Dog Art

I had the pleasure of meeting an artist the other day...which is always a treat since I am an art lover.

Hilda Spain-Owen is the artist I am talking about. She is a friend of a friend and was delivering a commissioned portrait of two Portuguese Water Dogs.

From her website:

"Hilda Spain-Owen’s art is primarily single-subject driven work, animal or human. It is about bold sizes, bright colors, and unique texture. The subject fills as much of the canvas as possible. Spain-Owen leaves the background abstract, further pushing the subject forward. Contrast, thus interest, is again enhanced by keeping the lines of the subject drawing realistic while choosing colors that are impressionistic. Further impressionism comes from the texture achieved by using a palette knife and layering high viscosity paint. The result...you are tempted to reach out and touch it.

Spain-Owen's art works well in all venues, traditional to contemporary. Those with traditional taste who collect her giclées often frame them with double mats and ornate frames giving them an old world feel.

Early on, working toward what pleased her contemporary taste, she arrived at her distinct style. When she began painting her own whippets, she grasped the importance of painting what you love. It was through the painting of these small, graceful sighthounds that the exploration of line, color and texture showcased her talent.

Her following is comprised of a mixture of sighthound owners, dog lovers in general and even those who do not own dogs. From the start of her career, it was apparent that the appeal of her art went beyond the boundaries of the subject. Her work has been shown in galleries in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Delaware, and New York and is in collections across the United States.

Spain-Owen works to support sighthound rescue groups by donating original works for auction. Through her donations, rescue groups in Florida and North Carolina have raised thousands of dollars to help with adoption and medical costs associated with sighthound rescue. "

I went to her website to see more of her work because I was truly impressed, even though I do not even own a dog. I know, strange huh? I write a dog blog...no dog. Anyway, her work is colorful, fun and funky and I loved it.



In fact, I called my good friend, who owns a Corgie and told her about it and she is going to get a portrait of her dog done by Hilda.

Have a blessed day,
Your OBX Dog Blogger