Artist's comment:
This painting was inspired by Jackie Wright's collection of vintage Steiff animals. Jackie is also a stuffed animal artist who makes awesome creatures. Jackie's Steiff collection includes lots of dogs and monkeys, and when I look at them, I see all the love with which they were cared for and played with over the years. The dog in the foreground reminds me of my thirteen year old terrier-cross Shelly.The Steiff is missing hair and Shelly is not so perfect either. She has wild crazy hair and doesn't pose for me unless she is asleep. When I see these imperfections in the stuffed animals, it makes them seem more real to me. I see how easy they are to love, just like it is so easy to love Shelly.
