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Two
for One
October 6, 2003 This week we
have two portraits. The first features a Dane who is well-known
to many who have been on the show circuit "BISS CH
Country Walks End it With a Z," aka SudZ. The second
portrait features his son, "Dreamaker KTs Crescendo v
Lamar," aka Mozart. Both dogs are owned and loved by Margo
and Larry Gaither (LaMar
Danes). Margo contacted me right before the Nationals last
year to ask if I would be interested in working on a series of
commissioned portraits of both father and son. I was already
familiar with Sudz, and delighted to have the opportunity to
work with him, and I was anxious to meet Mozart. It sounded like
it would be a fun project and it was, mainly because Margo
and Larry were so easy-going (they gave me a lot of artistic
freedom) and the dogs were so photogenic.
So, without further ado, let's meet
the boys:
SudZ,
My Special Man
by Margo Gaither
SudZ,
bred by Vickie C. Balch of Country Walk Danes, has
been a dream to own and love. Larry and I both share a
very special bond with SudZ. He was our first show dog
and what a 'show' he has given us. During the
two years we campaigned him, SudZ achieved a coveted
Top Twenty ranking. What a remarkable experience that
was for two novices like ourselves. Campaigning meant
being on the road away from home several days a week.
It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work. We
met some wonderful people along the way, breeders and
owners, and we cherish our new friendships.
SudZ
has since gone into retirement; his only job now is to
live the life of a spoiled and happy Dane. He is over
5 years old but you would never know it, except for
his gray muzzle. Every day Sudz spends many hours
running the acreage, come rain or shine. I think he is
still a puppy, at heart. One of his favorite
companions is our little black cat named China. He is
very devoted to her. Most nights they sleep together
with China comfortably nestled between his legs. On
those nights when China doesn't come home (she is a
roamer) SudZ worries and constantly peeks his head out
the cat door looking for her. If she doesn't show up,
Sudz finally gives up and comes to bed with us. Sudz
is my special man. There are so many things I could
say about him, but it all boils down to this simple
fact: I love him!
Mozart,
Daddy's Boy
by Margo Gaither
If
SudZ is a momma's boy, then Mozart is a daddy's boy
and spoiled rotten. He is Larry's dog, 100%, thru
and thru. Sure, Mozart loves me, but he WORSHIPS
Larry. Then again, maybe he doesn't really love me,
but only tolerates me because Larry loves me. Who
knows? It is interesting that Mozart is so different
from his dad, SudZ. He acts like a mischievous
teenager. He is always into something he shouldn't be
into. He is very smart and while he does know right
from wrong, he always has to have his nose into
something. If he's not chasing the cats, tearing out
the stuffing from his toys, or eating my rose bushes
or houseplants, then he's thinking hard about his next
caper. When Larry's home, the boy can do no wrong.
Larry seems to think I exaggerate Mozart's behavior,
but really, I don't. He's a total rascal, and yet I
still adore him. We both do.
Last Week's DaDane
I was pretty amazed by the enthusiastic response to last week's portrait
of a black Dane. For those of you who inquired about the
identity of the dog, please regard the piece as general
(idealized) portrait of a Dane, instead of a portrait of any one
particular Dane.
DaDane Prints and Commissions
Some of you asked about the availability of prints. I'm happy to
report that I'm now producing large format "fine-art"
prints, which I've been selling quietly through word of mouth
for the past couple of months. At some point they will be
available through my web site, but for now, you need to email
me if you are interested. I plan to have some samples with
me at the Nationals.
I will be available for commissioned
portraits, too. Again, please contact me by email for more
information.
HOME
SudZ
has since gone into retirement; his only job now is to
live the life of a spoiled and happy Dane. He is over
5 years old but you would never know it, except for
his gray muzzle. Every day Sudz spends many hours
running the acreage, come rain or shine. I think he is
still a puppy, at heart. One of his favorite
companions is our little black cat named China. He is
very devoted to her. Most nights they sleep together
with China comfortably nestled between his legs. On
those nights when China doesn't come home (she is a
roamer) SudZ worries and constantly peeks his head out
the cat door looking for her. If she doesn't show up,
Sudz finally gives up and comes to bed with us. Sudz
is my special man. There are so many things I could
say about him, but it all boils down to this simple
fact: I love him!