There are many reasons why people commission an artwork of their dog but foremost is the desire to memorialise a much-loved companion. Commissioning a portrait involves trusting an artist to render the personality of ‘your’ dog. In wishing to discover more about this process, I approached two dog-lovers who, like me, commissioned an artwork of their pets.
Firstly, let’s look at the tradition of dog portraiture. The popularity of dog portraits reached a peak in the 19th century, yet dogs have been appeared in art for thousands of years. In Renaissance art, dogs were included as background motifs rather than a subject in itself. A small dog positioned next to a lady, as in Titian’s Venus of Urbino, was viewed as a symbol of fidelity. A large dog shown beside its master, such as in Velazquez’ Philip IV (below), was a device used to emphasise a characteristic of the sitter. In other words, the dog was never the focal point of the painting! This tradition changed in Victorian Britain when the upper classes began to view dogs as domestic pets rather than working animals. Artists such as Edwin Landseer and Rosa Bonheur became known for painting dogs in the manner of a human portrait. This wave of sentimentality continues today where emphasis is placed on capturing the personality and individuality of the pet.
When Australian-based artist, Dianne Binstead, commissioned a portrait of her two border collies, she selected Martin Cheek – a U.K. mosaic artist whose style she admired. Martin Cheek has specialised in animal subjects throughout his career and is well-known in this field. “I took a photo of my dogs for Martin to use as inspiration,” Dianne explains. “As the mosaic progressed, Martin sent me photos on an almost-daily basis. Although this gave me a good idea of the finished piece, I was so excited when I saw its beauty and rich color in real life. Martin has perfectly captured Milka and Josh’s personalities. Unfortunately, Josh died last year but I now have a lasting legacy of him.”
Jill Johnson jokingly confesses that she loves her Airedale dogs more than anything – “just ask my husband!” Jill approached ceramic artist, Wendy Hodgson, to make clay sculptures of her beloved dogs begging for cheese at the breakfast table. Wendy is passionate about her own Airedale dogs, and her sculptures are intricate and filled with personality. “I love how the sculptures seem alive!” Jill exclaims. “Their personalities are built right into the clay by a person who loves doing the work as much as you love your dogs.”
My dog portrait came about by accident. My brother, Pete Denison, is a fine furniture maker who makes eccentric one-off pieces. When I approached him about commissioning a cabinet, he suggested dedicating it to my dachshund dog, Jed. I love the craziness of this piece. It’s aesthetically attractive, functional (there are drawers and secret cabinets), and the moving pieces and music add an element of old-fashioned entertainment! But most of all, I love how the cabinet is about ‘my’ dog!
Tips for commissioning a portrait of your dog:
- Chose a favorite art medium and start thinking about what you want.
- Select an artist, read testimonials and, if possible, see examples of their work. It’s important to feel comfortable working with the artist as the creative process involves the input of both parties.
- Collate an album of photos of your pet from different angles - even from behind! Include photos from dog’s level by getting on the ground or putting your dog on a chair and taking photos straight on. Advise the artist about any physical quirks or characteristics you wish included.
- Be prepared to pay a deposit at the onset, and be clear about final payment and time of completion. Keep in mind that this is a business transaction!
Artists’ details:
Martin Cheek, glass artist, http://www.martincheek.co.uk/about
Wendy Hogson, ceramic artist, http://www.wendyhodgson.net
Pete Denison, wood artisan, http://www.petedenison.com
(Article submitted to e-magazine Artful Pet Guardian)
Martin Cheek, glass artist, http://www.martincheek.co.uk/about
Wendy Hogson, ceramic artist, http://www.wendyhodgson.net
Pete Denison, wood artisan, http://www.petedenison.com
(Article submitted to e-magazine Artful Pet Guardian)