I can now post photos of a recent commission as it is no longer secret. My client bought his wife Heidi to collect her 'surprise' last night and she became very tearful. I think I've said before that its a strange world where we artists measure success by the tearful reaction of the recipients of the portraits. Charlie was a beautiful labrador and I worked from one main photo and several supporting ones which showed how he changed over the years and his once black nose became more pink/russet coloured and his coat lightened.
Anyway here are the WIP photos - please excuse the varying colours. I used pastels on Fisher 400 sanded paper but these were photographed at different times of the day. The last photo/s are most true colourwise
Initially I was going to draw in a 'rope' collar but that was subsequently removed at the client's request.
Hmmm... obviously a problem with Blogger's uploader as this next stage really doesn't have a line half way across it - but I won't reload it now - think you'll get the picture OK (no pun intended)
and finally, in the double mount which is ivory and plum coloured
and even more tears .........
David shredded and bottled a horseradish root for me today. If you've never done this before you wouldn't believe how pungent the root is once shredded and it has to be done in a well ventilated area - even so, he had streaming eyes for a while afterwards .... My Hero!!!
I just love hot horseradish (especially when mixed with mustard)! Unfortunately my attempt to grow it in our garden failed this year and I assume it was because of the wet Summer and boggy clay soil here. Its supposed to be very fast growing and invasive so I'll definitely try again and start out by planting it in a deep tub (thanks for the tip Jan)
I'm partway through another commission at the moment but won't post pics till I have permission from my client.
He looks a lovely chap Sue, I am amazed at how many people cry when they get their painting...even when the animal is still alive, seem to be an emotional experience, seeing their pet in paint.
ReplyDeleteSue; such soft, engaging eyes!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bev.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean but Charlie passed away a few weeks ago. Luckily there were enough ref. photos to be able to get a good likeness. I think you blogged a while back about the importance of getting photos of your pets whilst you can - especially in this day and age with the bonus of digital cameras.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting Lynda ... very much appreciated.
Great finish, Sue! It does seem odd that partial payment for a pet portrait is always a few tears. I've always said that artists work so cheaply because part of their payment comes in the emotional response of their audience. However, just give me the cash! lol
ReplyDeleteBeautiful portrait, following and I've added you to my blog list!
ReplyDeletelovely portrait :) really soft looking fur
ReplyDeletelol Jan ... yep I'm with you as drawing materials don't come cheap do they?
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon. Thank you:-)
Just visited your wonderful Blog and am amazed at your energy!!
Thanks Jennifer ... its a relief to finally be able to post artwork again as I'm running out of 'other' stuff to blog about :-)
He looks very soft and beautiful. Lovely finished work :-) I tried to grow a few things in the garden this year but the massive invasion of slugs hasn't helped so I have some things to try again next year too. I might have to make myself a small cloche ...thing!!
ReplyDeleteLovely picture Sue, interesting progression pix. I notice that the eyes were good right from the first such an important part I believe. Wish I had a portrait of some of my dogs from years past.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo
ReplyDeleteI always start with the eyes .. I can't bear to work around empty eye sockets (as many artists do). Once the eyes are right (or nearly so) I get a better feel for the personality of the subject.
Hi Chrissy.
I used to use those blue slug pellet thinggies but since we moved house and have hedgehogs in the garden I won't risk poisoning them - unfortunately its been so wet this Summer that the hedgehogs haven't been clearing the slugs fast enough!
Sounds like England is really delightful after all that rain, lots of slugs, yuk.
ReplyDeleteSue, Mike is very good at eyes too.
Stunning
ReplyDelete