Thursday, June 23, 2011

Best Pal

I never met a dog I didn't like. Our first family dog, Jasper, used to yank mom's best percale pillowcases off the clothesline and blast down McConnel Avenue, dragging them in the gutter.
I didn't care, I liked Jasper.

Dogs trust us. If they are hurt we want to make it better. We want them to be happy;



Like my beautiful Emmie

And Kary's toy poodle, Teddy.

What do we care if they are of indeterminate parentage?


I painted some dogs and other things with new art supplies, thanks to Lynne Hoppe.

Lynne has a wonderful and inspiring blog, and talks about interesting ways to put images on different paper surfaces. Plus, she generously lists what supplies she uses.

Oh, and her work is brilliant.






Here is a smattering of my new supplies. Pastels from France, Crayon watercolor pencils from Switzerland, and paper from U.S.A.


I have just one more thing to add about dogs.

I think the dogs we loved and have gone on before us are waiting to join us again.

Like Mattie here. Something so full of love and goodness just must be forever.

Hug your dogs for me!

xx

Julie
juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com
at

67 comments:

  1. My Farmhouse KitchenJune 23, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    well...you know it made me cry....so beautiful....i LOVED it all so much !!!!!!

    and i LOVED seeing my Teddy which now is my MOST PRIZED possesion in my HOME...well that's not breathing...
    :-)

    what a hearfelt and wonderful post

    you made my day, my friend

    kary and teddy
    xx

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  2. ValeriannaJune 23, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Beautiful - I love the dog paintings. No dog to hug here, but I WILL extend the invitation to Pasha cat and give him a big hug, though he has just returned from a wet woods wander and is more of mop than a cat at present!

    PS - I sent a link to your recent story post to my mother sister and niece. Not only did they want more of the story, but they really loved your work... I was excited to share your special magic with them.

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  3. jaz@octoberfarmJune 23, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    i just love this post soooooo much!!!

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  4. FlossieJune 23, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    I love your post Julie and will do as instructed and give my best friend, who is at this moment lying at my feet, a huge hug. xx

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  5. AnonymousJune 23, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    What a beautiful doggy post. We love our little dogs, they are so special and a big part of our family.
    Your doggy work is wonderful too, love gorgeous pieces.

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  6. FlossieJune 23, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I sould have said "laying" as she is the most honest being I know, whoops.

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  7. Carolyn ParkerJune 23, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Oh, how I love your dogs and your sweet words. Dogs are so accepting of us with their uncensored love. Love, love, love your new pictures. I'm hugging my little honeybug, Petey Rabbit, right now.
    Love, licks, and barks,
    Batty Mae

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  8. Tammie LeeJune 23, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    your pottery is charming!
    I love that you shared your art supplies, always fun for me to hear.

    Lynne is a wonderfully creative and quite generous with sharing how she does things. I love visiting her!

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  9. Lori annJune 23, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    oh my god julie, i felt just like kary and my dog isn't even shown here.

    i love this so much, your paintings are so incredibly good, they literally take my breath away.

    i wonder if i could ever choose a favorite. probably not. as usual i'm going back for another (of many) looks.

    have i said how glad i am to 'know' you?

    xox

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  10. A bird in the handJune 23, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    Oh yes yes yes! I love every doglet I meet. I grew up with an Alsatian puppy. Well, we grew up together. His name was Rex. He always tried to make me better when I was hurting. I still miss him, but I know he's waiting for me...along with Zoro and Django and other departed doggie friends.

    As for Lynne Hoppe. Yes!!!

    Love yours too.

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  11. Julie Whitmore PotteryJune 23, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Dear Lori,
    I feel the same way about your friendship.
    xx
    julie

    Colette, neat names for dogs!
    xx
    j

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  12. Maggie AnnJune 23, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    You are a wonderful artist Julie!

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  13. DebraJune 23, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Lovely post, lovely art!

    I have been blessed to have a number of dogs in my life, including three of my very own - Becky, Jake and most recently Mollie - all of mixed heritage. They are more fun!

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  14. lynne hJune 23, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    oh! oh! i am smiling!!! sigh... i just dearly love every little thing you do...

    xoxo

    (that tiny dog talking to the dog on the cup. yes!)

