Artist Robert Clarke's new London show is one for canophilists everywhere: an A to Z of dogs, featuring paintings of a selection of man's best friend from Airedale to Zuchon

"I had always been very frightened of dogs(any size) when my girlfriend of the time suggested we get a Jack Russell," says Clarke. " We did and in doing so, did interesting things like puppy club, where you get to pass round your puppy like pass the parcel. They ask you to put your hands in their mouths and touch their paws (to make the dog feel more comfortable). So I went from crossing the road in fear to having a bull terrier called Nike (big bugger) and a comb eating Bassett Hound called Trudy on my lap writhing and snarling.....a religious experience.....Then of course dog world happens. You take the dog to the park  and you meet all sorts of fabulous people you wouldn't come across everyday - I was hooked. I started to draw and then paint and really it's been a voyage of canine discovery ever since. When doing commissions I love to meet the dog for an hour and then take some photos which I then work from."

The show is at the Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, London W1 from April 1-21

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