pursued decades ago.  Of particular joy would be to have the chance to paint someone with their pets, perhaps your spouse, children, grandchildren or yourself with your furred or feathered friends! :o) 

Please email your images for a quote on a custom painting of

PEOPLE & THEIR PETS

three oil paintings in progress, bird, dog, cat portraits

PAINTINGS IN PROGRESS

From Left:  Tiger Lily, Molly and Osa

Anticipated completion Thursday

IN PROGRESS

Here's Tiger Lily eating a piece of corn.  Her feathers aren't done yet, and as the photo pictures her on top of the cage without her tail showing, I added that and am still deciding just how I want to depict her placement, i.e., what table style, angle, etc. I must say that there's something lovely about a white background for a change, but I'll likely just do a soft, neutral such as light taupe...or as I think about it, perhaps just a shadow under her rather than a table...now that would be fun wouldn't it!  (Pic shows unedited image w/ evening lighting.)

In the first image above, Molly is inspecting her mom's French shop chock full of goodies, and Osa is snuggling in a teal moire Victorian chair with lovely rose embellished pillow.  Being a still life artist who's recently begun exploring pet portraiture, I must admit that these two paintings provided a bit more delight with all the extras in the backgrounds.  Of course I adore birds as many of you know from having seen them in my still life paintings peeking out amidst fruit and flowers as well as the extensive nest paintings I've also done over recent years.  Well, it's a late night again at the easel, now 1:30 AM but wanted to post these for you to see.  Tomorrow I'll be checking on Sammi's portrait to see if it's dry enough for the final detailing -- I'm thinking it may need one more day to dry.  With white I can't layer it too much or it just gets lost and blended.  To keep it crisp and alive I need to wait for the layers to dry.  Okay, signing off for now, but more coming during the week!

(Also, one still life and three portraits are shipping on Monday.)

UPDATED COMMISSION SCHEDULE crowd of new friends up this week, feathered and furred, custom pet portraits, paintings in oil

 CROWD OF NEW FRIENDS UP THIS WEEK

current commission schedule

(reference pics shown)

COMMISSIONS RECEIVED
JULY-DECEMBER 2010
CURRENTLY ON MY EASELS:

RASCAL for Kathy - hold - pics to be taken after Rascal's recovery 8x10

DONE:

SWEETPEA for Iraida - shipped

CARMEN MIRANDA for Faye - shipped

LACEY for John - shipped

nest still life for Nancy - shipped

IZZY NOEL for Jackie - shipped

hydrangea still life for Marti - shipped

5x5 rosebud - done

music themed nest for DPI - done, shipped
PENNY, Morkie for Robin - done, shipped

LILLY, Bichon puppy for Robin - done, shipped

SANDY, yellow Lab for Robin - done, shipped
RUSTY for Dorise - done, shipped
SAMMI for Theresa 12x16 - done, shipped
SCOTTIE and FUJEE, cats for Dorise - done, shipped
OSA, Ragdoll kitty for Marilyn 7x5 done, shipped
TIGER LILY Rosella Parrot for Carol 8x10 done, shipped
MOLLY in French shop for Leslie 7x5 done, shipped
FINN, English Springer Spaniel in Victorian bed for Sueanne 8x10 done, shipped
ALEX PEREZ GALLERY Fall Exhibition  done, emailed
SMOKEY for Susan 8x10 done, shipped
YOGI on the dock for Susan 8x10 done, shipped
Pumpkins 10x8 for Nancy done, shipped
BERT for Robin 8x10 done, shipped
WESTIE in Santa Hat done, emailed
BUSTER, Beagle Mix in the covers 8x10 for Deborah, done, shipped
MAGGIE, Rat Terrier in the covers 8x10 for Deborah, done, shipped
8x10 big OSA for Marilyn done, shipped
5x7 BAILEY in the Mountains for Robin, done, shipped
8x10 HUDSON and PLUM for Carl, done, shippped
5x5 yellow roses in spode teacup for Jeannie, done, shipped
20x16 Max and Simba for Annalisa done, shipped
TUCKER and JILLY in French shop for Leslie 9x12 done, shipped
10x8 nest for Nancy done, shipped
8x8 yellow lily for Marti done, shipped
8x8 roses in basket for Marti done, shipped
8x8 asst. floral with nest for Marti, done, shipped
Hydrangeas / Lilies for Kate 20x16, done
14x11 DAISY for Anne, done

gorgeous cats caramel black long haired custom pet paintings in oil

"Fujee and Scottie"

12x12 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Two stunning, long haired cats are poised together on this white painted desk. While this painting is 12 inches, their heads are actually only about 2 inches in size so the most delicate touch of the brush can alter an expression. Therefore, the steadiest hand and concentration was required as with my miniature paintings. You'll see in the detailed image that I've further refined Fujee's face and beautiful, soft green eyes. (Please excuse the digital camera sway on the tableline as it's perfectly straight in reality.)

