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August 2011

Collies without Borders or Border Collies from Nepal !

Border Collies are a lovely breed, and there are many great portraits still available in the Nepal Art Dog project.

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Lucy the Border Collie by Shantosh  1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal 2008 Available

Lucy is a lucky Border Collie relaxing with her favorite toy in this portrait by Shantosh.   Shantosh disappeared shortly after I found him, and I would love to find him for new works.   However, this great example is still available.   I will continue trying to find Shantosh.

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Tippy the Border Collie  1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal    2009  available

Tippy by Shahi is a young handsome Border Collie.   The Shahi Studio is in Pokhara, Nepal, and this was one of the last he painted while being evicted from his Lakeside studio.   The subtle aqua background plays up Tippy's black and white charm.  The Devengari script reads:  'Dog here be aware' in Nepali.

BeardedCollie.Grover.Nara
Grover the Bearded Collie by Nara 1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal  2009  Available

Grover the Bearded Collie by Nara is dramatic with its dark blue background and Grover's tongue is a traditional motif for a Nepali Danger Dog sign.

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Lucy the Border Collie by Punam 1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal  2008  Available

I truly believe that Punam should be working for Walt Disney Studios.   His cartoonish portraits really capture this enlightened dog.   You have to love that eyebrow.

B&WLucy.shree_97
Lucy the Border Collie by Shree Laimachhain 1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal  2008 Available

Another version of Lucy the Border Collie was done by Shree who chose to paint the full length Lucy.   Shree puts his dogs in Elysian Fields, and Lucy looks quite happy here.

Shree Ernie Border Collie Dachshund

Ernie the Border Collie by Shree Laimachhain  1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal 2011 Available

Ernie has an impish smile and Shree took full advantage.   The little foot that merges into the N in "Dangers Dog" makes me smile.   Again Shree placed this Border Collie in green fields.

By the way, if you'd like to hear more about my travel philosophy, along with many other smart and experienced travelers, check out these links about a couple who are so passionate about travel that they try to inspire others to join in.

We Said Go Travel: Find us on Facebook, twitter and Linkedin
Travel Stories:         http://www.wesaidgotravel.net/
Join us for a Los Angeles Meet-up and check out our videos on youtube      
Join us for Meet Plan GO!
Stop Dreaming and Start Packing! Oct 18, 2011

I'll be speaking about long form travel at their meeting on October 18 and would love for you to join me.

Your pet can be immortalized on metal by struggling Nepali signboard artists whose hand-painted work is being replaced by digital graphics.   Find out how below.

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

 

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders accepted through November 26, 2011.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three people will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!


Danger Dogs at Hama Sushi on Windward Circle

The Danger Dogs have pride of place at Hama Sushi today until September 14. 

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And what a place.  Located at 213 Windward Avenue on the circle in Venice, California, this restaurant is packed nightly.

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Happy hour at Hama is every day from 5 to 7 pm, and you'd better get there early as they fill up quickly.   I had a delicious hand rolled spicy tuna with an icy cold Sapporo. 

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Zen Cat by Baba 1'x1'  synthetic enamel on metal  2008 available

This Zen Cat by Baba starts off the art on exhibit this month at Hama.   I thought that this cat would enjoy the parade of fish that passes by.

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Patches and Little Girl by Hari Prasad 2009  1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal    Available

I came across this little girl playing in the sprinklers with her dog and asked to take her photo.   Her dog's name is Patches, and when I pointed out the spot, she replied, "That's not a spot, it's a patch".   So there.   As always, Hari Prasad puts in interesting shadows and shading.

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Colette the Black Standard Poodle by Pulkit 1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal  2007 Available

Pulkit works with Nepal Arts in the Tripureshwor District of Kathmandu.   That street is full of naive artists.   Pulkit's Colette is very traditional in form, and reminds me of many of the signs that used to line the streets of Kathmandu.

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Harriet by Punam 1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal  2007 Available

I have never shown this piece before as it has been one of my favorites from my personal collection.   Punam has given Harriet an intense gaze.   The real Harriet is a sweet, agreeable dog.   The chartreuse background is the perfect foil for Harriet's coloring, and the red border completes the portrait.

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German Shepherd (attributed to) Hari Prasad 1'x9" synthetic enamel on metal   Available

This Beware of Dog sign was in Surya's shop when I first started the Nepal Art Dog Project in 2007.   A little narrower than most of my commissioned signboards, this is a typical traditional Nepali sign.  Notice the tongue which is almost always present on a Nepali Beware of Dog sign, and German Shepherds are the most common dog ever on signs in Nepal.

