"Duke", Pastel, 10"x8"
My latest pet portrait commission. Duke is now at Rainbow Bridge. He was a Redbone Coonhound. His owner rescued him and loved him dearly. She said he was a very loving and sweet dog and she will miss him immensely. How could you not with that adorable look on his face!
I so enjoyed working on this painting! I think I had a smile on my face the whole time. The referance photo was very small and when enlarged, I lost a lot of detail, but determined to make it work. I also researched "redbone coonhounds", just to get familiar with that breed, and I have learned how photos can change coloring. So, luckily, the owner lived within a good distance, and I visited her with several referance photos, and we discussed coloring of his coat. I later sent her an email with color swatches I had come up with. She approved one and off I went. Below, you will see my work in progress. When I visited her for the final approval--she said "perfect"--whewww! So I was so happy to leave "Duke" with her. I sure hope she sends me a photo of it hanging in her office.
ENJOY!!
