Saturday, October 24, 2009

Lucy and Chance




This is my biggest commission yet. It was so fun to do because the subjects are so interesting. Lucy is [I think] a chihuahua mix and Chance is a Golden Retriever. Lucy rules the house and even sits on Chance to remind him now and then. This is 36x36 oil on canvas.

When I went to deliver the painting to my friend Karen, who works at Pet Depot where I hold my "Meet the Artist" mini-events, told me the store was hosting a first aid class for pets this afternoon. I was amazed with the professionalism of the instructors and class. They even had a dog dummy to practice artificial resuscitation and CPR. Those skills and basic first aid made up for a 3 hour class.

24 comments:

gh said...

This is so cool, Sheila. You just have that certain way of capturing a delightful character in all of your subjects.
I would have been impressed with the dog training and care school too! I love that they are so serious about helping and caring for the animals just the way we would for our own.
this is great

Autumn Leaves said...

Oh my! Lucy and Chance (if I'm remembering right)? I love their expressions! Chance looks absolutely resigned and Lucy looks a tad triumphant! Honestly, I thought the woman was working on a clay piece and blowing into the opening of a mouth for some reason. I've seen artists do all sorts of things like this so I feel rather stupid for not recognizing this for what it was! LOLOLOL

Manon said...

This is a wonderful portrait of Lucy and Chance! The small dogs always think they're top dog....lol!
I've never seen a dog dummy for CPR.... thanks for sharing!

Dana Cooper said...

Lucy looks delighted, Chance resigned...great piece Sheila!

adebanji said...

Lovely composition- just love the contrast in size!

suzanneberry said...

beautiful job! i love their expressions, your treatment of fur is alive and fun, a wonderful portrait.

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

A wonderful portrait. A1.
Congrats on the commission.

Elizabeth Chapman said...

This painting portrays the personality of these dogs so well! We had a chihuahua and they must definitely be on top and the boss. Congratulations on the commission and a job well done.

Becky Joy said...

Good job, Sheila. Great expressions in your dogs.

Diane Hoeptner said...

36x36??!! It's huge! VERY impressive, Ms Sheila!!!

Lauren Maurer said...

Congrats on you big commission! :) I love this pair of doggies! Too cute! I'm sure this painting has a very happy new owner!

Art with Liz said...

This is fantastic Sheila! You've caught the humour and character of both dogs - they are lovely.

And a dog dummy! What a great idea.

Tonya Vollertsen said...

What would we do without dogs? They are such happy loving and giving creatures! Your painting captures all that is "dog", plus this pair's personalities and relationship really shines through as well. Nicely done!

Stephen Gardner said...

WOW Sheila, you've been doing some truly great work. You are on a roll right now.

Nicki said...

These dogs are wonderful and you have truly shown their personalities to us. Lovely work. Congrats. I'm sure your client will be happy.
Nicki

Unknown said...

Wonderful Sheila! Lucy is definitely boss and she knows it)

Mary Paquet said...

Sheila, you do a marvelous job of capturing the emotion in all your work. This large commission will be a treasure for the dogs' owner. I love the way Chance looks in control and Lucy is accepting and calm. They make me recall my granddaughters' precious large dog. Ollie would lie on the floor and let their old cat clean his face and ears. She had adopted him immediately as a puppy.

As I've been away from the blog world for over a week, I must comment on your paintings of your son and daughter -- handsomely done, and again, your exhuberant brush strokes, so uniquely your style, express the emotions personal to them. I love these pieces. Make sure you give them a prominent spot in your home!

suzanne cabrera said...

Hehehee....I love Lucy's expression!!! So, so cute. And it doesn't surprise me that Lucy is queen of the nest.

Stephen Dell'Aria said...

A very candid portrait of two dogs. Their character comes through clearly. Nice painting

Catherine Jeffrey said...

AAAh, what a great painting. And you have really captured their personalities. The new owner of the painting must be very happy.

Krista Hasson said...

Shelia this is a wonderful portrait, great composition, it is funny how the smaller dog usually rules the house (I have 2 and it is the same way!) They make up for their size in attitude lol

Unknown said...

How wonderful this painting is, and how interesting about the training! I sent my niece who is studying to be a vet this link.

Lokelani Forrest said...

Lucy and Chance are so very cute. Good job on them.

Edward Burton said...

What a fun painting! Great job, Sheila.