Kellie and her Greyhounds Rupert + Leeroy
Today I am headed to Sonoma County for the much-anticipated Dog Days of Summer at Mutt Lynch Winery. I can't wait to taste their new wine Leeroy Out Loud! inspired by Kellie Oliphant-Burns's winning entry in our dog art wine label contest. I also get to meet Kellie in person, as she is coming in for the occasion. If you can't attend, you can still get to know Kellie this month's Studio Spotlight.
1. How did you get started as a dog artist?
I am fortunate to be the daughter of two artists, so art has always been a part of who I am. I have always painted but it wasn't until I got my Rupert five years ago that I fell into painting pets. I have always had a huge love for animals and art, so this blending of the two was a natural progression. I couldn't be happier!
2. What is your favorite medium and why?
Right now, I prefer to work in acrylics. They lend themselves so well to layering and color blocking. I like that they are quick drying and water-based. I also use acrylic glazes and extenders to enhance the brightness and sheen of the paints.
3. How would you describe your art?
In university, I majored in silkscreen. When I went back to canvas work, I approached it in the same way I would have for printing. I love the technicality of breaking apart an image into pieces according to its color and tone and assembling it in layers of paint. My paintings have a Pop Art feel. But because each original is done completely by hand I hope I bring a warmth and depth to each piece. I also love fashion and design, so I incorporate those ideas into my backgrounds. I guess I would say my paintings are Pop, Modern, bold, funky, and full of love!
4. What are your 3 your favorite pieces and why?
Wow...that really can't be answered. That's like answering which of your pets is your favorite....or which one of your children is your favorite...sorry! Every Doodle Dog Painting I have done is a favorite and a piece of me is with each one. With each one I have learned the pets' story, spent endless hours sketching and painting, have named the piece, and sent it to its owner with a bit of my soul.
Here are my three most recent paintings:
Tammy's Tempest
Cheeky Charlie
Master Max
5. Tell me about your studio; is it how you want it to be? Plans for reorganizing? Wish list?
My studio used to be marmalade orange. I loved the color but it played tricks when I was mixing some of my colors, casting itself especially on whites. So, last year I repainted it in "Silver Dust" and added accents in black, graphite, and sunshine yellow.
I can ALWAYS use more storage, there can never be enough. I would love more of the white IKEA cubbies. They are perfect for storing my stuff and also create an extra work surface on top! I also plan to have more sample of my work in my studio, as well as a giant idea board for all of my inspiration clippings/cards/visual images. At the top of my wish list are: a velvet upholstered Victorian settee, more memory for my Mac, and an assistant! A girl can dream, right?
6. Upcoming projects or goals for the future?
I am taking six weeks from the end of August through September to put together a collection of Greyhound paintings. I will be heading to Greyhounds Reach the Beach, in Dewey Beach, Delaware in October 2009 to take part in their Greyhounds in Art show. It is a magical time. I went a couple of years ago and was so inspired. The sand, the ocean, the boardwalks and the endless stream of sight hounds! SO beautiful. This year, Rupert and Leeroy will be making the journey with me. I am also doing some exciting graphic design work for Bark & Fitz, a new health food store for dogs.
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Thanks for inviting us into your studio and your process, Kellie. See you soon. To learn more about Kellie or commssion a pet portrait visit Doodle Dog Paintings or her blog.
