A great Mother's Day gift!

"I am Michael Utkus' wife and Baxter's mom. Words cannot express how much I love the oil painting of Baxter!! It is wonderful and it certainly was a fabulous Mother's Day present. The painting hangs prominently in our dining room and it makes me smile every time I walk by.What is particularly striking is how you captured his spirit/expression. His eyes are soulful and he's looking at me in that picture the way he often looks at me - as if to say "what's up?" or "when are we going for a walk?" or " A TREAT???"Thanks again! You did a fantastic job and I love it!! Best, Fran"

And I think Baxter also looks quite pleased with his portrait.

I can work with you to keep your portrait a surprise. Barbara

Baxter's father

Baxter is a terrific pet, sweet and dignified. I got to meet him in person and shoot some pictures, and of course that's best because the computer monitor distorts colors, and printers also distort colors.

I had painted the background with sky at first and took it out; I still think that a portrait is best with a plain background that brings out the best in the coloring of your pet. Unless the background is meaningful to you, I'd leave it more or less a plain, rich color.

Paint a memory of your pet-

-"Choppers" This wonderful family pet has passed away. His portrait hangs in the house as a reminder that somewhere, somehow, he is watching over the family, still. And the family knows that he is romping in the gardens pulling up the plants and stalking birds as always.