JAMES SWANSON

"I never planned to dive in and become the painter of dogs, it kind of just happened.  I was already a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society before I started painting man's Best Friend."

"I stared painting dogs as a tribute.  Our family dog, Atticus suddenly passed away and I was feeling very sad about it.  He was my boy, and I wanted to show the enjoyment that he brought me.  So I painted a portrait of him doing his favorite thing, swimming.  I found out how a dog and water can be combined into an interesting painting.  It's so complex and beautiful at the same time.  Reflections, lights, darks, shadows, and translucency, all built around a moving happy element.  It was very exciting to paint something that had meaning to me on so many levels.  It took on a life of its own."

I have two dogs now, Bjorn and Fenrir.  Bjorn is my poser dog.  When we go out to play and photograph, he's the one who has this look about him that just stops you.  He's a bit of a prima-donna, and the photo shoots are over pretty quickly.  I'm lucky if I can get a few good photos of him to work with, but when I do, They are electric, and I can't wait to get working.  Now Fenrir is my athlete.  He will go out and play ball all day long in the water.  He's a jumper, fast swimmer, and will keep going and going.  I get all kinds of fun action shots with him."