Today I deliver this portrait to the requester with some relief. This time of year in Minnesota the rain and storms are welcome for the farmers. But not so great for painting portraits.
Yes, the Lyndale farmers’ market has started again. I hope to go this month and catch a sunny day at the market. One can only wish for sunny days. For those of you who enjoy plenty of SUN this time of year, please send some to the Northland.
The Portrait of Duffy was a new challenge. Never had done a painted portrait with acrylic paints. That’s okay. Experiments, learning curves, and self doubt are all good for something. The portraits are based on photos that me or other people take of the subjects. Duffy’s body looks completely foreshortened. My friend Alan, who was also a painter ,encouraged me throughout the process.
As he is a Newfoundland cross with a Cocker Spaniel, so I was told, he has the bigger foofy head with droopy eyes and a smaller body. Lots of fur to trim. His body is trimmed in this picture, which exaggerates the foreshortening. Also, I cut off the feet to emphasize his expression. I have never met him, but he has a striking expression.
This portrait started out here…
And ended here…
This could be called the Blue Dog, maybe. I don’t know. I started with purple underlay and switched to the blue accents. That’s easily done with acrylic paint.
On to the next portrait of a German Shepherd Dog that will be a pastel. Soft chalks and pastel pencil have a more familiar feel. But I totally enjoyed doing this portrait.
With one thing or another in the world and my life my pacing has slowed down. And the lack of sunlight has slowed my progress.
PLEASE SEND SUN!
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen.
Keep on Keeping on…wherever you find yourself.
Peace
What a beautiful dog–and painting! I’ll bet they were thrilled with it!
Thanks! They were!
I like the look of Duffy. You have captured his expression so well!
Thank you so very much. The client liked the expression too.