This is Otto, the last of three German Shepherd portraits I've done for the Hughes family.
When I received the photo references from the family I had an immediate question: What's with Otto's ears?
They replied, "That's how they look most the time. He's kind of lazy and a real goofball."
Enough said. I went with the cockeyed ears and, for added drama (and to accentuate the "goofy" factor) I added just a bit of his tongue hanging out.
When they saw the proof I sent, they responded with one word: "Perfect!"
I love it when I can convey a sense of the pet's personality in the portrait. It's not always evident in the photos you send, so make sure to let me know on the order form (there's a spot for just these sort of notes).
Here's Otto.
![Portrait of Otto, a German Shepherd](https://sigmadog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Otto_Hughes.jpg)
Otto Hughes (digital, 18x24). The client asked to make him look goofy, because that's how he is.
Love Your Pet Forever
I create custom portraits from your photographs, so you can love your pet forever. I paint all portraits digitally by hand (not photo-filtered) to create beautiful and lasting portraits printed on artist canvas and delivered to your door ready-to-hang.
Find Out More… Click Here!![Steve in 2021](https://sigmadog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021_Me_168x168.jpg)
About the Author
Topdog is Steve Merryman, a retired graphic designer, illustrator, and unrepentant asshole. Steve can usually be found working on a portrait commission or some other artwork. Steve fills his days by painting, writing, shootin' guns, cuttin' trees, hiking with his dogs, and savoring a beer or two, all while searching for the perfect cheeseburger. He studiously avoids social media and is occasionally without pants.
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