Kayann Works Art Blog

Custom Pendants: Another batch!

2009-01-15T13:12:00.000-06:00

Yet another batch of special, custom domino pendants. Here is Marley, Kodi, Guinness and Iz.

Custom pendant information available at Kayann Works.

More custom pendants

2009-01-10T13:09:00.000-06:00

Custom pendants of Bella, Bells, Pepper and a smashing Italian Greyhound. :)

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works.

Georgia, Max and Little Girl Portraits

2008-12-26T20:52:00.001-06:00

These three portraits feature Georgia, Max and Little Girl. Acrylic on 20x20, 20x20 and 12x12 gallery wrapped canvas.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works.

Trixie Portrait

2008-12-17T20:49:00.001-06:00

One of my traditional pieces painted with acrylic on a 20x20 gallery-wrapped canvas, featuring Trixie, an America's Top Dog Model 2007 finalist.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works.

Hammy Portrait

2008-12-16T20:48:00.000-06:00

This portrait is of Hammy, the Chihuahua. Acrylic on 12x12 gallery wrapped canvas.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works.

More Custom Pendants

2008-12-15T20:28:00.000-06:00

Introducing Gato, Boogers, Jonah and Jai Jai. All custom pendants commissioned by their respective owners. This batch was especially fun to work on -- I enjoyed the vivid colour palettes!. :)

Click for larger image.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works.

Four New Custom Pendants

2008-11-21T14:58:00.000-06:00

Four recently completed domino pendants. Here is Serengeti (an award-winning Maine Coon), Ayden the American Eskimo, Shay Shay the Pekingese and Jack (in memory) the Cat.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Amour Portrait

2008-09-12T22:57:00.000-05:00

This is Amour, a spoiled Yorkie donning a signature crown. Acrylic on 10x10 gallery-wrapped canvas.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works

Phinn Pendant

2008-08-14T22:55:00.000-05:00

Phinn loves his soccerball, so much that his owner wanted to include it in the illustration.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Rocky Ann Pendant

2008-08-12T22:55:00.000-05:00

Rocky Ann and her owner's life motto is "Peace and Love" -- which suited her pendant perfectly.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Daisy Duke Pendant

2008-08-11T22:53:00.000-05:00

Daisy has a penchant for bug chasing, including fireflies. I'm pleased with the soft glow on this one - it was a very fun illustration to do.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Mandy Portrait

2008-07-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

This portrait was painted in memory of Mandy, a beloved Boxer that loved to sing while her owner played piano. Acrylic on 8x10 gallery-wrapped canvas.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works

Ellie Portrait

2008-07-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

Ellie's portrait was the second piece I've done with a bright pink background, a new colour that's now a welcomed addition to my palette. Acrylic on 20x20 gallery-wrapped canvas.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works

Zofi Sue Pendant

2008-07-17T22:04:00.000-05:00

Zofi Sue has a fascination for bringing flowers to her owners, to the point where she happily rips them out from the garden -- roots and all!.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Annabelle Pendant

2008-07-16T22:01:00.000-05:00

This little Miniature Schnauzer, Annabelle, is definitely spoiled, petite and adorable. I loved working with the roses in this one.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Willow Portrait

2008-07-01T21:37:00.000-05:00

This is Willow the Siberian Husky/Bloodhound mix, lover of snow, ice and all things winter!. Acrylic on 10x10 gallery-wrapped canvas.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works

Ellie Pendant

2008-06-30T03:43:00.001-05:00

This sporty pendant was handcrafted for a hockey fan with a very special heart dog, Ellie. A unique idea that I was very happy to illustrate!.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Bugsy Pendant

2008-06-30T03:40:00.000-05:00

An adopted Boston Terrier named Bugsy, dreaming away of his favourite thing in life -- food!. One of my original custom domino pendants.

Custom pendant information available at Kayann Works

Two years

2008-06-17T23:47:00.004-05:00

It's been two years already, from the day I sold my first 8x10 painting on eBay where it started it all. Happy birthday, Kayann Works!.

