Thursday, May 27, 2010

Dog Days-Got It! SOLD


copyright Hannah Phelps
oil on canvas, 8" x 8"

"Just...One...More...Stroke...And...I...AHHHHH! Got it!" 

This is Striper experiencing that blissful moment of achieving a goal. The thrill of the chase is so much fun that he is going to take the ball back to shore to experience it all over again right away! 

Dogs fetching tennis balls is one of the simplest illustrations of the old "the joy is in the journey" principle. The fuzzy little ball becomes the holy grail of any big dream and the swim out to get it is the challenge that builds strength and skills for the next quest.  

When the dog can see the ball bobbing on the surface, they make straight for it and their strokes are sure and strong. Sometimes, they don't know exactly where it is, so they slow down and swim a more circuitous route until they catch a glimpse of it before speeding towards the prize. No matter what, the dogs are wet and happy.

And either way, when they return to shore, they beg you to start the whole thing over again by throwing the ball away from them as far as you can.

What is your tennis ball? Can you see it clearly? Does it only appear occasionally on the crest of a wave? Maybe the current swept it out of sight...are you going to search for it? 

When you finally sink your teeth into your trophy, enjoy it fully before climbing out of the water. 

Then go after next one.



This Painting has SOLD!

Don't forget about the Unleashed fundraiser for the Animal Rescue League of NH! See you at McGowan Fine Art on June 25 for the reception!


8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, Hannah, this painting is wonderful! You really know your dogs (and the way they think).

Barbara Carr said...

What a wonderful, lively painting, Hannah!

Donna said...

LOVE IT!!!

Hannah Phelps said...

This one was fun to paint. Dogs swimming and playing with the reflections and the uncertainties of where the dog begins and the water ends are always fun.

Thanks for the kind words!!

Erica said...

I haven't stopped by your blog in a while - mea culpa! - but I was just catching up with all the amazing art and inspiration here, and also love the new look of the blog. Hope you're doing lots of plein air this summer!

Hannah Phelps said...

Thanks Erica!

It is more dog paintings for me for a little while longer...the great weather here allows Hattie, Coast and I to go on many inspirational walks, though!

Amy Hillenbrand said...

Such a fun joyful painting.

Hannah Phelps said...

Thanks, Amy! I know Striper was happy when he "posed" for it!