Ever so often some has a request for me to paint a picture of something they love. I met Ginger through a financial company that Greg and I did some business with. She was really excited to find out I was an artist and had a request for me to paint a picture of her and her husbands dog. She wanted it as a gift for her husbands birthday. So let the process begin.
How does that happen in this artist head? We started with a few pictures she sent me. I always look at the photo’s and see if I get a feeling. If the feeling isn’t there I always pass on the job. I’ve never been an artist for money it has always been about passion for me and if the passion for the subject isn’t there I don’t paint it. A lot has happened in my house since I took on this job. A new grand baby was born to my daughter and son-in-law and planning the wedding of my son so yes I got all tied up in those things. Never the less the painting got finished and it’s going to its new home today. But first I will share with you the process and how it all happens when I paint.
First thing is to decide from all the photo’s she sent which one best expresses this beautiful dogs personality. I pick one that it seemed he was looking up at his owner and what a sweet face. I sketched out the picture and started by painting the pack ground. During the process of painting the dog I will go back and forth on the back ground adding color. I do this because as you add color to the subject it will change the color in the back ground. I work through all the steps slowly adding color layer by layer. Once the layers of color are added and you are happy with the over all lay out I start adding the deal. Small areas where you can see more detail in the hair or in the eyes that is what makes it finished and complete.
I love to paint dogs its one of my favorite things to paint. I have such a special place in my heart of these animals and how they give unconditional love to their owners. Over the years I’m pretty sure I’ve painted hundreds of them for people. This Tuesday finds me up early and out the door to teach National Honors Art Society at Wylie Prep. Love this group of kids and love the way they give their hearts to community service art projects. Make your day a Blue Happy one and don’t let the small stuff get in your way of that. I’ll blog at you tomorrow!