Chewie Pendant

2008-06-10T23:07:00.001-05:00

Here is Chewie, a long-haired Chihuahua with his favourite bull and frog plushies. I'm very happy with the overall colour scheme on this one!.

Custom pendant information available at Kayann Works

Quinn Portrait

2008-06-10T23:01:00.000-05:00

Introducing Quinn, affectionately referred to as the "New Mexico Wonder Dog". With a sassy personality and satellite dish ears, he was brilliant to paint. Acrylic on an 8x8 gallery wrapped canvas.

Pet portrait information available at Kayann Works

Jet Pendant

2008-06-10T22:56:00.000-05:00

This beautiful Chesapeake Bay Retriever is named Jet, infamous for her addiction to frisbee and the outdoors.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Angus Pendant

2008-05-30T01:53:00.002-05:00

This black Newfoundland is named Angus, goofy and good natured. More custom pendants coming up with over 4 commissioned paintings on the way.

Custom pendants available at Kayann Works

Greta Pendant

2008-05-08T13:20:00.001-05:00

This pendant was commissioned by a wonderful owner of a little Chihuahua named Greta. Unfortunately, poor Greta passed away after battling a horrible illness. I only hope to have captured her sweet personality, long eyelashes and adorable ears.

Custom pendant information available at Kayann Works

Daisy Commission

2008-05-04T21:04:00.001-05:00

This is Daisy, a French Bulldog leisurely lounging on a towel amongst a luxurious beach setting. I loved the vibrant colours in this one -- always fun to do!. 12x12 on gallery wrapped canvas.

Life at Kayann Works is ever busy, as usual!. Four more brand new commissions are on the way with many more pendant designs to come.

One year anniversary on Etsy!

2008-04-20T17:30:00.002-05:00

In celebration of Kayann Work's one year anniversary on Etsy, I thought I'd do a little something special in appreciation. I sincerely thank you for making the past year a success!.

Posted directly from shop:

_______________________________________________________
**ATTENTION!!* Kayann Works is officially one year on Etsy!!.
To celebrate, CUSTOMER APPRECATION DAYS: April 21st - 25th until 11pm EST.

*Free shipping* on all jewelry orders (excludes customs).
*10% OFF ALL CUSTOM ORDERS* (Free shipping does not apply to custom orders).

Just purchase like normal and a refund for the discounted amount will be given within 24 hours!. Happy one year, Kayann Works!. :)
_______________________________________________________

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Oh, it feels so nice to hit that 1 year mark!!

Pendant Batch

2008-04-19T20:37:00.000-05:00

Another batch of pendants!. Look forward to more breeds such as a Great Dane and Sheltie very soon.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Four new pendants

2008-04-17T20:48:00.001-05:00

Four new pendants arrive at the shop with many more to come!.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Merry Commission

2008-04-17T20:46:00.001-05:00

Here's a recent commissioned painting of Merry, an adorable and spoiled Pug that has a fondness for pink. Acrylic on 12x12 gallery wrapped canvas.

Apache Commission

2008-04-15T23:53:00.000-05:00

Here is sweet Apache with her adorable "Mermaid" tiara. One of my recent commissioned pendants.

Custom pendant information available at Kayann Works

Greyhound Art Print

2008-04-08T13:11:00.001-05:00

What all Greyhounds deserve - a life full of peace and relaxation. Sit down and have a cafe au lait with your best friend, won't you?. My newest, vivid art print on endura metallic paper with sharp details and beautiful saturation. Much more luminous in real life. 5x7.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Riggins Commission

2008-04-06T20:45:00.001-05:00

Here's a charming guy that enjoys strolls along L.A.'s hillside, named Riggins. One of my newest commissioned pendants featuring my illustration. :)

Commission pendant information available at Kayann Works

Liza Commission

2008-03-30T13:35:00.001-05:00

Here's Liza, a beautiful Golden Retriever with an expressive face paired together with her favourite things: a stuffed monkey, a toy jack and a burrito. Eccentric and colourful!.

