UPCOMING PORTRAITS CURRENTLY ON MY EASEL INCLUDE:

IZZY NOEL - AIMING TO COMPLETE WK OF 8/15

CARMEN MIRANDA - AIMING TO COMPLETE WK OF 8/8

LACEY - AIMING TO COMPLETE WK OF 8/8

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

SWEETPEA Custom Dog Portraits Painted with Love

"Sweetpea"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

 It's always an extra privilege when a client requests a painting of their beloved pet as a memorial to them, as was the case with Iraida's precious little Sweetpea!  She always seems to be smiling in all her photographs which may be why I, too, was smiling while painting her portrait! Maybe she was looking on with approval....

Client Photo alongside finished painting.

To commission your own pet portrait email your photos to jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

...and the winner is... River City Westies Annual Photo Competition First Place Winner

Meet Izzy Noel  in. . .

”Backyard Explorer Extraordinare”

This photo by Jackie Sears won First Place in the Second Annual River City Westies Photo Competition.  To read about Izzy, who was a rescue adopted by Jackie click HERE.  I'll be painting a portrait of Izzy based on this charming photograph.  Watch for future postings which will show the work in progress.

100% donated to River City Westies

Before I begin painting Izzy, I will be completing a commissioned portrait in memoriam of Iraida's darling girl named Sweetpea . . . so keep looking!

BIRD PARROTS Pale Headed Rosella Eastern Rosella Birds Eucalyptus Tree Butterflies Australia Parrot

"Gabby and Sophie in Eucalyptus Tree"

16x12 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Two of Carol's girls are shown here in a Eucalyptus tree along with two different butterflies, a couple of beetles, some flower bud clusters, nuts and one spidery flower in bloom.  Gabby (top right) is a pale headed Rosella and Sophie (lower left) is an Eastern Rosella.  It was such a joy creating this painting and of particular delight was recalling some of Carol's stories of the girls being a bit tempermental with feathers flying or more adorable, how she watches bits of torn newspaper being carried into the closet during nest building!  Whenever I create a portrait I always wish I could actually meet the subjects of my paintings...but as I paint I almost feel as though I've known them!

FROM MY STUDIO . . .

A personal note...

Hi, everyone!
Just a very brief note to say that I've been swamped with orders here in my studio!  If you've been waiting to receive paintings most have been shipped, some pending varnish dry time as it's been especially humid here this week so taking a little longer, or waiting to receive images of work in progress, pics of completed paintings, or even some waiting for quotations, please be sure that I'm multi-tasking as usual albeit suddenly a little more hectic than expected! I promise to get everything done!! :o)
Best wishes,
Jeanne

in progress - sneak peek of Rosella portrait - eucalyptus foliage

WORK IN PROGRESS
Sneak peek of eucalyptus foliage at this point.  The top image shows where I'll be placing one flower which will have fine, white spidery petals, but this latest layer on the background must first be dry.  One more layer will go on the background and of course all the leaf edges and center veins will need to be done, shadows on the foliage, correct color of blushing yellow buds, detail birds' feathers, check & adjust color of leg(s), then overall evaluation and final details...then it will be done.  More shortly....

Pale Headed Rosella Parrot Bird oil painting pet portrait WORK IN PROGRESS

WORK IN PROGRESS
(larger than actual)

Gabby is shown here in progress as part of the painting including Sophie, shown below.  For this painting I am referring to numerous photos and reference material to study these gorgeous Rosellas.  The challenging part about this portrait is that there really isn't a precise photo from which I can copy; rather the entire painting including the birds and Eucalyptus tree, are all composites to varying degrees.  It's a slower process of course, but I am confident that it will be gorgeous upon completion.

Next phase in progress will feature some of the Eucalyptus tree.  I did a significant amount of research on Rosellas and their habitat as well as their food preferences, then deliberated about which specific variety of Eucalyptus I'd use and if it would be flowering or fruiting, whether the tree would be partially stripped of bark as is their habit to do.  Next post will show Eucalyptus Tereticornis.

sneak peek of Sophie - Rosella Parrot - commissioned pet portrait

WORK IN PROGRESS

(larger than actual)

Thought I'd share a sneak peek of what's currently on my easel as I've been working on this commissioned double portrait of two exquisite Rosella birds.  Shown here is Sophie on day 2 just following the initial underpainting.  Will show more current pics shortly. 

