MY STUDIO IS ON THE FIRST FLOOR of our home, specifically for Mr. B, who can’t go up and down the steps very well. I want him to be able to come and go with ease. He’s usually laying close to my easel.
I HAVE A SELECTION OF ANTIQUE CHINA DOGS displayed in my studio and my absolute favorites are the Airedales. I so rarely find Airedale china dogs that the few I have feel like prizes, won at the antique market.
JOSH’S LOVE FOR ANIMALS IS INFEC- TIOUS. I began to see how our pets have a way of communicating with us that transcends the language barrier. Mr. B and I have our own language. He has the most expressive face and is the one who taught me that each dog has a unique personality.
I LOVE TO BE SURROUNDED BY COLOR. There are anywhere from five to eight portraits hanging on the walls at any given time. There are also paintings by some of my favorite artists hanging on the walls for inspiration. The built- in bookshelves are filled with my first dog portraits, a selection of my favorite china dogs, some colorful books, and colorful, functional storage boxes.
NAVY IS MY FAVORITE COLOR. It’s so dramatic that almost every other color pops against it.
MY EASEL IS FAR AND AWAY MY FAVORITE piece in my studio. It’s quite large with wheels and will hold both small and large canvases. Since I’m only 5’2” it’s the perfect height for me to stand while I paint (I only sit down when I’m working on small details like eyes or noses). We also added some seri- ous overhead lighting. I have five large fluorescent lights with neutral bulbs, allowing me to see the truest color and eliminating shadows.
IF I’M REALLY FEELING THE PAINTING GROOVE, I may start painting around 10 p.m. and go to bed around 2 a.m. I don’t have set hours, but I try to paint every day. (I am not a morning person).
38 THE NEW BARKER
I’ll start working on my 2016 calendars soon, which I print and bind myself. A portion of the proceeds will go to a rescue group.
WHEN JOSH GETS HOME, we get some supper and hang out with the pups for a bit. I used to have a problem winding down enough to sit and enjoy the evening, but nothing makes me happier than sitting on the sofa with my little family, enjoying each other’s company.
IF I HAD THE MONEY, I would figure out how to buy an original Wayne Thiebaud! I love, love, love his work and his paintings still feel so fresh and inspired today.
Our summer/fall cover artist, Beth Whitlow, in her studio with Case, her Airedale, also known as Bubba Bear or Mr. B.
DEPENDING ON MY MOOD, my taste in music is pretty eclectic. While I paint, sometimes I’m in the mood for some Jimmy Buffet, Zac Brown Band, The Beach Boys, Alan Jackson, Alabama, Eagles or Bob Marley. Other times it's hymns or just some happy music (Jack Johnson, Stevie Wonder, Jason Mraz, Bruce Springsteen, Bruno Mars, The Rolling Stones, Eric Hutchinson, Cat Stevens, Ingrid Michaelson). Every now and then I get in a country mood.
I’M USUALLY WORKING ON three to four portraits at a time and thinking about compositions for a few more. Right now I have an adorable little old Chihuahua on my easel. He’s on a blue background with a red and white stripe bow tie. I’m also working on a portrait of a Yorkie in a derby hat, a Great Dane with this fabulous pearl and brooch necklace, and the most adorable Golden Doodle with a flower crown. I’m also thinking about compositions for a cou- ple of sweet rescue dogs and several Christmas commissions.
I USED TO BE MORE CONCERNED about what people thought about me, but as I’ve grown (and really since I’ve been painting), I’ve realized that it’s okay to be me. I hope people like me, but I try to be unapologetically me. Art played a major role in helping me learn to be myself. I used to suffer from a mild form of seasonal depression. Once I started painting, I felt like I had purpose and was inspired to create every day. I truly believe that art can change
your life.
WE FELL IN LOVE WITH INDIAN PASS, which is located between Port St. Joe and Apalachicola. After several years of going back and forth, Josh’s parents bought a house there. I could go on and on about all the cool features, but it all comes down to this - a boardwalk lead- ing to our favorite dog-friendly beach. I feel like I have a lot of Florida left
to see.U
Pricing and info are available at
www.bethwhitlow.com
Email Beth:
bethwhitlow@gmail.com.
Send her a friend request on Facebook - bwhitlowart.
www.TheNewBarker.com
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