I dedicate this site to my father - "the other famous person in the family"

Welcome to my web site! Thanks for stopping by.

When I was growing up, my father always seemed to be zooming 17,000 miles an hour around the earth. My father, Wally Schirra, was one of the first seven astronauts -  "The Right Stuff" - the fifth American in space and the only one to fly in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs.

I have found my calling closer to Earth - in the face of a hound no more than one or two feet off of the ground, no less. I have parlayed my love of man's best friend and my love for color into vibrant works of art.

I do a color sketch from a photo and then the portrait is painted in acrylic on canvas. I pay particular attention to the eyes. My choice of colors may be unconventional, however, I am always true to the eyes. They show the soul of each animal.

When finished, I have a portrait that captures all the personality of a Labrador Retriever, Great Dane, Bichon Frise or other four-legged creature - albeit with blue, orange or purple fur.

At times, I have found that dogs with their unconditional love, energy and expression are more fun to be around than most people.

My work is sold to collectors around the world and I am represented by some of the top galleries around the country. I was selected by the National Dog Show, which airs nationally on NBC every Thanksgiving Day, to paint a dog from each AKC recognized class for both the cover of their magazine and for the description of each class inside the magazine.

Please have fun poking around my site and taking in all there is to see. Who knows? You may see somebody familiar!

In Dogs We Trust!