Martin's portrait is finished!

Martin © 2010 Kathleen Coy

11 x 14 inches Acrylic on Ampersand Gessoboard

Martin's portrait is finished. It was an honor to paint this beautiful boy. In case you missed Martin's story, he was one of 28 greyhounds and mixes that were seized in a cruelty case in Texas. Everyone who saw the photos of these dogs was horrified. And as more photos became available, everyone fell in love with Martin. Along with his extraordinary beauty, his eyes radiated pure love, even after everything he had been through.

Even though Martin's poor body was too weak to recover, for three weeks he got to know what it meant to be loved. To have a home, to have toys, good food, and a soft bed. He got to know that people are good. To me, Martin represented the face of 'The 28.' This painting is a tribute to everyone involved in pet rescue and fostering everywhere.

Auction and print details to come...

Much love,

More work on Martin's portrait

I've done some more work on Martin. If you recall, I had sketched him on the canvas, then changed his ears to make them look less pained and afraid. Despite his circumstances, I want this painting to be a remembrance that he got to experience the love of a family, even if it was oh so briefly, before he passed on.

I'm happy to report that many of the other dogs seized in the case are improving greatly! See the previous post if you missed the story.

Now, on to the progress photos of Martin's portrait:

First I tone the canvas to create a beautiful soft glow:

And start blocking in the dark areas:

Starting his eyes and nose here. Those eyes that look right through to your soul. Those eyes that still loved people even after the abuse he went through. The eyes that made people around the world fall in love with Martin the moment they saw his photos...

Starting on his muzzle and refining his fur patterns here:

Working on his beautiful coat and starting on the background. There's still a lot of work to go, and once everything is blocked in, I'll go back and refine things.


I'm extremely happy with this painting so far. It feels like it's coming straight from my soul.

Hopefully the next post will show his completed portrait. Stay tuned...

Much love,

Martin Greyhound

Martin was one of 28 dogs seized in a high profile hoarding case in Fort Worth, TX. Sadly, Martin and three other greyhounds didn't survive. He did get to know love, kindness, good food and comfort in his short time with his foster family.

This painting is dedicated to everyone involved with the rescue, care, fostering, and financial support of these dogs. I chose Martin to represent the 28, because there was something very special about him... he touched so many people's lives with his extraordinary beauty and sweetness. Thank you to his foster mother for allowing me to use his photo.

I sketched him on the canvas with his ears as they were in the photo. So sweet, but also troubled...


I decided to change his ears and perked them up a little. I want this painting to represent the love and hope for the future that these abused dogs found, and I think these ears help to portray that...


Martin is now ready for color! Stay tuned...
Painting specs: 11 x 14 inches, acrylic on Ampersand Gessoboard.

If you haven't heard about this case and want to learn more, you can find info here, but be prepared, there are graphic photos.

May all dogs be loved...

Summer is...

This Summer is...

Painting on location:

Remodeling:

My husband and Cloud going for a walk in the clouds:

A campsite with a view:

If you're awake to see it...

Flowers and butterflies:

A boat ride with friends:

A beautiful sunrise:

And gorgeous sunsets:

The weather in most of the country is incredibly hot right now, but Summer will be gone before we know it. I hope everyone is having a good one...

Much love,