Happy Howldays!

I am spending the howldays with my whole family! My human is finally back home. I have a month of cuddle times and countless licks to catch up on. And look at all these gifts. I am certain one or two are even for my family.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with your family, friends, and the people and fuzzies that warm your insides. Remember to be grateful for the little things because there are too many poor animals and humans who are alone and have no homes. If you get a little extra money or gifts you don't need this holiday, think about giving something to those who need a little more.

Even though we wear different kind of furs, we are all just one big family!

Lots of licks,
Lian

All By Myself

My human is going away. He received a special honor where he can paint undisturbed for four weeks, but for some reason they don't allow assistants. Well, assistants that are not human anyway. So we will be apart for four long cold weeks. It is a good opportunity for my human, but it will be hard to not have him around.

Fortunately I will have my human family to help me get by. My human will be all alone. I hope he will be okay.

Because my human does all the transcription for this blog, posting will be light for the next four weeks. He will try to relay any news I might have now and then, but I hope you will be patient for our reunion in December when we will be back to a regular posting schedule!

Until then, I hope you think of me and my human while we are many million paw steps away from each other.

Lots of (sad) licks,
Lian

Hello? Anyone in there?

So I have noticed that my human has been spending a lot of time facing this screen, sometimes even talking to it. I thought he was looking at my paintings and helping me create new items for my online store.

But the other day I heard the screen talk back! And then it started calling my name! How did it do that? Who is in there? Is it you?

Anyway, if it is you, maybe you will like my new t-shirt. I am still peddling my fall designs...I am not thrilled about the winter time coming, so I'm holding on as long as I can. This shirt is made with organic cotton fabric...isn't that cool?

Lots of Licks,
Lian

Rainy Days are Sleepy Days

 Today is dark and rainy. On days like this, I like to sleep, preferably on a comfy pillow and a heating pad!


Lots of licks,
Lian

Happy Hallowe'en!

I decided to dress as a bee this year to honor the hard work the bees do all year to help provide us with food! I make a cute bee don't I? My human calls me a barking bee, because I bark at all the monsters that have been showing up around the house this week. He tells me that tonight several monsters are going to come to the door and demand sweets! I thought that was my job every day!

I hope you have a very happy Hallowe'en! Don't forget to thank the bees!

Lots of licks,
Lian

Prints and Greeting Cards!

click on the image to purchase prints

I may not have a public studio any more, but you can still get my paintings and greeting cards! Please visit my on line store and take a look at the greeting cards and prints available. I just added the card above to the store. New designs will be added over the next few weeks so keep checking back.

I hope you enjoy my designs!

Lots of licks,

Lian

Sweater Season

Well, it's that time of year, when sweaters are fashionable again! Fall is the perfect time of year for sweaters because it is cool in the morning, cool at night and (usually) comfortable in the daytime. You can put a sweater on when its chilly and slip it off when it warms up, then back on again when the sun dips behind a cloud or goes to bed at night.

I have been enjoying chasing leaves outside as they blow from the trees and across the yard. I was chasing a yellow birch leaf when my human took this picture. I am wearing my new sweater hand knitted by my human. Isn't it pretty, just like the fall trees!

Below is my painting Harvest Paws...inspired by the beautiful colors of the Fall season.

Lots of Licks!
Lian

Snuggly Buggly, but Worried!

I am snuggling into these blankets because I am nervous!
My ability to create artwork, buy my food and pay my vet bills are being threatened by the Orphan Works Bill.

Some senators have decided it is time for non-artists to control the use and distribution of art. You can read about what the bill is about here.

But, you can help me out. You can go to this link and get samples of letters to write and send to those senators and other people who make the rules. (I am not quite sure how you humans runs things). I don't know how to write, so I need your help!

Use these templates to send out a letter to your representatives:
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/home/

It is best to copy and paste the letter template into a hard copy and mail the letter out. I was told that if you just send an email it is never opened. The best way to help me out is by sending a letter and addressing the envelope by hand. Gosh, thumbs are great. You are lucky.

Here is the Orphan Acts Bill as proposed:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.5439:

Please don't let this become law! Thanks for your help!

Gigantic, sloppy licks,
Lian

Happy Harvest Time!

