Guest post by Lauren Delamater of West Crest Studio.
Lauren Delamater 
Kayak 
Eady
We love our dogs and pets. Most of us have bunches of photos of these special animals. I handcraft portraits of greatly loved dogs (or cats, horses, goats, etc.). Currently popular are collaged portraits made with printed papers and painted features. Stunning textures and colors are assembled into a one-of-a-kind artwork. As a printmaker, I produce relief prints in black and white or color. You can see examples of my animal paper portraits on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westcreststudio/ or on my website: westcreststudio.com.
While visiting my son in Tampa, Florida, I discovered their Dog Beaches. It was such fun being at a beach with Quimby, my dog! I photographed the running, swimming and jumping dogs and found incredible compositions of dog activity. I started making paper dog silhouettes and portraits of dogs I knew to create a giant “Paper Dog Frolic”. This became an installation artwork at a gallery at the end of 2020. Representing the highly athletic and silly cavorting of many breeds of dogs, my installation filled an 18 foot wall. This was the beginning of Paper Dog Portraits as viewers soon wanted their pets’ portraits! A number of portraits have been done of dear dogs who have passed on and wanted to be remembered by their owners. To make portraits, I use gelli plate monoprint papers. Working realistically based upon the colors of the dogs’ coats or in a whimsical color palette that reflects the animals’ characters, I layer cut papers to build the anatomy of the dog. Painted eyes, nose and details catch the likeness and expression of the dog beautifully. Backgrounds can be soft ivory paper or colorful papers.
For years, I have carved a dog portrait into linoleum as a relief print. I have made prints of my dogs and those of friends and family. These graphic black and white compositions are textured and bold. There are varieties of printmaking techniques I continues to study. A dog lover, I delight in engaging in close observation of owners’ photographs while developing the artworks of peoples’ pets. I find a wonderful connection with the animal as I prepare, plan and then make their artwork. Especially their eyes! It’s remarkable to work from the owner’s photographs and then to meet the animal. I know them before I meet them! Let me spend time getting to know your dog or other pet and you’ll end up with a fabulous original artwork!
I live in North Georgia, close to Chattanooga, TN, and have been working from West Crest Studio since retiring from 33 years of teaching studio art. My creative reputation is known locally as I taught at Chattanooga Christian School for 27 years, retiring in 2020. I offer workshops when Covid isn’t controlling our lives. Contact me and start planning your portrait or garland of tiny animals!
Lauren Delamater: westcreststudio@gmail.com.