June 12, 2008

By DIANA NEWTON dnewton@pioneerlocal.com

Cindy Beauvais' painting of three Rottweilers slicked out in tuxedos, a la Sinatra, Martin and Davis, is quickly becoming popular like the Rat Pack itself.

"That particular painting has evoked more response than the others," Beauvais said. "Maybe it's because people have such affection for the Rat Pack."

The Deerfield artist spent eight weeks painting doggie-themed portraits and murals for The Barking Lot, a new upscale doggie daycare/boarding and grooming facility on Lake-Cook Road.

After Beauvais' painting, dubbed "The Rot Pack," appeared in an article in the Deerfield Review about the Barking Lot, several residents began inquiring about the artist.

The Krisers hired Beauvais to create rock-themed paintings with a canine twist. She painted "The Grrrateful Dawg," for instance, along with "Gladys Knight and the Pups" and "Stevie Wonderdog."

Beauvais owns two Pomeranians. The Barking Lot gig was a dream job that combined two loves, she said.

"It was fantastic," she said. "They gave me a lot of freedom."

Beauvais has a degree in fine arts and worked many years as an artist on Michigan Avenue. She left nine years ago to pursue an independent career. One of her specialties is transforming nurseries and children's rooms.

"One of the things I'm good at is creating a space they can stay in for years," she said.

Her tie-dye renderings also have been a hit.

"I've gotten calls from all over the country," she said. "It's really fun, and nobody else is doing it."

A client having a mural painted asked Beauvais to include her husband's childhood dog as a surprise.

One of her hardest jobs -- and one she won't do again -- was to paint a Louis Vuitton purse on a wall.

"It was so difficult for me, working out all of the symbols," she said.

But Beauvais is game for most suggestions, helping clients create their dream wall or room.

"Last summer, a couple wanted me to paint them on their Harleys for a garage wall," she said. "Wrigley Field is popular. I did a basement where it was four rock and rollers playing pool."

Beauvais grew up in Highland Park as Cindy Weil. Her paternal grandmother was a self-taught watercolorist.

"I don't remember not knowing I was an artist of some level," she said. "And I had a lot of encouragement from my parents and teachers."