At this point I haven't yet decided if she'll be eating a berry, nut or a leaf.  I suspect it will be a torn leaf as I'd have to reposition her lower beak for a nut or berry.  Also, been reserching to decide in which variety of Eucalyptus they'll be perched, which will then influence my decision as to what Sophie will be eating. 

White and Fawn Whippet "Felony"

"Felony"
8x10 inches / oil on panel

Commissioned Portrait
SOLD

10% of proceeds donated to Whippet Rescue and Placement (WRAP)
http://www.whippet-rescue.com/

Felony's actual full name is "Piper's Felony Indictment" which is so adorable!  Anne's whippets are stunning so it's always an absolute joy to paint such striking beauty!  While painting, I could almost feel the contours of Felony's smooth, rounded head and soft ears gently pulled back in an alert expression.  Her deep, dark eyes are so inviting and sensitive.  Of course the physique of Whippets is as magnificent as their exquisite faces!  I'm always amazed at their sleek beauty! 

Here's another site I like:  http://www.thewhippet.net/whippet-rescue.html

Lacy White Westie Terrier - WIN A FREE PET PORTRAIT OIL PAINTING

"Lacy"

8x10 inches / oil on panel

SOLD

Lacy is an absolutely charming subject so I was delighted to paint this commissioned portrait for my client. 
10% of proceeds will be donated to:
 OHIO WESTIE RESCUE / RESCUE ME!
http://westie.rescueme.org/Ohio

* * *

On another note, again this year I will be painting the winning photograph in the upcoming

River City Westies Photo Competition. 

Winner receives a FREE 8x10 inch oil painting of their photograph.  You can scroll down to see the painting I'd done for the winner last year.  Hope you can submit a photo of your Westie as it's for a good cause - - to help River City Westies raise funds that benefit the rescue, care and emergency treatment of so many Westies in need who don't have a loving home like yours! 

So check out their site to learn more about helping and see if you can snap a fabulous photo of your little Westie and you could
WIN A FREE PET PORTRAIT BY ME!

WIN A FREE OIL PAINTING OF YOUR WESTIE - ENTER YOUR FAVORITE PHOTO OF YOUR WESTIE - APPLY TODAY

Here's the winning photo and oil painting that I created as a donation last year to the First Annual River City Westies Photo Contest Winner.  Submit your favorite photo of your charming little Westie and you could
 WIN A FREE OIL PAINTING of YOUR WESTIE !
CLICK FOR DETAILS

100% donated to benefit River City Westies

fawn resting amidst the grass

4x4 inches / oil on panel
$125
20% will be donated to the ASPCA upon sale of painting

Christmas Wishes, Heartfelt Thanks, Loving Memory black cat window lace

My Little Girl in the Sunshine

5x5 inches / oil on panel

SOLDRemembering you all fondly at Christmastime, extending special thanks to all those devotees who follow my work including fellow artists to whom I wish an abundance of creative spirit, and to all my dedicated clients and patrons who help support my artistic efforts so that I may continue donating to charities and rescue organizations that help treat and shelter animals in desperate need of care. Mostly, in loving memory of my little girl whom we buried on Christmas Day two years ago, and who inspired this blog so that other animals in need could benefit from donations raised by the sale of these paintings. Blessings to you all this holiday season!

nest with blue feathers & eggs

6x6 inches / oil on panel
SOLD
25% donated to Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care

Leo at the Shore - White Poodle Pet Portrait

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
18x14 inches / oil on gallery wrapped canvas

SOLD

10% of proceeds donated to Poodle Rescue of New England

Leo - Painting Demonstration - A Work in Progress - STAGES

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LARGER

18x14 inches / oil on gallery wrapped canvas
commissioned portrait

Work in Progress  Leo is absolutely gorgeous, shown here posing at the shore. This is a progressive illustration of my extensive process which goes into the development of every painting. Thin glazes or layers of paint are gradually built up to create a luminous, hightly detailed portrait which captures every nuance of expression and character. (This same process is used for all my work, including still lifes which are far more elaborate in composition.) Click the image to enlarge and read the descriptions of each step. I especially enjoyed painting Leo's snout which had to be absolutely perfect, particularly with this lighting as it could easily become bent to one side if not precise. Of particular enjoyment were the curls of his fur, especially at the ends of his ears where the very subtle contrasts became quite realistic when viewing the physical painting.