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Jasper the Weimariner by Shree Laimachhain  1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal  2007 Available

This is typical of Shree's style.  Shree always painted his dogs in Elysian fields, and here Jasper is on his magic carpet.   Shree has now moved to South Korea to work as a fieldhand as he can make more money there than painting in his own town in Pokhara, Nepal.  Click here to find out more about Shree.   I think it is a sad story.   I only wish I had been able to help more.

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Rescue Dog by Jit Gurung  1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal  2007 Available

This rescue dog peeking out from behind the shrubbery at the Patio at Hama Sushi was painted from a small newspaper photo.   I did not know Jit at the time and was just starting the Danger Dog project so I had no commissions and had to find artists.   I really liked Jit's style and compare his work to Art Crumb.   Jit is great at realistic portraits of humans, too.

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Little Dog by Santosh Shrestha and Rocky the 3-legged cat by Amar Shrestha   Available

These two artists are not related.  Shrestha is a common name in Nepal.   The first with the green background is by Santosh Shrestha whose painting style is singular.   His use of surprising colors for the dog's fur looks even better up close.  Santosh lives and paints in Pokhara, Nepal

Rocky the 3-legged cat looks a little disjointed here, but as he relaxes on his back in bed, Amar made Rocky look like he is sitting up on his elbow and doing leg lifts.   The name Amar means 'long life' in Nepali and Amar paints in Boudha, a Buddhist area of Kathmadu.

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4 Labs in a BMW by Sanjib Rana    15"x12"  synthetic enamel on metal  2010 Available

These four adorable labrador retreivers are spilling out of the hatchback of their BMW.   Painted by Sanjib Rana -- the detail on this one is amazing.

HamaExhibit_9
Nepali Dog by Nabin 2009   Willow by Sagar Both 1'x1'  synthetic enamel on metal Available

Nabin's portrayal of this black and white Nepalese street dog gives the dog a harlequin feel.   Nabin's dogs are cartoonish.

Willow the Labrador Retreiver by Sagar is colorful and bright with her lei of flowers and big smile.

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Horse Crossing by Sanjib Rana 2007   12"x15" synthetic enamel on metal   Available

Sanjib Rana is the only artist I work with who was not a signboard painter.   Thus his work is a little different from the others.   He was recommended to me by an ex-patriot living in Kathmandu.   Sanjib had painted the walls of his home with birds, horses and flowers.   Sanjib already had books of images of flora and fauna.   But he had never painted on metal before and does not do the lettering.   He subcontracts that to a friend.

 

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Bo Obama by Baba, Dachshund by Sagar, Two Cats by Punam  1'x1'  synthetic enamel on metal

Be Aware of Bo Obama was painted by Baba on a rooftop in Kathmandu and I was there.   If you'd like to see photos of Baba in action, please click on the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel.  Bo is the world's most famous Portugese Water Dog.

Bailey the Dachshund by Sagar is a classic portrait of a Dachshund in a circle of flames.   With his little tail jutting out to the left and the lavish attention to detail that Sagar paid to his collar, it is a fine piece.

Cheeto and Scooter are two Danger Cats, but Punam, the young artist, must be a bit of a romantic as he added "We are love..." instead of the requested Nepali translation 'Kathane Boralloharu' (Danger Cats in Nepalese).   The green background and golden border compliment these two love cats.

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Emma the Shepherd mix by Amar Shrestha,  Scottie Dog by Hari Prasad  1'x1' synthetic enamel on metal

Amar Shrestha's portrait of Emma is some of his best work.   When I saw this portrait as a work in progress, Amar had had the yellow background only, and I was glad he added the green to the mix.  This is a striking portrait of a shepherd.

Hari Prasad painted this portrait from a photo that I took of this handsome dog walking in front of my house.   There is an urban feel to this with the sidewalk as background and the deep shadow under this Scottish Terrier.

HamaTriple
Bonza by Hari Prasad, Moose the Rottweiler by Ram Krishna, Weimaraner by Arjun Karki

Bonza is part of a quintych where this Border Collie had the colors of the Tibetan prayer flag on one side of her face.  See below for the full set in situ at the exhibition in Kathmandu.

Moose the Rottweiler is a puppy in this portrait by Ram Krishna.   The grass is a nice added touch.  

Jasper the Weimaraner is by Arjun Karki whose wide-eyed gaze is typical of Arjun's primitive outsider style of art.   A very pretty sign, with a delicate pastel palette.

BonzaBright

Bonza has a black right eye in 4 out of 5 of these paintings but her portrait with the white background reverses her black marking. 

