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