Mary-Jo Murphy
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WHEN PASSIONS CONVERGE

10/17/2012

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Juniper
On November 3, 2012, I will not only be displaying my pet art as a vendor at the PUPPY UP! WALK 2012, but I will be a speaker.

Most of us have more than one area of interest or expertise, but rarely do we get to combine our passions into one day.

When I was asked to be a vendor for the event I was pleased. I not only have lost several dogs to cancer but am a cancer survivor myself. So, the topic is near and dear to my heart. The "near" is easy to understand, but the "dear" requires some explanation.

I am often asked,  "When did you start doing these pet portraits."
I usually answer, "About seven years ago."  Most people smile, and then we begin to talk about my technique or their own pets. I rarely explain, and most people don't ask, "What happened seven year ago?"  

I was diagnosed with cancer.

Within seconds of hearing the words, I decided that someday was here. That no longer could I put off doing the things I love. Simply put - if I had never had cancer, the paintings you'll see at my booth and on this website would never have happened. 

We share our lives with our pets. I get great joy from recreating that relationship of love on my canvases. 

Dogs are in the moment. These days so am I. That's how this blog got its name.

I hope to see you at the event and to hear your story.

http://www.trustedpetpartners.com/santa-barbara-cancer-heros

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Karl
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Pumpkin
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Ernst
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Pugs Posing

10/13/2012

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Pug on a Paris street
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Pug posing at the dog show in Ventura
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My dog paintings began about 6 years ago when I first created a digital pug image, working on the program Painter. 


Since then, I've returned to acrylic on canvas, but that first pug is still the image on my logo.   I'm often asked if I work from photos. Oh yes! 


Very few humans can sit still for a portrait. Some dogs even have trouble sitting long enough for a photograph. 
 

I frequent dog locations to take pictures of various breeds.
Pugs  always accommodate. They are very good at posing.


Sadly, even these adorable dogs fall on hard times.

Below is a link to Green Mountain Pug Rescue in Vermont. Check out their website and, if you feel inclined, support their work. 

http://www.gmpr.org/

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Icky
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Honey Bun
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Old English Sheepdog Portrait

10/6/2012

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I met Bailey and her friend, Bruce, at the second anniversary of the Barkley Pet Hotel, in 2011.
I took photos that day and made mental pictures of the color of her fur and eyes. 
One would think that painting a dog who looks like she is mostly hair would be easy. Not so! 
As we dog lovers know, there is much more inside - not only bones and muscles but Bailey's exuberant personality and spirit as well. 

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Meeting Bailey
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Bailey posing
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Bruce looked at several sketches. This was his choice. Sketches give a preliminary glimpse of how the canvas will be filled.
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At this point, the painting is about half-way complete. Bailey liked the red background. It compliments her coloring and personality.
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Visiting Bailey at her "work."
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Creative Artists Blog

10/3/2012

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Creative Artists Blog
My black pug has good company on a page called
Black Dog Prints


http://creative-artists-blog.com/black-dog-prints/
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Icky
1 Comment

    Mary-Jo 

     I strive to capture that moment when animals are trying to cross the species’ communication barrier.

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