Dog Branch Publishing LLC

11/27/2023

I just added two beautiful custom framed prints to my Etsy shop. "Tally-Ho" and "Dreaming of Cubbing." Check it out! Ready to hang.

11/27/2023

People are loving my book "The Country Life of an Artist." Sit by the fireplace and enjoy the beautiful artwork and the fun stories about the pieces.

08/12/2023

While having fun playing golf and driving on the track I do work on my commissions. I finished this 20" x 16" portrait in oil on linen of Emma and Lilly. This is the fourth painting I created for my patron. She loves her Rhodesian Ridgebacks and I enjoy painting their portraits because they are beautiful dogs.

The three other paintings are published in my book together with 278 other works of animal art. Order your copy now! My book is almost sold out!
www.anitabaarns.com
www.dogbranchpublishing.com

06/11/2022

I painted “Preparing For the Future” in 2000 for the upperville Horse Show program and poster. Have a great time today showing your beautiful children with their ponies in the lead line class. Always my favorite class.



Read the story in my book The country Life of an Artist.
www.dogbranchpublishing.com

03/22/2022

This is why I love creating portraits of beloved pets.
Comment from the owner of La Ti Da who received this drawing as a gift:
"Thank you so much for the exquisite pencil drawing of our beloved La Ti Da. I think the artist is super talented. She not only captured her beauty, but her heart and soul as well."

03/04/2022

I received an amazing review for my book "The Country Life of an Artist." This came from the heart:
"I love your paintings and your drawings. I also loved your stories. I think this world is so full of hate that if more people like you wrote these kind of books, the the world would be a better place. Thanks you for bringing love and joy into our lives." J.

To order: www.dogbranchpublishing.com

This book is about making the most of your opportunities. When Anita came to America, she realized her childhood dream to study fine art. The book is a rare collection of 281 works of art, together with entertaining stories describing their creation during the lifetime of their artist.

01/05/2022

I had so much fun inspiring artists to participate in the exhibitions at the AiM gallery last year with the Anita Baarns Award for Best in Show. The gallery had record entries and beautiful works of art for sale.
For 2022 I added two more awards; a prize for 2nd and 3rd place in each exhibition. Become a member of the AiM gallery and show your art!

www.anitabaarns.com
www.dogbranchpublishing.com

12/13/2021

What a review! I am speechless when I get an email like this: "Anita,
I finished your book today and enjoyed every word and every drawing! It’s so much fun to know the influences upon an artist, the background, and “the rest of the story”. Thank you for a beautiful volume that I want to read all over again! You are so talented!
You brought back special memories from my riding years and the horses I loved. You understand the affection and bond between animal and human and between animal and animal, and you show that so touchingly through your art." (Betsey K.)
Get your copy today!
www.dogbranchpublishing.com

12/03/2021

Cracked me up. 🤣🤣

11/24/2021

The book is now available at the Salamander Resort gif shop in Middleburg!

11/20/2021

NO supply chain issues!
Order your copy of "The Country Life of an Artist" now!
This coffee table book is packed with animal art; dogs, horses and cats. The Christmas card drawings tell the story of the artist living on a farm with her animals. Many paintings are highlighted in this book, because they tell the story of the artist's career.
The painting for the cover of this book is now on view at the Sporting Art Library & Museum in Middleburg, VA

This book is full of of love and emotion. It will be the perfect gift for anyone who loves animals!

Order at:

www.dogbranchpublishing.com

10/08/2021

Join me for a book signing at Bespoke Books and Archives in Leesburg Saturday October 16.
This book is a great Christmas gift! Available right now.
Hope see you next week.🥰

08/14/2021

I finished Woody's portrait. My patrons love my pastels and commissioned me to create a pastel of their third horse. I used 39 colors in this pastel. Layers and more layers of pastel to get that fur just right. I love the "feel" of this piece.

