Memories of Shasta

I recently completed a large Pastel and Pencil montage drawing of a beautiful Appaloosa mare named Shasta.  Her owner lost her due to old age not too long ago, and wanted a picture that would illustrate her most cherished memories spent with her.  I included an image of the owner in her younger days showing Shasta, an image of her son showing as a young boy, and one with her pasture mate grazing on her property.  She was thrilled with the picture and has a place of honor already chosen to hang it.  The finished picture is 22" x 25".

A Quarter Horse named Brutus

I am very happy with my recent watercolor of "Brutus", commissioned by my Aunt in Colorado for her daughter in-law Doreen.  I was able to meet him and take photographs years ago when we travelled there during our full time RV days.  He is a kind horse that has filled Doreen's life with love and memories of trail rides to parades.  She was thrilled to get this special gift of a painting.

Watercolor of Mia

This little cat is named "Mia" and she was really fun to paint in watercolor.  She was given by my dear Aunt Lorraine as a surprise birthday present and Katie was thrilled with the painting.  I have to say, this year is a little slower with commissions than last Christmas, but it is a welcome change.  It is a good time to enjoy the holidays and the spirit of the season without being rushed to complete paintings.  The weather has been wonderful and time outside is often a much needed healthy break from the drawing table.  I am looking forward to a creative New Year!

The Best Life Possible

We often go about our day, especially this time of year, rushing around and thinking about the next task at hand.  I was on my way to mail a package this morning when I saw a truck pull out of a wooded area near my home.  As I drove past the spot, I saw what might be something in a bag.  I decided to turn around and go back.  I saw right away it was a small black dog covered by an old white towel.  It was left with a few pieces of bread near it's mouth.  Another car pulled up and a young man got out.  He was on his way to work, but he helped me pick the dog up and put him gently into my car.  The dog was shaking from shock, cold and very scared, but what struck me were his eyes.  He didn't make a sound.  He just kept his eyes on me while I quietly told him it would be ok.   I took him to the local vet and decided to have them x ray him, but we quickly discovered he had very serious injuries to his hind legs, spine and most likely internal bleeding with organ damage.  I waited with him for almost an hour watching his breathing, petting his head and looking into his eyes.   It was then I knew with tears in my eyes...I couldn't take him home.  I couldn't spend thousands of dollars to "fix" him.  I had to let him go.  I love my dogs with all my heart, but we are also given the responsibility to give them the best life possible.  I was able to give him "the best life possible" for a short time.

Athena in Watercolor

"Athena"

This is a little 9" x 9" watercolor of a cute mixed breed dog named "Athena".  The client wanted to show her in her younger days, which can be difficult when they send you more recent photos.  Time goes by so quickly when you have a dog.  Those first months of insane puppyhood seems to fly by...hopefully!  The next think you know you are looking at a grey muzzle and more time sleeping by your side.

Gail Dolphin

www.gaildolphinart.com

Akino in Fairmount Park

I recently completed this gift commission of a handsome dog named "Akino" from photographs the client sent me.  The  outdoor setting is an area in Fairmount Park in the Philadelphia suburbs where I grew up.  I have wonderful memories of running the beautiful trails there over 20 years ago.  It was so much fun to paint this watercolor and a challenge as always with the customer's photos.  I hope the newly married couple enjoys it as much as I did painting it! 

Suli and Alex Watercolor is finished!

FINAL PORTRAIT

First stage with background and masking

I just completed this watercolor of an older dog named Suli and a 17 year old cat named Alex.  This painting is a good example of how I go about my watercolor portraits.  After taking close to 75 reference photos, I created my design on Crescent watercolor board and began by masking out the animals.  I don't always start this way, but in this case I wanted to work on the background first.  After showing the clients the painting, they did have a few minor changes.  The tail on Alex needed to be a little longer and the eyes on Suli needed to be "beadier" according to the owner...funny description!  I made the changes and I hope they are happy with the final result.

Adding detail to animals

Client wants tail longer on cat and eyes "beadier" on dog:)