acrylic

This is my first painting this year and it’s almost the end of August – I can’t believe life has gotten in the way of my artistic life, but I’ve finally picked up the brush and painted this gorgeous Staffy cross – not sure what is the cross but she looks completely Staffy to me. It is a gift for a special lady Leanne commissioned by her partner’s daughter.

I know not a lot about Lucy other than she was such a pretty thing with a deep soul – look at those eyes! Sadly she passed away recently – I hope this gift will be a healing balm to Leanne.

Lucy is lying on a rug which is short piled with what appeared to be part of a deep blue couch in the background. I didn’t want to fuss with either element too much removing the couch altogether – instead preferring to concentrate on Lucy and her brindle markings but especially those eyes. They’re talking to me.

As a bit of whimsy I’ve included her name in the carpet pile – a ghost of an image confirming even though she has left us for the time-being she will always be around and continue to touch her owner’s heart.

Sooty (real name Venus) belonged to a dear friend for whom she was his best friend and confidante. Sadly Sooty passed from this world suddenly in the middle of last year leaving her owner understandably bereft.

It has taken Anthony quite a while to send through his favourite photo of Sooty so I can record an artistic image for him to enjoy and remember her by and because she isn’t with us anymore, the photo choices are whatever he had available on his phone.

This one showing Sooty on the front porch of her former home was not a very high res image and much of the detail of her coat is guess work. Nevertheless, it shows her as a characteristically gentle soul who loved her master and enjoyed bringing him toys for him to throw to her.

Teddy is obviously a favourite toy and hopefully Anthony still has it to prop up on the shelf over which her picture will hang.

Farewell Sooty – you touched many lives but we will see you again soon I know when we can continue to run free and play together.

I was invited to support the Guide Dogs stand at the last Dog Lovers Show at the Brisbane Showgrounds back in November and provided an animal portrait prize as the major fundraiser for them. A lovely lady called Claire contacted me a week later to say she had won the prize and was very excited about what it might mean. She lives in the northern suburbs of Brisbane and at my request sent through a number of photos for my consideration.

The prize was for a picture of one animal of the winner’s choice but Claire has two beautiful black Labradors – one is around 2 years old and the other is an almost grown up puppy. She couldn’t decide and neither could I, so I’ve gifted her with a picture of both.

I used two photos to come up with the picture attached – I hope she likes it.

Black Labs are flavour of the month it seems – I am starting another one soon.

Oh, how we miss Jackson. Those who knew him felt something special in his presence – I personally think he was from another realm and I’m sure his owner agrees. Mention his name and we all feel our energy alter somehow.

Jackson – a striking Samoyed/Golden Retriever cross, passed away a year ago today on 11 October 2016. He was such a physically attractive animal, but also in another way – it was like he was a visitor from some higher place and I for one, certainly felt it.

I started the painting of Jackson when he was still alive after learning of his serious illness. I had fortunately taken a photo of him a few years earlier when he was a regular ‘colleague’ in the complex where I worked and was resting under the Jacaranda tree just outside my office. However, even though I started his portrait when I found out he was sick I couldn’t do anymore – maybe I didn’t want to think about what was coming.

12 months since his death have passed – while he was never “my dog” – in a way, he was. I worked on his image – checked and rechecked not only the line and form but the essence of his character and personality. I got into his psyche and I admit I cried when he died – I still get emotional remembering him.

How much more so the pain of his loss for his owner, Sonya? Farewell beautiful Jackson……and acknowledgement to you Sonya……of your grief.

Prepare a place for us Jackson where you are – if you would?

We are also headed your way.

Tag: acrylic

Lucy – what a darling!

“Venus” a.k.a “Sooty” – Labradorable

Two Black Labs – Guide Dog Raffle

“Jackson” – angel in disguise

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