Pet Paintings - Doggie Style

Okay everyone get your mind out of the gutter and meet "Missy" who is a nine year old Lhasa Apso.  I decided to take on a new project to expand my horizons and experiment with new techniques and subject matter.  This wasn’t an easy task, believe it or not.  My challenge was how to translate a very personal subject to meet the expectations of a paying client.  As an owner of two dogs and a cat I know about the bond between a person and their pet(s).  How do I make this a unique piece without just copying a photograph which any number of online sites will do (for a “nominal” fee).  How do I create something personal and fun but make it interesting as well? 

 

When painting Missy I created a charcoal drawing first and then image transferred it onto canvas.  I did this twice at different sizes and then painted over the images. There are layers and layers of paint and pencil in this piece.  I also removed paint multiple times to create texture and depth.  I used clear gels and multiple glazing techniques and even some iridescent elements.  I framed this in cedar from an old fence in the neighborhood.  I wanted to capture Missy Ann Johnson - yes she has a middle name - as a garden loving princess who is very comfortable in her own…wait for it…fur. 

  

 Alright, I admit it’s not a very manly project - it doesn’t have a lot of chest hair.  Still, it was very challenging and I learned a lot. Besides, we live in Portland – land of dogs, bikes, coffee, craft beer and strip joints.   Woof.