I’ve always had a dog but I never considered myself a “dog
person.” That is, until I met Walter. He’s 12 pounds of Chihuahua/Cairn Terrier
mish mash that gives new meaning to the phrase “ugly cute.” I love him more
than a person probably should love a dog. But there’s something about that tiny
smirk and warm, fuzzy body that he curves into a comma against my side while I
write, that makes me feel loved in a way that I’ve never experienced before or
since.
Walter adopted me 4 years ago. So it wasn’t until very
recently that I ever seriously considered the whole pet portrait thing. I liked
the idea of it. But it also sort of freaked me out. Was I really “that girl”?
Apparently, yes.
A friend posted a painting that Denise Kemp from Iridescent
Moon Gallery had done of this handsome German Wire Haired Pointer and I was
hooked. I commissioned two pieces, one watercolor and one acrylic. I love them
both but the watercolor in particular really captures the spirit of my little
man.
Maybe it’s the eyes or his quiet smile. Or the way she
captured his disobedient fur, whose true nature is almost hidden by his haircut.
Maybe it’s the way he’s laying down in the piece, face flat to the floor, like
always. There’s something about Kemp’s eye for detail and the tenderness with
which she guides her brush. I don’t know what the magic is. But I know she
worked it on Walter.
The piece inspired my girlfriend so much that she commissioned
one of her late and long-adored cat, Coco, and of her mother’s beloved puppies,
Jackson and Pearle, who passed this year as well. The likenesses Kemp created
are uncanny both in appearance and spirit.
I suppose there’s no fighting it now. I’m officially a dog
person.
You can find Denise and her work at:
