Sherman: Horse Portrait

Was commissioned to paint a memorial portrait of a gorgeous horse - by a friend of the owner - and while it was fun, it was also challenging and a lesson as to why we need to ask for several reference photos as the photo of choice may be deceiving.  Here's an example:

Photo of desired pose for the painting:

Beautiful brownish/gray horse, right?

Here's a photo whose colors are not blown out:

He's actually more black/brown than brown/gray.

But I was happy with the final outcome and hope the owner is pleased. (I added his gorgeous white tail that was in yet another photo).

4/3/18 Update: The owner wrote to me after receiving the painting and it makes me so happy:

 I am shedding tears of "thanks and joy" to you. And I know Sherman approves as well. He was so very special and we knew each other so well. You got his "eye" right -- it shows his intelligence and kindness.

Deja Blue, Rottweiler

Deja Blue, Rottweiler

6x6 Acrylics on Panel

Commission - SOLD

Ruefus, the Wire Haired Dachsund

Ruefus, Head Shot

6x6 Acrylic on Panel, Commission

Ruefus, Dreaming of Oregon

9x12 Acrylic on Canvas, Commission

Ruefus was a commission for a woman who is from Oregon, now lives in Arizona and misses Oregon.  I love Doxies so this was big fun to paint. I had a smooth haired Doxie when I was growing up and painting this brought back memories of when she'd run away and we'd have to chase her all over the neighborhood, coaxing her home with hot dogs. 

SPLASH! - SOLD

Splash!

11x14 Acrylic on Wrapped Canvas

SOLD

A Moment in Time - SOLD

A Moment in Time

12x12 Acrylic on Panel

Steve Lyddon is a photographer on PMP-art.com that captures the most beautiful shots! I just fell in love with this photo and it went into my "must paint" file. I live in the country and love the drive to work because I see the cows and horses out in the beautiful Maryland countryside. But I'm too lazy to go plein air painting.....so thanks to Steven Lyddon!

Blossom, the Gorgeous Yorkie Terrier

Blossom, 8x8 Acrylic on Linen Panel

A commission ordered as a birthday present for her daughter. 

Doesn't her name fit her sweet personality?

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Seamus

Seamus - 6x6 Acrylic on panel

This was given as a Gift Certificate by the donor to a relative. I was so happy to paint his sweet face and the owner got it and said, "Oh, my, she really captured him!" Yay.

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Desquartes

Desquartes - 6x6 Acrylic on panel

From the donor:

Dear Elizabeth, 

Thanks so much for this!  It is beautiful and touching for us.  We understand art takes time, and it is your contribution to the parrots that deserves recognition and thanks.

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Aldo

Aldo - 6x6 Acrylic on Panel

From the donor re Aldo and Lissie:

They r fantastic go ahead n varnish them

Thx so much Elizabeth

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Lissie

Lissie - 6x6 Acrylic on Panel

From the donor, on Lissie and also Aldo:

They r fantastic go ahead n varnish them

Thx so much Elizabeth

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

I Got It!!!! - SOLD

I Got It!

8x10 inches, Acrylic on Panel

My thanks to the great photographer Paul Sherman on Paint My Photo for the reference photo.

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Mathilda

Mathilda
(Sorry for the glare on photo - forgot and varnished before taking photo!)

6x6 inch, Acrylic on Panel

For the Garuda Aviary Fundraiser

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Sir Winston

Sir Winston

6x6 Inches, Acrylic on Panel

For the Garuda Aviary Fundraiser

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Touch

Touch

6x12 inch Acrylic on Canvas

NFS

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Watson

Watson, White-eyed Conure Parrot

6x6" Acrylic on panel

For the Garuda Aviary Fundraiser

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Cosmo

 Cosmo, the Mohawk Dog

6x6", acrylic on panel

For the Garuda Aviary Fundraiser

Just in case you wondered if he really has a mohawk, this is the reference photo I was sent:

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Joy Beagle

Joy Beagle - 6x6 oil on panel

Yes, she is blind in one eye and the owner wanted her painted that way, just as she is...still beautiful into old age.

From her human:  

"Wow! It's beautiful! I can't stop smiling!!!

Thank you so much."

Alaskan Malamute - Mable

9x12 Acrylics on Wrapped Canvas

Mable - Alaskan Malamute

This was a commission I finished last Summer, but the dog's human just got the gift. She was so kind to write to me how much it means to her. This moves me more than I can say.

Hello Elizabeth,

            I am an old friend of your sister Pam’s , from our “halcyon”  Ulmstead days.. and she was kind enough to have you paint a portrait of my dear dog Mable.

           It is simply lovely, and I want you to know that you caught the color and cast of her beautiful amber eyes to a T. I am not an artist...but imagine this is truly the hardest thing to capture. I am confident you get a number of these testimonials to your talent, but I wanted you to know that this work of art, goes to the top of my “what would you save, if God forbid, your house caught on fire”. The subject herself would be first ( of course) ..but your painting is a very close second. I will enjoy and treasure  it for many years to come, and it was most kind of both of you.      

                                           Thank you so much again,

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Bubba

6x6 Acrylic on Panel

Bubba


We received the paintings today and they are even more incredible in "person"! They are so beautiful and lifelike. Scott is absolutely in love with them. I can't wait to get them framed. I have the perfect spot for them. Thank you so much!   Love.........

Garuda Aviary Fundraiser - Mouse the Cat

6x6 Acrylic on Panel

Mouse the Cat


We received the paintings today and they are even more incredible in "person"! They are so beautiful and lifelike. Scott is absolutely in love with them. I can't wait to get them framed. I have the perfect spot for them. Thank you so much!   Love.........