"Amanda Rose"11x14
graphite on paper
private commission
Yesterday I completed the dog portrait of the Doberman named Amanda. The client asked me to include her name at the bottom with a tiny rose. Usually I do not do this but it seemed very important her. As a commission artist, I always have to balance between making the customer happy and staying true to my creative side. Hopefully I have found a balance here and will have a very happy pet portrait owner.
People and other artists especially, laugh at my business of drawing deceased pets. I've heard all the jokes, trust me. What folks don't realize is that I love what I do because I feel I am offering more than just a drawing. Every single one of my clients that ask to memorialize a pet has told me that I helped in the healing process and the pain of loss. On rare days that I'm just not in the mood to draw, I use that knowledge of my true purpose as a motivating force. I've always wanted to make a difference in this world. Perhaps this is a very tiny way to do it but I'm still doing it and I'm thankful for the ability.
As to the question always asked of "how do I get that look in the eye", the answer is I just don't know and I love the mystery of it.
3 comments:
It's beautiful! And people shouldn't laugh. A pet portrait is just as difficult as a people portrait. Not all dogs look alike! And to the artists who laugh...pffft!...looking at your work, I'd say it must be sour grapes.
Thanks Jennifer, I think I will say pffft!!! I appreciate your comment very much!
Your talent never ceases to amaze, overwhelm and calm me... the spirits of the animals shine right through in every portrait you do. i don't know HOW you do it...
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