Commissioned Dog Portrait - Wedding Gift -Tiny Tina

This little cutie pie, the subject of a new portrait, is named Tiny Tina. She belongs to a young couple soon to be married. Their Aunt Diane commissioned me to paint her portrait so she could offer it as a wedding gift. 

Here is Tina's story, in the words of my client Diane:

Tina is a puppy mill survivor. She was 7 when she was rescued and is now 9. She loves her forever mom (Brooke) and dad (Jeremy) but especially her mom. She follows her people everywhere. She loves her walks, her car rides, loves her dinner and snacks (even though she only has a couple of teeth left - she didn't come with many teeth in the first place. She is very cuddly but will spite pee when she is left alone or doesn't get her own way. She loves to be with people and dogs but prefers to be left alone to sit amongst them. She is a princess among peasants and knows she is in her own castle.

Having several shots of Tina is very useful as it gives me a better idea of her body type, colouring and personality. Also, when the subject's coat is black or very dark, the light plays tricks, so shots of the dog in natural day light are essential.

Because this commission was to be offered as a wedding present, I wanted its style to be representative of this special occasion, with flowers, diamonds and a heart. The image below was taken from the bride's personal collection of favourite images. I thought using this charming folkloric pattern as embroidery on Tina's "throne" would be particularly appealing to Brooke. I was told that Brooke's favourite colour is green, but for weddings, it's pink, so I simply changed the colour scheme to include both.

I thought this chair would show off the pattern very well, and that its dark frame 

would tie-in with Tina's coat.

Below are the progress shots.

Tiny Tina was painted using acrylics on a 10" x 10" x 1 1/2" birch panel box frame.

Brooke and Jeremy, 

 A gift for your wedding, of your most precious present Miss Teeny Tiny Tina.

Love and all the best,

Aunt Diane

Thank you Diane for entrusting me with this special commission.