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  15. kathydJune 23, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    i love this post . i too love dogs and have never been without one. my
    rowan lies on my bed right now.
    he hates hugs! only a back rub will do.
    lynne is wonderful!
    and so are you.
    xxoo

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  16. LibrarianJune 23, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Never had a dog, but I do like them and one day, when I am ready to retire, I will have one (it just wouldn't be fair to the dog the way I live now, with a full time job). In our family, we've always had cats, and I wouldn't want to be without a pet.
    Your paintings are beautiful!

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  17. Flutterby PatchJune 24, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    Brilliant Julie. Each doggy's character seems to shine through your illustrations (wish I had your talent). New art supplies!...luck you. If there's one thing I like it's new art supplies (as well as new yarn of course). Have a good weekend. Eli x

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  18. jen storerJune 24, 2011 at 2:36 AM

    We had a dog called emmie, too! actually it was emmie lou lou belle. she was a golden retriever and when we went swimming in the dam she would round us up and push us toward the shore! Beautiful perfectly gorgeous paintings julie xx

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  19. sharonJune 24, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    Julie, you touch my soul with your words and post about dogs. They are such a part of our being in our house. I grew up with dogs all my life, and can't live without one being by my side, or part of my day....I love them all. Thank you for a beautiful post.
    Love your drawings, they are magnificent! Thank you for sharing the link with Lynne.

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  20. Rebecca R. DyerJune 24, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    Well, Julie. . .
    I guess the next few items I purchase from you will have to be of the canine category :-)

    I was thinking just that this morning and then your sweet post appeared.

    So that being the case, you will need a photograph. Shall I send one now or wait until I hear from you??

    All the best,
    Rebecca

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  21. From Beyond My Kitchen WindowJune 24, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I'm crazy for your art work and pottery. All of it so lovely. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone loved there dogs as much as we did. Great post!!

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  22. holly aka gollyJune 24, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Such a lovely ode to our four legged friends. I will hug my Ladybird and forgive her for stealing my dish towels off the kitchen counter!

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  23. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesJune 24, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Julie, I think this is my most favorite post. I don't know if it's because I love dogs, my dogs or animals in general, but it spoke to me.

    I loved seeing little Teddy! What an adorable ornament that was! The face on that last little guy - how beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Mary

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  24. ParisbreakfastsJune 24, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Wonderful, lovely post Julie!!
    I love the Jasper story :)
    How I wish I had a dog again...
    Living in NYC has some big drawbacks.
    Dogs are our best friends, no question and your art does them terrific justice.
    merci
    carolg

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  25. gallerydarrowJune 24, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    These are wonderful soulful, beautiful.

    I hug my dogs every day but I'll give em one from you aunt Julie.

    xo

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  26. Jody BattagliaJune 24, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Hello Julie...I know it is going to be a good day when I see that you have posted on your blog. Between the bluebirds, donkeys and dogs I think I want to run away from home to your house and we could eat pie.

    Have living in Julie-Town fun,
    Jody and her best friend, Pip-Squeak

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  27. Judy ShreveJune 24, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Julie - I love this post - what wonderful stories and paintings of the dogs you love!

    I also read Lynne's blog - isn't she fabulous - and her work is well - just fabulous too. I am always so inspired by her.

    I'm just starting to play 2-dimensionally after years of clay. I'm still doing some clay work - but not much. It'd be fun to share new techniques.

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  28. Kay GuestJune 24, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    My Dad just lost his little dog that he has had for 14 years. He was heart-broken. Thank you for this post... I will share it with him!
    Kay

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  29. Julie Whitmore PotteryJune 24, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Oh Kay!, I am so sorry for your dad. Its the lonliest feeling and there is nothing for it but time.
    My heart goes out to him
    xx
    julie

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  30. Kathryn GloverJune 24, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Julie, I so love all of your posts, but this one really touched my heart. Our dogs(and cats) lives with us mark the milestones through our lives. I can remember each house where I lived, the yard, the bathtub, the trees, the steps on the back door and my children growing up in various stages through the dogs that have been in my life. They say that for a dog, every 15 minutes is a new day, and all of my pals were smiling all through life. Your little paintings are gems. It shows that a piece of your heart is in each little one. I so enjoy seeing them and thank you for sharing.