Sylvester Pendant

2008-03-29T17:25:00.001-05:00

This here is Sylvester, a beautiful feline I was fortunate enough to illustrate along with her star and Ursa Major.

Custom art pendant information available at Kayann Works

Milo Commission

2008-03-26T14:06:00.001-05:00

This here is Milo, enjoying the view from the passenger seat. Acrylic on 8x8 gallery wrapped canvas. :)

The New Batch

2008-03-23T17:15:00.001-05:00

Here's a new batch of pendants featuring my illustrations, hot off the easel!. I finally had the chance to illustrate a tricolor Welsh Corgi using a new favourite colour combination. :)

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Camo Pendant

2008-03-23T17:10:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to say my custom art pendants have been a great hit!. I've been fortunate enough to have so many beautiful dogs (and cats!) to work with, it's really been a wonderful experience. Here is Camo, an adorable brindle Mastiff puppy.

Interested in having your pet illustrated on one of my domino pendants?. Feel free to check out my custom pendant information!.

Introducing NEW Art Wristlets!

2008-03-13T17:57:00.001-05:00

.. After many months designing, plotting and calculating, I am VERY pleased to announce my new art wristlets!. This zippered wristlet was handcrafted, sewn and entirely designed by yours truly, Heather LeMay. It features one of my quirky illustrations on professionally printed fabric, bordered by handsewn Japanese toho beads and Kayann Works own signature metal designer tag for authenticity.

It's a great feeling when something you've had in mind for months turns out just like you imagined it!.

Want to know what's even better?. My illustration was professionally printed by a third party company on 100% cotton using a direct-to-fabric technique. The result is durability, washable safe and art that moves with the fabric because the ink is actually embedded in the cotton. In short, this is NOT an iron-on transfer of any sort!. :)

Own a unique and original piece of wearable art I definitely can say I'm proud of!.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Six New Pendants

2008-03-12T22:51:00.000-05:00

Here we are again, six brand new domino pendants!. I had so much fun illustrating my recent art prints that I just had to craft them into my pendants. A Greyhound and two more Welsh Corgis are on my palette today -- stay tuned!. :)

All available at Kayann Works Gifts!

Welsh Corgi & Coffee Art

2008-03-06T21:02:00.001-06:00

Another day, another art print!. This Spoiled Welsh Corgi is inspired by my very own Kiba, fellow (pretend) coffee connoisseur. I've always been attracted to bright, pop art like colours and am glad to have used this palette. It makes for a very vibrant, fun and entertaining piece. :)

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Cat & Coffee Art Print

2008-03-05T14:02:00.001-06:00

This is actually one of my newest prints of contemporary kitty art. Is it me, or do cats always want to be on top of your newspaper?. Bonus points if they can manage to sit on it while you're actually reading. I told you coffee -- one of my favourite things -- would turn up in my art someday!.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Two Custom Art Pendants

2008-03-04T16:49:00.001-06:00

Here are two recent commissions of Oscar and Rufus, two adorable French Bulldogs. Rufus's piece was in memory, I loved working with this particular colour palette. I'm happy to say another commission is in progress along with several new pendants and two more art prints!. This week has been very productive. :)

Custom art pendant information available @ my website

Spoiled Boston Art Print

2008-03-02T22:37:00.000-06:00

My newest 5x7 print with many more to come. This colourful and vivid piece of art features a spoiled Boston Terrier, modeled after our very own Kayti. This print is on beautiful quality metallic paper that gives saturation and shine like you've never seen.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Custom Art Pendants

2008-02-29T16:35:00.001-06:00

After the overwhelming responce I received from creating my standard non-limited pendants sold at my shop, I finally decided to take commissions and give pet owners an opportunity to obtain an incomparable piece that no one else will have.

