GERMAN SHEPHERD PORTRAIT "Barney"

"Barney"
11" x 14" pastel

"Barney" is completed, and is going to be delivered tomorrow. He won't actually be given as a birthday gift until sometime in August, so I won't know until then how Barney's master will like this portrait. However, I had a wonderful time seeing this dog come to life on the paper, and I have grown quite fond of his character as I saw it in the photo that was sent to me. It is indeed hard when our pets grown old or sick, and pass away!

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with an artist friend of mine who is 82 years old She wanted some help with the eye of a bluebird in one of her paintings. She is so eager to learn and to make beauty with her talent...and she does! I love how art can bring many different people together at so many levels - and there is no age restriction or gap because of age. What a privilege to do this work on a daily basis! 

This week I also delivered 4 of my textured acrylics to a new collector. I was shocked by the art collection this couple has, including a first state print of Rembrandt's etching of the Prodigal Son. I was indeed humbled that my pieces will hang in the same house as many famous and gifted artists. So much beauty from the hands of those artists! ***sigh of contentment***

ALMOST THERE

click on photo to enlarge

He's coming along...will be finished this week!

GERMAN SHEPHERD PROGRESS

My son saw this piece that I am working on, and he commented on how difficult it is to do animals in pastel. He had to do a German Shepherd in pastel as well when he was in art school, and he still remembers how long it took, and how much work it was!


However, that being said, I just love this dog! Here you see the first of many layers to achieve all the different colouring that this dog had. There are times when I step back from working to see what he looks like, and I feel like I could reach out and stroke his fur. I am hoping to get lots more done on him next week...maybe even finish him. That would be fantastic. :-)

PASTEL GERMAN SHEPHERD

I am working on a commission of a beautiful German Shepherd who was the light of his master's eye. His very thoughtful wife has commissioned me to paint the dog in pastels as a surprise birthday gift for her husband. I hope he will be very touched by her loving idea!

What a gorgeous dog he was! He is FULL of color, and loved his toys. :-) I use both Pan Pastels and pastel pencils in my work, and here you see a small array of the colors I am using in creating his likeness.

In this photo (taken at night again - sorry for the bright light shining from above), I have the first few strokes laid in. I will show you  more of Barney next week. (Thank you for giving me permission to show this work in progress Sharon!) If you know this dog, or its owner, please don't give the surprise away. :-)