Ken Done’s beloved dog Spot is taking his place among prime ministers and queens at the National Portrait Gallery
“SPOT wouldn’t be a bit surprised he’s ended up in the National Portrait Gallery,” says artist Ken Done about his beloved pet. “Fame had already gone to his head.”
Mosman
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mosman. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HE MAY have only been a Mosman mutt but Spot, the dog, is about to take his place among the grand paintings of the National Portrait Gallery.
Amidst the austere portraits of prime ministers and royalty, there stands Spot with happy grin and tail wagging.
Spot’s portrait will feature in a new exhibition called The Popular Pet Show opening in the hallowed halls of the Canberra gallery on November 4.
The exhibition features paintings by artists of their pets — past and present.
Mosman artist Ken Done has 11 paintings in the exhibition including a portrait of his beloved Spot.
Spot was his constant companion in Done’s art studio above Chinamans Beach.
“Spot appears in lots of my paintings,” said Done.
As an artist’s muse, Spot was talent-spotted early and appeared with his owner in a television commercial, on the cover of a news magazine and even on a postage stamp.
“Spot wouldn’t be a bit surprised he’s ended up in the National Portrait Gallery — fame had already gone to his head,” laughed Done.
The exhibition also features paintings by Done of Spot on walks in Mosman.
There are three portraits of other fondly remembered Done dogs — Sammy, Indi and Bexley.
“Our dogs have always been part of the family,” said Done.
Exhibition curator Dr Sarah Engledow said of Done: “Only a kind man could paint such endearing mutts. In the great tradition of Done’s work, they express good things about Australia.”
Spot’s fame doesn’t end there — his portrait will also go to other people’s heads and feature on a souvenir bandana for the exhibition.
Other artists in the exhibition which continues until March 13, 2017, include Lucy Culliton and Jude Rae.
For more details visit portrait.gov.au
IN OTHER NEWS — Baird might backflip on lockout laws
THE NSW premier is reportedly considering reversing or changing the states lockout laws.
‘Little purple patch’: Aussie SailGP crew dodge drama as storm looms
Record penalties, flying starts, close calls and cheeky moves - day one of the Sydney SailGP had it all and more. including one very happy Australian team.
‘It’s scary’: Speed race has SailGP guns on edge
SailGP gun Kyle Langford has given an insight into the wet, wild and high risk speed chase that could see 100km/h broken on Sydney Harbour – and the fear and pain involved.