About the artwork

There is something about old dogs that tugs at my heartstrings. Their eyes are so soulful. They seem wise beyond their years.This sweet old fella  had captured my imagination for several years, until I realized  the time was finally right to try to capture his gentle nature. ( Unlike most of my work, this was  not a commission. I love painting dogs, but this old guy was from the heart.  ) True to my classical training, I spent  lots of time  creating a meticulous underpainting in monotone umber oil . When that had dried, I mixed up a rich earth palette , and  built up his thick fur textures , as well as warm blue reflected lights to help contrast with the pebbly texturized sandy background.  It was a  labor of love, and I truly feel as if I captured the spirit of a very noble old fellow.