My dear sweet Connor is about 13 years old now, and I am not sure he’s going to be around this time next year. So when a good friend offered to have him immortalized in a painting, I jumped at the offer. The artist, Sam Robinson, about whom I have written several times, is a friend, so that made it all the nicer. He suggested we come out to his studio and he would take some pictures of Connor and get an idea of Connor’s personality.
It was hot out and Connor was panting a bit, so it actually took Sam and his sweet wife, Barbara to get enough good pictures of Connor with his mouth closed.
Barbara got the brilliant idea of distracting Connor with a squeaky toy, but all she could find was a RUBBER RAT! Clearly, he’s totally disinterested in it!
Although when she held it up and made it squeak, he started barking furiously!
The setting was just beautiful and it was such a gorgeous afternoon.
Barbara is a landscape designer, and there are some gorgeous plants, including these bottle-brush plants, which are native to the area.
After all of that hard work, we needed a drink, and Sam whipped up a batch of mint juleps.
Then we headed over to the studio so I could see some of Sam’s paintings, both old and new.
Here’s Sam looking at an early painting he made of his sister.
He’s converted an old house on the property into a gallery/studio, so we got to see where the magic happens.
As we finished up and drove out the gates,
I can’t wait to see the sketches and the finished painting, which will be shown at an exhibition and sale at Halcyon House Antiques in the fall.
What a beautiful place and a beautiful friend do paint Conor!
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of looking for someone to paint our Baxter. He had his first "senior" appointment at the vet last week, much to my disbelief...he's only seven and I feel like he's still a puppy. :)
We're not too far from you all, and Sam's a wonderful painter.
DeleteIt's hard for me to believe that Connor is 13. I'm sending many many prayers that he will be with you and healthy for many moons to come. Jones turns 8 on July 4---how did the years pass so quickly? Sending love to you and Connor--can't wait to see the painting. xoxoxo Mary
ReplyDeleteHAPPY 4th!!
Connor was between 4-6 when I adopted him, and I've had him for eight years now!
DeleteWhat a good idea. Can't wait to see the finished painting. Connor looks so much like our first lab, Emma, as he ages, that I sometimes get teary, seeing his picture. Near the end of Emma's life, a photographer friend of mine spent an afternoon taking pictures of her. We lost her a short time later and my friend gave me a beautiful little album that I treasure and keep next to her ashes. Hoping Connor will be around for quite a while yet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful present for you! I told Sam that we should do this sooner, rather than later, as Connor's slowing down a lot recently. Even though the vet said he was healthy, I can see big changes.
DeleteI love Connor.
ReplyDeleteThe snaps of The Adoration of the Connor were treats unto themselves. He is quite a handsome boy and will undoubtedly make a wonderful portrait subject. How lucky he is to have found you.
ReplyDeleteThe Adoration of the Connor! Best comment ever!
Deletedoggies are so special + let's hope your connor will be around for a long time. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too!
DeleteIf I'm not mistaken, this looks like Burnside Farm, the old Shoemaker estate. A beautiful spot to be sure.
ReplyDeleteWe'll just say it's somewhere north of Baltimore, and leave it at that.
DeleteFair enough. Always nice to have friends in Green places.
DeleteI hope they paint Connor as Houdini—the great escape artist he once was with eyes of mischief. I've always been a Connor fan. Thirteen is a big number for a big dog. Enjoy all the wonderful Connor days you have coming your way.
ReplyDeleteHa! Top hat and a cape!
DeleteMy older dog, Cody, a chocolate lab is almost thirteen and a half. She had Mast Cell Cancer in January and had an operation. We chose not to give some difficult drugs and are treating her holistically. She has massage and some kind of orthogenic accupressure from a licensed vet. I have switched to real food, not dog food. It has made a big difference in her health and outlook. She's full of energy and has lot five pounds, yet is eating better. Each month is a gift now.
ReplyDeletePoor Cody.
DeleteLovely memento:).
ReplyDeleteIt is, indeed.
DeleteAw, Conor is such a great dog. So wonderful that he's getting a portrait. Hope he has many happy days ahead.
ReplyDeleteKathleen in Falls Church