Saturday, May 2, 2009

Timmi Play Bowing

8x10,  acrylic on canvas board
gift
This is my second submission to the Art For Animals Shelter Project. Timmi came to the Prince George's County SPCA/Humane Society emaciated and covered with fleas.  He had been kept tied up outside, and suffered from "fear aggression" behavior--especially with men.  The kind folks who are fostering him have been working to build Timmi's confidence, but it will take a patient and gentle adopter to understand his needs.  When he trusts someone, he loves to snuggle in their lap to have his belly rubbed.  Timmi's also very attached to his orange ball. 

51 comments:

Tracey Clarke said...

I love Timmi! This is a great portrait, Liz. I can see his personality and THAT is portraiture.

Carolina said...

I would like to post in Spanish to express the feelings this painting produces in me, because unfortunately my English is not that good. Anyway, here's my attempt: I love the dog's expression and the whole painting. Once again, brings back memories (my dog Nana). I like your paintings very much!

Michelle said...

Oh Liz, what a beautiful portrait...so sweet! How can anyone not take him home! I love the "softness" of the brushstrokes.

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

Oh, what a cutie Timmi is. And, it breaks my heart to learn about his circumstances! And, even angrier!!

Anyway, Liz you've done a wonderful thing here, and you've captured Timmi's "love" of his orange ball just beautifully:) I love that playful stance that dogs take when they want to play!

(P.S. I've cheated and repeated what I wrote on AFAS:)

~Nancy

Angela Elledge said...

You've captured that "let's play chase, I'll grab my ball and run with it while you chase me" oh, so fun moment for happy dogs and their owners alike.

Your sense of light is lovely; beautiful, as always. You've done a great job "grounding" Timmi by establishing the shadow, but more importantly by showing the grip of his splayed toes on the ground. Also, I love the slight curve of his body, it really looks like he's about to run with the ball.

I like to visit here because it's always a good time.

Leslie Saeta said...

Lovely painting. And good for you! Timmi looks happy and you painted him sooo well!

Ann Buckner said...

His eyes speak, Liz. Who could walk away from that look?

Manon said...

Fantastic portrait of Timmi Liz! I hope he finds a good and loving home!

Lauren Maurer said...

How sweet! This is an amazing painting - I hate to hear that such a cutie pie dog was treated so badly! I hope he finds a good home soon!!

Dana Cooper said...

It's a good thing you are doing, Liz. The expression in his eyes is fabulous. You really captured Timmi's spirit...well done!

Avocaken said...

My 90lb boxer, Casey, has "his ball" like Timmi except that Casey's ball is a large red ball with a loop of rope. As others here have written, I find it difficult to understand how a person can harm (mentally / physically) any animal that they've chosen to bring home.

A tip of my hat to you!!!! Well done.

Warmest regards and deepest admiration for you contributions.
Ken B

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

Look at this beauty.This look and his body. The way he is holding the ball and ready to play/run?
We all love Timmi.

Vern Schwarz said...

Hi Liz, it's a an absolute shame how some of these animals are treated.
You did an incredible job with this. I love the way you used the browns from his fur in the surrounding grass, to give it a warmth and harmony. Timmi looks wonderful...another great painting.

Anni Jones Photography said...

Liz,
LOVE this.I just love this!!!
You captured the emotions and the mood. Makes me want to go outside and start throwing the ball for my furry kids. :) Anni

Arti said...

what a playful pose..Timmy looks wonderful.

Celeste Bergin said...

everyone who has ever owned a dog recognizes this look...! He is a beauty and you have done a wonderful job of making everyone want to pet him. Your title reads "gift"...yes... you've made a gift of your gift. Bravo!

Camille LaRue Olsen said...

I'm sure Timmi will be adopted thanks to this sweet painting. Yay Liz!

r garriott said...

Very sweet. Clearly your compassion knows no bounds. I'm sure your painting will help Timmi find a good home.

Gwen Bell said...

What a wonderful portrait! Timmi is so engaging with his sweet face and intense eyes. How could anyone not love this dog? You really did just a fine job on this! I love all of the reds and blues reflected on his back, the crook of his tail, those playful toes. Really endearing!

Mona Diane Conner said...

So many lovely comments here. I love the spirit of play in the portrait, and especially appreciated your description of Timmi's issues and personality.

In my neighborhood of Park Slope in Brooklyn is a hot dog store called "Willie Dawg" and besides featuring every kind of hot dog you can imagine, including my vegetarian favorite, the smoked carrot dog, the walls are lined with artwork of dogs that need adopting. It's a neat place!

L.Holm said...

Tracey, thank you. very much appreciate it.

Hi, Carolina - I wish I could read Spanish, but you said it very beautifully in English. I thank you.

Thanks Michelle. I think that softness of stroke is somewhat exaggerated by my photography and painting a bit thinly on textured ground. Am still struggling with settings and rereading r.'s photoshop tips.

Nancy- thank you so much! Thanks for taking the time to comment two places. Timmi's story breaks my heart, too.

Thanks Angela. I always appreciate your insights and your visits!

