A dear friend commissioned me to paint this 5×7 portrait of his beloved spaniel. I began to love this dog as I rendered his image, which is something that happens every time I paint: with care and focus comes love. Instead of taking payment, I asked my friend to make a donation to the Animal Welfare Institute. In this way we all win. I am eager to do more of these portraits, each one a small contribution to the healing of this world.
Pet Portrait
by Jean Ryan
Published by
Jean Ryan
Jean Ryan, a native Vermonter, lives in Lillian, Alabama. Her stories and essays have appeared in a variety of journals and anthologies. She has also published a novel, LOST SISTER. Her short story collections, SURVIVAL SKILLS and LOVERS AND LONERS, are available online. STRANGE COMPANY, a collection of short nature essays, is available in paperback as well as digital and audio editions. View all posts by Jean Ryan
Happy Easter! Robert & I cherish this portrait you created of our sweet little boy Patrick. You captured his relaxed playfulness and his soulful & always eager and alert eyes. Thank you and Animal Welfare Institute thanks you, too.
What don’t you do?!, Author, Artist, Chef, Master Gardner & Designer. Brava!
Xoxo
Can’t imagine what I’d do without you, John. How lucky I am to have you in my life.
What a nice thing to do! And the painting came out great.
Thank you, Ann. Creating something of benefit is a dream come true.