5th Annual Best in Show | Pets Art Competition: 6 Top Dogs

Watch our Competitions page for the 6th Annual Best in Show | Pets Art Competition! 

TOP DOG WINNER 

“I believe the key to painting successful animal portraits is paying attention to the subjects’ unique expressions and body language. Color and texture also play a vital role in making that connection with the viewer.

I was drawn to the image of Fraser, a gorgeous little pup heading home for the first time, with an inquisitive yet slightly hesitant expression on his face. I chose to paint Fraser in oil because the medium has a natural glow and richness that I felt would help bring out the dog’s warmth and personality.

“I find the biggest challenge in painting a very young puppy is capturing that sense of youth and innocence without exaggerating features or unintentionally aging them. It’s a delicate balance to ensure their softness and character remain authentic, but I do like a challenge!” 

—Jill Macdonald

Why it Stands Out 

“This piece says so much with so little. Other than the whiskers, the hair of the dog’s coat is suggested by the edges of the painted shapes. This absence of detail places the focus solely on the calm and quiet mood of the dog, emanating mostly from the eyes. It’s a painting that’s so easy for any pet owner to connect with due to the sweet nature that the artist beautifully captures.”
—Patrick Saunders, Juror 

Honorable Mentions

Meet the Artist

Jill Macdonald is a Canadian artist who works primarily in oil, acrylic, pastel, and charcoal. She studied at The Banff School of Fine Arts, in Alberta, Canada, and The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, in Quebec, Canada. She focuses on capturing character, atmosphere, and the quiet presence of her subjects through expressive drawing and carefully observed color. She has been teaching art for the past 13 years.