Gus

Oh our Gus Gus. This dog was adopted shortly after Jackie was born. He has been part of her life and is her buddy. He has slobbered on my dress pants more times than I can count but a goofy love that greets us happily at the door when we visit Grandma and Grampy Tomaino.

This was one of my fastest sketches yet. It helps that I have seen this mug as often as my own dogs. 

I decided to keep the diamond flooring instead of my usual color wash. It gave the piece some style. 

Scribble Scribble. Blend Blend. 

I work on the area around the eyes first to keep the face proportions on point and it tends to be less creepy. Often the eye areas require the most time in the oil base phase and the abuse of my pinky finger. 

The nose! A lot of layering and "lifting" of pigment with a kneaded eraser. I went in with pencil to further define and blend the tones. 

"The Clutch" All pencils gripped in my fist to not lose momentum. 

Progress shot.

Oil Base down. 

Eye's got pencil detail and the edges started to come out for the rest of the face. 

Pencil also helps deepen shadows. Purple and brown work well together. In this case I added just a smidge of black and cobalt in the ear. The flooring was originally black and grey but I changed it to blue to better pop the copper tones of his coat. 

"Gus" 11x14 Oil Pastel and Color Pencil Original 

Detail Shot. His eyes here. Sweet boy. 

Detail of the face.

Detail shot! He is so handsome. 

Gus was trying to ignore my efforts at getting a picture with him and the art work. I love seeing my subjects with the finished piece. It is the cherry on top! Good boy, Gus.