Alfalfa

In order to accurately portray any pet— or any THING— good source material is required. Otherwise, it's not your unique doggie, it's a generic (fill in your breed here!). Alfalfa, a black and tan longhaired dachshund, was a tough case, although you'd never know it to look at that sweet expression. Like many dogs, he was very camera-shy. His beautiful wavy coat was also very black. It didn't help that every photo session turned out to be a rainy day, and his ordinarily glossy coat showed up as dull as a charcoal briquette in the resulting photographs. Trying to get good photos of him is when I invented the phrase, "Curse of the Black Dog," as this essential undertaking seemed to be unattainable. In order to get the eye-level perspective characteristic of my portraits, I also had to sit on the ground, which he found somewhat confusing. Like most sweet dogs, he would then want to come over to me and stick his nose into my face for an explanation.

So we had a few "sittings" indoors, where I'd set up my easel and he'd pose. Not really. He'd flop at my feet with his head just close enough for a behind-the-ear-scratch. The best part of those sittings was the attention paid to this humble artist by Alfie's loving, caring owner, Robert Seitner. I was plied with a continuous stream of tasty beverages and snacks, while enjoying the stories told by this delightful and fascinating gentleman. Although it's sad to report that both Mr. Seitner and his beloved Alfie are now strolling together on another plane somewhere, they are both lovingly remembered by their many friends and family. I still miss them both. Mr. Seitner was one of my most enthusiastic fans! I miss basking in the glow of his admiration! So many times throughout my career, I've been privileged to share in this love, and my paintings thus become an instrument of remembrance, a touchstone for deep, warm memories. Perhaps you, dear reader, would engage my services for just such a tribute?

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