New Pet Portrait Commission

Here is my newest commission..."Hannah"-- Shitzu with an attitude. Can you see her fiesty expression. It's as if to say, "I'm the boss." Being personally acquainted with the owners of this little pet, I can honestly say that she really does command the respect of her family! Sometimes it is good to loosen up with a small portrait such as this. If you are interested in commissioning a portrait of your family pet, please contact me at vkohnartist@aol.com Rates are reasonable!

oil on canvas....11x14...Sold

"Man's Best Friend"

Have you ever wanted to do a portrait of your best friend? No, I don't mean the human kind; I am talking about your pet. My little dachshund, Snoopy, (who lives up to that name, btw) is the perfect kind of studio "companion." He lies on a cushion next to the ceiling-to-floor window & watches for any intrusion that might disturb my inner sanctum. Of course, just when I am deeply focused on a fine detail in the painting, he begins to excitedly bark at the neighbor's goats or cows who lean over the fence to get that green blade of grass just out of their reach! More than once I have had to retrieve my paintbrush from the far corner after such an outburst. All in all, he makes a good & faithful companion, content to just be in the room with me, making no demands whatever, except foran occasional pat on the head. What more can you ask of a good friend?
oil on canvas, 12 x 16"
$125, unframed

"If I Can't Be a Surgeon, I'll Be An Artist"

One of my art students has many hats to wear..one of them is as a writer. Here is an example of her work:
"Lately I have considered myself to be one of the luckiest persons alive. Why? Because I am an artist. That may not be a big deal to you, but it is to me. There's been a lot of years when I just wasn't sure what my 'calling' was. I spent quite a few years as a substitute teacher & was actually very good at it. But it wasn't something I planned for, worked toward, dreamed of. I kinda fell into it & accidentally found I was good with middle school kids & could teach a lesson, & even make most of them pay attention while I taught it....But, the art side of me has always hovered near the surface...during an art class, I was told by several artists that I didn't need to get a degree unless I wanted to teach..my talent was there! Still, just because you decide you want to be a surgeon & can pull all the body parts out of the game Operation in record time, doesn't mean you can own your own scalpel (& use it). My criteria for being able to say, 'I'm an artist' has hinged on being able to sell any of my paintings.......well, I have! I'm going to be hung in a new restaurant! And I have 2 commissions!!..guess what...I'm an artist! Still, that statement & $2 will get me a venti green ginger tea at Starbucks (with 2 Splendas) habit, I need to continue to sell paintings..which means I need to produce paintings-which means I probably don't have time to mop floors or take out the trash much, much less cook dinner......If you need me, I'll be in my studio (back of the house). Come on in, visit, hang out, just don't get in my light. We artists are fussy about that."....If you're interested to read more & laugh, her link is: http://www.waitingforthenextshoe.blogspot.com/ . Her name is Becky Arnold....enjoy the laughter!