10% of proceeds donated to Poodle Rescue of New England

Following is Leo's portrait completed.  This image is not that clear, unfortunately.  When I step away from a finished work I experience two things:  1) I'm exhausted; and 2) I exhibit absolutely no patience when it comes to photographing my painting.  Therefore, I only hand hold my camera without a tripod or supplemental lighting.  It is what it is...not the best approach, but there you have it!   Due to my lazy photography skills, only the buyers can experience the painting adequately.  Nevertheless, hope you like!

"LEO BY THE SEA"

SOLD

To commission a pet portrait email me at:

jeanneillenye@sbcglobal.net

A percentage of every portrait is donated to a charity to help animals in need.

Visit my website:  www.jeanneillenye.com

Misty - White and Brindle Whippet

CLICK IMAGE to enlarge beyond actual size of painting

"Misty"

8x10 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission

SOLD

Here's Misty, one of Anne's gorgeous girls! Misty's coloring is so exquisite with her hint of brindle markings. The original photo did not show legs, feet or tail so I had to improvise. Like Falen (posted previously) I chose to place Misty on an oriental rug with plush velvet pillows tossed for interest. Misty's coloring inspired a warm, earthy palette whereas you'll see in Falen's portrait that I selected a rich, reddish gemstone coloration which repeated her shimmering pinkish coat. These two portraits will be framed and displayed as a set.

10% of proceeds donated to Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee

. . . and the winner is . . . Brittany

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE BEYOND ACTUAL PAINTING SIZE

Here is the final painting. Details that were refined included adding highlights and mauve tones to the thin wash of water on the shore (with long, low shadows one knows it is coming upon sunset when subjects begin to acquire a warmer tinge), warmth and softening to the ocean in the distance, slight reflections beneath the crab, and general softening of the golden shadows within Brittany's fur.

The fourth and final sitting brought the details into focus. I may still refine and soften it overall and add a hint of lavender in the midrange, but for all intents and purposes, it's about done!

Third Sitting - Began the detail stage, my favorite part of the pet portraits. The crab is done, the ocean and shore colors are becoming more accurate, and the shading begins on Brittany in anticipation of adding her fur, both fluffy at the top and wet at the bottom. Please note that I've added an image of the actual photo reference below in addition to the scanned images from River City Westies.

Second Sitting/Stage II - Worked on the foam of the water and deepened areas on Brittany

Second Sitting/Stage I - color depth is evolving and I'm ready to switch to the smaller brush. I wish to comment at this juncture that Barbara's photograph really is spectacular with such clarity and color gradations captured in the water as it thinly recedes over the sand. Thus far it's mostly been a seascape for me as I really need to complete the background before I can move ahead with Brittany.

First Sitting/Stage IV - Was able to do just one more light glaze before first drying stage.

First Sitting/Stage III - Adding depth - now it needs to dry for a few days in preparation for the next sitting

First Sitting/Stage II - First color glaze to establish mood, balance, flow, focus

First Sitting/Stage I - Marking placement of design elements / subjects in oil

edited for composition -- will also exclude harness & leash shadow for painting

scanned image from River City Westies

original winning photo (excuse glare)

Here is an actual photo of the winning photograph which I currently have in my possession. You can see here how the photo is much richer than the scanned image received via email from River City Westies (above).

"Crab Standoff" 8x10 inches / oil on canvas / Donated to River City Westies

River City Westies recently held their annual Photography Contest fund raising event. I volunteered to contribute one of the three prizes by painting the winning photograph in the Active Westies category, entitled "Crab Standoff" by Barbara Bright. As Barbara says, her ferocious little Westie was caught in a charmingly appealing moment of courage. I will be posting various stages of this painting here for Barbara and you to enjoy viewing as it progresses.

100% donated to benefit River City Westies

Tammy - Red Sable Miniature Daschund

CLICK IMAGE to enlarge beyond actual size of painting

"Tammy"
8x10 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission
SOLD

Anne and Tammy had a truly special bond. Here Tammy is shown in one of her most endearing moments, gazing lovingly upon Anne as she did so often. I added the pillows for a cozy setting.

20% of proceeds donated to DARE Daschund Adoption Rescue and Education

Lucy - Fawn Whippet

CLICK IMAGE to enlarge beyond actual size of painting

"Lucy"
8x10 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission
SOLD
Here's Lucy, one of Anne's gorgeous girls! This painting was a tad bit challenging insofar as the image I had for reference was rather digitized therefore details were not quite evident. However, with such a magnificent model as Lucy, how could one do anything other than create a beauty?

