Kobe - Draw Paint Academy

I have some sad news unfortunately. Our golden retriever Kobe passed away peacefully just before Christmas. Usually I would keep this private, but he has been a pivotal part of our lives and my art journey so far. I always considered him my loyal studio assistant.

When I started Draw Paint Academy some 11 years ago, it was just me and Kobe painting in the garage and writing on the couch. Chontele was working in the city back then. My parents didn’t even know I had quit my safe accounting job and was trying my hand at the art life. It was a lonely and isolated time, even by artist standards, and his companionship was priceless.

Since then, he has joined me on painting trips, posed as a painting subject (see the painting at the top of this post, which I gifted to Chontele for her 30th), been featured in tutorials, and been mentioned in many emails and posts.

He was really the perfect artist companion. You always knew he was there with his warm presence, but he never said too much. It’s a bit too quiet now in the studio as I write this.

No need to be sad for us. He lived the perfect dog life and reached a good age of 13. But he will be missed.

I just thought you should know. Hopefully some more positive emails to come!

Regards