Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Some artists prefer to create abstract sculptures, modern pieces of furniture or collages with mixed mediums, but not Robert Christie. He would rather paint or print realistic pieces of dogs and their owners and much of his artwork is on display at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse until the middle of April.

When you enter the main hallway of the courthouse, Christie's work adorns the walls on both sides. There are more than 40 pieces on display and many of them are for sale. There are scenes of hunting in the fields, young equestrians with their horses and families posing together. Above all, dogs are the dominate theme.

Christie has been painting for more than 60 years and has been hired to create works for a number of people and publications. He painted 44 illustrations for the book "Through Otis' Eyes," a story through the eyes of a guide dog for the blind, which won an award. Soon after that, he created 54 paintings for the book "Bailey By My Side," a story about a Golden Retriever who died, but will always be "by my side."

The artwork will be on display until April 18.

The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is located at 185 W. Crogan St. in Lawrenceville.

For extra information, call Christie at 404-275-2281.