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Grandmother in glasses paints a garden scene at a wooden easel while a white and tan terrier lies on the ground beneath it. 32 / 40

Abuela Set Up Her Easel in the Garden. Her Art Critic Chose the Front Row.

AI imagejack russell terrierpaintingbackyard

The backyard has become an open-air studio. Abuela Rosa sits on a folding chair with a slim brush in hand, glasses on and lips slightly pursed in concentration, adding fine strokes to a leafy garden scene on her canvas. A tall wooden easel leans into the afternoon light, and a jar of brushes, a paint-smeared rag and a green watering can rest nearby. Vines creep up the fence behind her. Stretched out on the stone path right beneath the easel lies Chispa, chin on the ground, paws forward and eyes glancing up as if offering quiet critique, or perhaps just waiting for the artist to finish so they can play.

Painting can be a rewarding hobby at any age, offering focus, creativity and a gentle reason to spend time outdoors. With a dog nearby, it helps to think about supplies. Many art paints, solvents and mediums can be harmful if a dog licks or chews them, and turpentine or mineral spirits are especially dangerous. Water-based paints labeled non-toxic are a safer option, but any brushes, rinse water and rags should still be kept out of reach. If you work outside, secure your easel so it cannot tip onto a pet lying underneath. If your dog swallows art supplies, call your vet promptly.

Chispa may never show up in the painting itself, but she was right there for every brushstroke, and that counts for something.

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