Yesterday, I went apple picking with my human family. Actually they went picking, I just enjoyed smelling all the fallen apples. I even got to eat some apple...I do love apples! This is a good time of year, when all the yummy food gets collected and I get to try lots of new things! I wonder what will you be harvesting?


Below is one of my early fall paintings, doesn't it look like yummy apples hanging among the green leaves of an apple tree?


Lots of Licks,
Lian

Not a Prince

I found a toad in the backyard! I tried to get it to play, but it was more interested in squishing down in the grass and pretending to be a rock. Not even a kiss made it move, neither did it turn into a cute Chihuahua prince! or is it a frog that turns into a prince? I will have to find a frog and let you know.

My human put the toad in the garden, because he said it eats bugs. I will get to see it next time I visit the garden, maybe it will play with me then!

I will not be posting for a few days...my human is leaving to teach in Vermont this weekend, so I get a little vacation. See you next week!

Lots of licks,
Lian

I wanna play with the fuzzy!

I discovered that there was a fuzzy creature that lives in the bathroom upstairs. No one told me about it, but one I heard it and went to check it out. Unfortunately, it must have done something wrong, because it is in jail.

Now I visit it regularly and wish I could let it out to play. It is the same color as me, but much much smaller. I didn't know there could be fuzzies smaller than me. Sometimes the humans here let it have exercise time and it runs around in clear ball. It must have done something really bad to never be free from some kind of prison.

It hasn't told me what it did yet, actually it doesn't talk at all. I mostly sleeps actually. But, if you were in jail all the time, wouldn't you sleep all the time too?

It makes me appreciate the freedoms I have, because I could be locked in a cage or forced to run around inside a clear ball! Never take anything for granted!

Lots of licks,
Lian

Adirondack Blue!

Last weekend I went swimming for the first time! I have to admit, I was a little bit afraid at first. But my human put a life jacket on me and I got lots of yummy treats for giving it a try. I didn't like the actual swimming part so much, however, I really enjoyed riding around the pool on the floating chair! Next year my human said he wants to take me on a real boat to go riding on a lake, which he tells me is kind of like a giant swimming pool. If it is anything like riding on this comfy chair, I am all for it!

Lots of licks,
Lian

My Side of the Mountain!

On Sunday I climbed my first mountain! Here I am at the top of Panther Mountain in the New York Adirondacks. It was a pretty easy climb for me, at least I wasn't huffing and puffing like my human who guided me along. (Though I was quite tired on Monday!) Once I walked over rocks, tree roots and steep slopes, I got to the top to see a beautiful view of lakes and distant mountains. Did you know there were such things as chipmunks! I had no idea! I can't wait for the next outing...there is so much nature to be explored!

Lots of licks!
Lian

My First Camping Trip!

Yesterday, I went on my first camping trip! Most of my human family had left the day before to camp for the week in the Adirondack mountains. My human Antony and sister Kaleigh drove up yesterday to spend the day with them. I started the day out with a sick tummy, but a nap by the campfire and a walk in the fresh air around the lake and through the campground was just what I needed. I felt much better by the afternoon. I got to see a big bunny come by the camp and I wanted soooo badly to play with it! Unfortunately, it was too busy eating to come over and play.

I hope I can go camping again! It was a lot of fun spending time time outside enjoying nature. Everyone should try it sometime.

Lots of licks!
Lian

Play First. Work Later

Now I am at my new home. At first, I felt a bit unsure about it all, but everyone is so nice that I am starting to feel like I can relax. I have lots of new humans to play with me and to lick! In fact, after a stressful two months, I think I want to spend some time relaxing, playing with my new family members, and waiting for inspiration to fill me. I will share with you some of my new discoveries over the next few weeks while I get ready to create my new artwork.

This is my new bed. I like to sleep here with my human at night, or whenever I just feel like taking a nap. I just woke up when this picture was taken...I look good don't I?

Lots of licks,
Lian

Doesn't The Joker need a sidekick?

While my human runs around packing up all my stuff, and chasing dust bunnies with a broom, I am trying out my versatility as an actor. I am told the movie The Dark Knight has some dog actors in it, but I wonder if they are as talented as I am? Doesn't The Joker need a talented and worthy sidekick? Here I am trying on The Joker's trademark grin. What do you think? Craaazy! Isn't it! Ha ha ha!

