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| Watercolor study by John Hulsey, 7 1/2 x 7. |
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Being strong dog proponents (especially for dogs in the studio,
where they never provide negative commentary), and being the caretakers (or is
it the other way around?) of two ancient (in dog years) Great Pyrenees, we
thought we would use this blog to pay homage to our gentle, loving companions. Georgia and Bogie (along with all our dogs past) have
provided inspiration, distraction, protection, joy, and always great love.
Dogs make wonderful, uncomplaining models and have been included
in great paintings since the dawn of art. People respond to them in paintings and drawings much in
the same way they relate to them as pets. They are an ideal subject to explore.
Painting a pet from life is also an excellent way to learn how to draw
portraits, without the pressure to make a perfect likeness or deal with a human
model. One can merely concentrate on improving the ability to see fully without
distractions. Your pet won't criticize the results!
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Georgia by Ann Trusty, 5 x 7, oil painting. |
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From time to time we have developed studio work from our
plein air painting sketches and life studies of our dogs. The old adage, "paint what you know best" is never more true than when
painting someone you care about, and our animal families give us ample material
to work with.
The next time that you feel that you are out of ideas, just turn
to those closest to you. Pose them in familiar surroundings, and let your love
for your subject be your muse. You
can't fail but to achieve something remarkable.
For more in-depth articles about this subject and other painting subjects, please visit us at The Artist's Road.
--John & Ann