In Which Charlie Becomes Immortal

Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.

This month, Charlie prepares for his very own pet portrait to be taken, and lets his fans and followers know how they can do the same.

Today I am very busy in front of this mirror. I’m practicing the best pose to strike for my portrait sitting— one that shows off my best fluffy angles, but not too much of my belly roll.

That’s right, yours truly is going to have his portrait painted, and by South Carolina pet portrait artist, Mollie Fout.

In anticipation of this momentous event, I’ve decided to do a little background research about the history of portrait painting.

I’ve discovered that it’s a specific genre of art, and it reached its height of popularity during the Dutch Golden age in the 1700s.

It also thrived in the Netherlands during the same period. In France, subjects were more casual, often shown in pastoral settings; and in England, miniature portraits that could be kept in a pocket were all the rage. The Italians used portraiture as a means of showcasing their piety, learning, wealth, status, or even soulful qualities.

Jim is giving this to me as a gift, probably because he’s pleased that I always submit my column on time every month. Or maybe it’s a gift to himself since I’m so lovable and all he wants to do is look at me. Either way, I’m excited.

I AM GOING TO BE IMMORTALIZED FOREVER; it is important that I get this right.

I wonder if I should be shown lounging in an insouciant manner over my favorite recliner, emphasizing my Southern roots and laid back approach to life; or in a stronger role, a stance that emphasizes my engagement in building community, perhaps with pen in paw, pensive thoughts clouding my visage; or maybe I’ll just go for my signature head tipped to one side, don’t-you-just-love-me look— that one almost always wins me more belly rubs— a true classic.

Hmmm… How to choose? Mollie works from photographs, since most of my kind are unpredictable when it comes to our decisions about moving around or sitting still.

Once I pick, Megan will make me the star of a photo shoot, and then send the photographs to Mollie.

I’m getting the extra large size. I’ll show it to all my friends once it’s ready— maybe they’ll get their portraits done too, and we can have a portrait unveiling party.

I’ll have them order extra dog treats to prepare. Or maybe we can get doggie donuts for the occasion, the ones with peanut butter frosting and a biscuit on top from Clayton’s new store— Peace, Love, and Little Donuts.

Contact Mollie at prizedpetportraits@gmail.com to see examples of her work and get your very own pet portrait taken.

Ah, fine art. I’ll toast to that with a doggie bone.

Until next time,