A percentage of proceeds donated to:

http://www.cabra.org/

Coalition of All Breed Rescue of Arizona - CABRA

P.O. Box 7264
Phoenix, AZ 85011-7264

 

oil painting above; client photos below

To see Dorise's other boy, Rusty, scroll down a few more posts.

Yellow Lab pet portrait paintings in oil Sandy in the snow with red scarf

"Sandy"

10x8 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Sandy, a beautiful Yellow Lab, is depicted here in a cheerful red scarf while she's paused from a moment of playing in the snow!  I loved painting her nose all covered in snow as well as her chubby tummy with the cool light of the snow reflecting upwards. 

This is the third painting to be posted this week with two more planned.  Trying to catch up on orders as everything must be shipped before the holidays!  To view my curernt commission schedule please scroll down.

Lilly, a 10 month old Bichon puppy, is a most precious little ball of fluff

"Lilly"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD
Lilly, a 10 month old Bichon puppy, is a most precious little ball of fluff pictured here in profile on a soft, sage green cushion.  I could almost feel her delicate curls of fur as I painted.
Scroll down to view my commission schedule.
If you would like to commission a pet portrait of still life please email me.

Morkie pet portraits in oil Penny sits amidst a summer garden edged with rocks

"Penny"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Penny, a darling little Morkie with beautiful coloring and long, silky fur, sits amidst the grass near a late Summer garden of pink blossoms cascading over an edging of rocks.
This is the first of five (5) paintings to be posted this week per the following:
Penny (Mon)
Lilly (Tues)
Sandy (Wed)
Scottie & Fujee (Thurs/Fri)
Sammi (Sun/Mon)
I work on quite a few paintings simultaneously, juggling them on/off my easel between drying stages so check my commission schedule to see where yours are in the queue. click here

Rusty in Red Scarf Dog Portrait

Rusty

12x12 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Rusty is such a charmer! Painting his silky fur, mauve pink nose, deep brown eyes and to top it off, his adorable little scarf with paw prints and bones was a sheer delight!  Following are two more images of the painting after color adjustment to remove excess red.  Also, you'll see in the client photo below that I adjusted the pillow covers to provide more contrast to Rusty's lovely fur.

A percentage of proceeds donated to:
http://www.cabra.org/
Coalition of All Breed Rescue of Arizona - CABRA

P.O. Box 7264
Phoenix, AZ 85011-7264


color corrected image of painting above
client photo below

Update: I'm back!

A quick note -- I'm just now back to work in my studio after a leg injury that left me severely incapacitated. It set me back about 10 days in my schedule but I'm already putting in overtime to catch up! This week I'll complete Rusty, Scottie & Fujee -- maybe even Lilly, Penny and Sandy.
CLICK HERE for my current commission schedule.

Westie Dog Oil Portrait - Izzy Noel in "Backyard Explorer Extraordinaire"

scroll down to view this painting in progress

Izzy Noel in "Backyard Explorer Extraordinaire"

River City Westies 2010 Winning Photo by Jackie Sears

Oil Painting by Jeanne ILLENYE

SOLD - Donation

100% donated to River City Westies

Jackie describes Izzy as "pure joy on four legs". Be sure to click the above link to RCW to read more about Izzy's story.

If you would like a portrait of your precious pooch please email me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

click image to enlarge

dog portrait Boxer original oil painting

"Lacey"

12x9 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Here's is beautiful Lacey, with her heart melting eyes and velvety ears (which I'm so very happy weren't cut as is often done).  I'd had a Boxer once many years ago and recall petting those velvety soft ears, rounded forehead and strong body.  In this portrait I especially like Lacey's alert posture.  Originally I'd contemplated cropping the bottom about an inch or so but then considered how expressive she was so chose to present her sitting tall.  Boxers have such sweet dispositions...maybe you'd consider visitng your local rescue to adopt a sweetheart as lovely as Lacey!

To see the progressive images of Lacey's portrait, scroll down a few posts.

To commission your own portrait, just email me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

