Cavalier by a Lake

This portrait celebrates the popular and widely beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. As we've heard recently from owners of this breed that have been drawn into our gallery by the portraits in the window, they have some very distinctive personality traits. They are gentle creatures with large, inquisitive eyes who bond strongly with their owners for a lifetime. They're energetic, enthusiastic, and active, with a regal, aristocratic carriage reminiscent of the monarchs that inspired their name.

Christine Merrill is a contemporary American realist artist who was born in Baltimore, Maryland and began drawing and painting animals when she was very young. She studied at the Schuler School of Fine art in her hometown and, in 1975, began specializing in animal portraits, particularly of dogs and horses. Her long, successful career includes multiple one-woman shows in New York City and an exhibition in 1996 at The Isetan Gallery of Fine Arts in Tokyo.

Her paintings can be found in numerous public collections and her private clients include well-known actors and designers. Her work can also be found at the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog.