Blog on the Move

Artomel.com

The new blog has moved to my website at Artomel.com under the About tab click News and Blog. Come see all of my new paintings and consider contacting me for a pet portrait or two of your furry friends. - Melissa

Parade of Pups at the Pet Expo

Demo painting of Mouse the Guinea Pig

Blackbird Bike with Charley the spokes dog and his copilot Jim

Petburbia on display!

People on parade as dogs look on eager for a ride

Even the cats came out to play

Proud guinea pig loving family

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts Reception

Historic gallery space with lush gardens

Pets on View: Melissa Black's Petburbia and Litters More Art

July 25 - August 22

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts
6666 East River Road
Fridley, MN 55432

Tuesday through Saturday
10am - 4pm

"Mommy, I like all of them!"

Even the little dog enjoyed the show. The baby couldn't stop smiling

Talented artists in multiple mediums

Moments before the fight over which pet was better #Catsrule

Lots to see inside and outside of the gallery

Cat-Cat may think she's the star of the family, but she's got competition

Hanging Out At The Library

Robert Trail Library Solo Show Reception in Rosemount

Thanks to everyone (both humans and dogs) for joining me at an amazing artist reception.

37 Petburbia portraits will be on display at the 

Robert Trail Public Library in Rosemount, MN from 

June 4 through July 20.

Monday through Thursday 10am to 8:30pm
Friday and Saturday 10am to 5:30pm
Closed Sunday

The collection covers the longest wall in the library, features all original watercolor paintings, and spotlights some of my favorite furry and feathers faces.

Official Office Ginger

Travi the Official Office Ginger 

"Give me a room with a view!" 

Travi, the Orange Tabby, started life as an illegal resident of a garden apartment. His windows were covered with paper, and he had to work really hard to pull the paper loose. Suddenly he needed a new home, and luckily his new place had huge sun filled windows. 

Watching big cats on TV and live birds on his "Cat TV" (a bird feeder hanging on the family room window) are a few of Travi's favorite activities. Another is climbing onto my shoulders to watch me paint or type. He's a bit of a critic, letting out a low "mreh" at the things he doesn't like. 

Booker snuggles with Travi for a power cat nap 

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"

Original *SOLD

Mellow Musher German

Buck the Mellow Musher German 

"I'll always guard the needs of young, old, all of the most special people." 

At 103 years old, the nursing home resident thought most of her adventures where behind her, then she met Buck. 

A solid 75 pound German Shepherd, Buck could easily be intimidating with his intense eyes and athletic build, but he's an amazingly empathetic fellow who knows how to calm and encourage people from all walks of life.  

Buck started early, visiting his first school at just 12 weeks old. He enjoys working with special needs kids, budding readers, and the elderly.  

And when Buck noticed that 103 year-old had grabbed his leash, he took her and her wheelchair for a ride she never expected and would smile about for days. 

A comforting touch between Buck and Nancy during reading time 

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Super-Sized Supporter Blue Dane

Major the Super-Sized Supporter Blue Dane

"Big or small, I love them all."

At a svelte 140 pounds, Major, the Blue-coated Great Dane, may look imposing, but he's truly a gentle giant (most of the time).

Major works as a therapy dog reading with children at the library. His calm nature and extreme patience make him well suited for the job. It also helps when he's dealing with other Great Danes his family fosters.

The best example of Major's nurturing nature shines when he's dealing with the abandoned kittens who wondered out of a rhubarb bush and adopted Major as their Mommy. He happily accepts sandpaper tongue baths from these tiny creatures whenever they offer them.

Just be careful when it starts to snow. Major loves wrestling his humans into the snow banks and turning chopper mittens into chew toys.

Greyson points out why books are awesome as Major takes note

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Yodeling Yardbird Schnoodle

Spencer the Yodeling Yardbird Schnoodle 

"Call me an outlaw. Call me a protector. Just don't ever call me late for dinner!" 

Spencer the Schnoodle, a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle, may look all fluffy and innocent and cute. Behind those honey colored eyes lurks the intelligent mind of a willful criminal. 

Most days Spencer happily guards his living room window barking at passersby and squirrels, but there are times when he feels a tiny bit rebellious. Several little incidents led him to attending a sleep-away obedience school. 

His worst offense could be considered a federal crime. He once ate three books of stamps. (What else was he going to do with them. It's not like a dog can write!) 

