"Greyhound at the Wine Bar" 16 x 20 inch Oil on canvas As an Artist who depicts animals in human situations and scenarios I think like many artists that somehow I am depicted in all my work. This painting in a sense is a departure from some of my other work. Not in subject matter but in painting style. I wanted to have a deeper sense of illustration in a scene I commonly depict. That being animals at the wine bar as a series I have been working on for years. I do like wine and although I am not a heavy drinker I enjoy a good glass of Wine every so often. This painting I chose in particular for this portrait show because I think the juxtoposition of my personality to that of a Greyhound is humorous. I am similar to the greyhound in that I am caring and in a sense gentle and understanding towards other people and family. At Least I try to be. No one is perfect though and I find this quality to be one to aspire too. I am competetive like a greyhound but not with other people. I am competetive with myself to keep growing and exploring new ideas. With that being said I realize I am getting better and declining all at the same time. It's this competetiveness with myself that makes this happen and I work intentionally this way as an artist. Still there are a few differences with this greyhound that I find funny. I love and try to incorporate humor in my work. And while this is a self portrait I enjoy the irony. I am by no means a track star. While greyhounds are considered the fastest dog on earth. I am probably one of the slowest runners in the human race. This greyhound is far more sophisticated then me. Maybe a little smarter too. Perhaps I'd like to be more sophisticated or smarter person. For that matter a little faster too. But in reality I am a simple person with a simple life that I am greatful for. This self portrait makes me think about what I am and what I could be. For that matter what people in general can be. for better of for worse. Hope fully for the better.