PORTRAIT OF ONE MIGHTY SPECIAL PUP

June Bug Johnson by Amy Evans Streeter, 2010

This is a short story about how art--and pie--can connect people.

A handful of years ago, a couple in Maine was given one of my paintings as a gift. That, alone, is pretty amazing, if you ask me. But the receivers of said gift became so enamored of my work that they contacted me about doing a commission. A handful of years later, Bob and Sonja are friends, and their house is full of Amy art. What's more, though, is that they happen to own a bakery. How could I not become fast friends with peole who make pie for a living?!

This summer, Bob contacted me about ding an extra-special something for Sonja's birthday. After a few emails back and forth, we decided on a perfect subject for the painting: their dog, June Bug Johnson.

I've never done a commissioned portrait before, much less a dog portrait, but since I'd gotten to know Bob and Sonja over the years and knew of their love for June Bug, I decided to give it a whirl. I'm glad I did. June Bug was such a wonderful subject, and I loved fitting in little notes and things to help illustrate her personality, her family, and her world. There's her favorite octopus toy; a nod to the wilds of Maine, where June Bug loves to run; a copper cookie cutter next to the bunny cookie she gets as a treat every morning; and, most of all, a little love note to her parents, Sonja and Bob.

Bob emailed me this picture of June Bug sitting next to her portrait on the day it was hung. Even though she doesn't look too terribly impressed, Bob and Sonja assure me she likes it.

I hope that we can all wind up in the same place one of these days to meet in person and share some pie.

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I had so much fun with this portrait that I look forward to the next. If you're interested in a portrait of any kind, please get in touch! Drop me a line at amy(a)amyevansstreeter.com