Painting Cleo, the Australian Shepherd, helps me heal.
With a bit of time and reflection, I am slowly returning to my creative work. After a loss in the family, I wasn't up to painting or writing. Thank you to those of you from near and far who noticed my absence and who contacted me wondering if I was ok.
Cleo, a commissioned portrait.
The client sent me a beautiful reference photo for the portrait.
Silvia Anacleto, the client’s friend in Toronto, is the talented photographer.
In the photo, Cleo is watching the world with thoughtful eyes. Her personality is captured in the light of her eyes, the slight shine of her nose, the confidence in her posture, the sweep of her fur.
A soft, blurred background allows Cleo to be the focus of the scene.
The most important aspects of her personality in the photograph had to be transmitted in the painting. I definitely wanted the viewer to feel her loyal presence in the portrait.
I do not paint photorealistic portraits and I asked the client to visit the portfolio of pet portraits on my website. Thankfully, she remained enthusiastic about having Cleo painted by me.
Cleo gradually emerges on canvas.
Perhaps it was because I had taken a break from painting.
Or maybe it was because I needed the therapy of applying colour to canvas.
All I know is that Cleo emerged from the sadness I was feeling without too much of a fuss or a fight.
Most importantly, the client was thrilled with the portrait as I proceeded from initial sketch to underpainting to glazing and final touches.
Cleo’s portrait is a gift to the client's youngest adult son.
Cleo is painted in acrylics on a 12 x 12 gallery wrapped canvas. Cleo’s portrait “genuinely feels full of heart and soul”. (email from client).
Here is her review on facebook artist page.
Cleo on cardboard - ready for packing.
We recently bought a small shed for our backyard. It came in myriad pieces, (much like a Lego construction set), but I couldn't complain as the larger pieces were protected by sheets of cardboard. And that was a bonus - I saved them for art.
I quickly painted Cleo again giving myself a 30-45 minute deadline.
Cardboard is actually a satisfying substrate for acrylic paints and markers. I have painted cardboard boxes in the past when I have had to ship art to clients. Its smooth surface readily accepts acrylic paint. In this instance, I used a gold marker to outline the dog for a little more pizzazz. (see video below)
As the canvas portrait was done, there was no pressure for the cardboard version. I was much less concerned with achieving a likeness. This was simply a playful little exercise before packing the painting.
On canvas, Cleo’s elegance is emphasized in the movement of her fur while her playful expression is seen in her slight smile. I kept the soft, intelligent look in her eyes.
In painting her, I do feel like I was meeting a sympathetic friend. I mean, look at that sweet face!!!
She was exactly the form of healing I needed in these last weeks.
Dear Louise, what a great image of Cleo!!! Especially I love like you painted these eyes. So clever and also lovely. Thank you very much for sharing Cleo.
Thanks Birgit. I have been away from my website for a month after my father passed away in late April. It took a while to get into the mood to paint again. Cleo was great therapy. Have an awesome week!
I like the way the background blue comes through the image – even down to those lovely liquid eyes. Nice one Loiuse.
Thanks Graham.