Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Casting call for pooches is a hit

Pet artist creates lasting memories


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

"Bella" by Carrie Tasman. Acrylic on birch panel at the Tails West Gallery.

Among the many favorable attributes making Sun Valley special is the affinity its residents have for their pets. Understanding that people adore their animal friends, the Tails West Gallery in Ketchum not only features pet-related artwork but decided to celebrate pets with a casting call contest.

Last February the gallery asked for people to drop off images of their beloved animals for painter Carrie Tasman to paint an exhibition for the Aug. 3 Gallery Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. in Ketchum. Tasman was going to choose only one pet for her unique portraits, but due to the overwhelming response did a few more.

"Terry and Lynn of Tails West Gallery met me at the Sun Valley Arts Festival," Tasman said. "We tried to think of ways to bring people into the gallery, and we thought about a casting call where people could bring in photos of their pets, and I would pick one to paint. I painted 12."

Tasman has been painting since she was in kindergarten. She said she has always been drawn to painting animals especially when she got her yellow Labrador Chamois.

"When I started doing interior paintings I put Chamois in the paintings and began to get commissions to paint animals," Tasman said. "She is really good sitter, but she gets tired of me taking her picture."

Tasman has painted more than 20 pets in the last year. She said people really like how she captures the whole story of their pets.

"There is something whimsical about painting animal portraits," Tasman said. "I really listen to what people talk about and what is important to them such as their favorite colors or flowers. I try to put the paintings together in a fun way with emotion and make it memorable."

Tasman uses both boards and canvas for the pet portraits and paints with acrylics.

"It seems to be what I am suppose to be doing, and I love it," Tasman said. "I never get tired talking about dogs."




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