Thursday, June 25, 2009

JESSIE, FLYBALL CHAMP



8x16 oil on canvas, sold
I normally do not do this, but I am posting this commissioned portrait before my client has seen it for herself (hope she does not mind). I painted Jessie this afternoon and am very happy with this portrait, she has the most beautiful fur and very bright watchful eyes. I apologize for the glare on the picture, I'll have to reshoot it after it has dried. 

Not too long ago this same client sent me pictures of her dog wearing a Santa hat, she did not want a painting of her dog wearing the hat, but I loved the shot and she gave me permission to paint it for my portfolio...long story short, she loved it and bought it anyway.

Last week she sent me more pictures of Jessie and requested a painting of Jessie with her all time favorite toy, a frisbee. Lee was so kind as to allow me to select the canvas size and gave me free reign to change the color of the frisbee, it seems Jessie has frisbees of all colors. Well, I didn't change the frisbee color because I loved the pop of lime green, what I did change was the dead grass in the background. If you look closely you can see Jessie's tongue and fur from her ear through the frisbee, that was my most difficult part of the painting and as scared as I was to attempt the translucent feel of the frisbee, it was actually very easy. I hope it comes across as translucent...it does to me. 

I've also posted a photo of Jessie from one of her most recent competitions, doing what she loves best! Somewhere below in an earlier post, is the post of Jessie wearing her Santa hat. Just recently Jessie placed first in her division and will be attending the Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship...way to go Jessie!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful Angela. I love the unique canvas profile you chose. You've captured Jessie's personality!

Gwen Bell said...

This painting of Jessie put a great big smile on my face. What a wonderful portrait! The eyes are so expressive and the frisbee has just the perfect amount of transparency.
I remember Jessie in her Santa hat. That was a great one too, but I must say this one really shows her personality. I know her owners are thrilled!

Dana Cooper said...

Jessie looks like such fun! You did a beautiful job on a great looking subject...your dog portraits are amazing!

Edward Burton said...

This is an absolutely beautiful portrait, Angela - I love the way you cropped it. GREAT job!

Unknown said...

Clever dog, well done on a great portrait!

Angela Elledge said...

Thank you all so very much; I learned a lot as I painted Jessie. I still have not met her in person, but hopefully it will happen very soon when I get to see her perform.

Vern Schwarz said...

Angela great portrait of this "flying dog"...what an athlete. You really handled her eyes and fur beautifully.

Art with Liz said...

Oh she's beautiful Angela. You are incredible with animal portraits, catching their likeness and personality so perfectly.

Dean H. said...

A perfect "take" on this intense, fun-loving dog! The eyes tell it all! The translucency of the frisbee is just right!

Olga Wagner said...

Angele - I love your crop and colors on this one. I am currently working on a Flyball subject myself - A border Collie with a ball going over e fence -

Diana Marshall said...

adorable painting, I am not surprised the owner bought it, I would have! The eyes are beautiful and full of expression.

Angela Elledge said...

Again thank you all. I finally got to meet Jessie when they came by for the painting, I was surprised at how small she was and amazed by her intense eyes! Amazing energy for such a little thing.

Olga, I can't wait to see your flyball painting.