Dogs on the Beach

Although we had a little snow storm brewin' last night, here is one of mom's drawings to remind us that this is the tail end of winter. That's me up front... ask me why I am smiling!!!... This past weekend we had warm weather, all the snow and ice melted away and all my friends were out playing like crazy. In fact I even went for a dip in the water. Didn't you hear my mom yelling at me to get out! i like the fact that I bring the beach home with me in my fur...

Here is a photograph Mom took of me playing my favourite game with these feisty jack russell terriers.

Mugz the Wonderdog, the finished painting

A perfect situation for an artist is when your client has complete faith in you and allows you the creative freedom to trust your own vision.... 

Mugz the Wonderdog, Acrylic on canvas, 48" x 48"

We had talked about what Mugz loved initially when Mugz's people first enquired about getting his portrait painted.  So working from a few photographs, I made sure that these elements were part of the painting. Give this labrador retriever a ball and water and he couldn't be happier. 

However I was a little nervous when Mugz's people came to pick up their portrait of Mugz. You see they had wanted to be surprised (and not see the painting midway) so while I was painting I had to remind myself:  have faith in yourself and your creativity and all will be well. This mantra paid off... as they stood in front of it for a few moments they were speechless. Then their smiles just grew and grew. "It is Mugz and you have captured him completely!"

From time to time I get little emails saying that they "are sitting in front of Mugz and are so happy" or "Mugz greets me whenever I walk into the room".

Goodbye Mugz! We miss you...