Lots of licks,
Lian

Featured Friend: Stinky!

This is Stinky, she is my oldest friend. She is 18 1/2 years old, and though she may move a bit slower than her early days, her secret is to always think like a kitten!

Stinky is the owner of Stinky's Diner, which is managed and operated by her human friend Nancy. Stinky has lots of regular visitors to her diner, they are usually raccoons, skunks, possoms, ducks, and cats too!

Stinky loves to sit by the office window and watch the diners come enjoy their free meals. Isn't it great that Stinky helps those poor, unfortunate animals who haven't found homes yet!

Thanks Stinky!

Lots of licks,

Lian

What? It's Warm Outside?

My human was surprised the other day that I was sleeping in the blankets in bed. I am not sure why. It was so warm and cozy in there. He said something about not having air conditioning and that it was not cold. But I am a Chihuahua! I love it warm, and 89 degrees and humid is just not quite warm enough! Don't you agree?

Lots of Licks,
Lian

Featured Friends: Chaya and Jackson

I am happy to introduce Chaya and Jackson from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They are the proud owners of my painting, "Fall Forest Walk" (see below). I hope they are enjoying it. Is is one of my largest paintings. That painting took a lot of paw prints to make! It was exhausting!

Jackson is a 4 year old Boston Terrier. He is so cute! Like me, he has very refined taste! He loves pillows: silk, down, felt any kind...though silk is his favorite. I have never felt a silk pillow...is my human letting me down? What am I missing!?

Chaya is a 10 year old lab mix. I am told she loves Peanut butter. Hey! I LOVE peanut butter too! She also is a big fan of hard crusty European-style bread. Hmmm. I am going to have to ask my human why I haven't tried that yet!

They have had a challenging time living in Cedar Rapids, IA this year. Their humans have some challenges getting to work, but I am happy to hear that their home is safe! I hope things get back to normal for you all soon.

Lots of licks,
Lian

(Fall Forest Walk, 22 x 28", SOLD)

I'm the original Chihuahua arteest, but not the only arteest...

People on occasion have mentioned that they have heard of other doggie artists. When I began painting, my human didn't know of any others. But since I have been making art and having shows, we have both learned about other canine painters. Probably the most well-known is Tillamook Cheddar who lives and paints in Brooklyn, NY. My human as also told me about some doggies who paint somewhere in Wisconsin in an animal shelter. A visitor to my studio also said that there was another Chihuahua that painted. I haven't seen the work of the other Chihuahua, however.

Some people feel defensive when they hear of another doggie artist. Some wonder if I am copying another doggie. But, I don't feel like I am copying or or need to be protective of my artistic talent. Each of us doggie artists have different techniques. And that makes our work so exciting and interesting. There are many many human artists out there and most of them don't feel like they should be the only one. There are even other animals that make art besides doggies.

Each artist is unique and brings to their art something of their own personality. Tillamook Cheddar creates her paintings by scratching and biting boards covered with carbon paper. Her paintings are dynamic, expressive pieces that reflect her energetic nature. Another dog creates his paintings by using a brush stuck into a tennis ball. Bold, colorful strokes demonstrate a strong intentional technique. I use my paws, nails and tongue to create my work. I like to think my pieces are a reflection of the beauty I see in the world. Some think my paintings look like flowers...and aren't flowers one of nature's most beautiful gifts?

I appreciate all of you who have supported my art since I began painting in February of 2007. I will continue to paint and do my best to bring more beautiful pieces in the world to share. I hope you will look forward to what I create in my new studio in New York!

Lots of Licks,
Lian

PS: My human helped me write this post, because there were a lot of big words I didn't know how spell!

Where's My Chair?!

One day some humans came and took my chair!
I was so confused. I thought if I sat where the chair used to be, that it would come back. But it hasn't come back!

Since the chair went away, my home is a mess. My human is putting all my stuff in boxes. I know that this is part of moving. I have moved twice before. I never like moving. It makes my tummy feel bad.

I hope my chair is waiting for me at my new home.

Isn't this rug pretty? It came from The Rug Gallery.
At least I have the rug to take naps on for now.

I hope you all have a very nice 4th of July!

