ULRIKSEN PAINTINGS

I have been examining the two paintings of the dogs by Mark Ulriksen. The one titled "Little Dog" is showing that the dog seems to be either happy or tired from running up to the owner. It may be titled "Little Dog" but it sure is an up close shot which makes the dog look bigger. Having it be an up close shot shows more detail in the dogs face and eyes of where he may be looking or how he may feel. It seems that the owner is just laying in the sand on some beach and just called the dog over to play with or pet. Seeing the background of a beach or somewhere like that, the dog could have been running around enjoying the weather and freedom. The one titled "Puppy Love" the dog seems to be upset, because he doesn't want to chase the ball, or just happily waiting for the owner to throw the ball so he can go chase it. The painting is very zoomed out. I am thinking it is so that he can show the ball in the painting and how the dog either wants the ball or doesn't want it, I'm not sure because you cant really see the dogs facial features too well. By the title I would expect that the owner just bought a puppy and is trying to teach him fetch but the dog is just not comprehending. With the red background color it could just be trying to bring out the white ball better or could be that someone isn't really happy.