14.5" x 16" oil on masonite
OK, here's one that I like a lot: A recent commission was to capture Abby the (Golden/Lab cross) for the client's husband's birthday. S. is coming into town Thursday to pick it up, and I'm really excited to hand it off to her. As per usual, I waited until I had just enough time to complete the painting, let the oil and varnish dry before delivery, but that's just how I roll. I like to work with a bit of anxiety nipping at my heels. It lets me know I'm alive, and it makes the little decisions more crucial, and I think it makes me a better painter, when I'm under the gun, and I have to perform, and the painting must get done this long weekend or I'll ruin somebody's birthday. Anyhow, here's what I like about this painting: Again, a lot of color to describe a light dog, and a really wicked tennis ball. The expression on Abby's face asks to play ball in any language on Earth, and I really worked the reflective, glistening quality of her eyes, and the little bits of light falling on the deck in the background. This commission is for a Gulf Island home, and I know it's going to be just stunning with some dedicated lighting and some appropriately scaled wallspace.
