BILLY SULLIVAN HAS A SHOW AT KAUFMANN REPETTO until April 30

Ralph, 2006, oil on linen, 21 x 30 in.

Clarissa, Dave & Flora, 1994, oil on canvas, 43.25 x 63 in.

“My first dog was Cheddar. My father and sister got her from Bideawee. Not sure when the picture was taken, but that’s a ’53 Chevy. My second dog, Silky, came from Belmont Park, the racetrack. My uncle Joe was a trainer and he brought the puppy by and my mother couldn’t say no. I’ve pretty much had a dog ever since. Red is our dog now. He came from somewhere down South, through ARF in East Hampton. Klaus fell in love with him at first sight. But I’ve loved all my dogs: George, Ben, Dave, Ralph, and now Red.” 

Red, 2012, pastel on paper, 28 x 21 in.

Billy Sullivan is a painter who is obsessed with his and other people's dogs.  I met Billy last summer with his husband Klaus at Malcolm Morley's house for dinner.  We didn't talk dogs but we will from now on. His show is currently at Kaufmann Repetto on 535 West 22nd Street in NYC until April 30.