Spencer "dances" with Emma 

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Persnickety Protective Blotched Tabby

Pickles the Persnickety Protective Blotched Tabby 

"I do it my way, and that's the only way to do it."

Her family had planned to buy cucumbers when they visited the farm stand. Lucky for them they found an adorable kitten and instead of making pickles they adopted the tiny tabby and named her Pickles.

This classic or blotched tabby uses her stripes to camouflage herself under the piano bench, where she likes to keep lookout over her family. Pickles once ran on her hind legs, hissing and batting at Grandma to let her know who was in charge.

Despite her humble beginning on the farm, Pickles does enjoy the finer things in life and will only drink fresh water provided on command.

Pickles laps up water from Jean's hand 

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Attentive Adventurous Teddy Bear

Smokey the Attentive Adventurous Teddy Bear 

"Just because I'm little doesn't mean I can't enjoy a view from up high."

Smokey, the real life teddy bear, actually acts like a dog.  

He is a long-haired Syrian hamster which are known for their cute, snuggly, appearance and sometimes called teddy bears. 

The dog like behavior is unique to Smokey. He loves to sit like a dog and let his favorite girl pet him on the head. Like any good working dog Smokey relishes his responsibilities in taking care of his family.  

Being an entertainer is his favorite job, and Smokey is known throughout the family for his daredevil adventures. He once climbed on the outside of his wheel to the very top to experience the view. All was going well until he realized he couldn't get back down. 

Nisha, the model, shows Smokey how to pose

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Masked Marauding Norwegian

Cat-Cat the Masked Marauding Norwegian 

"Don't let my silky, soft fur fool you. I'm a fine tuned hunting machine!"

Cat-Cat chose her own name. She just wouldn't answer to anything else when her family brought her home from the rescue center.  And why not be proud of her feline fabulousness. She's the only cat in a busy house full of adults, two kids, Indy the Australian Shepherd, and a Russian Hamster.

Although we'll never really know her background, Cat-Cat shares some of the features and fluffiness of a Norwegian Forest Cat.

She uses her calico camouflage to her total advantage as a super hunter who once tried to bring a live bird into the house. She's also part ninja, and once stunned a rat by bopping it on the head.

Cat-Cat hanging with her favorite girl, Julia

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Warm Wiry Fox

Teddie the Warm Wiry Fox

"Sunbeams are not just for cats"

Teddie, the Wire Fox Terrier and Shar Pei mix worships the sun with a satisfied roll and stretch. Never mind the cat who was just laying there.

Actually Teddie is known as quite the gentleman. Despite his wiry, scruffy appearance he plays the perfect host when foster dogs come to stay.

This funny dog may wear stains on his snout (his nose can sometimes lead him into trouble), but he wears his heart on his sleeve and will happily show you his loyalty and love with a kiss on the nose.

Teddie cuddles with his gal Liz, Connie, and doggy playmate Gracie

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Lucky Loving Domestic

Sage the Lucky Loving Domestic 

"I still 8 lives left, and I'm making the most of them!"

Sage, the Domestic Short-hair, is a very lucky black cat. She lives with a vet tech who understands how fortunate she is to be alive after a surgery and infection that left Sage with only one kidney.

Named after her impressive green eyes, Sage has adopted the care and compassion she received into her own mission. From her perch overlooking her St. Paul street, Sage keeps one eye out the window for pedestrians and squirrels and another eye on Reggie the pug playing in her living room. Reggie recently lost his hearing and Sage acts as his assistance cat leading him to the kitchen or the front door when he is needed for a greeting or an eating.

Reggie offers his toy, but Sage refuses to share her cat treat

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"
Original HOLD

Unstoppable Underdog Terrier

Gracie the Unstoppable Underdog Terrier

"I'm on my way. Now where was I going?"

Gracie, the Jack Russell Terrier, may look mild mannered, but she's got a powerfully brave heart.

This little dog doesn't let anything stop her. When she lost her eyesight a few years ago she learned to use her ears, her nose, and her friends to help her get around.

While Gracie may be on the older side, she still has her puppy moments. She just remembers to grab her sweater first. It could get chilly out there.

Teddy & Gracie enjoy a day in the park

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"

Original HOLD

Prints, Custom Framed Prints, and Stretched Canvas starting at $15

Purchase Prints & Canvas

Drooling Double Coated Mountain

Thorin the Drooling Double Coated Mountain

"Keep calm and prepare to get slobbered on."

