Cocochanel was a special dog, gentle and very calm. In the spring of 2005 she died at a ripe old age of almost 14 years. I had promised myself that I was going to immortalize her on one of my canvasses. Even though I’m not an animal painter, I put myself to the task. Slowly but surly she came back to live and when I applied the finishing touches to her eyes and I perceived the gentleness of her regard, I started to cry and liberated in one stroke all the emotions and pain I had kept inside me. This canvas has a place of honour in our house, very well deserved!
Ever since I painted Cocochanel, I really wanted to renew this experience where one can feel and see how an animal can wake up and become an active being with each stroke of the brush!
When I received a picture of this little girl, I could not help but be touched by her very special look and I knew that I had to paint her in order to get this special feeling down on convas.
Cocochanel never participated in a hunt but let's face it, many Golden retrievers do and very often I was asked why I  did not propose a scene such as this one.... In the workshop of the autumn of 2007, in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, I have tried to do just that and although I have a hard time accepting the hunt as a sport, I believe that the image still brings out the beautiful character of my favorite dog!
Day-dreaming child....

Far.... very far away from the never ending city noise, with only nature as a musical background ! Which will it be when he grows up ....
Chien et Chat I choose this subject for the 2009 workshop in the Charlevoix region. I believe it shows clearly the immense difference in character between the to animals.