Robert Abbett's first inspiration for birddog-art came after he had settled in Connecticut in the late 1960's. He was walking the countryside when in the distance he saw a boy and his dog -- "I saw a rural landscape suddenly burst alive as a white flash exploded across the scene, almost with muscial accompaniment," Abbett wrote. The dog was a Setter mix and the scene never left Abbett's memory. (that episode later inspired the painting entitled, "Partners")
The next important dog was Luke, an English Setter, who Abbett painted for Martha Sweeney. That portrait was the starting point for Abbett's career in the world of sporting dog art. Sweeney later gave Abbett the pick of one of Luke's litters --- and Abbett brought home Duke of Oakdale. Duke became Abbett's hunting dog, family dog, and artist's model.
From: A Season For Painting, The Outdoor Art of Robert K. Abbett
View all of Mr. Abbett's outstanding work on his website.