Four new "Poundling" pet collages

Recently I wrote about my prep work for these pet-inspired "Poundling" collages and wanted to complete that story by posting the finished pieces.The collages have been on display at a gallery gift shop here in Denver for a couple of weeks now. (Perhaps someone will permanently adopt them for the holidays!)It amazes me how much character emerges from careful combining of unrelated, repurposed paper. Probably a new record for fewest elements used: the dog at top left is composed of only four pieces of carefully selected imagery/color (not counting background).Each collage is 7 x 5 x 1/8," composed of contemporary papers with acrylic on hardboard support, unframed, and priced at $135.

Collage process & progress

Well, I've been making progress on the pet collage series. Unlike my abstract work, which is completely additive in terms of process, for these small works I do organize at least some of the major elements in advance of gluing, and then build and develop the constructed character further.Four creatures are done and ready for varnish, while a couple of others await the discovery of key pieces that would make them complete! I'll post completed collages soon.

"Gone to the dogs" pet portrait collage

Above is a recent collage, more whimsical than most!Based on positive response from a recent pet portrait commission for a veterinary hospital, I've started a new series called "Poundlings," harkening back to my ongoing Foundlings series (mostly found faces).All the collages in this series will ultimately need adoption and I feel the eventual owner(s) should name these creatures so, for now, despite the fact that several "perfect" names have occurred to me, this canine is fondly referred to as Poundling 2.I'm happy to announce that Poundling 2 is included in a juried exhibit, "Gone to the Dogs 2," at Niza Knoll Gallery, opening Friday, October 15th from 5-8pm. The gallery is located at 915 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, Colorado. The show will be up through November 13th and a portion of the proceeds benefit the MaxFund.The background is made of "pet for sale" want ads, tinted with acrylic paint, while the dog is composed of elements from contemporary magazines. The collage is 14 x 11" on hardboard panel, plus framing (not shown).

Unveiled: Vet pet collage commission

Yesterday was the grand opening of the Aspen Arbor Animal Hospital. It was fun to see my pet-related commission on their walls. I created the six collage portraits above (each 12 x 12 x 1") along with the cut-out collaged figures on an adjacent wall (see overall photo below). It was fun to see my work hung and being appreciated. I'll need to go back to get some more photos of the collages without all the hoopla, but you get the idea!I love the silk aspen leaf mobiles over the reception desk. They were done by Colorado artist Jan Carson.More detailed photos of the figures to come... They were all collaged on black, then cut out with a band saw, edges painted, blocks affixed to back so they stand a bit off the wall. They have a very cartoon-y look from a distance. Completely different from anything I've ever done!