Sascha Portrait in Oil Completed

Sascha Long Hair German Shepherd Portrait in Oil.

Sascha the Long Hair German Shepherd a portrait in oil paints had many different states before its final completion. The background is still wet in some spots. It has to dry for a while and then I will varnish the surface.

Sascha Long Hair German Shepherd Stage 1 © CKatt 3-2020

Sascha Long Hair German Shepherd Stage 2 © CKatt 3-2020

The portrait of Sascha is 8″ x 10″ in size on cotton canvas with a gesso prepared surface.

The challenge was the small size. I prefer an 11″X 14″ size to work on whether paper or canvas.  The learning curve was enormous.  The dog’s snout was too short. IT was necessary to remove the area of paint and lengthen her nose.

Working from a photo is always open to interpretation. People may categorize this type of dog portrait as traditional or realistic.

In today’s  local market for dog portraits there is a trend towards caricatures, which are very popular and fun. These works are made with broad strokes and vivid colors. Charming work that appeals to pet owners.

My aim is to portray more than the subject. The atmosphere or context surrounding the portrait is important to the overall composition. It is demanding to include details such as are pictured here. It takes more time, but in the end I am more satisfied with the result.

Here are two samples of early portrait work. The young woman in this oil portrait is Rebecca Stock. The Borzoi or Russian Wolfhound is from a photo that I drew with colored pencil of him at a lure coursing event in wide open spaces of Minnesota.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen.

Be mindful of your friends and families.

Have a peaceful day wherever you may be.