NAVIGATE ALL MY SITES

"I am mesmerized by the pet paintings you have done. How did you ever figure out how to paint their souls?" Deborah C.

. . . and the winner is . . . Brittany

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Here 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

Tammy - Red Sable Miniature Daschund


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"Tammy"
8x10 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission
SOLD

Anne and Tammy had a truly special bond. Here Tammy is shown in one of her most endearing moments, gazing lovingly upon Anne as she did so often. I added the pillows for a cozy setting.

20% of proceeds donated to DARE Daschund Adoption Rescue and Education

Lucy - Fawn Whippet


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"Lucy"
8x10 inches / oil on panel / Private Commission
SOLD
Here's Lucy, one of Anne's gorgeous girls! This painting was a tad bit challenging insofar as the image I had for reference was rather digitized therefore details were not quite evident. However, with such a magnificent model as Lucy, how could one do anything other than create a beauty?

10% of proceeds donated to Greyhound Rescue Foundation of Tennessee

Boxer - work in progress for Florida Boxer Rescue Charity


WORK IN PROGRESS -- I need to post the final for you!!

WORK IN PROGRESS to be donated for CHARITY AUCTION
10 x 8 inches / oil on panel
This painting will hopefully be completed in time for the upcoming fund raiser auction for the Florida Boxer Rescue Charity. Been so swamped and still backlogged with commissions that I hardly have time for this one and then just heard that they need the painting this week -- and I just began it today! Need a small miracle to get it done, dried, varnished and shipped by their absolute final deadline! If you wish to participate in the Florida Boxer Rescue Auction, "The Art of Rescue".
Final image forthcoming . . . .

taste testing, meeting Teddy, sitting pretty

taste testing, meeting Teddy, sitting pretty

...and one of my beautiful boys

...and one of my beautiful boys

and here are my big boys

and here are my big boys

...and our other big boy

...and our other big boy

my constant companion in the garden whom we lost to cancer this past spring

my constant companion in the garden whom we lost to cancer this past spring