Lucky Dog, 2006 (www.luckydogmag.com)
nathan janes’ pop ARF
Two Dogs Named Button and Zipper Pave the Way for This Emerging Artist
Feature by Michelle Danks
Nathan Janes, a native of Port Clinton, Ohio, began Pop ARF over a year ago after rescuing his beloved dogs Button and Zipper from a local shelter. Canines became his subject of choice and he was convinced that his calling lay in painting four-legged friends that said ARF.
“My dogs were the original models for my Pop ARF paintings and serve as a constant source of inspiration,” said Janes. “The unique character of my dogs lend well to painting ideas and concepts.
” Pop ARF is the creative way Janes describes his dog artwork. He’s given the title to both his collection and his website, www.poparf.com. Pop ARF illustrates the companionship and genuine love between dogs and people. Janes’ goal is to create art that presents dogs as individuals with unique personalities who can’t help but put a smile on your face. He strives to discover dogs’ spirits and capture their essence in rich, vibrant colors.
Janes also uses his art as a way to educate and encourage others to choose adoption as a way to find a new pet. “I am particularly touched by dogs that were once neglected or abused but now lead healthy and happy lives with loving families,” said Janes. “Through my art, I hope to inspire others to donate to local shelters and consider pet adoption.”
According to Janes, when it comes to spoiled dogs, Button takes the cake. She loves being held, hugged, and kissed. If it were up to her, she would prefer being carried over walking. In his household, Button is the baby but always still the boss. She is a truly spoiled dog that gets her way and what she wants all the time. She prefers sleeping next to him in bed with her head on the pillow next to his.
Zipper on the other hand, is a real dog’s dog. She loves to chew bones and steal them from other dogs. She loves to play fetch and especially loves to bark. She is always full of energy and particularly when meeting new dogs.
Janes’ subjects are not always real dogs, but merely characters he creates and then puts to canvas. He often notices certain distinct quirks about dogs he meets and later, blends them into a Pop ARF pooch. Janes says he loves to portray dogs in uncommon ways while sending messages that sometimes go deeper than what may be expected from dog art.
Included in his collection is a portrait of Tinkerbelle, the famous pooch of model Paris Hilton, entitled “Riding in Luxury”. “I wanted to capture what it’s like to be Royalty in the dog world,” said Janes. “This piece says ‘I would love to be a dog’!”
For more information about Pop ARF, visit Nathan Janes’ website at
www.poparf.com
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