Title:  “Service”

Artist:Karyn Collins

Medium: Acrylic

Size:  24″ x 18″ x .5″

Price:  $700.00  Contact National Purebred Dog Day to inquire about purchasing this piece

Artist’s Thoughts:  I’ve always felt that working U.S. Military and Police dogs are the unsung heroes when people think of Service to our country. These dogs work courageously every day. As a pet portrait artist, dog lover and military wife of 30 years, this theme is important to me. I created a piece that I hope honored these breeds and portrayed their characters and traits. The Labrador was an obvious pick because I have two of them. A close friend bred the Parson Russell who serves as a professional search dog for police cases. The Jagd Terrier is used with the U.S. Navy, where my husband served for 30 years. I’ve always loved the look of a Blood Hound on a scent, and nothing screams “tactical” like a German Shepherd on duty. My favorite dog to paint in this piece was also the biggest surprise for me while researching, the Giant Schnauzer is used for drug interdiction and police work. In capturing the images of these breeds, it spoke duty, selflessness, and of course Service to me.

I felt that the piece would be most balanced with the large black Giant Schnauzer at the bottom, grounding the piece, echoed by the smaller black Jagd Terrier at the top. I used the same colors throughout, making it feel cohesive and balanced. Although using an odd number is typically more pleasing to the eye, for the sake of using as many groups as I could that also followed my theme, I created a layout that feels balanced and will crossover well to a poster.