Lots of Licks,
Lian

Goodbye Studio

I had great fun at my party on Friday. Thank you to those who came to celebrate with me! Don't I look great with my very own tiara and feather boa. Many licks to my friend Nancy for giving them to me. Now I am a properly dressed diva!

I had hoped to share a slideshow of pictures from the party, but my human can't figure out how to load it. Instead, or at least, for now, here is a link to some of the pictures: My Birthday Party.

Saturday my human packed up the studio and very soon we will be heading east to NY where we will set up a new studio. When we get settled there I will post some pictures...maybe even have a working slideshow too!

At the party there was a drawing to win one of my paintings. The winner of the drawing is Amy Papania. Congratulations! I hope you enjoy my painting!

Now it is time for me to rest. Being adored is so exhausting!

I will let you know how the move is coming along, so check back soon!

Lots of licks,

Lian

My Birthday Party & a Moving Sale!

Big News!!
My human just told me that we are moving back to New York! That means June's Final Friday will be our last Open Studio at the Pendleton. Even though my birthday is at the end of July, my human said we could celebrate it at our final Open Studio. I will be there with my party dress on!

Please join me on Friday June 27th (6-10pm) or Sat June 28th (11am- 3pm) to celebrate my birthday! We will have refreshments and I will be having a drawing for a free Lian Xin Original painting, as well as other specials.

I hope to see you then!

Lots of Licks,
Lian

PS: If for some terrible reason you can't come to my party, sign up for a free subscription to my blog and you will be entered in the drawing! (see top right of my blog for the entry form). If you already are subscribed, you will automatically be entered in the drawing.

Vacation!

photo by Cathy Robbins

I will be spending the weekend at 4thedogs for some rambunctious fun with the other furries!

When I get back I want to give you all the details about my Birthday Party which will be on June 27th. It is going to be a blast and I hope to see you there! I'll tell you all about it next week...oh and of course you're invited!

Lots of Licks,
Lian

chee' WOW wa!

Finally! A movie with real stars: Chihuahuas! My human told me about this movie and I was so excited...I hope I can go see it! I am a little surprised that I wasn't asked to star in it, but I already am starring in my own movie. I should let the other chihuahuas have a chance to shine!
If you watch the movie trailer you will see a chihuahua wearing the same sunglasses that I wear! I am such a trend-setter! (not Irish Setter! though, they do have pretty hair)

Lots of Licks!
Lian

It's the Glamorous Life For Me!

My Human was cleaning our studio, preparing for Final Friday's Open Studio and he found this Feather Boa. I thought it was fabulous and carried it over to my bed. Don't you think it look great with my fur? Maybe I can use this at my new movie's premiere! I also doubles as a super comfy feather bed. I love things that have many uses!

Lots of licks,
Lian

I'm Ready for my Close Up!

My human is making a movie featuring ME! He tells me it will be more like a documentary, combining still photographs with video footage and music. I don't really know what all that means, but if the camera is pointed at me, then I am happy. Already have one movie, if you haven't watched yet, or haven't watched in a few days, you can go here to see it.

Lots of Licks,

Lian

Featured Friends: Charlie, Toby, and Ralph!

These are my New York City friends Charlie, Toby, and the big sweet kitty Ralph. They live in Brooklyn with a very nice, talented human. Their human designs textiles and clothing. Hmmm? I wonder if I have worn any of his designs?

I just love it when doggies and kitties get along. Look at Ralph all comfy with Toby! I know that there are many more kitties and doggies that love each other. I think most of the time when they don't get along, it is just an act! Afterall, isn't it much easier to be friendly and nice to everyone? It is so much work to pick and choose who to like and not like. Not everyone has to be a friend, but we can all be friendly!



Lot's of Licks,
Lian

Featured Friend: Mr. Habib

This is my friend, the very debonair and handsome, Mr. Habib. Isn't he charming?
He lives in Illinois. Mr. Habib and I have a lot in common. Like me, he lives with an artist! He enjoys walks with his humans. On chilly days, he likes to nap on a heating pad and to burrow deep in the blankets to sleep at night. I wish he lived closer so we could play and talk about what it is like to live with humans!

Would you like to be a Featured Friend on my blog? Send me a picture and a short bio and I will be happy to feature you!


