Paint Your Pet Like David Hockney
Adult | Registration opens 8/5/2026 8:00 PM EDT
In this David Hockney-inspired painting tutorial, we'll explore how one of the world's most beloved contemporary artists used simple shapes, bold color, flattened space, and expressive design to capture the personality of his famous dachshunds.
Rather than copying Hockney's paintings directly, we'll study the key elements of his style and learn how to apply them to our own pets. Whether you have a dachshund, golden retriever, rescue mutt, cat, or any beloved companion animal, these techniques can help you create expressive artwork that feels personal while learning from a master artist.
- How to simplify animals into basic shapes
- How David Hockney used color to create mood and character
- How to avoid overworking pet portraits
- How to paint expressive animals without stressing out over every detail
- How to use master studies to develop your own artistic voice
Marcy LaBella
Marcy LaBella has been making art since early childhood and has been
continuously curious about painting, ceramics and other creative mediums.
She is currently working primarily in painting and sculptural ceramics and
shows her work regionally and nationally. LaBella is a longtime member of the
Connecticut Women Artists, and is a long time teaching artist at the Guilford
Art Center and the New Britain Museum of American Art.
She also enjoys creating content for her Art YouTube channel.
Ms. LaBella resides in Central Connecticut.