Month: October 2009

What's on BZTAT's Easel? Basset Hound Sneeky Pete!

“Sneeky Pete” by BZTAT

August and September were incredibly busy months for me, so I am just now trying to catch up with blogging about some of the work. I completed this painting a few weeks ago and wanted to share about it.

This painting is Sneeky Pete, a Basset Hound who lives in my hometown, Canton, OH. His people stopped in my studio on a First Friday and commissioned me to do his portrait.

Sneeky Pete is an older dog, and he has had eye surgeries that have affected his appearance. His people wanted his portrait to reflect his earlier appearance, so I worked from older photos as well as more recent ones. It was sort of a challenge, but it was an interesting one.

My first step was to create a reference image from the photos provided using PhotoShop. I then painted the background black and started blocking in colors and shapes.

I refined the colors and shapes, building up color by painting many layers of varied colors on top of each other, always leaving some trace of the underneath layers.


Sneeky Pete’s family was very happy with the completed painting! Others in his family may appear in future BZTAT works.

If you are interested in a pet portrait of your animal, info about the process can be found here. Please email BZTAT to make an order or to get further information about getting a custom portrait of your pet.

"Perfect World": A Video for Blog Action Day 2009

In honor of Blog Action Day 2009, I have put together this montage, reminding us of how important it is to take care of our world. Climate change is real. Please take some time to reflect on the dangers we present to the natural balance of the world, and rededicate yourself to being the change our world needs.

If you are interested in a pet portrait of your animal, info about the process can be found here. Please email BZTAT to make an order or to get further information about getting a custom portrait of your pet.

Taking Care of Stray and Feral Cats

Although this is my art blog, most of my art is about the love of animals. Most of my followers are animal lovers. So today I am posting a video that really is educational, not artful, just because I want to share it with other animal lovers.

It saddens me how our communities take such a heartless approach to dealing with domesticated animals living in the wild. We have alternatives. Please share this video with others and advocate for Trap-Spay/Neuter-Release programs in your community. Thank you Alley Cat Allies for the video.