Another Cutie

Good morning from my studio in East Nashville. I hope everyone is having a great day.

Here’s a recent commission pet portrait. This is Rascal, who is just such a cutie. This pose was especially sweet, with his attention focused on his person. As you know, I almost always rely on photos sent to me by my client. It’s rare that I get to photograph the subject myself. I always ask for several photos of the subject so I can find a really good pose, with good lighting to work from. Traditional art says to work from life, which is true to some extent, but that’s not possible for two reasons: the pet will never sit still long enough, and many of my portraits are memorials. As a result, I try to work from the best photos I can, and to add shadows and nuance that the reference photo may not have. I wish you all could see the actual painting, because it’s so much more lifelike than the photos I post can depict.

Now is a great time to order a portrait. It’s September and things get very busy and hectic around Christmas time. I stop taking commissions on Thanksgiving so I will have sufficient time to do a good job on the painting. So, if you’re thinking about a portrait, now is a great time to order one.

Thanks, and have a great week.