These unique pendants are a wonderful statement and expressive way to broadcast or immortalize your faithful friend; new or old, here or no longer living. With a style that is vivid, humourous, bold and fun these miniature treasures are a great way to proclaim your spoiled pet to the world. What better way then to keep a companion close to your heart?.

Each are individually handcrafted and come self initialed. Every pendant displays a piece of original, one of a kind artwork of your dog, cat or exotic pet with a guarantee it will be the only one out there in the world.

More information available at my website.

Pendants Abound

2008-02-28T00:11:00.002-06:00

I'm back with more pendants straight off the tablet. Of course, don't forget the Miniature Schnauzer!. Who can resist those eyes?. :)

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

New Pendants

2008-02-24T01:25:00.000-06:00

I'm pleased to announce I have recently began updating the majority of my photographed pendants, due to my new camera. I'm thrilled that I have finally been able to capture them and their vividness more accurately. Slowly but surely, I'm going to post all my pieces one blog at a time. :)

However, as you can see, we have two new pieces today!. A tropical Pit Bull and a quirky, spoiled Dalmatian launches today at Kayann Works Gift Shop. Be sure to stop by!.

More Pendants

2008-02-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

Here's three new pendants for the day with many more to come!. Introducing the Doberman, Yorkshire Terrier and tricolor Shiba Inu.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Kiba goes Carnival and more

2008-02-10T14:05:00.000-06:00

Yet another batch of pendants featuring my newest designs. Kiba Goes Carnival, the modern special edition piece reflects New Orleans' favourite Holiday, Mardi Gras!. Featured is my own little mascot, Kiba the Welsh Corgi, decked out in Mardi Gras flair. This special edition pendant is available for a limited time only.

Available at Kayann Works Gifts

Two new pendants

2008-02-07T16:40:00.001-06:00

Two new pendant designs with many more to come!. These were inspired by one of my best friends, an avid dog trainer-in-training with her pack of five rescues. Illustrated are Chaos and Wren, two Border Collies.

Available at my Etsy Shop

Khan Commission

2008-02-07T02:46:00.001-06:00

This silly Boxer is Khan, posing in his royal glory with his goofy characteristic face. The commission was actually the second out of two Christmas gifts. 20x20 Acrylic on Gallerywrapped Canvas.

Annie Commission

2008-02-07T02:45:00.000-06:00

This is Annie, a Yellow Labrador with a tendency towards mud. The commission was actually the first of two Christmas gifts. 20x20 Acrylic on Gallerywrapped Canvas.

Bella Dog Commission

2008-01-23T22:25:00.000-06:00

One of my more recent, larger commissions of a typical farm dog. I have to say, these are some of the most peculiar ears I've ever seen.. and particularly my favourite!. Acrylic on 20x20 Gallery wrapped Canvas.

Yoshi Cat Commission

2007-09-25T18:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun painting of Yoshi, a spoiled cat painted in acrylic on a 10x10 Gallerywrapped Canvas. It sure brightened up my easel throughout all the gloomy weather we've been having lately!.

Sneak Preview - New Pendants

2007-09-21T10:55:00.001-05:00

Here's a special, sneak preview of my brand new domino pendants. Keep an eye out for them!. I have to say, I'm particularly fond of the Dachshund & Sushi and Bulldog. If you happen to have a suggestion for the next breed I should illustrate, feel free to drop me an e-mail!.

Available soon @ Kayann Works Gifts

Fox Terrier Commission

2007-09-20T17:05:00.001-05:00

I'm very pleased to announce many, brand new, upcoming designs for my domino pendants and earrings. Look forward to them!. Meanwhile, this here is Peanut -- a cute little rescue that strongly resembles a Fox Terrier. The background is very textured on this one, which doesn't show up well on the scan. Acrylic on 8x10 Gallerywrapped Canvas.

"What me?" Commission

2007-09-08T18:59:00.000-05:00

Another day, another commission. Loved working with the all warm colours in this one. Acrylic on 8x10 Gallerywrapped Canvas.