Lots of licks,
Lian

Puppy in Dreamland

It is a snoozy day. I think I will just take a break and sleep the day away. Doggies are lucky, we can do this guilt-free! My human doesn't like to sleep all day...he wakes up at dawn and works works works. Why do humans have to be busy all the time like that? Sleep is good. Play is good. Work is just work, unless work is play!

I hope you take a few minutes today to have some fun!

Lots of Licks,

Lian

Butterfly Spring

Yesterday, on my morning walk I found a butterfly! It was just sitting on the sidewalk and I walked up to it and it started fluttering around me. I jumped and chased after it, and it just flew all around me. It was such a fun game! This morning I looked for it again, but it wasn't waiting for me. I think, if I sit by this lotus blossom, and hold very still, it will come back to play. What do you think?

Lots of licks,
Lian

Heating Pad Heaven

These days, with the rain, and the cold, and the rain...I don't like to leave my chair with the wonderful heating pad. It is almost as good as the sun!

Here is a painting called Cotton Candy Paws. I hope it helps you to smile and think of sweet, cheerful things while we all wait for the yummy sun and warm weather to come back.

Lots of Licks,
Lian

Gotta have my Greenie!

Greenies are great! I love Greenies. I was told they keep my teeth clean and my breath smelling nice. I don't care, they just taste so good! Sometimes humans say things that make me think of Greenies, and I get all excited. They have words that sound so much alike: Meanie, Steamy, Dreamy, Beanie...Sigh! But, if I get all excited and jump around when I hear those words, my human usually feels bad and gives me one. Ha! I am so smart!

Lots of Licks,
Lian

Happy Mother's Day!

Well, my human took for me a walk today. He said it wasn't too cold, and it had stopped raining. He tricked me! It was chilly and it was sprinkling out. Even my little raincoat didn't do much to keep me dry. I stopped our walk at this honeysuckle bush. I told him it was time to go home! The nice thing is that when we got home my human put the heating pad out on the reading chair and let me sleep there all day. So I forgive him.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!

Lots of Licks,
Lian

Where did the sun go?

Didn't I just tell you how much I love the sun?

I was just starting to enjoy it. I could go outside and I didn't even need to wear a sweater! When my human left the apartment, I would sun bathe all day in the spots of sunlight that came in the window. Now the sun is gone. I sure hope it comes back soon!

Until then, I am going stay right here, under the blankets where it is warm. While I wait for the sun, you can look at my paintings by looking through my blog archives.

Lots of Licks,
Lian

I Love the Sun!

Now that spring is here, I am so happy. The sun shows up more and it is so much warmer. I only have to wear my sweaters and hoodies half the time!

I like to search out sunny spots and soak up the sun. One day, my human was looking all over for me. I didn't want to move, because I found a super warm spot of sun under the reading chair. He eventually found me, and let me continue sleeping there. He is so nice!

In the mornings we go for walks to the park. My human likes to take pictures to use for drawing, then he turns them to paintings. So much work! I just look at the pretty trees, then when it is time to paint, I just paint. Isn't that so much better?





Here is the pretty tree outside my home.


And here is my
painting.




Oh, well, he's just a human after all, I am sure one day he will figure it out. Until then, it is lots of licks!

Lian

Puppy Love

This is a piece designed by my friend November. I posed, well, sort of...it's hard to sit still for very long, when I have a friend visiting me! Even if she is trying to draw me. I think she did a great job, don't you?

That's my paw print on the right, so I guess it is kind of a collaborative piece. What great teamwork! She helped me with my art and I helped her with hers!

You just never know what might happen when you visit me at my studio!

Lots of licks!
Lian

Working in the Studio (with Collaboration)

Today my friend November visited me at my studio. Now that the weather is warmer, I can paint again. And what a great way to celebrate my first paintings of 2008 by having a friend come join me!

It was different working with someone other than my assistant. I was a little shy at first about stepping in the paint, I don’t know why! But, once I got my feet wet (so to speak), me and November had grand out time. In fact, I soon forgot all about staying on the canvas! I was running and jumping everywhere...what great fun!

Please come visit me at my studio this Friday and Saturday and see my new work! My studio will be open Friday, April 25th from 6-10:30 pm and Saturday, April 26th from 10-3pm!
510 Building: 1310 Pendleton Studio #1100, Cincinnati, OH.
I hope to see you there!

Lots of licks!

Lian