Thorin Oakenshield, the Great Pyrenees or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is named after the "king under the mountain" in the Hobbit, and he exudes all of the majesty of his namesake (almost).

As a natural born working dog, Thorin enjoys acting as an ambassador for his breed at events for the Northstar Great Pyrenees Rescue. This gentle giant patiently greets even the smallest toddler whose sticky fingers reach out as he exclaims, "Snowman! Big Snowman!"

Like a snowman in the spring those fingers are likely to come away wet. Thorin is an aggressive drooler. He almost always wears a bandana, not for their colorful style, but as a mop.

Thorin gets a hug from new friend Asdis

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"

Original HOLD

Prints, Custom Framed Prints, and Stretched Canvas starting at $15

Purchase Prints & Canvas

Stealthy Sumo Wrestling Ragdoll

Sesame the Stealthy Sumo Wrestling Ragdoll

"Of course, I'm the king. I wear a crown and look majestic in my lion's mane."

Sesame's story is one of rags to riches. He and his sister Pepper were born in the Minneapolis Animal Control center and sent to a foster home through Pet Project Rescue. They found love on the internet when a family saw their pictures and brought them to live in their historic, lakeside home. The cat siblings also discovered a wealth of affection from their new human triplet brothers (Joseph, Zander, and Benjamin).

Although he looks like a Ragdoll breed, Sesame enjoys keeping active watching, catching, and destroying dancing ribbons and feathers. He's not always the most graceful, like the time he ran full tilt after a toy, slipped on the kitchen tile, and crashed head first into the cabinets with an epic thud.

Sesame's favorite past-times include stalking his sister, watching water and licking the drips, opening drawers, creating cat chew toys from craft supplies, and hiding behind furniture to surprise passers-by with a swipe of his lightning fast paws.

Sesame & sister Pepper watch for Unidentified Flying Ribbons

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"

Original *SOLD

Prints, Custom Framed Prints, and Stretched Canvas starting at $15

Purchase Prints & Canvas

Dapper Dutiful Donor Standard

Bart the Dapper Dutiful Donor

"Because every girl's crazy about a sharp dressed dog!"

Bart, the SWAG standard poodle, knew from a pup that he was destined to serve, and he found the perfect partner in Mary Lou. When they met, she was still recovering from a horrific car accident that killed Mary Lou's beloved black poodle Cori and left her with 20 broken bones.

While at Regions Hospital in St. Paul a fluffy, white, therapy dog named Sasha woke her one day. Sasha offered encouragement, love, and comfort. Mary Lou thanked Sasha with two promises -- to get better and to become part of a therapy dog team.

Mary Lou found an eager and well manner AKC poodle named SWAG's Liar Liar (aka Bart), and he quickly passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen test and earned his Dog Therapy International certificate.

Now, Bart and Mary Lou bring encouragement, love, and comfort to patients at Regions Hospital. As a playful poodle Bart occasionally finds every mud puddle in his yard, but before he can go to work he always gets a full spa treatment to get cleaned and groomed. He even surprises patients by showing up in baseball hats, reindeer antlers, and socks!

Bart kisses Maddie "Hello!" 

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"

Original HOLD

Prints, Custom Framed Prints, and Stretched Canvas starting at $15

Purchase Prints & Canvas

Gruel-loving Gardener Gold Star

Goldie the Gruel-loving Gardener Gold Star 

"I lay golden eggs!"

Goldie, the Gold Star Chicken, actually lays more of a dull tan egg, but her personality definitely glows.

With many sisters in her Coop Co-op, Goldie stands out for her friendly attitude and helpful nature. She helps Anna garden by pulling and eating weeds with a juicy worm or two for dessert.

This sweet girl even likes to cuddle by climbing onto Anna's bare feet and nuzzling in close.

On cold mornings Goldie's favorite thing in the world is a hot bowl of porridge. That'll get your wings flapping for sure!

Ira asks Anna and Goldie to join in a game of frisbee

Watercolor & Ink

8" by 10"

Cold Pressed Paper, Matted & Framed 12 3/4" by 16 3/4"

Original HOLD

Prints, Custom Framed Prints, and Stretched Canvas starting at $15

Purchase Prints & Canvas