I was chatting with a prospective client today and one of the things I mentioned was that I NEED to know something about their dog when I am drawing or painting him/her. That's because while photos can capture color, fur patterns, etc., personality usually doesn't come through.
I've done a LOT of goldens, so many, that I only have a few samples on my site, otherwise it would be almost all goldens!
Some are ladylike and polite. Friendly and goofy. Friendly and curious. Shy and quiet. Mischievous. Relaxed. Observant and reactive.
This guy is more the confident, leader of the pack kind of guy. And he is lucky enough to have other dogs in the house with him!
When I know their personality, somehow, it translates onto the paper or canvas. I will study their faces and look for those clues. I honestly feel like I know them when I'm finished drawing or painting them!
I've met some of my subjects, and it's funny, but they are always affectionate to me, it's like they know that I know all about them! Crazy huh? But not if you love dogs, they have an uncanny sense of humans. It's funny to me to see distinctive little whorls of hair that I captured on paper or canvas in real life, along with those eyes, each one is unique and SO expressive!
I love doing commissions, but I hate to see them go to their new homes. I feel like I'm losing a friend who has been looking at me and communicating with me while I draw or paint them!
My pet portrait website is: http://robinzebley.com and if you've found this particular post and want to see my whole blog, just click on the banner at the top of the page. Interested in my next post? Just click "followers" at the right. Thanks for sharing a few minutes of your day with me. I'd love to hear your comments about dogs and how they communicate..
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