Artist Profile: Melissa Langer

It's my pleasure to introduce Melissa Langer. Melissa has been involved in the Paws For Charity Projects for five years!!  Here's where you can find out more about Melissa:

website:  http://www.pugnotes.com

etsy:  http://pugnotes.etsy.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pugnotes.fan

Blog:  http://pugnotes.blogspot.com/

Where do you live? What made you want to contribute to help raise funds for an animal shelter in Nova Scotia?

I live in Louisville, CO USA

I love being a part of your wonderful art project that raises funds for needy animals.

I am honored to be included in your beautiful books along side such talented photographers and artists.

What are some things, people, or places that inspire you?

My pug Archie inspires me everyday.

He spreads love and smiles where ever he goes and I try and share that through my art to help spread happiness to everyone who sees it.

My pug and dog paintings embody the toothy grins and wagging tails that happily greet us throughout our lives.

I know I have succeeded when my artwork lights up the viewer's eye with a spark of recognition of an old friend. Whether the connection is from childhood or current day, that kind of smile is always contagious.

My passion is working with acrylics on wood.  I love how the paint glides across the wood, often revealing a subtle natural grain of the surface below.

Capturing the spirit of each dog for people to deeply connect to and enjoy is the true focus of my efforts.

Do you have a certain "style" in mind when you create your images?

I am often asked how I create my paintings and capture the expressions in my characters.  The answer is, I am not exactly sure how I do it, or where the creative energy comes from.  I do know that I cannot create one everyday.  It is a energy that builds, and I can actually feel a painting coming on.  It is a fun and creative process.

I am a self taught artist.  My passion is working with acrylics on wood.  I love how the paint glides across the wood, often revealing a subtle, natural grain of the surface below. I documented stages of the painting process to show you how I do it.

 

I start with a 8 x 10 x 3/4 piece of hemlock wood and sketch my subject in pencil. Then I decide upon the colors I will use, mix my paints, and start painting the head and body. I work on the shading the fur as I go. I often add a bit more detail at the end of the process but most of it is put down in this stage. I then move on to the ears, eyes, muzzle, nose and mouth. I usually paint in the background before I put in the final touches and wrinkles.

 

Voila! A new Pug or Dog is born in the Pug Notes family. 

Thanks so much, Melissa, for supporting this project year after year!! 

Click on this link to preview this year's book: http://www.blurb.com/books/5210564-2014-paws-for-charity
For a 25% discount on your purchase, input coupon code P4C2014 (valid until June 30, 2014). All proceeds from the sale of these books are donated to Sheltering Helpless Animals in Distress (SHAID.ca), an animal Shelter in Nova Scotia.
E-books are also available...you can preview e-books here: http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/468601-2014-paws-for-charity