Old theatre buffs warn against working with animals and children - they steal the show. However, in the world of painting, they can provide a steady stream of work.

I have just spent several weeks being part of a Christmas surprise. One of my "piano moms" has viewed my projects each week when she brings her daughter for lessons. She asked if I would consider creating a work with their dog, Ben, a Golden Labrador.

One sunny, Sunday afternoon they brought Ben in the back of a pickup truck. With mother, son and daughter filling in as aides de camp, we trotted the ten-year-old canine around my yard for a variety of poses amongst the autumn leaves. They had assured me that Ben had a wonderful spirit and he demonstrated that fully. What a charming fellow.

With more than 20 shots downloaded to the computer, I spent the next week "looking and thinking". My favorite pose was shot near the end, when Ben gazed up and smiled. Yes, smiled. Just take a look. However, just as one wouldn't paint every wrinkle in a lady's face, I didn't want to paint all those white facial hairs. We chose another shot with a variety of leaves and landscape.

The family asked that I capture the "spirit" of Ben; they weren't interested in just a simple likeness. They are happy with the result, I am delighted with the lessons I learned in the process, and we are all eager to see the reaction of the father of the family when he sees his Christmas present.

You can see the final painting in the newly updated Gallery. Or, if you promise to keep a secret, it will be on display for a few weeks (Click here to see where).

Meantime, another family has decided they want graphite sketches of their children. Others are requesting special messages to be printed in my cards. If you would like me to sketch your children or pets, drop me a note.
Happy Holidays!

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