b"M Y STUDIO IS ON THE FIRST FLOOR of Ill start working on my 2016 calendarsour home, specifically for Mr. B, who soon, which I print and bind myself.cant go up and down the steps very well. A portion of the proceeds will go to aI want him to be able to come and go rescue group. with ease. Hes usually laying close tomy easel.W HEN J OSH GETS HOME , we get somesupper and hang out with the pups for aIHAVE A SELECTION OF ANTIQUE bit.I used to have a problem windingCHINA DOGS displayed in my studio and down enough to sit and enjoy themy absolute favorites are the Airedales.I evening, but nothing makes me happierso rarely find Airedale china dogs that than sitting on the sofa with my littlethe few I have feel like prizes, won at family, enjoying each others company. the antique market.I F IHAD THE , I would figureMONEYJ OSHS LOVE FOR ANIMALS IS INFEC - out how to buy an original WayneTIOUS . I began to see how our pets have Thiebaud!I love, love, love his worka way of communicating with us that and his paintings still feel so fresh andtranscends the language barrier. Mr. B inspired today.and I have our own language. He hasthe most expressive face and is the one IUSED TO BE MORE CONCERNEDwho taught me that each dog has a about what people thought about me,unique personality. but as Ive grown (and really since Ivebeen painting), Ive realized that its okayILOVE TO BE SURROUNDED BY to be me. I hope people like me, but ICOLOR . There are anywhere from five try to be unapologetically me. Art playedto eight portraits hanging on the walls at Our summer/fall cover artist, Beth Whitlow, a major role in helping me learn to beany given time.There are also paintings in her studio with Case, her Airedale, myself. I used to suffer from a mild formby some of my favorite artists hanging also known as Bubba Bear or Mr. B. of seasonal depression. Once I startedon the walls for inspiration.Thebuilt- painting, I felt like I had purpose and wasin bookshelves are filled with my first D EPENDING ON MY MOOD , my taste in inspired to create every day. dog portraits, a selection of my favorite music is pretty eclectic. While I paint, Itrulybelievethatartcanchangechina dogs, some colorful books, and sometimes Im in the mood for some your life.colorful, functional storage boxes. Jimmy Buffet, Zac Brown Band, TheBeach Boys, Alan Jackson, Alabama, W E FELL IN LOVE WITH I NDIAN P ASS ,N AVY IS MY FAVORITE COLOR . Its so Eagles or Bob Marley. Other times it's which is located between Port St. Joedramatic that almost every other color hymns or just some happy music (Jack and Apalachicola.After several years ofpops against it. Johnson, Stevie Wonder, Jason Mraz, going back and forth, Joshs parentsBruce Springsteen, Bruno Mars, The bought a house there.I could go on andM Y EASEL IS FAR AND AWAY MY Rolling Stones, Eric Hutchinson, Cat on about all the cool features, but it allFAVORITE piece in my studio.Its quite Stevens, Ingrid Michaelson). Every now comes down to this - a boardwalk lead-large with wheels and will hold both and then I get in a country mood. ing to our favorite dog-friendly beach.small and large canvases.Since Im only I feel like I have a lot of Florida left52 its the perfect height for me to I M USUALLY WORKING ON three to to see. Ustand while I paint (I only sit down four portraits at a time and thinkingwhen Im working on small details like about compositions for a few more.eyes or noses).We also added some seri- Right now I have an adorable little old Pricing and info are available atous overhead lighting. I have five large Chihuahua on my easel.Hes on a blue www.bethwhitlow.comfluorescent lights with neutral bulbs, background with a red and white stripeallowing me to see the truest color and bow tie. Im also working on a portraiteliminating shadows. of a Yorkie in a derby hat, a Great Dane Email Beth:with this fabulous pearl and brooch bethwhitlow@gmail.com. I F I M REALLY FEELING THE PAINTING necklace, and the most adorable GoldenGROOVE , I may start painting around Doodle with a flower crown.Im also Send hera friend request on10 p.m. and go to bed around 2 a.m. I thinking about compositions for a cou- Facebook - bwhitlowart.dont have set hours, but I try to paint ple of sweet rescue dogs and severalevery day. (I am not a morning person). Christmas commissions.38 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com"