Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Colorful Blue Dog is a Black Labrador Abstract Portrait Painting

On this paintingI had fun experimenting with different colors and getting back to a more abstract style that I enjoy.  I used a very limited palette of blue, purple, red and white in the background and then only blue with the tiniest touch of black mixed in to dull it down, purple, and white for the dog.  Well, the eyes have other colors of course.  The reference photo was over exposed and had been faded by becoming wet, then lying in the sun for months before I used it.  I thought that would still be interesting to use by providing me less information which would keep me from slipping into extra detail or realism.  I guess it worked, though looking at a good version of the photo I may have to do it again.  I am happy with the result.  I feel it is a good departure from the more realistic pet portraits I have been painting lately while still capturing the expression and sentiment.  The model is Tallulah.  I titled it "Need Help With That?" and the truth is I'm sure she thinks she can do it better - whatever it is!

I have a pile of canvas panels to paint and this is one.  That means it can fit many standard ready-made frames if you remove the glass.  Since the painting is varnished it does not need glass and looks better without it (in my opinion).  This Labrador painting is 9" x 12" and is available for $175.00 plus shipping.  Doesn't everyone need a supervisory dog?

You can also buy this sweet mug on canvas prints, paper prints, acrylic prints, metal prints and greeting cards in my Labrador and Dog Art gallery on Fine Art America.  Happy shopping!

Friday, March 01, 2013

Tonto, black Labrador Wins Third Class and Rally Novice Title

Congratulations to my boy, Tonto, for earning his Rally Novice title at the Labrador Retriever Club of the Piedmont specialty show!  He won his class with 99 points out of 100, giving him 3 wins in 3 tries toward completing the requirements for his first obedience title.  This is pretty easy stuff, but what I like is that his foundation for future work is good and I love that he is having a good time.  It is very important to me that my dogs enjoy their work.  I love that wagging tail and happy attitude.  Perfection - at least as much of it that I ever look for in my dogs - will come with experience and maturity.  Tonto is 19 months old in this video.  He is still a distracted teenager.
Good boy Tonto!  Now Moonlit OtterTail Kemosahbee, RN.

I am available for private training lessons for you and your dog in rally, obedience and basic good-dog-behavior as well as specialized in-home training for show puppies.  Contact me for information.