It started like this…
In the fall of 1993, I took a watercolor painting class at Poplar Grove Plantation in Wilmington, NC, where I lived for 12 years. The instructor, Jean Anderson, a transplant from New Jersey, offered an opportunity to join the Hampstead Artist League. I accepted. There was a wealth of talent in this group of artist friends. Most were trained artists retiring to our southern climate from somewhere north. They were great teachers and helped to develop my interest in art.
My work appeared in several exhibits at Poplar Grove Plantation, UNC Wilmington, and Hampstead Arts in the Park. The portrait of "Sammy" in 1997 resulted in a commission to do four dog portraits. Two of the portraits were Springers "Felicia" and "Hootie." Thereafter I was dubbed "the pet portrait artist" by my group!
In the spring of 1992, I adopted a beautiful Springer puppy. "Daisy" became the light of my life. I had become an empty nester and she filled the void up nicely! She had a huge personality and a heart to match. I lost her in 2003 after a difficult bout with cancer. It was one of the most difficult times and the most lonely time of my life.
I spent a lot of time during that period journeying through websites on the internet and discovered ESRA — English Springer Rescue America, Inc. — and met Pam and Mark Civile the ESRA coordinators for North and South Carolina. They introduced me to "Bud" a handsome black and white spirited Springer gentleman and I agreed to foster him until a forever home could be found.
Well, have you ever heard people in the animal rescue business mention "failing Fostering 101?" That was me! Need I say more? Bud brought back joy and laughter to my life. He was truly an angel! I also found wonderful friends in Pam and Mark, just two of the many "unsung heroes" in the ESRA organization.
I have continued through the years to paint pet portraits, primarily dogs and especially Springer Spaniels that have found new homes through ESRA. These dogs give so much love and joy. You can see it in their faces, especially in their eyes. I love to see if I can capture that beauty and spirit!
— Trudy Apple