Good news, My "Baby Blu" painting is part of this years 28th annual juried art exhibit, Art Show at the Dog Show! http://www.artshowatthedogshow.com/   This painting depicting my favorite frenchie monster puppy, with his curious intense gaze was painted in india and sepia ink washes with hints of white watercolor on hand selected artisan paper. It is available for purchase. Please direct inquiries to colleen@colleenlodge.com

"Henry" the tall and regal Park Ave pup was painted in india and sepia ink washes with hints of white watercolor on hand selected artisan paper. I warmly accepted this private commission.

"Tinker Bell" the poodle is an aging beauty featured in her signature red sweater.  Painted in india and sepia ink wash with hints of white watercolor on hand selected artisan paper.  Private commission.

Balto Sculpture in Central Park, NYC

Everyday in central park dogs are allowed to run off leash before 9 am. This is a sight to behold, as the park becomes their backyard. I took Ashby, a seven-month-old Bernese Mountain Dog and in return he introduced me to a monument of his hero, Balto.

Balto, a Siberian Husky, was the lead sled dog during the 1925 diphtheria antitoxin serum run to Nome Alaska. On December 17, 1925 Balto attended, the unveiling of Frederick Roth’s sculpture in New York City. The bronze statue is perched on top of a rock. A low relief plaque on the stone depicts Balto's sled team, and bears the following inscription: “Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the Winter of 1925.” Endurance · Fidelity · Intelligence

The monument is located next to the Willowdell Arch in Central Park. From East Drive and 67th street park entrance follow the path leading north from the Central Park Zoo.

Zorro

“Zorro,” pet portrait of a Yorkie drawn in pen and ink, private collection. Zorro was adopted from the ASPCA over a year ago. This sweet loving Yorkie now enjoys walking in Central Park and snuggling with his human subjects. His dainty movements when walking and resting gave him a royal air. I just adored the way he crosses his legs while lying down and in my opinion the pose exemplifies his nobleness. 

Mikie

“Mikie,” pet portrait of a poodle drawn in pen and ink, private collection. This latest commission was fun because of those fluffy ears!

"Grow" Corgi Puppy

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy illustration was created for this week's Illustration Friday theme, "grow". I've been fussing over the style of my Children's Book art lately and this was a perfect way to play a little and have fun!

Westie in the Sun

While traveling back to Pennsylvania I had the pleasure of staying with a friend who has the cutest little Westie, named Pickles. The next morning I woke up to find Pickles resting in a patch of sunlight. I rendered this moment, of a very happy dog's life, in water color and ink.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball II

Sargent is at it again!

Keep Your Eye on the Ball I

Last week I visited my dear friend who lives on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Her dog Sargent, a White Shepherd, was always game for going down to the beach to play fetch.

Sammy M the Wonder Dog

“Sammy M the Wonder Dog” was created for the first virtual art show, The Artist's Best Friend, sponsored by The Canine Art Guild. “In this show, members of the group are free to express through their art and stories, the love they've had for certain special dogs in their lives.” I believe Sammy M’s story is a fitting first post.

Abandoned at a gas station in NYC, Sammy M was rescued by the animal shelter where I volunteer. This once homeless Australian Cattle Dog mix had a renewed outlook on life and was full of energy.

The first time I saw Sammy M his antics made me laugh. All I could see were his very large ears as they appeared and reappeared over the frosted kennel door! He was jumping in excitement higher than any dog I had ever known.

Sadly, an aggressive degenerative bone disease had infected his front leg and the shelter’s medical team made a tough decision to amputate. Sammy’s recovery was nothing short of inspiring. Aside from getting tired quicker than before he seemed un-phased. During playtime he was jumping as high as ever and he would even police his friends, breaking up any rude doggie behavior. Sammy M was also an intelligent student and flew through obedience school mastering all tasks and commands.

Shortly after graduation Sammy M was adopted. My last day with Sammy M ended in the same way it began - giggling. His body wiggling and tail wagging, Sammy M very cutely raised his shoulder and stump moving it up and down. This was his adaptation on the commands "shake" and "wave bye bye"! Sammy M was only part of my life for eight months, but his survival and success influenced my own outlook on life.