I published many of my pastels in my book, The Country Life of an Artist. You can see how I improved my technique over the years. It does take a lot of practice!

www.anitabaarns.com
www.dogbranchpublishing.com
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08/02/2021

Last week I visited my eye doctor. When I entered the waiting room, she spotted me and dropped what she was doing. “I love your book! The illustrations and the wonderful stories about the animals!”
When I saw her later during my eye exam, she mentioned that she was looking forward to reading my book after work until she finished it. I told her that I sometimes wonder why people would be interested reading about my life as an artist on a farm. She immediately replied: ”Oh no, it’s so much fun to read, and all those stories about your animals! I absolutely loved it!.” She continued by saying how she admired my first horse painting which I had created when I was fourteen, and that my book is inspiring her daughter to draw and paint even more.
I felt elated by her compliments! I walked a little taller out of her office.
www.dogbranchpublishing.com

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07/25/2021

Excited to share the latest addition to my shop: I Didn't Do It - Print of a Foxhound Puppy https://etsy.me/3rzLJfU

07/22/2021

Trying to sell my book, I am learning a lot about marketing! Realized that having a video of your product is a must. Went to work, and voila! Slow wifi at my farm in rural Loudoun makes it very difficult to post this video. Several tries already.. Hope you like it!
www.dogbranchpublishing.com
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07/17/2021

I created a few more pencil portraits of these beloved pets. My grandniece Sophia received her first artwork for her 1st birthday; a drawing of her favorite dog Bailey. Precious keepsakes for a life time.
www.anitabaarns.com
www.dogbranchpublishing.com

07/15/2021

"The Country Life of an Artist" is now available at Bespoke Books and Archives, 7 E Market Street #110, Leesburg, VA 20176.
A wonderful bookstore selling antique books and the latest best sellers. Check out my book in this lovely bookstore.

07/07/2021

You can now leave a review of my book The Country Life of an Artist by responding to this message! Just a few adjectives would be great! Thanks so much! 👍🏻😎

Dogbranchpublishing.com

06/21/2021

Excited to share the latest addition to my shop: The Country Life of an Artist - How Christmas Cards Tell My Story https://etsy.me/35E6blL

04/22/2021

I entered my copies of two George Stubbs' "Mares and Foals" for the April Fools Show organized by the American Academy of Equine Art.
In my book, The Country Life of an Artist, I wrote a story entitled "My First Commission" from a neighbor, who always wanted to own a George Stubbs painting. (The painting on the left.) Another commission followed for the second George Stubbs' copy. I learned a lot from copying these paintings. But most of all, it was my first step to become a Sporting artist.

Order my book at: www.dogbranchpublishing.com
Visit the show at: AAEA.info

03/20/2021

My book, The Country Life of an Artist is now available at Second Chapter Books in Middleburg,Va. Middleburg’s own local independent bookstore at 13 East Street Washington.
A wonderful store, check it out!!
Support your local author and stores. 😎
Dogbranchpublishing.com

03/15/2021

And the winner of the Anita Baarns Award is:

The new exhibit at the AiM Gallery in Middleburg opened the 13th of March. Beautiful paintings and photographs of birds.
Giving the award is so gratifying! It fits right in with the underlying theme of my book; to inspire artists to fulfill their dream of becoming professional artists.
www.dogbranchpublishing.com

03/05/2021

FRONT PAGE NEWS! 😃
Read about the upcoming exhibition at the AiM Gallery in Middleburg. I am sponsoring the award for every new show this year. It's my mission to inspire artists to follow their dream and become successful artists.

