"New Commissions"

I have not been here for a long time and thought i might get started again with these photos of a couple of commissions i have received. The photos are not the best, but i hope to be able to work with them and come up with something that is satisfactory. I say they are not the best

because the eyes are not clearly visible and i will have to be inventive. I believe the eyes to be so crucial to any portrait whether it be a person or an animal. 

I can find some dogs similar to these on the internet and use the eyes from those. 

Hope to have something posted here for you to see soon. 

By for now and Happy New Year all! 

"Jimmy"

This little guy is named after my brother-in-law. I quite like my brother-in-law and i quite like this painting! Smushy faced dogs are great to paint as the lines and wrinkles make for an interesting end product. I love building these from start to finish. Watercolor on Arches CP paper.....

"Soda"

Watercolor on Arches 300 lb. cold pressed paper. It is fun to try and capture their personality. I feel i've succeeded if i can look at the painting when done and get a sense of what the dog is like. I think i have a good feel for what this little guy is all about. Sure do love those wrinkles! Perfect for cuddling.......

"Pezzo"

Today, I am very sad. We had Mr.Pezzo euthanized this morning. I am at a loss and feel i am missing my best friend just now. He was really my sons dog but i just loved this little guy so much. He was there for me during some very difficult times in my life. I could always count on him for an understanding glance or an affectionate nudge. We walked the hills together for hours at a time when my days were bleak. He and I spent many New Years eves together as my son was away or celebrating in his own way. I loved the time we spent together and consider those evenings to be my most enjoyable. I am not sure what else can compare with how difficult this was. I've watched helplessly as the mother of my children died. I was there with my Father as his life ended and also for my Mother as she took her last labored breath. The pain of this is as great as those times. This morning we all walked into the hospital together, Mr.Pezzo trusting and comforted by our presence. We came out alone and without the once confident swagger of our faithful friend and companion. He was affectionately called many things. Mr. Poo, Mr. Pooper-de-doos, and Pezzo. He is now a memory and there will never be another like him.

"Qanuk"

A wee painting of my Boxer, Bella when she was a pup. Quanuk means snowflake in Eskimo. I thought it was suitable for our Bella. She now has spots all over her though. When she was a pup she was pure white. This is watercolor, on Arches Cold Pressed paper. 21 " X 23".

A Lovely Couple"

A commission i did recently for some nice folks. They wanted to give this to their grandparents for an anniversary. It was great to be a part of it. Watercolor on Arches 300 lb. Cold Pressed paper.

"Priscilla"

As well as dogs, i love to paint cows! This old gal i found on the outskirts of town and enjoyed her curiosity. She watched me for quite a while as she chewed on a bit of grass. To me, cows are quite beautiful and sensitive. When i paint them, i try to capture a bit of their personality. 

This is waterolor on Arches 300lb. Cold Pressed paper. 24" X 24" 

"Londyn"

This is a painting i did of my nephew and nieces dog, Londyn. A Labradoodle......
It also nicely displays the possibilities for backgrounds and foregrounds. I borrowed a page from the Group of Seven and wrapped some good old Canadian Wilderness around Londyn. It remains one of my favorite paintings...
Watercolor on Arches 300 lb. Cold pressed paper.
Approximagely 22" X 30"

"Millie"

Millie was one of the first that i had photographed for her owner as they did not have a good shot for me to work from. I love to have a clear view of their eyes as i feel that is what makes the difference between a good painting and an excellent painting. The life is in the eyes and it is the first thing i paint. If they are not right then i start over. This is a watercolor on 300lb. Arches Cold Pressed paper. 22" X 30"

"Spanner"

This is "Spanner". He was quite the adorable little guy. I found that painting an all black dog was a bit of a challenge. If you look at anything that is all black, whether it is a dog, a crow, a cow or a horse, the colors in the coat are quite amazing. They are rather shiny and reflect a lot of the surrounding colors. I enjoyed doing this particular portrait and the owners were most pleased. He is done in watercolour on Arches 300lb. cold pressed watercolour paper.

"Farley"

Meet Farley. He is a fun loving little Puggle. When I paint a dog or other animal it becomes my missiom to capture their personality. I also believe a little whimsy can add a lot to the painting. I tend to have fun with the backgrounds or foregrounds, playing with colors, images and shapes. It would be entirely possible to put Farely here in Van Goh's bedroom for example. I appreciate the free reign my clients give me. This is a watercolor, approximately
24" X 24".

"Pooperdedoos"

This is the one and only Mr. Pooperdedoos. He has been with us for nearly 12 years now which is amazing for a Boxer. He is also the first dog portrait i did. This painting was done with water soluble oils on canvas.

I am just now trying to get this Blog to look the way i want it and am having some difficulty. I'll also have an updated profile soon with more information on the dog/per portrait side of things.

Hope to see you soon.

God bless,
ross lynem