Varla Bishop Acrylic, Dogs and Cats, portrait

Love of Dog

People love their pets especially dog owners. I never grew up with dogs. We had cats, but once my 5 year old daughter became allergic we didn’t have them either. I like pets and I could see myself getting a furry friend in the future but for now I enjoy the pets of others.

This guy you can tell has a lot of personality. I was asked to paint him as a gift for her husband. So who doesn’t love a wet nose?

Varla Bishop Dogs and Cats, portrait, Watercolor Paintings

The Smile of a Child

One of the things I enjoy in making art is in giving art to others. Isn’t that what we do with our talents? Aren’t we meant to share it with others? In this case I painted portraits of two little girls. Future artists who love to create just like me. They asked “what art project are you working on now?” “We need to do some art together.” Grown up questions from one artist to another.

As grandparents or family elders we have a tremendous influence over the younger generations. They listen to everything we say and believe that what we tell them is a truth. It is responsibility I do not take lightly. These young girls believe that I can do anything with a paint brush and canvas. If only that was true. But I do love to work on projects with kids. From magic wands to acrylic pours it is all messy and fun.

I have my good days and bad days as an artist. Sometimes everything comes together just like I imagined. Then there are the days when I feel discouraged. It’s on those days that I remember the faces of my young future artists and I can’t help but smile. I smile in their belief in me. I smile because in their eyes I am capable of greatness. How can I not pick up my brush and try again.

I suspect the paintings will hang up in their rooms. I hope they will think of me when they look their pictures. I hope they know it was painted for them with love. ❤️❤️❤️

Varla Bishop Acrylic, Dogs and Cats, portrait

Thoughtful Gift

I got an email a while back from a man who wanted a painting done of his wife’s dog. He wanted a big painting. Hmm, how big is big I asked. He didn’t know. I asked if he had a big wall to put it on. No not really, he said. We came up with a size and he sent me some photos. It was a beautiful German Shepard. I asked him when he wanted it. He said half laughing, next week. I laughed too. He said that isn’t enough time is it? No, but Christmas is around the corner. That will work he said.

What I thought of when painting this portrait was the young man’s desire to surprise his wife. I didn’t know he was young until he picked up the painting. The older I’m getting the younger everyone else seems to be. He wanted something unique as a gift. He put thought into what would make her happy. I’m a romantic. I love to watch people in love. I loved that he didn’t give her a gift card or perfume. I bet she will love the fact he came up with this idea more then the painting itself. I do hope she loves the painting too. ❤️

I don’t know if he will be able to wait until Christmas to give her this gift. I know I have a very hard time keeping gift secrets from my loves. At least the painting is small enough to hide.

“Lexus” 11×14” acrylic on canvas