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  31. ClaireJune 25, 2011 at 3:22 AM

    Oh Julie, love your paintings the chicken with the flower is so sweet.......

    Love all the doggy pics, am feeling like I'm missing out on something as this is a two cat household............

    Pets give love unconditionally and make a house a home.

    Claire :}

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  32. Country Cottage ChicJune 25, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I love them all!

    Jayne

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  33. susan jenkinsJune 25, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    Just lovely Julie, your new paintings are beautiful! Love your pastel and water colors!! Love it all, dog love wonderful.

    XX Sis

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  34. cupcake castlesJune 25, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Wow , I just found your blog, i cant say enough how gorgeous your work is, i will be following ( and shopping)

    liz x

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  35. Vintage Fairy Tales RebeckaJune 25, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    Dogs, monkeys and donkeys...they all belong in
    "The Julie Whitmore Fairy Tales" :)
    Love your drawings Julie, they are amazing!
    XX
    Becky

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  36. Simply ShelleyJune 25, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    Very Sweet post...I am directing my daughter to pay you a visit...she has loved and lost many dog friends and has a very sick doggie at this time...I think your post will bless her...thanks for sharing and as always your work is beautiful....blessings

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  37. Laura FarrowJune 26, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    dogs make the world a (much) better place, indeed. great post.

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  38. AnonymousJune 26, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    Ha-haaa, Jasper is my kind of dog! :)

    Gorgeous (GORGEOUS!!!) artwork, Julie. I'm off to visit Lynne's blog...

    Happy summer day to you, my friend!
    ~ Zuzu

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  39. lauraJune 26, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Oh Lynn you have no idea how much I love your drawings.. your colors.. my nicname for years was Jasper...I love dogs & lovemy sweet little Ellie..thank you for all the inspiration.. my pottery class is wednesday keep you posted.

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  40. AprilJune 26, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    I love the painting of your Mattie and all the dogs you have shown. We have three dogs ,and they are our babies. One..Henry..is my "Daemon" if you have read "The Golden Compass"..he is definitely my soul. Yes, I think our dogs wait for us but sometimes they come back..this has happened to us and many of our friends. I think dogs are truly Angels on this Earth. Henry, Betty, and Mack are getting HUGS from you, Julie!

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  41. salty pebbleJune 27, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    sooooo wonderful, creatively beautiful ;0)x love your doggy drawings, made with love of memories x

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  42. dulcyJune 27, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Love this post! Over 600 hundred orphaned dogs and cats from the Joplin tornado found homes this weekend. People came from over thousand miles away to adopt a new little family member. Joplin is our neighbor city. Anyway, love your drawings, Julie. Thanks so much for your sweet bday post (and hubby thank you too!)
    xo
    dulcy

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  43. Wish on a WhiskerJune 27, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Love your wonderful dogs! Love~Mandy

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  44. ninaJune 27, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    this post tugs at my heart so strongly.....xox

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  45. jaz@octoberfarmJune 27, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    what a wonderful post. i love my teddy so much it breaks my heart.

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  46. Nantucket MermaidJune 28, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Love it all! I hugged my dog ...=:)

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  47. MelodyJune 28, 2011 at 8:01 AM

    I truly hope you are right about the dogs we have loved and lost waiting for us...
    Beautiful art and pottery, makes me smile! :)))

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  48. A time to danceJune 29, 2011 at 2:42 AM

    I would love a dog...but our busy life doesnt permit...are those the pictures you emailed me about? I cant for the life of me remmeber the card....

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  49. NanJune 29, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I feel the same way. I so love dogs. They make me ache with joy. Have you seen Pamela's video?

    http://fromthehouseofedward.blogspot.com/2011/06/celebration-and-something-special.html

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  50. CynHuntJune 29, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    Davey and Dunnagan are my sweet Labs and I cannot imagine life without them.
    That was a beautiful post and I just love all the paintings.

