Ruth Read – Pet Portraits Oil Painting
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Ruth Read – Biography
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I grew up in Oregon with lots of animals, moved to California and got married in 1971. I soon found myself involved in a grooming shop and liked working with dogs so much I bought the place.
People would ask me if I knew anyone who would do paintings of their pets. I finally decided to take some art lessons in 1999. I studied at a local Art school in Arcadia. It wasn’t long before I was doing pencil drawings for some of my clients.
After a year I studied Oil painting at a small school in Sierra Madre. And read lots of how to books on wild life and animals. I applied that knowledge to my paintings and came up with my own style.
I do pet portraits because I love pets and seeing their personalities come to life on a canvas is so exciting! I have a special interest in pets because before I ever thought of painting them I got to know them so well in my grooming business. I understand the pet owners point of view that their pet is a unique individual and a special, irreplaceable part of their lives.
I became a member of San Gabriel Fine art Association in 2001. And Since the year of 2004 I have been co-show chairman sharing the Duties with Chris Hogan. I love being surrounded by all that beautiful art.
In 2006 I became a member of: the American International Culture & Art Association, Lakewood Artist Guild and Corona Art Association.
Some of my paintings are now or have been on display at:
Send out cards Inc. Located on the web now sells cards and postcards with some of my art on them. I also sell cards in Hawaii on the island of Kauai in ‘Gallery West’ in Waimea.
In 2008 I resigned from the board at San Gabriel Fine arts due to the fact that I want to travel and spend more time in Hawaii where I have a small house (studio) in Waimea.
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Ruth Read – Pet Portraits Oil Painting
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Tommi – was a dog that was found in the street and someone almost ran over her. She was about 3 months old and covered in fleas. Someone brought her to my shop. I promised to find her a home. Ha! I took her home and that was that. She went to work with me every day and was the best dog. We lost her at 16 years old. She was everything to our family. Such a good, well behaved dog. We all miss her so much. So do many of my clients.
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Babycakes – Babycakes was a Yorky that was so endearing. She just captured your heart.
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Pepe La Pu – La Pu as we called him was very strange. He liked to be groomed. He had these eyes that were huge just like the painting. And he had a smell to match that name. A very lovable cat.
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Sancho – was a big rolly polly Bull dog. He was 75 lbs and many times we had to roll him. He loved the shop. He died at 2 years old. I really missed him. He was in our shop at least once a week. Sometimes more. He liked the shop so much that my daughter had to walk him out the door. Otherwise he would not go. If she was not there to walk him out his owner would pull and roll him.
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Sir Hoover – was a show dog. At the time he was commissioned he had only one more point to go. I painted him 2 times.
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Sparkie – He had the best love for all. He was a rescue and he did appreciate that. So happy and sweet.
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Ruth has been a personal friend over twenty years. She has always had an eye for detail. I am so proud of her for these great paintings. Keep up the good work Ruth.
You can feel these paintings. Ruth puts the animal’s energy into the picture. She is sensing the presence, or soul of her subjects, and you can feel it when you look at her paintings. Of course, she has great technical skill too, but her ability to sense the living presence, and to depict it, makes her paintings radiate with a special glow.
Those animals are gorgeous and so full of personality. I can see your love for your subjects.
Thanks for sharing them.
Ruth is an exceptional artist, not only can she capture every detail, she is always happy to share her talent. I have had the pleasure of reading one of her children’s books. Her artistry extends beyond oil painting. I see a best seller!
I really like the yorky. I miss mine.
I love the way you capture the personality of the pet!
I love your story and how you just went out and learned to paint. Your pet portraits are charming, colorful, and seem to capture the individual personalities of the pets. Since I have a bulldog, I’m particular to that one! Keep up the good work.
!I Love It!
I have 2 dogs a pug and a English bulldog and I can tell you love animals the way you express yourself.
Keep up the good creative work
Stunning paintings, you have captured their souls through each loving stroke of your brush.
I just love Sancho, You certainly capture the essence & the characters of the dogs very skillfully. it makes me want to touch them. I would like to have lunch with you too. Same I live in Boston UK! Well you never know which one of us may cross that pond first! please keep in touch.
Suzette
Well, If you ever come my way, I will be here to visit with. You can e-mail me through ruth@ruthsartgallery.com
All very lovely and kind. They are full of good feelings.
Sweet pictures. Thanks for sharing.
I love the painting of Tommi. The roll over pose and the eyes looking straight at you like a pair of living eyes. You can see the soul of Tommi in the expression of the eyes. Very masterfully done! Sir Hoover looks very fashionable and as dignified as a Victorian portrait
I have an adorable pug. Have you ever done a portrait of a pug?
Your paintings are amazing for someone who learnt to paint because of her love for animals, or maybe that’s why they are so good.
Nandan,
Yes, I have done a portrait of a pug. Go to http://www.squidoo.com/RuthRead and you will see one there.
Thank you for leaving the nice comment about my paintings.
Ruth used to tell all of the funniest stories about Tommy and the other animals in the shop. More childrens books Ruth, I see a whole series on the adventures of Tommy at the shop. Go Ruth Go. Such stunning work…
Wow, Thank you David. That shop was fun and there are a lot of stories. Something to think about…
I so appreciate all these comments. They make my soul soar. I love to see what others think.
Shoe some of them look like photos !! very very good !!
im a cat lover