An interview with Artist Keri Lyn

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Keri Lyn

FT:How did you get started painting dogs? What was your first inspiration?

KLS: I used to do a lot of western and portrait art (Horses, Cowboys, more serious stuff)...I also did alot of animal portrait work of peoples pets, memorials, etc. I just got tired of my stuff looking pretty much like everyone else's work. There are a million pencil/portrait artists out there - and I felt like my stuff was just not unique enough. Soooooo....I literally created my own style using colors that I love and subjects that I love....dogs! It makes such a wonderful difference...painting and being around dog people - it's a blast!

FT:The majority of your dog art seems to feature Boston Terriers and Pugs? Are these breeds that are in your life?

KLS: I find these two breeds to be so easy to use in my paintings - they are hilarious and they have personalities and quirks that just lend to my humor/style of work. I am very fond of both of these breeds...but I happen to be "owned" by a 90lb. very jealous lab mix "Dally" who would be extremly annoyed by a small dog. So I admire everyone elses. My "Dally" does have 2 of her very own cats though, so we have a housefull.

FT:I see you accept commissions for your paintings. What is the strangest pose that has ever been requested for a dog by a customer?

KLS:Well, I would hate to say strange, because I have fully come to accept that anything goes with dog people...these animals are their best friends, kids, companions, etc. However...I did do a very large painting of a poodle shopping once...painted nails, sunglasses...etc. Apparently, it was their favorite thing to do together...go shopping...it was how she wanted to remember her poodle. It turned out quite charming, actually.

FT:Where did you get your inspiration for your Dog in the Tub series? Was this inspired by a real life occurrence?

KLS: The Dog in the Tub series started when I was trying to create art for a groom shop....and it just seemed like a fun and humourous way to picture all the different breeds. Plus - I have come to realize that there are very few art prints made for the bathroom - so many of my customers like them just for that reason.

FT: If you could have any breed dog for a pet, which would it be and why?

KLS: I actually don't think I could narrow it down to one breed....maybe that is why I enjoy painting all of the different breeds ~ they all have their own charm. I really enjoy the Labs because they have such a genuine nature and loyalty...but just as I say that I could say the exact same thing about almost every other breed. I have really enjoyed my "mutt" dog....very little health problems, and kind of is a breed all her own!

FT:In your popular Yellow Lab print, just WHAT do you think that dog is thinking??

KLS: Actually - this Lab was painted for one of my favorite customers! The Lab in the paintings name is Jake, and his Human Mom hired me to paint this painting of him while his Human Dad was away serving our country in the military. I tried to get both his charm and personality captured...while at the same time creating a piece that would portray how much I know Jake and his Human Mom were missing him while he was away!

A chat with Keri Lyn ....