Thanks, Leslie! (love your new newsletter)

Thanks, Ann. I feel that way about most animals! :-)
thanks Manon, Lauren and Dana - i hope he find a home, too.

Thanks so much, Ken. I agree completely. beyond comprehension.

Thanks, Irit. big hugs!

Hi, Vern. Thank you!

thanks, Anni. I know what you mean.

Thanks Arti, Celeste and Camille. I appreciate it.

Thanks R., fingers crossed.

Kind of you, Gwen! Thanks. : D

Art with Liz said...

I first saw Timmi on the Art for Animals blog and thought he was just too gorgeous - fantastic painting Liz. A love of animals certainly comes through in paintings.

rob ijbema said...

you've got a way with dogs liz
such a wonsedrful pose
the blue against the orange works a treat!

Debra Keirce said...

What a sweet pet Timmi will make for the family that adopts him! We have a rescued bunny rabbit that took about 6 months to warm up to us, but it was worth it. It's very rewarding when you gain the trust of an animal, especially after seeing them suffer. Knowing you can bring joy into their life and make them forget the bad stuff.

L.Holm said...

Aw, Deb, how sweet you are for rescuing a bunny.You're a good soul!

L.Holm said...

Thanks so much for coming over to leave a note, Liz. I appreciate it!

Thanks, Rob for your kind comments! :-)

http://www.onpainting.wordpress.com said...

Excellent piece. Looks like he is daring you to take that ball.

Kerri Settle said...

What a wonderful portrait. I hope Timmi is able to eventually come out of his shell. And who doesn't love a pet that likes tummy rubs?

Ann Rogers said...

Liz, what a beautiful portrait, as well as such a lovely gift!

artbyakiko said...

Timmy is a very handsome dog! You have done a wonderful job on him with his precious orange ball. I hope he will find a loving home. Sending all my love to him.

L.Holm said...

Hi, Mona - thanks so much for your lovely comments. The Willie Dawg sounds like a really cool spot!

Hi, Bill-thanks for stopping in.

Kerri- thanks. You are so right!!

Hi, Ann-thanks.

Thank you Akiko - I will pass it along. hugs to you!

Edward Burton said...

What a sweet boy. Wonderful painting, Liz.

L.Holm said...

Cathyann and Edward - thank you so much!

Todd Bonita said...

Liz,

Thank you for the nice comments on my blog...particularly calling me an inspiration..I must say, after looking at your incredible work, that means a lot coming from you..my gosh, seriously. Your amazing and you seem to ba able to do it all from what I can see through scrolling through your archives. Glad we had a chance to discover eachother, please stay in touch. I'll check back to see what you are up to. Love your wok.
Best,
Todd

L.Holm said...

Goodness, thank you, Todd! Very much appreciate your comments.

Rinkly Rimes said...

I am REALLY honoured to have you follow my blog! Your work is exceptional! I'm no Art Critic but I can sense the real thing. I'll be back.

Dean Grey said...

Fantastic job on the pose, Liz!

You got his playful body language down pat.

-Dean

jsicignano2.blogspot.com said...

Oh Liz, how wonderful for Timmi. To be rescued. I love how you painted him, once again you captured personality and spirit. Great job Liz.

Michelle said...

Hey Liz, I just saw your beautiful rose painting on "Every Photo..."! It's gorgeous!

L.Holm said...

Thanks Joan. And thanks, Michelle for the "heads up" on EPTAS!

Diana Marshall said...

I just want to echo what everybody has commented on, I do hope Timmi finds a loving home and a better life, it is really beyond me how people can be so cold and cruel to an animal, why have one in the first place? Beautiful painting full of feeling and joy.

pgspca_foster said...

An update on Timmi - he is going to start a trial adoption on May 26th. Cross your fingers it all works out and becomes permanent!

L.Holm said...

thank, Diana -

and great news about Tiimmi! I'll share it with the Art for Animals folks, too. Thans for the update. :-) fingers crossed.

Jim Rogers Photography said...

Liz...fresh off of watching the DVD "Marley & Me" last night, your doggie portrait of Timmi was most intriguing. You captured his features so splendidly, it made we want to run to the nearest animal shelter and see if I could find a "Timmi clone".....Great color and composition!

L.Holm said...

Thank, you, Jim, and thanks for visiting. Welcome to the blog community. Your photos are super! :-)

Ellen said...

I am actually adopting Timmi (been in the process of it for 2 months and finally get to bring him home next week!) His foster mom sent me your link and I am blown away. You are an incredible artist and it's so wonderful to see that Timmi inspired you. Any chance I could get a print of the painting - or is it for sale?

L.Holm said...

Hi, Ellen - congratulations! and thanks for contacting me and the team at Art for Animals. The painting is a gift from the PGSPCA with gratitude for adopting sweet Timmi. Many thanks!

Caio Fern said...

beautiful painting , and it is great what you do for pets. my house is a kind of shelter , and life woudnt be the same without then.

L.Holm said...

Thanks, Ciao. Life sure wouldn't be the same without animals around, would it.

Renee said...

He is so beautiful.

How could someone be mean to an animal. They suck big time.

Renee xoxoo

L.Holm said...

You said it, Renee!