I discovered Dean Russo dog art a few years ago. Immediately, I was smitten.
Not only is his artwork of dogs gorgeous, but I felt a real kinship for him.
Maybe, because, like artist Dean Russo, I’m an animal lover.
Also, like Russo, I was born and bred in New York. While I grew up to be a writer, dog owner and blogger, Russo grew up to be a dog artist.
Who is artist Dean Russo
Here is how Russo explains his work:
“My greatest inspirations: art and animals. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I am inspired by the urban landscape that surrounds me. It envelops my work, as it represents my life. Painted walls peeling after years of neglect brought to life by murals and graffiti that cogitates my art making process. I’m often inspired by the abandoned and the lost and I can find solace in bringing it to life through my work.”
What is Dean Russo dog art
If you’ve never seen Dean Russo dog art, here is how I would describe his depictions of dogs and cats.
Think Any Warhol crossed with pop artist Keith Haring’s fondness for animals, with a little bit of Louisiana “Blue Dog” artist George Rodrigue thrown in.
That is, Russo captures smiling dog faces or quizzical cat stares in near photographic quality, with unexpected colorful palettes and doodles. In some works he also adds in sayings that seem to capture the animal’s expression.
For example, he has painted many different images of pit bulls. Clearly this is a breed that can get a bad rap. So his pit bull paintings often include uplifting and positive sayings, such as these:
- “A dog wags its tail with its heart.”
- “People will know how large your soul by how you treat a dog”
- “Beware of pit bulls. They will steal your heart”
- “In a perfect world every dog has a home”
- “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them”
- “Happiness is a pit bull smile”
How Dean Russo draws dogs
When asked to describe his artistic process, here is what Russo has said:
“Each piece begins with a bold ink outline. I then focus on the eyes of my subject. The eyes are perhaps the most important element in a piece; they hold every part of the subject’s characteristics. Bold colors juxtaposition with abstract patterns to project the hidden soul of a living species is what compels my work. Portraying the energy and joy that can sometimes be lost in otherwise preconceived notions of the subject is what drives me.”
While Russo is clearly fascinated with animals, he doesn’t just paint dogs.
For example, earlier in 2022, after Queen Elizabeth died, Russo painted a tribute to her. Maybe he chose the Queen because of her love of corgi dogs.
Russo licenses his work to appear in a variety of media, from art prints to hang on the wall to rugs and doormats to place on the floor.
Currently, my dogs’ water bowl is sitting on this Dean Russo dog bowl placemat, featuring his rendition of a beagle. It’s called Beagle Love and you can buy it on Wayfair.
Where to buy Dean Russo dog art
If you’re interested in Dean Russo’s non-dog art, you can find his work represented on the Saatchi Art site.
However, if you want his special dog art, I found a huge collection on Amazon.
For example, this is a Dean Russo art print on Amazon, with two dogs touching noses, that sums up how many dog lovers feel about having dogs in their life:
“If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.”
In addition, if you want Dean Russo dog art represented on housewares, you should definitely visit Wayfair and search “Dean Russo.”
Finally, if you’re looking for gift ideas for dog lovers, I think this kind of artwork would definitely be a home run.