June and Nora Play Time

I started this painting in June of 2013. I have finally finished it after 10 initial drawings, 1 failed painting, 10 more drawings, and then this finished piece! Oil paint and I have a love/hate relationship.

I have yet to do a painting for my Mom. She commissioned me for a painting of movement with her two youngest dogs. The two dogs in this one are June Bug and Nora, the springer spaniel is lovingly known as Junie. Then the flat coated retriever is lovingly known as Sweet Nora, Nora Jean, Nora Belle, and Alligator Butt.

Actually this won't be the last you hear of Nora...she inspired a book I am writing.

Illustrating dogs is always fun. I have loved these dogs since they were pups and I know their personalities. I think that is why when I painted them I couldn't help but create them in a cartoon like fashion.

I spent an afternoon trying to get pictures of the dogs to use for reference. The 2 that I ended up using are below. I mashed them together. When trying to get photos of the doggies during playtime I realized that they are either tongue monsters, blurry, or they looked possessed.

The sketch that turned into a painting hung on my wall for months.

Then finally the painting started to come to me. Bold colors and swift lines. Highlights and texture. I took creative liberties for the tennis ball and background. I wanted to capture the movement in a still frame. This view is what we see when they retrieve the ball. The last three seconds before they drop it willingly at our feet and bound away to fetch it again.

            

I took some amateur photographs of the painting. The paint and canvas had a gloss so naturally I loathed my flash. As usual, and anyone who has seen my work, they are always better in person.







I had a lot of fun using blue as a shadow and a highlight for June. I also love the eyes of Nora. How many times I have seen this gaze?!

My Mom now has to find wall space in her house for it. 18x24 is my preferred size for paintings. Sooner or later her house will be a private gallery.

I will be challenging myself to paint more loosely. I have a skeleton painting from college I loved because it was rough, loose, and bright. I think finding my balance with my passion and my day job will certainly help me let go a little more away from a computer screen.

I will be writing very soon about my next four titles for children's picture books!!!