The dog has been called "man's best friend" with good reason. Over the centuries, from the dawn of history, he has been man's companion and helpmate. He has herded cattle and sheep, warned of impending danger, and protected man from his enemies. He has hunted for man's food, and served him in the military and the police. He has assisted the blind and disabled, pulled sleds through snowy wastes, and rescued stranded and lost travelers. Dogs have even given up their lives to save master or family, and many are the tales--true tales--of such bravery and sacrifice.

But perhaps even more important to most of us, the dog is our family pet, loyal and playful, a source of delight and pleasure. He is always anxious to please, and asks only for a kind word and a pat on the head in return.

I love dogs, and I love to paint them, perhaps more than any other animal. I strive always to capture the personality of each pet in addition to the physical likeness. Most of my clients have told me that the portrait I painted for them made their beloved pet "come alive" as no photograph ever could.

In the following Dog Portrait Gallery you will see a few of the many dog portraits I have painted over the years, in both oil and pastel. I hope you enjoy them.