Welcome to the World of Lonely Dog
A captivating fantasy tale of music, passion, and triumph against all odds.
What began as a single doodle inspired by a wistful family dog has blossomed into over 200 original artworks — bringing to life the orphaned hound Lonely Dog as he navigates feline prejudice, inner struggle, and destiny in the 1950s seaside town of Port Alveridge. Through his heartfelt songs and unwavering spirit, he bridges divides, redeems his kind, and forges an unprecedented peace between Canine and Feline — the ultimate underdog story.
Bon Voyage
It began when Ivan and his family drove away on holiday, leaving their pooch gazing wistfully after them. "That dog is lonely," he said. Back home, he painted Bon Voyage — a moody, fully clothed dog standing by a departing ship under a bright moon. A friend later discovered the painting, prompting a spontaneous, far-fetched tale… and the Lonely Dog legend was born.
The World of Alveridge
After Midnight
Out way past bedtime, a young Lonely Dog is completely entranced by the incredible sounds of Houndskiffle wafting into the magical evening air from the grizzled, skilled hands of Rolph's mates. Etched into his memory forever, this moment became the seed that grew to greatness in the wee hound.
Juke Hounds
Once a month Elder Spittle and Verna would rattle their way to Molars Post in their trusty pickup — tap lessons, pickled weasel ham, and as many Brog salamis as Pop could carry.
Night at the Carnival
The Houndside County Orphans sold rascalberry jam and bottled plums, enough to get them to Carnival. The carousel, the roller coaster and the dodgem victory made a magical evening they would never forget.
The Terriers
Flying low and stealthily across the hinterlands raced the Terriers — thousands of them. Fast talking, small in stature, but fearless fighters, they came in single pistons and tri-cylindered aircraft built from stilt-skin, tin and glue.
McGinty and the Wilkers
In the corner sat a knot of old Wilkers — sea slang for whale milkers — brooding over their beers. The walls of The Rotten Catch are decorated with antique whale-milking paraphernalia. "This Whale Girdler was used by the late McGinty Moffitt in his World Record attempt to milk a pod in 6 hours 32 seconds… only his unfortunate drowning foiled his brave attempt."
Houndling's Reward
Check out the sheer delight of the basket houndling! And all bets are off on how long the wee fellow with the too-big bike will last — but, for now, he is a fully fledged hero!
Tumbleton Ave
A rumble of hounds in an overfull Trunkrider cruise through town in a show of futile force. But who cares? It is loud. It is fun. They are all together. And the night — as always in Alveridge — is magical!
Jazz Tom
"What happens when cats get a hold of good honest Houndskiffle, Juke Rock or Mountain Sound, and try and turn it into their own thing? You get endless intellectual scales, high-speed notes, trackless 'melodies' and too much showmanship! In short — Jazz! Not a hound to be found!"
Created with long-time friend and storyteller Stu Duval, the tale follows Arthur Snout — a lovable, nerdy underdog who rises to become a dapper, pinstripe-suited rocker and virtuoso musician. The story blends humour, heart, and gentle social parallels, delighting readers worldwide through illustrated books and the novel Lonely Dog.
"In the manner of J.K. Rowling, or Charles Dickens a century earlier, or the Grimm Brothers a century before that… a hero."
Ivan Clarke is a renowned New Zealand artist based in the stunning Southern Lakes region. Living near Bobs Cove on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, he creates and shares his work from his private home gallery — Lake Gallery — an intimate, appointment-only destination where visitors can meet the artist in person, pat the dogs, and experience his art in a breathtaking lakeside setting.
What started as a single painting grew into the Lonely Dog Legacy Collection — over 200 original works set in the eccentric world of Alveridge. All originals remain in Ivan's private collection. Museum-quality limited edition Giclée prints on canvas are available exclusively through the gallery.
Explore the Art Collection