Port Macquarie artist and dachshund lover Jean Ballands will showcase the canine portraits at First National Real Estate Port Macquarie as part of ArtWalk.

Mrs Ballands' paintings, brought together in an exhibition called Canine Focus, capture the "dog gaze" of loved pooches as well as surrendered and rescued dogs.

"I always paint the eyes and nose first," Mrs Ballands said.

"When you look at a dog, they are the first things you look at for information."

The portraits take in a range of breeds from an albino great dane puppy to a rottweiler and kelpie cross, and the dachshund.

"It is important my art talks to a variety of people," Mrs Ballands said.

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There will be a background story of each dog to accompany its painting.

"When the viewer looks at the paintings and reads the story, they are interacting with the painting," Mrs Ballands said.

A fundraiser in conjunction with the exhibition supports registered charities Dachshund Rescue Australia and Greyhound Rescue Australia.

Mrs Ballands is the leader and administrator of the Port Macquarie Dachshund Group.

Dachshunds will visit the exhibition on October 1.

Mrs Ballands said ArtWalk was the most lovely celebration of creativity on all levels. ArtWalk runs from October 1-8.

The cultural event will look different in 2020 with the longest footpath art gallery in businesses across the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton town centres.

First National Real Estate Port Macquarie marketing coordinator Laura Meredith gives the Canine Focus exhibition the thumbs up.

"I feel like even the non-dog lovers will become dog lovers after they see Jean's art and read the stories," she said.

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