Anatomy of a Danger Dog Feed

Live from Kathmandu: Works in Progress from Sagar Bitsa

 Sagar surprised me this evening!  He sent works in progress showing actual progress!  Sagar paints his backgrounds first and then the dog or cat. He sent this last week, and I had a hard time figuring out which dog or cat was which.  But we all agree that he has a nice view from his rooftop.

Sagar's works in progress on his Rooftop
Sagar's works in progress on his Rooftop
It is always interesting to see how a painting progresses and it was good of Sagar to send two versions.
LeoDalmatianSagarWIP
Leo the Dalmatian Dog as a Work in Progress by Sagar

 Leo, a very handsome Dalmatian pup, is well on his way in this diptych.  I think it is close to being finished, but still needs lettering, as do all others in this post.

Anya the Dalmatian by SagarWIP
Anya the Dalmatian by Sagar as a work in progress

Another beautiful Dalmatian, Anya's lovely profile is front and off-center. 

Bess and Hamilton the cat by Sagar
Bess and Hamilton the Ginger Cat by Sagar as a work in progress

 Over the years, when asked to do a portrait of a human alongside their pets, Sagar is my go to artist.  He enjoys the challenge and has not let me down.  Here we have Bess and her beloved Ginger Cat Hamilton.

Beignet the Ranch Dog by Sagar as a work in progress
Beignet the Ranch Dog by Sagar as a work in progress

Beignet is a very lucky dog who has the run of a ranch.  I can't wait to see this one in its final incarnation. 

Ancho Toy Poodle Sagar WIP
Ancho Toy Poodle by Sagar as a work in progress

 The adorable Ancho.  To me, this reminiscent of Magritte's Bowler Hat paintings. I love the way that Ancho is floating.  Perhaps a green apple overhead?

Jacs the Jack Russell Terrier by Sagar as a work in progress
Jacs the Jack Russell Terrier by Sagar as a work in progress

 Jacs is a later addition and therefore an earlier work in progress.  This Jack Russell has plenty of personality is his photo.

Lusso the Italian Greyhound by Sagar as a work in progressby Dilip
Lusso the Italian Greyhound by Sagar as a work in progress

 Lusso the Italian Greyhound is so elegant and someone is going to have a hard time deciding on this one.

Opie the Catahoula Pit Bull mix by Sagar as a work in progress
Opie the Catahoula Pit Bull mix by Sagar as a work in progress

Opie's portrait is going to be dramatic in his golden circle.  Can't wait!

Pumpkin the Pomeranian by Sagar as a work in progress
Pumpkin the Pomeranian by Sagar as a work in progress

Pretty Pumpkin the Pomeranian is well on her way.

Minnow the Tabby Cat by Sagar as a work in progress
Minnow the Tabby Cat by Sagar as a work in progress

Minnow moves from an interior to an exterior in Sagar's work in progress.  I think Minnow would be happy here. 

Buni the Shaggy Dog by Sagar as a work in progress
Buni the Pastry Shaggy Dog by Sagar as a work in progress

I love seeing the progress in Buni's shaggy coat.  Another very hard choice ahead.

Buni the Shaggy Dog by Sagar as a work in progress
Buni the Shaggy Dog by Sagar as a work in progress

 Still early, but showing promise.

Sam the Yorkie by Sagar as a work in progress
Sam the Yorkie by Sagar as a work in progress

Sam, a sweet Yorkie pup, glows in his circle of fire.  

Sojho the Nepali Dog  by Sagar as a work in progress
Sojho the Nepali Dog by Sagar as a work in progress

Sojho, a Nepali dog that charmed his Dog-ma, returns to his roots in the Himalayas.  The red spot on his forehead is a tikka, given as a blessing.

Ranger A Pit Bull Mix by Sagar as a work in progress
Ranger A Pit Bull Mix by Sagar as a work in progress

Ranger is a beautiful Pit Bull that has recently passed.  Obviously she was a beautiful dog that was well loved.  And she was also photogenic with that big smile.

Sagar means 'Ocean' in Nepali and he has placed Ranger in front of his namesake.  I do not think he has ever seen the ocean as Nepal is landlocked.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken, bunny, bearded dragon, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, you can send me a photo of your pet.   I am now in Kathmandu, Nepal, taking orders.

I will return to the US in early December, 2022, in plenty of time to deliver for holiday gifts.

You choose the style, the color, what you would like the sign to say...

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!

HOW TO ORDER

1.  Send me a photo of your pet to [email protected]. Find out more at www.NepalDog.com..  

2. Let me know the name of your pet, their breed and what you would like it to say.

I will give the photo to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists 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.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

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!

Let's keep these artists painting.


Anatomy of a Danger Dog: Mochi the Papillion by Sagar

It is fascinating to watch an artist's process.   Layer after layer is necessary to reach the final portrait.  This is the first in a series of how a Danger Dog is born...   Sagar Bitsa is today's featured artist.   Mochi is the featured dog.

Folk art Mochi the Papillon
First layer of Sagar's portrait of Mochi the Papillion.
Folk Art Papillion
Mochi by Sagar a little farther along
Sagar is unusual in that he does his background before the figure is completed.
 
 
Folk art Papillion
Mochi even farther still (by Sagar)

Mochi still does not have his eye-light.  I find it a little unnerving, and often do not show these works in progress until they have the eyes.    Sagar leaves the eye lights until the last...   Mochi's portrait looks very impressionistic at this stage.  

 

Folk art Papillion
Mochi and his final. Eye light and lettering added.

Sagar did a great job, and it was fun to follow Mochi's progress.

Folk art portrait of a Papillion
Mochi the Papillion and his final three

Turns out that Mochi's owner chose the portrait painted by Nara (above upper right with the dark blue background).  

Mochi by Sagar is still available, as is Mochi's exuberantly fine portrait by Dilip (upper left). 

Stay tuned for more in the Anatomy of a Danger Dog series.

Have a great holiday season.

To learn more about the Nepal Art Dog project and how your pet can participate, please go to NepalDog.com.