Current Commissions

CURRENT  COMMISSIONS:  I'm posting them here so you (and I) can keep track of your order. A quick note -- I'm just now back to work painting after a leg injury.  It put me back about 7 days in my schedule but I'm already putting in overtime to catch up!  THANK YOU for your wonderful response to my Summer Sale!!
NOW AVAILABLE NOTECARDS OF YOUR PET PORTRAITS $2.50 ea. min. order 1 dz.
UPDATED 9/25 
DONE:
SWEETPEA for Iraida - shipped
CARMEN MIRANDA for Faye - shipped
LACEY for John - shipped
nest still life for Nancy - shipped
IZZY NOEL for Jackie - shipped
hydrangea still life for Marti - shipped
RUSTY for Dorise - done
5x5 rosebud - done
music themed nest for DPI - done
PENNY, Morkie for Robin - done
LILLY, Bichon puppy for Robin - done
SANDY, yellow Lab for Robin - done
SCOTTIE and FUJEE, cats for Dorise - done
__________________________________________________________________
ON MY EASEL:
SAMMI for Theresa 12x16 waiting for last layer to dry then final details
New group of pets begun this week:
TUCKER and JILLY in French shop for Leslie 9x12
TIGER LILY for Carol 8x10
OSA, Ragdoll kitty for Marilyn 7x5
MOLLY for Leslie 7x5
FINN, English Springer Spaniel for Sueanne 8x10
LARGE FLORAL Hydrangeas / Lilies for Kate 20x16
UP NEXT:
YOGI on the dock for Susan - pending pic of Smokey to determine set as horiz or vert 8x10
SMOKEY for Susan - need pic 8x10
RASCAL for Kathy - hold - pics to be taken after Rascal's recovery 8x10
_______________________________________________________________
PENDING:
NAME? for Gail 8x10 - pending dep
2 Border Collies for Marilyn
Doxie Pile O' Pups for Anne
Baby Bunnies
pending one, two or three for Faye
pending one for Holly
pending two for Iraida
pending four or five for Steve
pending 3 minis or just Molly for Leslie
pending Izzy w/ her dad for Jackie
pending Molly for Kathy
IF YOU'D LIKE TO SCHEDULE A PET PORTRAIT IN ANY SIZE, EMAIL ME AT jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

Carmen Miranda White Poodle Pet Portrait 8x10 inches oil painting

(click image to enlarge)
"Carmen Miranda Amidst the Petunias"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD
Carmen was rescued from very bad circumstances and happily adopted by a loving couple where she was so excited to be free and healthy, she spent her days running everywhere with sheer joy! She has now settled down and finds it very satisfying to play the role of princess (as seen here) where she shares her home with two Labs, a Bloodhound mix, a Yorkie and ten cats.  As small as Carmen is she rules!  :o)

Maybe you'd like to visit your local rescue to save the life of a precious little princess and give her the home she deserves just like Jackie did for Carmen!

If you'd like a pet portrait painted email your photos to jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

On my easel today...

     Carmen Miranda is on my easel today.  Doing the blades of grass.  Ran out of batteries on camera and hubby has my rechargeables somewhere so can't take pics in progress.  Very tiny detailing in her Poodle fur and eyes...very small work...on my very last small paintbrush!  Usually have a stock but too busy to order online...may have to in order to finish!
     Watching over my shoulder is the Boxer, Lacey.  Been thinking that I may fuzz her at the bottom to soften the edge (like my header with Monet the Whippet pup above) and make vague the fact that her body is actually foreshortened there (which I didn't actually paint). Haven't quite decided.
     Looking up at me in her plaid scarf is Izzy Noel, the Westie. She's waiting patiently while I try to really make progress on Carmen...and then Lacey again tomorrow. Izzy knows she'll get my total attention next week.
     Okay, back to my easel....

Lacey - Boxer Portrait In Progress - Oil Painting Step by Step

THREE GIRLS ON MY EASEL

Lacey shown here completed

Carmen Miranda to be done (hopefully) this week

Izzy Noel to be done next week

Keep watching!

JUGGLING COMMISSIONED ORDERS

STILL LIFE COMMISSIONS ARE ALL COMPLETED AND SHIPPED EXCEPT FOUR IN PROGRESS...THINK I SHIPPED ABOUT 20 PAINTINGS SINCE LAST WEEK...BEEN WORKING AS FAST AS I CAN...AS FAST AS THE PAINT WILL DRY BETWEEN LAYERS...WITHOUT COMPROMISING QUALITY AND DETAIL... FOLLOWING IS MY SCHEDULE:
on my easel right now
LACEY - DEFINITELY WILL BE COMPLETED WK OF 8/8
CARMEN MIRANDA - AIMING TO COMPLETE WK OF 8/8

IZZY NOEL - AIMING TO COMPLETE WK OF 8/15

RUSTY

SCOTTIE

FUJEE
Doxie Pile O' Pups
Baby Bunnies
and more...
To schedule a custom portrait of your furred or feathered friends please email your photos to me at jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

Remember, NOW is a good time to get your order in for a custom portrait before the Christmas rush when I focus on creating my "Little Gems" still lifes for holiday gift giving!

Peek Over My Shoulder - Work in Progress - Painting for Charity - River City Westies' First Place Winner

(click image to enlarge)

In Progress:  Izzy Noel / 10x8 inches / oil on panel

First Place Award to Jackie Sears for Izzy Noel in "Backyard Explorer Extraordinaire"

100% donated to River City Westies

Also Featured on Richmond Pet Lovers

Pet Portraits 8x8 or 8x10 inches Now Only $199 Limited Offer

Custom Pet Portraits in Oil

email your images and size request for a quote

jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

Visit my blog for more portraits:

"Looking After Them"