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!

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

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

Good Design For the Holidays Show at the CAC

My paintings, greeting cards, postcards, and magnets will be on display and available for purchase at the Good Design for the Holidays show at the Contemporary Art Center on December 15th from 11 am to 4pm. I believe my art makes a unique gift for anyone! I do know that my work makes people smile...which is really my goal after all. And, it is pretty...like me!

My human friend, Antony, will be showing a video demonstration of my painting process as well as be available to answer questions, arrange commissions, and make appointments to visit me at my studio.

I hope you come and see the results of all my hard work this year! Maybe you will find the perfect gift for the hard to please someone, the animal lover, or even for yourself!

lots of licks!

Lian

Gregory Douglass

Yesterday my musical pal Gregory Douglass took a break from his busy touring schedule to say hi! Gregory is a fantastic independent musician from Burlington, VT who has been working very hard making a living writing, playing and recording his music. He is an inspiration to a little pup like me who is just starting out. He gave me some great ideas on how to get my artwork out to more people, and just got my little doggie paws itching to create more art!

Please check out Gregory's music. You won't be disappointed! I think I will use his music for my next painting video!

Love and lots of licks!
Lian