From Lens to Palette: & introduction to Therapy Dog Work

Written By Janie Ronchelli

Good day everyone. Today I want to share with you the many “faces” behind the mugs.  The designs are obviously taken from my paintings/sketches, but where did these originate?  You may be familiar so far with my style of using photography as a jump start for my work.  As you will see with the mug art, the paintings start from contact with animals on our property or in my home. 

Let me introduce you to the stars of my art! 

The first mug I did was with “Cash” (named after Johnny Cash by my brother- in-law).  Cash is a 16yr old toy poodle who defies all age limits.  He “loves” me and I adore him. To be truly honest, he knows I give him treats.

The exhuberant greeting I received entering the home. Cash is deaf and barely can see too.

Mika: her face says it all “I’m ready!”  Mika is my 2.5yr. Portuguese water dog.  She is full of love, energy and mischief…  The second dog is Andi (in charge) who is my 10yr. miniature Poodle. And is very intuitive, bright, loving and a great lap dog.  Both are therapy dogs for which we make visits to the local hospitals and cancer centers. They are best friends and bring great joy and noise to our home.

Mika getting ready to go on a hike, age 1.5 with summer hair cut

watercolor and ink, with minor digital enhancements. Used for PWD and Doodle mugs

Andi, miniature poodle

BFF. Andi and Mika (puppy profile). Mixed media. Graphite, WC, Ink

Mabou ( means sparkling waters in Gaelic). She was my first PWD who taught Andi all she knows.  Mabou was opposite in energy to Mika but very loving, patient and also did therapy work.  After she passed, Andi was so lonely we didn’t wait long to sign up for  a second PWD. 

Mabou age 3, Portuguese water dog

Water color with ink highlights. Portuguese Water Dog

Lastly, a Golden Retriever after various I know: Rosie, Remy, and Sheba.

Laurie with Sheba, Red Golden Retriever

Mixed media Red Golden Retriever

Every image I paint for mug-art is from real life experiences.  The admiration I have for the fox to the affection for beloved pets. 

Red Fox on our property in Redmond, OR

Sketch of ink and watercolor red fox

Do you have a favorite creature of your own that moves you to recall good memories or simply brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart?  That is the best place to start your painting or to write inspired words.  I would love to hear about it. 

Therapy Dog Work:
Does your dog have the temperament to be a therapy dog? Look up local Therapy Dog associations in your area and get evaluated. It is a simple process and very rewarding work for you and your pup. We belong to Alliance Therapy Dogs in Deschutes County, Oregon. To learn more check out the following links:

Andi in her Therapy Dog gear for visits To St. Charles Hospital in Bend and Redmond

Mika ready for Hospital visits as Therapy Dog.

Janie Ronchelli

Mission:

I find my purpose and power in nature that surrounds me, wherever that may be. Because of this, my husband and I have retired to Central Oregon on a hay farm 5 years ago. At that time, I began to take watercolor classes by zoom. This venue has helped me to take what so inspires me with my photography of nature to bring to life on the page with watercolor. It is through my painting I have entered into a new relationship with nature. A dance with not just the rivers, the trees, the desert, the sunsets and rises, but just as powerful are the many wild creatures that rest on our property. I have a great attraction to the red Fox, the geese which nests on our irrigation island, and the blue Heron. I began abstract painting 3 yrs ago. I found that this form gave me a wonderful freedom of expression. Not having to stay between the lines enhances the “magical" interlude between myself, the artist, and the power of watercolor media. It can suspend judgement and be refreshing.

Bio:

I am California born and raised in a family where art and music were the fiber of my being. From young age, I sang with my mother in choir and continue to do so today. My mother also exposed me to various media of the arts and crafts. In my 30's, I began to explore watercolor during 4 years of an illness, which paused a career in pediatric nursing, my great passion. I discovered that painting was very therapeutic and broadened my love for everything around me.

In 2020, after retiring from nursing, I have had the time and patience to develop my skills as an artist on both fronts of watercolor and singing. I so enjoy the opportunity that both fields offer to me for becoming a bigger part of a community where I am joined by those who also are exploring their talents and the joy that art can bring.

https://Pansiniprints.com
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NEW ARTWORK SHOW: SOLOS 2026: Spring Bursting Forth with Color