Hearts of Therapy Captured in Paint

Prehistoric men painted animals for many reasons. Is it so strange that present day Artists are serious about capturing animals in their artwork? Painting different species seems to be an inherited trait for some and Laura Barbosa is no exception.

What does this have to do with “Hearts of Therapy”? Everything… if we take the time to see what is going on right in front of our eyes we would notice that our beloved dogs are more than just primitive canines and capable guards. They are therapy dogs with a heart whom are doing great work in our local community and have been featured in 3 giant paintings which are gaining much popularity and raising awareness for a local community concerned with health and healing.

In 2007 Laura Barbosa had been previously published in an article written by Zach Patberg in the Asbury Park Press of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ entitled: “Art Of The Dog”

Ms. Barbosa has been working on 3-24″high x 48″wide acrylic paintings on canvas featuring 12 life size working therapy dogs of various breeds that currently work in our local community hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, schools and other locations in Ocean County NJ where emotional service dogs are indispensable.

“I hope to help the patients heal through my artworks! The dogs in this painting are well known in our local facilities and visit the very patients who will be viewing the originals and whom love the dogs dearly and count on them to boost their moral, help them heal and lower their blood pressure.”

Laura’s idea was to present a local facility with these works of art in hopes of raising money for The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. The Community Medical Center in Toms River NJ was chosen by the Artist because they totally support the use of Therapy Dogs in their Hospice, Oncology, Pediatric and Out Patient Programs. As of February 28, 2008 The Community Medical Center purchased the three works of art. The permanent display will begin March 2008.

“The idea was to create Beautiful Uplifting Artworks for the hospital and to increase public awareness to help diminish the existing breed specific stereotypes. The original paintings are priced at $2500 each and donations will be sent to The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog organization to help keep these special canines in our facilities!.”

In conclusion, most will be surprised to see what types of dogs are included in these paintings! The most scrutinized and misunderstood are among the breeds on display. These paintings are more than just beautiful artwork, they make an important statement and are meant to educate the public and try to eliminate stereotypical prejudices against certain breeds of dogs in our society.The Art of Laura Barbosa Website