03/03/2021

"One morning, my farrier arrived at the barn to shoe one of my horses. He parked his truck, opened the door, and a beautiful dog jumped out! The farrier had found this stray dog on the road near his home. Feeling sorry for the animal, he took him in, and, when nobody claimed him, adopted him, and named his new dog Buster.
While the farrier was shoeing Conrad, I noticed Buster resting in the farrier’s trailer among his tools and pulled horse shoes. The sunlight shining on Buster was magical. I ran to the house, grabbed a camera, and, luckily, found Buster still guarding his master’s tools. I photographed Buster before the sunlight faded." (excerpt of page 115)

"Buster, the Farrier's Dog", is the title of one of my stories in " The Country Life of an Artist." All my Christmas cards and many paintings have a special story to tell. Relax and enjoy the book!

02/16/2021

I wanted to share a few comments on my book "The Country Life of an Artist." Truly amazing! It's so gratifying and they warm my heart! Thanks you so much!! 💖

"For anyone that has not yet read Anita's book "The Country Life of an Artist", RUN to your computer...don't walk... and order this book! It is so fulfilling." Mary P.

"I am enjoying your book immensely. Your writing is priceless. Sometimes I laugh out loud to myself when reading. Your descriptions and humor add so much to the beautiful art." Donna R.

"I received it today and it’s phenomenal!" Jean M.

"You and your beautiful book is such a gift. I’m crying!
Wonderful inspiring book!!!" Kathy G.

"Great book-you are such a talent and a fantastic animal portrait artist. God blessed your eyes and hands." Gary B.

"Just a few pages in an I am hooked. Thanks again for your LOVELY, LOVELY book!! It’s an A++ winner." Mary P.

www.dogbranchpublishing.com

This book is about making the most of your opportunities. When Anita came to America, she realized her childhood dream to study fine art. The book is a rare collection of 281 works of art, together with entertaining stories describing their creation during the lifetime of their artist.

01/27/2021

That soft PING sound from my iPhone. An email has come in. I open it, and the order page from www.dogbranchpublishing.com appears. A return customer! It was the note that came with it that every author loves to receive: "Anita. I love your book so much, I would like to send one to our neighbor.... I am on my SECOND reading, love it!"

It sure made my day!💖

This book is about making the most of your opportunities. When Anita came to America, she realized her childhood dream to study fine art. The book is a rare collection of 281 works of art, together with entertaining stories describing their creation during the lifetime of their artist.

01/22/2021

I received a wonderful review of my book by the talented author Norman Fine. It was published on Norman's website: Foxhunting Life with Horse and Hound. Enjoy!

The Country Life of an Artist
Art
By Anita Baarns
“The Country Life of an Artist: How Christmas Cards Tell My Story,” Anita Baarns, Dog Branch Publishing LLC, 2020, 205 pages, 281 works of art, spot gloss varnished, hardcover in Full Sierra cloth, 11-1/4 x 8-3/4, $67.80 ( VA tax included).
Christmas cards help tell the story of an artist’s life.
Review by Norman Fine

Talented animal artist Anita Baarns has produced an intriguing and intimate book about her art and how art relates to her very self. Richly made and oversized in a landscape format to better display the artwork, her book is filled with examples rendered in pencil, charcoal, ink, pastel, watercolor, oil, and...yes...even crayon. In it she shows and tells a story of discovering, appreciating, experimenting, and continually developing her own talents and techniques as an artist.
Structurally, Anita’s narrative hangs on her practice for many years of creating Christmas cards for family and friends. The chronology carries her story forward through the various phases of her life, as she explains all the other captivating animal art appearing in the book. Horses, hounds, foxes, dogs of countless breeds, and treasured cats make their appearances, not simply as objets d’art, but along with their own stories and those of admirers who commissioned her to memorialize their own creatures for posterity.
Anita was born in Fontainebleau, France, while her father was working with NATO. When she was four her family moved back to the Netherlands, their native country. She came to the U.S. where she met and married her future husband, James Martin, who encouraged her to pursue her art education and has been an immense helpmate in her artistic endeavors. She is a summa cm laude graduate of both Northern Virginia Community College and the University of Maryland in Studio Fine Arts.
I had been painting large abstract paintings in art school, so I began painting impressionistic landscapes. One day a neighbor asked me if I could copy a George Stubbs painting of Mares and Foals from a table coaster. Since horses are my second love, I gladly accepted my first commission. A second Stubbs commission followed, and I started to develop an interest in sporting art.

