This gorgeous girl is named Cali. You may remember I painted her brother Hawk several months ago, and I was thrilled when it was her turn for a portrait. I've never seen a Rattie with her coloring before, such a pretty smokey gray with gold eyes. Isn't she beautiful?
I'm told that Little Miss Thang here is a bit of a diva, and I'm guessing she's a total daddy's girl too, since this is to be a Fathers Day gift. So I tried to play up that side of her personality in her portrait.
I love it when owners tell me about the personalitiy of their dog when they commission a portrait. It gives me a connection to the dog and I love trying to capture their disposition and individuality in paint.
Since I've been busy, busy, busy, I decided to compile the work-in-progress photos into one post.
This was a fun size - 8 x 8 inches, acrylic on Ampersand Gessoboard.
The sketch:
Laying down the underpainting:
Laying down the background, getting a feel for what I'm going to do with it:
Yikes, "ugly stage!" Every painting has 'em, haha.
Working over the underpainting, starting on details of the ear and eye:
Nose, neck and collar:
Almost done, just need to refine the details and finish the background:
Finished portrait:
I had so much fun painting this little doll. I hope her daddy likes it.
27 comments:
She is beautiful, Kathleen! What a great portrait. Love the colors and those gold eyes are so pretty. Love your description, and seeing the process. Fantastic work.
Gorgeous! What a great Father's Day gift!
~ Carolee
You are my hero! Your oil paintings are beautiful. I am working on an oil landscape and it is currently in the "ugly phase"! ha ha we'll see how it turns out.
Isn't she just beautiful!! I've not seen a rattie with that color before.
And her portrait is perfect!! Very nicely done Kat...savin' my pennies for Cindy Sue!
Ha...my word verification was "dogast"
Kathleen...you ROCK! She looks just as she acts too. THANK YOU THANK YOU! My husband is going to be so surprised and extremely happy...I can't wait to give it to him. You are so talented and I'm amazed at the exact detail you captured of her. Her purple collar looks good too and of course my hubby's favorite color. Love you...Marnie
Great job, Kathleen, especially in such a short time!!
I especially like the purple collar and mauve tones.
What a lovely portrait! You've done a great job on her expression! I enjoyed seeing your WIP.
Liz - thank you! Those gold eyes fascinated me.
Thanks, Carolee!
Thanks Kelly, that made me laugh. And the paintings are actually acrylic. Although this one does have an "oil" look to it, I think.
Thanks, gtyyup! Yes, I really love her coloring... so pretty! And Cindy Sue would be so much fun to paint!
Thanks Marnie! I'm so glad you love it. Can't wait to hear what hubby says when he sees it. Love you back!
Thanks Mona, I was a little afraid of so much purple, but I think it worked out well.
Thank you Akiko, coming from you that means a lot to me! :-)
that is amazing. the steps of course are fascinating to someone like me who has no skill in your profession. my great aunt, mildred rippon was well known in the new england area and would travel to europe with clients and paint scenes for them...she was a wonderful lady and thankfully i was able to purchase some of her work. love your blog!
Thank you KK! Your great aunt sounds like a fascinating lady!
Absolutely wonderful, Kathleen.
Fantastic job Kathleen and the likeness is excellent, well done:O)
Gorgeous! You really captured her atitude well:)
Thank you so much, Edward, Sam and Jen!
Gorgeous portrait Kathleen! I really love the rich hues and the looseness, plus refinement in this painting. I always admire an artist who can keep a light and free feel in their work.
Thank you Melody, I'm working on developing a looser style with my art, because I feel the same way.
Really came out great Kathleen. Wonderful job.
Another great painting. Love it!!
nice painting!!!
honestly
i love painting but painting doesn't like me.. hu..hu..hu..
nice work.. it's beautiful!!!
this is beautiful you have really captured the dogs character, and so interesting to see how you work stage by stage.
It's great to see this coming together - and gives me a new appreciation for just how much work it takes!
Thank you all so much for your kind comments. I love to see works-in-progress, and I'm glad you enjoy seeing them too.
Hi Kathleen,
That is a terrific painting of a pretty Rattie girl. Mom says the expression on her face is one I have quite often. I guess I'm a diva too! BOL
Mom should have you do one of me and Banjo. I'll work on that.
Wags & wiggles,
Bijou
Oh gosh Bijou, you and Banjo would be so much fun to paint, you two are sooo cute!
One of the most beautiful portraits I have ever seen, so sensitive and soft, and beautiful colours. Lindax
Thank you so much, Linda! :-)
It looks too pretty
And an amazing artist in you...
Great work..Keep rocking..
Prabhu
http://pencilsketchin.blogspot.com
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