For this pet portrait commission of Sydney, a charming Black Lab, I used two photos as reference. In one he was dressed for St. Patrick’s day, looking into the camera wearing a green feathery luau thingy around his neck and a goofy headdress with two green Irish top-hats on springs (I’m not judging, we’ve all been there). As charming as it was, the customer requested that the St. Paddy’s gear not be included in the …
Mastiff Puppy Portrait
Here’s a quick portrait of Hudson. This is from when he was 7 months old (five months ago). Hudson’s color and unique folds in his coat have been giving me fits ever since I started trying to paint him. With this portrait, I think I’m starting to figure out how to handle that distinctive face of his. More practice will help me nail down how to create fold patterns, and better tackle his subtle coloring. …
Grizz Pet Portrait on Stretched Canvas
This portrait of Grizz is my latest pet portrait which, like most of my orders, was output on stretched canvas. The photo reference I used was excellent, a well lit, colorful photo. This allowed me to concentrate on making a painting that not only accurately represented Grizz, but also conveyed an artistic “punch” of stylistic brushwork and strong, vibrant colors. Love Your Pet ForeverMy PetArtWorks page describes the portrait ordering process. Listed prices are all-inclusive …
Too Hot to Blog
It’s Too Hot to Blog!Summer has finally arrived, and we’re getting it good and hard. It’s in the mid 90’s (my comfort level runs from 65° to 85°). The dogs are coping. Beorn is spending his days in the basement where it’s a cool and constant 65°. This is Hudson’s first summer and he doesn’t seem to even notice because he’s got a new playmate. The neighbors have a 6-month old German Shepherd pup, Kairo. …
Diesel in a Wheat Field
With this portrait of Diesel, like every portrait, the first creative decision is how to present her. Often this decision is easy, there is usually at least one photo reference that stands out. If I’m really lucky, that one photo will not only have a great pose with personality, but the lighting will be right (best lit from the side, hardly ever good from the front), and the focus nice and crisp. When that happens, …
Rosco – a Jack Russell Terrier Portrait
Anyone familiar with Jack Russell Terriers knows that these little fellas are blessed with big personalities.
A Memorial of Nakaiya
Nakaiya was a sweet old girl. I met her briefly in 2018. This portrait was a 2019 Christmas commission.
Conversation with a Dog (Part Two)
In which Boris counsels me on the mysteries of deer poop, where dreams come from, and puppies.
Pet Portrait – Sage the Ohio Fan
Sage was a big Ohio fan. I created this portrait for Dave who ordered it as a Christmas gift last year.
Conversation with a Dog (part 1)
I was sitting on a bench in the mall when my dog came up and sat down beside me. This is the conversation that followed.