It sure is a dog’s life imitating art
IT MAY look barking mad but Hanna the Staffordshire terrier has collared the canine canvas market as she recreates iconic paintings from the world of fine art.
Hanna, three, is a natural in front of the camera as she mimics the masters’ historic paintings perfectly, complete with props and backdrops.
Owner Elena Kolacheva says it takes just five minutes to get the perfect shot – it’s the preparation that requires time and effort.
The hobby started by accident when Elena, 37, used Hanna to recreate Jan Vermeer’s The Girl With A Pearl Earring for an online competition.
She said: “I put my arts and craft skills to the test and used whatever clothes I could find in my wardrobe that are the same colours as various paintings.”
Posed
Elena, of Pskov, western Russia, used Plasticine and a pen to create a dog-friendly pipe for the van Gogh self-portrait.
She also made Hanna a green cardboard coat and carefully put the replica pipe in her mouth, which, to her delight, Hanna held on to.
Hanna looks elegant for Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady With An Ermine and dons specs for JeanBaptiste-Simeon Chardin’s 1771 self-portrait.
Hanna and Elena have sometimes posed together to recreate paintings, including cartoonist Andrey Popov’s The Girlfriend.
Elena said: “Thankfully, I replaced the wine with a red cloth in the glasses...Hanna dropped her glass about 10 times.”
Hanna has learned how to close her eyes on command during the shoots. Elena said: “She is treat-motivated and has great self-control. It has been very interesting and fun.”
Jan Vermeer’s Girl With A Pearl Earring was just a walkies in the park for Hanna