82 Blue Dogs and a Cat

Artist’s Statement

On my main project page, I’ve shared how 82 Blue Dogs and a Cat began. Here, I want to delve deeper into the journey — the dogs, the challenges, the learning curves, and the small victories along the way.

So far, every dog I’ve painted belongs to family, friends, or friends of friends — with one exception. Dog No. 6 was based on a random photograph I found online. At that early stage, I had no idea where the project was going, whether I’d find enough dogs (I still don’t!), or if I could even paint them. I named No. 6 after the town I was born in — a personal touch that felt right.

Dog No. 7, in my opinion, is the weakest painting so far, which is especially tough because he was my first dog — a springer/collie cross, or “Sprollie” as they are known today. I worked from an old photo taken in 1998, and that’s when I learned a crucial lesson: always use high-quality digital photos. The level of detail in digital images makes a world of difference. That painting was a real struggle. The likeness isn’t perfect, but I managed to capture his manic, joyful energy. I overworked the painting and nearly gave up on the whole project at that point.

Each portrait has come with its own challenges, much like the broader creative journey I’ve been on. I had never painted dogs before this series, but I was proud of my first attempt — a portrait of my dog Bobby — and I enjoyed every minute of painting him.

Why Blue?

The dogs are blue because the first photo I used had been edited on my phone with a rich blue tone — a colour I realised I was already drawn to in my home, my clothes, and daily life. That blue became a sort of signature.

There’s also a practical reason. I often feel overwhelmed by a full colour palette when painting from photographs. Limiting myself to shades of blue helps me focus and reduces decision fatigue — while also giving the series a unified visual identity. I love abstract painting, where freedom with colour is encouraged, and this project allows me to blend realism with a bit of that expressive spirit.

The Hockney Inspiration

The idea for the project title and structure came from David Hockney’s 82 Portraits and a Still Life. He painted people he knew, often using a blue background. I wondered: “What if I did the same with dogs?” And so, 82 Blue Dogs and a Cat was born.

Hockney reportedly painted each portrait in three days. Mine take about three months — but hey, we’ve both got the number three in common at the very least! A friend and I worked out that, at my current pace, the whole series will take around 18 years to complete. We found that pretty funny... but I’d still like to shave that number down. I’m trying to paint more consistently, Each dog has its own story. Some paintings come easily, others fight me: just keep swimming, just keep swimming…

A Turning Point

Paintings No. 12 and No. 13 — Fred and Duke — were a turning point. Being filmed by Ben Higginson Directs during the painting process was an exciting challenge. It made me realise I actually do have a process, even if I’ve doubted myself. That particular piece took five and a half months, not only because it featured two dogs, but also due to coordinating the filming.

I’m now working on Dog No. 14 and have a few more lined up. Most of the portraits so far are 40cm x 40cm. Fred and Duke were larger at 60cm x 60cm. All are painted in acrylic on wood.

The project is a celebration of colour, character, and consistency — and a reminder that growth comes one brushstroke at a time.