Danger Dog Blog

Live from Nepal: New Year's 2070 rainbows

New Year's Day in Pokhara ended with a lovely rainbow on the roof of our Hotel, the Green Tara.

The last sunset of the year 2069 on Lake Fewa in Pokhara.   There are no motorized vehicles allowed on this lake and it is clean and calm.

New Year's Eve revellers fill the streets of Lakeside in Pokhara.   The locals dressed more for the occasion.

New Year's Day 2070 brought out all the pilgrims that took boats to temples on the other side of the Lake Fewa.

Borris the Dalmation is a handsome boy in his triple portraits by Sagar, Hari Timesina and Dilip.   Borris' proud owner thought so too, as she loved them all.

How to commission YOUR pet's portrait on metal:

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   I am in Nepal right now giving photos to the artists.

1. 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.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   ampage1@gmail.com  
That's it !

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!

 

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $18 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait.  
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

 

Let's keep these artists painting.

 

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

 

 

Live from Nepal: Works in progress

I haven't been here in Pokhara for long, but I have already seen some great new Danger Dogs.

Jasper is a darling Cockapoo and this is the first completed portrait on this trip.   This was hand painted on metal by Jit Gurung and is done early due to a birthday deadline.

I think he was on the right track.  

Dog in glasses

CJ is a wise Australian Shepherd who obviously cracked up the artists.   This is the first work in progress of this cool dog by Shahi.   I have only recently reconnected with Shahi.   He was one of my first artists in 2007 when I started the project and I am glad to have found him again.

Meanwhile I stopped by Shree Lamachhain's old studio and said hello to his 16-year-old son.   I am going to buy the last of their 'Beware of Dog' signs to help out the family while Shree is in South Korea.   He has one more year left on his contract and then (hopefully) will return to signboard art, having saved a nest egg that his family can use to get ahead.

This portrait is one that Shree painted is of a black Labrador named Layla.   He painted it as a spec painting in case a Nepali came in and needed a Danger Dog sign.   Layla was commissioned way back in 2008.  

Shree also painted a spec portrait of Ernie theSchnoodle.   The original portrait of Ernie was Nepali only as per the request of Ernie's dad.

I wrote a post about Shree and his family and their situation in depth in June, 2011, here.  

I know that they miss Shree very much, but this is a sacrifice that too many have to make here in Nepal.  Over 26% of Nepal's Gross National Product is remittance money sent to families from Nepalis who have migrated to the Middle East and South Korea to earn a better living.

Now Shree's son Anup is a young man that studies hard, runs the store when his mother is out and is almost as tall as I am.   With a moustache!

There are a (very) few new Danger Dog signs that I have found here in Pokhara.   This one is classic.

This one has seen better days.   To be fair, someone has been scratching out those eyes and that nose.

This one was made by the young person of the household - just a wild guess.   Is there a Danger Rabbit behind this formidable gate?   Still, it has its charms.   But they could have used a signboard artist!

In honor of CJ that wise and patient dog near the top of this post, I am including Mr. Itchy Stichy's portrait dressed as a pirate.   This pirate dog is a Labrador Whippet mix (portraits by Nara, Hari Timesina and Sagar Bista, clockwise from top left).   This is what you can expect when you order your very own Danger Dogs from Nepal.  

How to commission YOUR pet's portrait on metal:

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   I am in Nepal right now giving photos to the artists.

1. 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.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   ampage1@gmail.com  
That's it !

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!

 

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $18 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait.  
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

 

Let's keep these artists painting.

 

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

 

 

 

Live from Nepal: Happy New Year 2070

April 13, 2013 is the beginning of Nepal's New Year of 2070. Let's hope a new decade brings in much good luck to Nepal.

This is Rambo, an old friend in Pokhara.   He likes to sit on this wall and get petted.

The Nepali locals here in Pokhara are celebrating with a huge festival by the Lake and many live bands, dancing and even a Ferris wheel. 

I am going to celebrate by sharing great photos of my Nepali dog friends, that I am always glad to see year after year.

This pup is a new friend that was hanging out by the lakeside here in Pokhara.

The dogs are having a great time at low tide on Lake Fewa.   Of course, they come running when we call.   Muddy paws!

See those muddy paws?  

This Jack Russell Terrier certainly seems to be in a New Year's Party mood.   These portraits are from Sagar, Nara and Hari Timesina (clockwise from top left).   The owner chose the one by Sagar, but it was a tough choice, believe me.

How to commission YOUR pet's portrait on metal:

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   I am in Nepal right now giving photos to the artists.

1. 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.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   ampage1@gmail.com  
That's it !

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!

 

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $18 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait.  
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

 

Let's keep these artists painting.

 

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

 

 

Live from Nepal: Pokhara artists!

After my 8 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, I jumped right into the internet.   Walking home, I came across this very active volleyball game.   The flags and festivities behind the game are in preparation for the Nepali New Year's that is next Saturday night.   Sunday morning is the start of the new year of 2070 in Nepal.  

I dropped off some photos for Punam Thapa to paint.   He was in the midst of pasting lettering onto a local football team's jerseys.  

I stopped by to see Shree Lamichhaine's wife and son today.   Shree is in South Korea, like many Nepali workers.   He has another year on his contract before he returns home.   Shree's son is now 16 and is studying Chemistry, among other subjects.   Shree's wife is running a school supply store while her husband is in South Korea working in agriculture rather than his chosen work of signboard art.  

Jit Gurung of Munal Arts in Pokhara is looking as handsome as ever.

Shahi is another Pokhara artist that I have hired this trip.

Shahi was busy at work hand painting on canvas for the local tourist art shops.   I have to love that palette.  

Here is a portrait of Sombra the German Shepherd by Sagar.   This is a fine example of what you can expect if you order your very own Danger Dog.  

How to commission YOUR pet's portrait on metal:

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   I am in Nepal right now giving photos to the artists.

1. 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.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   ampage1@gmail.com  
That's it !

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!

 

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $18 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait.  
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

 

Let's keep these artists painting.

 

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

 

 

Live from Kathmandu: Works in progress -- Megh Raj!

Stopping by at Megh Raj's studio was a real treat.   He was much farther along and the colors are bright.

Spartapuss the Black Cat is shining in her feather boa, like the cat that ate the canary.   Megh Raj really likes cats, I've been able to tell over the years.

 

Rio the Shepherd Lab mix

 

Rio the Shepherd & Lab mix stands by the shore in this fanciful portrait by Megh Raj Thapa.   It will be interesting to see what the other artists do as background in their portraits from the same photo.

Grover & Julio the two adorable Westies are back this time by Megh Raj.   There is a brick wall in the background of their original photo and I'm glad to see that Megh Raj put it in.

Last but not least is the lovely Nayru the Basenji looking bright and cheerful with her bright orange backing.   It is going to be fun to see how these all turn out.  

This is Dr. Watson, a charming Scottish Terrier, and his three choices from a recent trip.   This is what you can expect when you order your own pet as a Danger Dog from Nepal.   And you give three signboard artists fair trade art to boot!

How to commission YOUR pet's portrait on metal:

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   I am in Nepal right now giving photos to the artists.

1. 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.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   ampage1@gmail.com  
That's it !

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!

 

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $18 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait.  
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

 

Let's keep these artists painting.

 

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!