The late Kerrie Lester’s beloved dog Chilli finds a new home amid a familiar setting

A HEARTBROKEN little dog has found a new home, surrounded by the familiar smells of an art studio where it can continue its role as a canine muse following the death of its well-known artist owner.

Artist Susannah Paterson has adopted Kerrie's dog Chilli. Picture: Martin Lange

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IN a touching postscript to the recent death of Mosman artist Kerrie Lester, her beloved dog Chilli has been adopted by another artist.

The Maltese Poodle cross was devoted to Lester and was always by Lester’s side in her studio.

Now the heartbroken little dog has found a new home, surrounded by the familiar smells of an art studio and continuing her role as a canine muse.

Lester, one of Australia’s leading artists, died last month at the age of 62 and, during her two-year battle with leukaemia, she often fretted about Chilli.

The late Mosman artist Kerrie Lester. Picture: Gary Grealy

Artist and friend Susannah Paterson and her husband Chris Perkins were among the many friends who rallied around Lester.

The couple often looked after Chilli during Lester’s illness.

Lester had asked Paterson to take care of the dog in the event of her death.

“I took Chilli to see Kerrie a few days before she died. Chilli just sat there with her head on Kerrie’s knee and wouldn’t move,’’ said Paterson.

“The dog just seemed so sad and bewildered by what was happening.”

Chilli also features in a portrait of Lester by Mosman artist Ann Cape and submitted to the Archibald Prize.

“Chilli was Kerrie’s constant companion so it was natural to include Chilli in the portrait,’’ said Cape.

Chilli in front of a portrait of Kerrie Lester at the Mosman Art Gallery.

The portrait has been hung in the Mosman Art Gallery in tribute to Lester, along with two of Lester’s paintings.

Gallery director John Cheeseman said Lester had an extraordinary talent and was a finalist in the Archibald Prize 23 times.

“I remember the night Kerrie won the Mosman Art Prize — I have never heard a bigger cheer from the crowd,’’ he said.

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