CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE BEYOND ACTUAL PAINTING SIZEHere is the final painting. Details that were refined included adding highlights and mauve tones to the thin wash of water on the shore (with long, low shadows one knows it is coming upon sunset when subjects begin to acquire a warmer tinge), warmth and softening to the ocean in the distance, slight reflections beneath the crab, and general softening of the golden shadows within Brittany's fur.
The fourth and final sitting brought the details into focus. I may still refine and soften it overall and add a hint of lavender in the midrange, but for all intents and purposes, it's about done! 
Third Sitting - Began the detail stage, my favorite part of the pet portraits. The crab is done, the ocean and shore colors are becoming more accurate, and the shading begins on Brittany in anticipation of adding her fur, both fluffy at the top and wet at the bottom. Please note that I've added an image of the actual photo reference below in addition to the scanned images from River City Westies. 
Second Sitting/Stage II - Worked on the foam of the water and deepened areas on Brittany 
Second Sitting/Stage I - color depth is evolving and I'm ready to switch to the smaller brush. I wish to comment at this juncture that Barbara's photograph really is spectacular with such clarity and color gradations captured in the water as it thinly recedes over the sand. Thus far it's mostly been a seascape for me as I really need to complete the background before I can move ahead with Brittany. 
First Sitting/Stage IV - Was able to do just one more light glaze before first drying stage. 
First Sitting/Stage III - Adding depth - now it needs to dry for a few days in preparation for the next sitting 
First Sitting/Stage II - First color glaze to establish mood, balance, flow, focus 
First Sitting/Stage I - Marking placement of design elements / subjects in oil
edited for composition -- will also exclude harness & leash shadow for painting
scanned image from River City Westies
original winning photo (excuse glare)
Here is an actual photo of the winning photograph which I currently have in my possession. You can see here how the photo is much richer than the scanned image received via email from River City Westies (above).
"Crab Standoff" 8x10 inches / oil on canvas / Donated to River City Westies
River City Westies recently held their annual Photography Contest fund raising event. I volunteered to contribute one of the three prizes by painting the winning photograph in the Active Westies category, entitled "Crab Standoff" by Barbara Bright. As Barbara says, her ferocious little Westie was caught in a charmingly appealing moment of courage. I will be posting various stages of this painting here for Barbara and you to enjoy viewing as it progresses.
100% donated to benefit River City Westies
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