Oil on canvas, 24 by 18 inches

Popular among 18th- and 19th-century aristocracy, dog portraiture lives on thanks to artists such as Alexis England. For her oil paintings, England works with her subject and client to create the perfect image. "I first do photo shoots with the subject to get a good image and to get to know the dog a little," she explains. "I then paint from the image chosen by the owner and me. Ultimately, the owner ends up with a painting that embodies their dog, whether it's a typical favorite pose or a familiar expression that pulls at their heart."

Oil on canvas, 9 1/2 by 10 inches

"Sometimes 'no background' is called for," England says.

Oil on panel, 4 3/4 by 6 inches

Oil on canvas, 16 by 20 inches

"Greyhounds have the most beautiful angles," says the artist. "Every pose is a dream. As beautiful as they are standing, they just love to sleep, so I picked this pose to paint."

Oil on canvas, 10 by 8 inches

"She was an angel!"

Oil on canvas, 16 by 20 inches

"This is my wonderful dog in one of his most common poses -- a very happy boy, never as sad as he looks!"

Oil on canvas, 10 inches round

"Love the westies!"

Oil on canvas, 24 by 36 inches

"What a hoot! One of the Danes has only three legs -- but gets around fine -- and luckily for me, is fond of kicking back in chairs. You should see her in a recliner!"

Oil on panel, 16 by 12 inches

Oil on canvas, 10 by 12 inches

"What a face!"

Oil on canvas, 20 by 16 inches

"An excitable puppy!"

Oil on canvas, 16 by 20 inches

"A favorite breed to paint."

Oil on canvas, 14 by 18 inches

"There was a certain sweet sadness to him, so I put him in shadow for dramatic effect."

Oil on canvas, 16 by 20 inches

Oil on panel, 15 by 12 inches

Oil on canvas, 14 by 18 inches

"We've all seen this look!"

Oil on canvas, 11 by 14 inches

"This is a painting I envisioned rather than painting from life," England says. "I love the more anecdotal paintings of the old masters.

About Alexis England

"It's no accident that I've become known for my paintings of animals. I have loved them since the day I opened my eyes," says artist Alexis England. "You could say they are my religion -- extreme words perhaps, but easy to understand for those of you who get the same feeling when you look into their eyes." 'working in oils out of her 18th century barn studio in upstate New York, England accepts limited commissions for her animal portraiture. for contact information, visit AlexisEnglandArt.com.