Dogs
Call of the Fields
Oil on linen – 13 x 16 inches
Art Renewal Center, International 2010/2011 ARC Salon, Finalist: Animals
One November I ‘car-topped’ to watch the local Long Lake Hounds on a hunt. I was able to get some fine photographs of the riders and pack but the first painting I did was of this hound. The hunt was over and the pack was back in the hound trailer when this one squeezed it’s head out the window into the silvery autumn light. I saw such a look of longing to go run again.
Kara
Oil on mounted linen – 10 x 8 inches – Private Collection
Most portraits I paint are larger with fairly detailed backgrounds. This painting of the German Shepherd reminded me of how simplicity can be all you need if the subject has as much life and expression as Kara.
Dr. Mike and Emery
Oil on linen – 32 x 34 inches – Private Collection
Mike and Mary and I had all been in high school together but hadn’t been in touch for decades. They, however, always wondered how far I had taken my art. When they saw my ad in Southwest Art Magazine, they called and we reconnected for two big, enjoyable commissions with their champion German Shorthair hunting dogs. And friendship – did I mention the friendship?? The process of creating this painting is explained in detail in A Portrait in the Making.
Six Little Ladies – Daughters of Emery
Oil on linen – 25 x 36 inches – Private Collection
When the reference photo arrived by email, Mike had written above it, “I trust you can improve on the background.” I certainly hoped so! The puppies were in a bright, white box, indoors, with a chain link fence behind them, all taken with a flash. To be able to use the photo, I knew I’d better keep the lighting pretty flat. Putting them outside on a gray, overcast day with the light just a bit brighter on top of them and a touch darker below seemed to give the little ladies a good home.