After graduating California State University Northridge with a degree in art and knowing the difficulties of earning a living in this field, I put my creative side on hold and chose a career in Real Estate. Twenty-three years later, I began to write short stories about Salukis, the breed of dog I share my life with. I decided it might be fun to illustrate these stories.
Following two years of studies at Brentwood Art Center School of Fine Art in Los Angeles and finding I loved working in the pastel medium, I began sketching my Salukis. Then in the summer of 2001, my sister died. With the impact of her death, I discovered that my breakthrough in artistic expression and experimentation was through the drawing of animals. This new insight enabled me to go beyond the mechanics and capture on paper the essence of the animal.
My motto is less can be more. Let the observer visualize their interpretation, thereby creating the image and story. I use many styles to accomplish this whether it is realism or abstraction.
Most of my work is created in pastels as it gives each piece a soft and poetic quality.
I have begun experimenting with a new medium, Monotypes. In these works, my artistic expression is more fluid and loose. Employing brighter colors in these works has also added a new dimension to my art.
I have won several awards for my artwork. In February of 2002, I won first place in the drawing category from the Art Show at the Dog Show, a national juried fine arts competition dedicated to canine art in Wichita, Kansas with my drawing 'The Long Stare.' 'Feathered Scrutiny' won first place in the drawing category and Best Entry Depicting a Sighthound at the Art Show at the Dog Show in 2004. At this same show 'Puppy Bliss' received a 4th place award in the drawing category. In 2007, Silhouette received 3rd place in the drawing category and Cyrus received 3rd place in the Hand Pulled Prints category at the Art Show at the Dog Show. In 2010 Gentle Giant earned 3rd place in the Hand Pulled Prints category. In 2011 The Greek Chorus won 2nd place in the Hand Pulled Prints category at the Art Show at the Dog Show.
I share my life with my husband Ken and daughter Torie. We are owned by two Salukis; Chloe and Ami.
To view my latest work check out my Blog: http://corispawtraits.com.
For information on commissioning a pet portrait please email me.
Cori Solomon joined Pixels.com Licensing on February 11th, 2007.