This quasi-prayer flag was hung up at the very first Kathmandu exhibition of the Danger Dogs in November, 2007.  (The Dogs first exhibited in Ojai in October, 2007).   The artists had never really thought of themselves as artists before.   The exhibit was covered by the Annapurna Post in Nepali script, which was perfect for the artists.  The artists were invited along with their family and friends, and many locals and ex patriots attended.

Come by Hama Sushi and see them soon.

More about the Nepal Art Dog Project:

Nepal Art Dogs is a Fair Trade Art project that promotes the endangered signboard artists of Nepal.   With over 2000 pieces commissioned in 4 years, the Danger Dogs have made a difference in the lives of many artists.   I decided to concentrate on pets as there was a tradition in Nepal already of 'Beware of Dog' signs and I knew that people would like them.   These are truly fine artists whose livelihood is disappearing at an alarming rate.

On my most recent trips to Nepal, the Danger Dog commissions were the only art these artists were still hand painting -- all their other work was done from a mass-produced image, often printed on plastic flex.  

You can help by ordering a custom portrait of your pet.   Each signboard is approximately one  square foot, synthetic enamel on metal.   Each commission will be given to at least 3 signboard artists -- giving 3 people work, you a choice of 3 signs and museum shops Nepali folk art.  

No money accepted up front.   If you don't like any of your paintings, you pay nothing.   All artists are paid fair trade wages.

For pet lovers who collect art and would like to make a difference.

Micro-finance through art patronage.   

For cats, horses, ferrets, birds, hamsters, etc, please go to NepalDog.com for more examples.


If you would like to see a particular breed, please contact me at [email protected].  

 

 

 

 

 

 


Collies as Nepalese Signboard Art

Collie.HariPrasad
D.O.G. the Collie by Hari Prasad  1'x1'   2008 Available

Hari Prasad used graceful lines to showcase this Collie's glossy fur.

HariP.Collie
D.O.G. the Collie by Hari Prasad  1'x1'   2009  Available

One year later, again by Hari Prasad, D.O.G. has a dramatic black background.   This one was not a commission, but a work that Hari did on his own to sell to me.   Who could resist?

Megh Raj Typhoon Collie
Typhoon the Collie by Megh Raj  1'x1'   2011 Available

Typhoon was an award winning show Collie circa 1970 and this painting was from a black and white photo.   Typhoon had tulip ears.

Megh Raj Zach Collie
Zach the Collie by Megh Raj Thapa  1'x1'   2011  Available

Zach also has lovely tulip ears and a charming smile in his portrait.

Sabala Typhoon Collie
Typhoon the Collie by Baba  1'x1'  2011 Available

Baba took the black and white photo and turned it into a colorful portrait of Typhoon.

Sachin.collie
Collie by Saachin  1'x1'   2007 Available

This primitive portrait is by Saachin.   Saachin now lives (and paints, I hope) in New York City.

Sanjib Rana Collie Zach
Zach by Sanjib Rana 12"x15"  2011 Available

Sanjib Rana gave Zach a big smile, a dramatic background and beautiful lettering.   This portrait of Zach is currently available at the Craft and Folk Art Museum store.   Find out more at cafam.org.

These folk art Collies are part of the Nepal Art Dogs project.

Nepal Art Dogs is a Fair Trade Art project that promotes the endangered signboard artists of Nepal.   With over 2000 pieces commissioned in 4 years, the Danger Dogs have made a difference in the lives of many artists.   I decided to concentrate on pets as there was a tradition in Nepal already of 'Beware of Dog' signs and I knew that people would like them.   These are truly fine artists whose livelihood is disappearing at an alarming rate.

On my most recent trips to Nepal, the Danger Dog commissions were the only art these artists were still hand painting -- all their other work was done from a mass-produced image, often printed on plastic flex.  

You can help by ordering a custom portrait of your pet.   Each signboard is approximately one  square foot, synthetic enamel on metal.   Each commission will be given to at least 3 signboard artists -- giving 3 people work, you a choice of 3 signs and museum shops Nepali folk art.  

No money accepted up front.   If you don't like any of your paintings, you pay nothing.   All artists are paid fair trade wages.

For pet lovers who collect art and would like to make a difference.

Micro-finance through art patronage.   

For cats, horses, ferrets, birds, hamsters, etc, please go to NepalDog.com for more examples.


If you would like to see a particular breed, please contact me at [email protected].  

 

 

 


Funny misspellings!

There are a lot of funny misspellings on the signboards of Nepal, but the Danger Dogs take the cake.

Amar.dengercat
Mary the Denger Cat by Amar Shrestha   12"x 12"   Sold

Mary is Dengerous!   This lovely tabby by Amar is a personal favorite.

