I enjoy watching an intelligent and calculated dog move through the woods, to produce and handle wilds birds with stunning composure and character.

In the mountains of West Virginia, my husband and I are surrounded by private coal and timber lands, where we're fortunate to develop our English setters on Ruffed Grouse primarily. Throughout the year, many days are spent working our setters with a camera tucked away in my vest. As timeless scenes form into stories, I take notes and reference photos to bring back to the studio.

Much like my enthusiasm for dog behavior and development, art is also an admiration for the process. Each piece is formed by experience, crafted from notes and reference photos, and thoughtfully composed by hand. Much of my work is inspired by favorite covers, admired dog work, and true stories of days spent behind bird dogs.

My convictions of preserving these timeless traditions, is the subsistence of my craft.

A Craft With Conviction.

- Amanda Ballengee