New Logo

2007-09-06T11:54:00.000-05:00

That's right, Kayann Works has finally gotten a logo change!. This new permanent one is sure to give Kiba an ego boost. It's been in the works for months until I was finally satisfied with the right design. Look forward to brand new packaging and other related updates!. :)

Gwen the Pug Commission

2007-09-03T16:29:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the rest of their Labor Day weekend!. This here is a commission of Gwen, a Pug with an irresistibly silly grin. Smush-faced dogs have to be the most entertaining to paint, I always love their expressions. Acrylic on 9x12 Gallerywrapped Canvas.

New Pendants & Earrings

2007-08-25T23:15:00.000-05:00

More brand new domino jewelry, featuring my newest illustrations. I'm starting to notice how my designs reflect myself more and more - love of the beach, tropical locations, Asian culture and favourite foods. I'm surprised coffee hasn't worked it's way into my art yet!.

Keep an eye out for them at my Etsy Shop

New Pendants

2007-08-23T22:57:00.001-05:00

Whew, it's nice to sit down for a coffee break before starting work again!. Here are four new pendant designs, with many more on the way. They all feature my recently finished illustrations. The Snake has to be my favourite of this particular selection, I'm partial to the bright colours on the smooth pitch black background. :)

Be sure to take a look at my Etsy Shop where they are sold!.

Rain, rain, go away...

2007-08-18T22:30:00.001-05:00

Kayti : Do you see this doofus?. I told you he was crazy.

Kiba : La la la..

My little door-rusher, trompin' through the water like the boy he is.
When it rains in Louisiana, it floods.

To Kayti from Kiba

2007-08-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

Dear Kayti,
Please stop hogging all the toys, I'd really like to play with them too. You've already taken my puppy kong that Heather got me and constantly put my favourite red motorcycle out of reach. You know I can't get to those high places.

Also, try to hold yourself back from asking everyone to throw the ball for you once in awhile. The moment you wake up, you barely stumble out of bed before you want to fetch. I'm starting to become concerned at your addiction -- have you tried intervention yet?.

P.S. Maybe it's also all those candies that great grandma is giving you. Resist!. I bet they contain a lot of sugar that you don't need.

Lots of love,
Kiba the Welsh Corgi

Beagle Beach

2007-08-05T18:32:00.000-05:00

Just a fun little ACEO I did with the intention of using it as one of my pendants.

Mention in Petcentric

2007-08-02T15:12:00.001-05:00

When representatives from Purina's Petcentric contacted me in early May about doing a mention of Kayann Works for their August issue, I was delighted. They conducted a survey between dozens of pet artists and I was thrilled to have a part. Here's their very useful article regarding portraiture that I was quoted in. It was an honour to be reviewed alongside other fantastic artists such as Cyrille Jubert, Renee Grant and too many others to name.

Quoted from Pet Portraits - Full article at Petcentric ...
" ... Communicate! Provide details about what your pet likes to do, the funny quirks she has, anything that helps the artist get to know your pet’s personality. You may even want to send a video. A portrait is personal. You should feel a connection to the person who is painting the friend you love.

Style over cost: It’s more important to find an artist and style you connect with than it is to get the lowest price. A portrait is something you’ll be looking at for a long time.

One of the big reasons people commission a portrait is to have a special lasting memory of their pet. Pet portrait artists often receive requests for portraits after the family dog or cat has passed away. New Orleans artist, Heather LeMay, offers some uplifting advice for pet owners in that situation:

“It's my firm belief that a pet no longer with us should be remembered in happier times, which is why a lot of my portraiture turns out vibrant, expressive, quirky and fun…Don't be afraid to branch out and get something colorful or eccentric. When I think of a portrait, I want to smile instead of getting teary eyed!” ... "

Cairn Terrier Commission

2007-07-31T19:03:00.001-05:00

Here's adventurous little Cricket. Acrylic on 11x14 hardboard panel.

