Whenever I think of a Basset hound I'm reminded of a forum post I've read years ago. The poster related about one day while on a dog walk with her Basset hound, the dog noticed a mattress lying on the curb for garbage pickup and plopped itself down on it refusing to move.

Basset hounds are friendly, gentle dogs with a sweet temperament but can be difficult to train because of their independent nature. The breed originated in France and got it's name from the french word "bas" meaning "low".

One word to describe the Persian cat is simply "gorgeous". It is probably the most beautiful of cat breeds, at least in my opinion. The Persian cat is best recognized by its white fluffy fur, but it actually comes in other colors as well.

A cat similar in appearance to the Persian cat is the Angora, though its coat is not as long and fluffy as that of the Persian cat.

The cat portrait pictured here is an acrylic painting on 8 x 10 inch canvas board. I also make pet portraits in watercolour or  in pen and ink. For more info on commisioning a pet portrait, check out my webpage at www.styleartc.com/portrait.html

7 x 5 inch acrylic painting on canvas board of a Tree sparrow perched on a branch with budding leaves signalling the arrival of spring. And at this time of the year that's a long way away.

The call of the Common loon is synonymous with cottage country. And it is no surprise since they make their summer home in northern freshwater lakes. In winter they head to the coastlines of North America where they adapt well because of special glands that filter out saltwater allowing them to drink it.

The Common loon is one of  5 species of loons and is also the best known. It is often depicted in wildlife art swimming in pairs across the lake surrounded by evergreen trees. The artwork featured here is a digital rendition of an original watercolor painting. It is sold  on various products and prints in my Redbubble shop