Airedale Dog Portrait - Max Has Arrived

"Max"
11x14
graphite on archival paper
private commission

Happy post Thanksgiving everyone! I figured I would start off the holiday season with the final installment of Max's pet portrait. Isn't he a charming and handsome fellow? I can just imagine the doggie manipulation that took place over the holiday to score some turkey treats! My own Mr. Brady really worked the crowd here at Soulful Studios, I can guess that Mr. Max was doing the same. Don't you find your meal more enjoyable when some little brown eyes look at every morsel with longing? Ok, maybe that's taking things too far but I just can't imagine a holiday without some little fury child doing his best begging act. Can you?

Airedale Dog Portrait - More of Max

graphit dog portrait progression photos

Almost there folks. Some pieces literally draw themselves. For my readers who are learning about art or are curious about the process, I'll explain.

This dog portrait had a lot in its favor from the start. The head was already at a three-quarter angle. Airedales have great wiry coats that lend to lots of detail and fun pencil strokes. Max's coloring has many different tones and values that allow me to easily model and render the image, making it not only interesting but three dimensional. His face has a natural smile that is charming and his eyes sparkle. Finally, his owners are positive people who appreciate the process and allow me to work freely. Put this all together and you have a very enjoyable commission to create.

Please come back soon to Soulful Studios to see the final installment of Max's pet portrait. Let me know what you think.

Airedale Dog Portrait - Max Is Mr. Handsome

beginning stages of Max's portrait

Every now and then I get a chance to do a commission of a dog that makes me smile the entire time I work. This is just one of those opportunities. Max is a well loved Airedale and I have the honor of doing his dog portrait in graphite. He is so cheerful looking and handsome in his photos. I'm told he even has the name "Mr. Handsome" at his vet's office. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to work on this piece.

Max's dog portrait is a loving anniversary gift. It never ceases to amaze me how important pets are in our lives. They hold such a special place in our hearts that reference to them is used as a romantic gesture. This just tickles me to no end.

Stay tuned and in a few days Soulful Studios will share Max's pet portrait update. Now go pet your furry family member! If you'd like to make a romantic gesture of your own contact me and let's make it happen.

Mixed Signals

"Socks, Sage and Reno"

24"x36"

oil on canvas

private commission

Walking down my street earlier in the week I noticed a few brave branches of forsythia blooming as well as some other non-seasonal treats. Fall is here but the weather plays games with the temperature making not only humans but nature confused on what to wear. I used to think that only mankind twisted things but after my stroll I decided nothing is immune to mixed signals.

Nothing is ever clear cut. Going with the flow is important but getting swept up in inconsistency can often lead to no good. Ask those little spring like flowers about it after the next few near freezing nights. They'll tell you they wished they waited to make sure the warmth was status quo and not happenstance.

The above dog portrait in oil has nothing to do with happenstance. The conversation between the dogs and the viewer is quite deliberate. Depending on your relationship or knowledge of their personalities the story will change. Oh, perhaps Soulful Studios just made a deceptive statement. Maybe the background story would change your experience? Mixed signals indeed.