Moving from Washington, DC to a farm near the eastern flank of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Anita and James found themselves in fox hunting country. She rode, hunted with the Piedmont Fox Hounds, and fell in love with the hounds’ faces. She began to show her work at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting in Leesburg, and commissions followed for horses and dogs. In 1998 Anita was commissioned to paint the annual artwork for the running of the International Gold Cup Races, from which 10,000 invitations, five hundred posters, and other promotional materials were published and circulated, thus exposing Anita’s work to an even broader population. In other years she was appointed official artist for the Warrenton and Upperville Horse Shows. Her work has appeared on the cover of several issues of the The Chronicle of the Horse.

I love every moment painting commissions. For me the most important aspect of the painting is to capture the character of the animal. The eyes are so important; they show the soul of the animal. I start every painting, pastel or drawing with the eyes, then the painting comes live to me and I can feel the presence of the dog or horse I’m painting. Then I’ll work on the fur, trying to create a sheen that shows the softness of that fur, showing the muscles and bone structure underneath the coat. George Stubbs has taught me a lot!
Another challenge is to incorporate a landscape surrounding the subject. In portrait paintings of the horse and its owner, I paint a landscape including their home or barn. The sky has to fit the season, and clouds become a major part of the painting. In steeplechase paintings or fox hunting scenes I want to paint the atmosphere of the event. I want to feel that the painting is alive. If it’s a portrait of a single animal, or an elaborate painting of an event I try to evoke an emotion out of the viewer.

A recent commission came from the American Kennel Club to paint a portrait of the English Setter Ch. Stagedoor Rock It Man for the Breeder of the Year Award. Anita says that was a pinnacle of her career. It hangs at the headquarters of the AKC in New York among those paintings by sporting artists who have inspired her and whom she has long admired.
I know the purpose of my life is to create portraits of those wonderful animals who enrich our lives with their beauty, grace, devotion and kindness.
Click for more information and purchase options direct from publisher.
Posted December 20, 20

www.dogbranchpublishing.com

This book is about making the most of your opportunities. When Anita came to America, she realized her childhood dream to study fine art. The book is a rare collection of 281 works of art, together with entertaining stories describing their creation during the lifetime of their artist.

01/11/2021

I love the Society of Animal Artists. I am proud to belong to this wonderful group of artists. Read more on how I became a Signature member in my book. Quite a story!

www.dogbranchpublishing.com

BOOK SERIES

In this series we highlight some of our extraordinary artists who have written, illustrated and/or written about them.

The Country Life of an Artist - How Christmas Cards Tell My Story

THE COUNTRY LIFE OF AN ARTIST - HOW CHRISTMAS CARDS TELL MY STORY

ANITA BAARNS - Signature member
This book is a rare collection of 281 works of art, together with entertaining stories describing their creation during the lifetime of their artist. The 33 Christmas cards tell personal stories about the artist. They are intertwined with art-related stories that explain how the artist’s abstract style changed in order to create realistic portraits of animals.

By this book, Anita encourages the reader to seize every opportunity, as it often will lead to another. For those who are aspiring artists, she says, “I hope this book will encourage aspiring artists to follow their dream; stay the course, never give up, and take every opportunity offered to you and use it to promote your art and yourself as an artist.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ANITA AND HER WORK:
Website:
http://www.anitabaarns.com
page:
https://web.facebook.com/anita.baarns

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:
http://www.dogbranchpublishing.com

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SAA INCLUDING HOW TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP:
www.SocietyofAnimalArtists.com

NOTICE: ARTISTS RETAIN ALL COPYRIGHTS TO IMAGES SHOWN. We encourage you to share the post, but no other usage without artist permission.