New ACEOs

2007-07-30T13:36:00.001-05:00

I've been dabbling in more ACEO work, which are miniature sized paintings roughly as big as a trading card. Here's two new ones I did over this past week.

I plan on using these designs for my domino pendants, in the near future. :)

Zero Chihuahua Commission

2007-07-25T12:24:00.001-05:00

This had to be one of the most enjoyable commissions I've had the opportunity to paint lately. Being a fan of Nightmare Before Xmas myself, I was thrilled when the client requested the background. Acrylic on a 12x12 Gallerywrapped Canvas.

German Shepherd Commission

2007-07-24T10:10:00.000-05:00

Just finished this one a couple of days ago for a friend, of their German Shepherd who is no longer with us. Acrylic on gallerywrapped canvas, 8x10.

Tortoiseshell Cat Commission

2007-07-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

Finished this a week ago today. The fur was sure tricky, but fun. :)

New set of earrings

2007-07-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

Just a shameless little plug to remind you about my new domino earrings. Each are made with sterling silver findings and swarovski crystals, in limited edition sets of 10. Click for larger view.

Located at my Etsy Shop ...

Long Overdue

2007-06-23T14:12:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been quite eventful these past few weeks!. I have to begin with thanking Lisa of Bailey Bowls for making such a marvelous, unique sushi platter. When I first saw her work, I immediately asked whether she did customs. I was absolutely ecstatic with the outcome. Lisa was such a wonderful seller to work with and I'd recommend her hand-thrown pottery to anyone.

As you can imagine, Mr. Roo (my affectionate nickname for my #1 Welsh Corgi companion) is quite pleased with himself. Afterall, how many owners can say they have their pet personally engraved on a sushi platter, of all things?. The small symbol in the lower corner of Kiba's outlines is his name in Japanese kanji/calligraphy. How fitting!.

I've also been busy doing more commission work recently, as well as planning an update for Kayann Works website. This here is Rory, a lovely little Boston Terrier (brown!) from the boston_buddies LJ community. Her owner provided some of the nicest photographs to work with, it was very refreshing to do.

I'm going to be very busy these coming weeks, as I have another 3 commissions currently lined up that I'm excited to do!. It'll be a brilliant time, if only I could keep my pendants stocked. :)

Pomeranian Commission

2007-05-07T16:57:00.001-05:00

I'm happy how this one came out. Was a very fun piece to do, I hope the client who commissioned it enjoys it for Mothers Day. This little Pom was actually part of a Mardi Gras crew, the reason for the different crown comparing to my other 'spoiled' pieces.

"Pomeranian Commission"
Acrylic on Gallerywrapped Canvas
10x10

Dynamics of a Painting

2007-05-01T21:41:00.000-05:00

It's strange how painting works. One moment I can be so unsatisfied, I nearly want to start over. Brushing my paint to canvas, I fix and blend, eventually walking away out of frustration. A completely ruined piece can suddenly come alive with just one simple stroke. One fill of a mistake, one well placed swatch of fur. It is only then that I step back and tilt my head, wondering how it migrated from the disarray it was before.

Boston Terrier Commission

2007-04-28T12:37:00.000-05:00

Just finished this commission yesterday and haven't had a chance to post it until now. :) Another two should be on the way, shortly.

"Billie Holiday"
Acrylic on Gallerywrapped Canvas
8x8

Osaka - Fugu fabric

2007-04-24T14:13:00.000-05:00

After opening an Etsy shop, I couldn't resist browsing some of the items. Kiba is growing a tad too long to fit in his crate, and I've been wanting to make a nice bed for him. This adorable fabric immediately caught my eye, who can resist blowfish!. I ordered a fat quarter of it today directly from Osaka, Japan.

The only problem I'm having now is being jealous. I've been wanting to try my hand at making a wallet out of scrap fabric and am starting to ponder whether Kiba's bed really needs to be this stylish..