As a Abstract artist one would find it difficult to imagine me doing portraits of dogs….some cats. It all started with the loss of my German Shepherd, Annie. Annie was my rock. She knew me inside and out. She never failed me….she saved my life twice. Yet in her emergency I could not save her. Those deep dark eyes were able to see into my soul. Her love for me surpassed my wildest expectations. We were a team, Annie and I. We traveled, witnessed loss with the death of my husband, experienced the frustration of a new puppy named Abner, and enjoyed the amenities of just being. I decided to do a portrait of this gorgeous spirit and discovered I could translate the feeling within the dog. In other words, I painted its personality.
With Abstraction one is painting loose and free while the under structure is strong in design. I had to look and paint with different eyes in doing the portrait. There were the shadows. What colors were there? The facial structure, the anatomy of the face. All these things were essential in showing the personality. My world opened up onto new horizons. I loved my new life.
This is when I decided to do the portraits of shelter dogs. I went to the local Humane Society and walked down long rows of lost souls. Some forgotten on purpose while others were sure their owners were coming any minute. The one I have posted for you to see caught my eye because of its fabulous ears and facial expression. How could anyone not love this dog?
Doing this series has been a huge blessing. What have I learned? I have learned that dogs speak. They are proud, they are scared, they are screaming for us to care. The young ones just look and say “let’s play”….. totally unaware of their circumstances.
As artists I challenge you to take on a project that is not comfortable. Get out of your comfort zone….give your confidence a challenge. Share your experience.
Live out loud.