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  51. annamaria potamitiJune 30, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I loved this- so beautiful and so true!XX
    Hooray for new art supplies!Love these paintigns on paper too!xx

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  52. Cass @ That Old HouseJune 30, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Oh my ... I came here to tell you to Google "Boston Brown Bread in a Can" to get the recipe for the bread your Mom used to make -- and I find a beautiful tribute to the dogs we all love so much, and who all break our hearts when they leave us.

    We have lost 3 dear doggies in 5 years -- and our last spaniel is aging fast. Yes, I also like to think that we will see them all again in a future life.

    Love your dog paintings!
    Cass

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  53. MaryJuly 1, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Your doggies have the most beautiful expressions I've ever seen Julie!

    We are not a dog family but so enjoy being introduced to other peoples' canine family members.

    Love your work so much.
    Hugs - Mary

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  54. *Susycottage*July 2, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Ohhhh! Julie, wonderful dogs,
    seem real, your paintings seem
    many little stories that will delight.
    a hug
    Suzy x

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  55. Pamela Terry and EdwardJuly 2, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    I completely adored this. And I so agree... all my dogs are waiting for me. Hopefully on a hillside in Scotland where we'll live for eternity.

    Your work is simply perfect! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and leading me here.

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  56. millefeuillesJuly 2, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    I am so very happy to have found your blog. You almost made me cry and your artwork is so inspiring.

    Thank you.

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  57. StickhorsecowgirlsJuly 2, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Just beautiful!!! Have you seen the little video clip by Wendy Francisco, "God and dog"? You can view it at www.godanddog.org It is so profound!
    Also, Karen, at www.thisoldhousetoo.blogspot.com is currently holding a sale on her blog of donated items (such as handwoven rug, handmade soap, etc.) for a benefit she is helping sponsor to find home for homeless dogs! Hope you'll check it out.
    V

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  58. Country GirlJuly 3, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Julie,
    I came here via a comment on the blog of a friend and see so many familiar faces. You even have Kary's toy poodle here ~
    Your work is beautiful. I've always wanted to be able to paint . . .
    I believe those dogs who have gone before us are waiting for us and I have a weird story to relate involving having surgery and being under anesthesia. But to keep it short, while I was under and coming to, I have a distinct memory of an old border collie mix that I had when I was young. He was running towards me and I woke up just before I could hug him.

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  59. patJuly 4, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    so refreshing to drop by for a visit.. ah, dogs, it is so true..they are so grateful for each and every moment with you... and we with them...

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  60. Vicki BosterJuly 4, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Wow Julie- what a popular post- 60 comments!! Love the doggie paintings-we don't have any dogs now- but I've had some very special dogs that I loved in the past. I would love to see all my beloved pets already gone- again someday--
    Vicki

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  61. BarbaraJuly 6, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Well I don't have a dog to hug (I am a cat person) but I like your dog art work on the pottery.

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  62. LauraJuly 7, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    sigh. a little bit of us always is with our dogs gone on before us...

    beautiful work, julie-i love the drawings:)

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  63. MerisiJuly 7, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Seeing your beautiful dog portraits and then reading Kary's message, so very touching!

    I'll hug my Maxie, thinking of you,
    Merisi

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  64. DebJuly 7, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    I hug my dog everyday and tell him I love him. He knows what I'm saying. What a wonderful, whimsical blog you have. I am smitten and now will follow along. Deb=^..^=x4 Ontario, Canada.

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  65. Kattywhompus PrimitivesJuly 7, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Oh Julie,
    Your post and your beautiful work both pull at my heartstrings. I just did a "dog" post a few days ago. :) I am a bit partial to your Jasper...who reminds me of a friend of mine. :)
    Smiles,
    Rhonda

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  66. SUSAN WELLSJuly 8, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    Thank you for keeping alive my childhood summers in Hingham Mass! My friend Laura Farrow just sent me to your blog. I'm not sure where exactly you are however, you bring to life tea parties, sea air and an adoration of our outdoor and furry friends.

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  67. PaulinaSeptember 18, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Lovely post and beautiful paintings. Especially Mattie.
    I believe the same, our dogs and cats, horses, dear friends, are waiting for us somewhere.

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Your Comments have the power to make me float right out to my workroom. Thank you for them!