Annabelle - Commissioned Dog Portrait - Part II

Here is Annabelle enjoying the sun on the beautiful grounds of Kismutt Rescue .

The background for Annabelle's portrait is lush green grass. The shot above shows the grass, from light green at the top to dark green towards the bottom. The blades of grass will be defined later, but this is a real study in shades of green and smooth degradation.

At the beginning, Annabelle appears generally defined in patches of colour - very impressionistic. Even at this early stage, there are several layers of paint. This stage also reminds me of the paint by number kits I used to enjoy as a kid.

Gradually, with layers and layers, Annabelle is slowly getting more definition.

The difference between the left side of her face and the right is a good example of definition. As a portrait painter, knowing my subject helps me to capture his or her true nature. Through the softness of Annabelle's coat, her big shinny expressive eyes, the wrinkles on her forehead and a soft lighting, I hope to convey Annabelle's sweet and gentle disposition, even to those who never met her.

It's going very well.