Pet Portraits and other oil on canvas works.

These portraits are recent oil painting commissions by Rogers-based artist Stan Cox. He shared his works including a beautiful Collie mix and a German Shepherd. Stan darkens the backgrounds to create a stronger contrast that highlights the dog’s expressive faces. He shared that to date he has only painted three dog portraits—yet his natural talent is evident. For much of his life, Stan focused on doodling and drawing as his primary artistic outlet.

“I struggled for many years trying to figure out how it was done,” he reflects. “With no formal training, I failed my way to where I am now. Persistence and discipline, along with a healthy desire to continue my search for how all my favorite artists did it—I accept it as a lifetime commitment with joy.”

Stan and his family moved to Rogers in 1997, making it their home. Originally from St. Louis, they came to Arkansas in 1981 to begin a pastoral journey. After 45 years in ministry, their final church—where they served for eleven years—was located in Rogers. Now semi-retired, Stan continues to serve as an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God denomination.