BlackDogs.Dilip__50
Danger Gog by Dilip Niroj  12"x12"  2009 Available

Ruby and Otterpop are two dogs (or is it gogs) that have a great life.   These little black dogs are a team and their intense gaze is well captured by the artist Dilip Niroj.   Chihuahua art at its best.

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Chloe the Jack Russell Terrier by Ram Badahur Lama   2008  sold

Chloe may be the only dog in the whole world with a sign that says "Bewaare of Enlighteneb Dog".   But she is beautiful as painted by Ram Badahur Lama who is a handsome young man.   I had commissioned the sign to be painted by Shahi, but was not disappointed by Ram Badahur's work.   His spelling leaves a bit to be desired, but just watch me try to write in Devengari script and see how I do !  

The script in this painting is in Tibetan, by the way.

Basenji.Shree_117
Murphy the Basenji by Shree Lamachhain   2008  Available

Shree thinks this dog is 'Dangers', even though Murphy the Basenji is quite comfortable on his bed.

Dilip Cabbage Matilda
Denger Dogs by Dilip Niroj  2011 12"x12"   Sold

Dilip may be dyslexic.   His wife often corrects his spelling in the Nepali script.   He adds a stroke here and there to make the Devangari script make sense -- even in the spelling of Kukur (dog in Nepali).   But if he is dyslexic it does not effect his art.   Bravo for a great portrait of Matilda and Cabbage, two lovely pitbull terriers.

BerneseMt.Prem_0929
Saint Bernard by Prem of Pokhara   12"x12"  2007 Sold

Prem may not be able to spell Bewaer but he sure can paint.

Dilip Nelson Jack Russell
Nelson the Jack Russell Terrier by Dilip Niroj  2011 Available

Nelson was a beloved dog who had a great life and traveled the world with his mistress.   I don't believe that he would have minded being 'enlightenen'.    

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Renata's Cat by Baba  2009  Sold

Dogs aren't the only ones who get the run around.  Renata's cat is 'Enligtened'.

Amar.3eared cat
Auggie Doggie the Cat by Amar Shrestha 12"x12"  2007 sold

Auggie has three ears !  When I showed it to the Lama Ankiel who runs our guesthouse in Boudha, he said that 3 ears are lucky!!   Now, to be fair, Auggie Doggy's owner requested the sign to say 'Beware of Dog'. 

Birju.lukecat
Luke the Scottish Fold Cat by Sagar  2009  Available

But what do we say to Luke?   He is obviously a cat, and Sagar's studio did not know about Auggie Doggy.   So this is a misprint of the first order.  

What possible mistakes are there in your pet's future?

Your pet can be immortalized on metal by struggling Nepali signboard artists whose hand-painted work is being replaced by digital graphics.   Find out how below.

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

 

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders accepted through November 26, 2011.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of paintings and three people will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Dog Days of August are here.

The phrase Dog Days comes from the time of year when the constellation Sirius, the Dog Star, is visible in the night sky.    


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The Danger Dogs joined in the celebration at Bergamot Station where the Santa Monica Museum of Art sponsered The Dog Days of Summer Sale in their new courtyard the 'Smoasis'.   There were huge discounts throughout Gracie, the Museum's store.  17 Danger Dogs signs went to good homes.

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I had a great time watching the Marathon Painter Stephen Keene as he painted fast and furiously throughout the day.   Each day this week was devoted to a theme, and that Sunday the theme was animals (of course) !

 

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Chewy the Yorkie by Amar Shrestha  12"x12"   2009  Available

Chewy the Yorkie was the poster child for this event.  

The Museum is located at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Avenue in Santa Monica, 90404.

Sasha.GermanShepherd.Hari
Sasha the German Shepherd by Hari Timesina  12"x12"  2010   Available

The formal Dog Days may be over at the Museum but it is not too late to stop by and see Stephen Keene paint his last subject:   Outer Space. 

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Keene has sold over 250,000 pieces of art to date and hopes to reach 1 million before he is done.  100% of the proceeds of this week's art marathon will be donated to the Santa Monica Museum of Art.

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My favorite pieces this week were the 'Paintings of Famous Paintings' series which included Whistler's Mother, American Gothic, Hopper's Nighthawks, and iconic works by Hockney, Warhol, Matisse, Munch and more.   They are affordable starting at $25.

Hope to see you at Bergamot Station tomorrow.

 

Your pet can be immortalized on metal by struggling Nepali signboard artists whose hand-painted work is being replaced by digital graphics.   Find out how below.

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   http://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

 

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   Orders accepted through November 26, 2011.

 

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of paintings and three people will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to [email protected] or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!