10% of proceeds donated to Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee

Boxer - work in progress for Florida Boxer Rescue Charity

WORK IN PROGRESS -- I need to post the final for you!!

WORK IN PROGRESS to be donated for CHARITY AUCTION
10 x 8 inches / oil on panel
This painting will hopefully be completed in time for the upcoming fund raiser auction for the Florida Boxer Rescue Charity. Been so swamped and still backlogged with commissions that I hardly have time for this one and then just heard that they need the painting this week -- and I just began it today! Need a small miracle to get it done, dried, varnished and shipped by their absolute final deadline! If you wish to participate in the Florida Boxer Rescue Auction, "The Art of Rescue".

Final image forthcoming . . . .

Here's Lucy - A Work in Progress

Lucy: Work in Progress
Although I typically never offer views of my commissioned work prior to the official unveiling, this one is for Anne as she loves to have sneak peeks of her "girls" while they're on my easel. In a few more days this layer will dry, at which time I'll likely be able to complete the painting in one final sitting, meaning one full day up to 12 hrs. So, in the meantime, I'll be shuffling back and forth between other commissioned work, both still lifes and portraits.

Next week I'll primarily be focussing on my first "true" hyper-realist still life of oranges with dramatic lighting. There won't be any sneak peeks of that, as I really want the drama of presenting my client with the finished work. That will be over on my still life blog, so keep checking!

Tammy, Lucy and some still lifes in progress

Multitasking: Some paintings currently in progress on my easel . . . .

FALEN - pink fawn and white whippet dog portrait

CLICK IMAGE to enlarge beyond actual size of painting

"Falen"
8x10 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission
One of Anne's precious girls, Falen has a most incredible coat which shimmers with a tinge of pink.
SOLD
10% of proceeds donated to Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc.

Monet split faced fawn and white whippet puppy dog portrait

CLICK IMAGE to enlarge beyond the actual size of the painting

"Monet"
10 x 8 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission

SOLD

Here's Holly's exquisite china doll, as she lovingly refers to her. Still just a youngster, she's all girl. There's not a photograph that I've seen which wasn't magnificent, so I hope you'll be seeing more portraits of this stunning girl in the future!

10% of proceeds donated to Whippet Rescue and Placement, Inc.

Keeping me company...

You can see the status of my self portrait here as one of my little black beauties cuddles up next to "me" in my studio! These "Little Gems" paintings are again stacked and put on hold while I pursue completion of a number of larger commissioned paintings.

Commissioned Painting Work in Progress...Whippet

10 x 8 inches / oil on panel
This private commission is still underway but my clients were so excited to get a preview, I took a few close up photos as well as this one distant view of my easel, which I thought I'd share with you. As you can see, I mix all my colors from the three primaries plus white. I have two sizes of brushes, one small flat and one smaller round, although you will see several here since they wear out extremely quickly with all the work I create. Hope you enjoyed the brief peek. The finished painting will be posted in about a week or so when this layer has dried and I can apply the finishing details.

Sam - silky dog portrait

CLICK IMAGE to enlarge beyond actual size of painting

"Sam"
8x8 inches / oil on panel / private commission

SOLD

10% of sale donated to Black Forest Animal Sanctuary

Fawn - In Hiding

Fawn in Hiding

4x4 inches / oil on archival quality panel

SOLD

So often when hikers come upon a fawn hovering in the underbrush they think it’s been abandoned so initiate a “rescue” by delivering it to a wildlife animal shelter. Unfortunately, such good intentioned folks don’t realize that this seemingly defenseless fawn has only been left temporarily so as not to draw attention while mother grazes elsewhere. Beyond the familiar white spotted camouflage, a fawn will remain completely motionless which is very successful as they have no scent at all. So if you come upon a fawn in hiding, trust that Nature...and it’s mother...know best.

Thank you to all my patrons, clients and followers of my work; you have enriched my life through your friendships and acquaintanceships. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and beautiful Holiday Season! Fondly, Jeanne

Kitten on Striped French Chair

5x3.5 inches / oil on canvas panel
SOLD
50% of sale donated to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue

Casey black white longhaired cat window with lace gold eyes

"Casey"

5x5 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission

SOLD

10% of sale donated to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue