8x10 oil on canvas sold
This is one of 3 portraits I recently painted for a client. Without a doubt, it was difficult for me to part with this portrait. As I began my blocking in process and began to see his portrait develop, I could not help but feel that it had an old fashioned and nostalgic quality to it. I loved his one floppy ear, his warm eyes and the way the light fell across his face.
My client's children found this bulldog mix sleeping next to a gas pump at a gas station outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The owner of the station thought he had been dropped off by a trucker. They tried unsuccessfully to find a shelter that would take him, but there was no room for him anywhere. The only thing they could do was bring him home to, you guessed it...Mom in North Texas. Promises were made that the bulldog mix would only stay with their Mom for the weekend and then first thing Monday morning they would contact the Dallas area shelters. Somehow this bulldog mix dog knew he only had the weekend to win this family over. He got along beautifully with their little terrier, bonded with Dad on his evening walks, and Mom, admittedly a sucker for a cutie, fell in love with him. Well, come Monday morning, this bulldog mix had found a home and a name, Gus.
25 comments:
There's an old saying "a saved dog knows it, and he won't let you forget it". I think that's a fact, cause I've sure found it true... a rescued dog is loyal to the end. That sense of faithfulness and belonging is so evident in this one's eyes. Once again, Angela, you have aced the canine emotion scale. Great work.
Who wouldn't love this - what a magnificent job you did at capturing the sweet essence of this adorable dog.
Angela, I think Gus has a that quality that appeals to everyone, I love it!
And I agree with James, a rescued dog knows it.
What a sweet face. You can tell this dog has a very loving nature from those eyes. Who wouldn't love him? Great job, Angela!
I think I'm in love with Gus!!!
Adorable cette peinture comme adorable est l'histoire qui l'accompagne. C'est fou comme un animal en manque d'amour peut se "vendre" pour demeurer au sein de la famille qu'il a choisi...
Merveilleux.
Both the painting and the story are so beautiful, Angela. I can only echo James' words; they are spot on!
The story behind Gus is heartwarming! Rescued pets always seem to be so grateful; I think they make the best companions.
Wonderful story and painting!
Angela, your story captures the reader as does your painting. What a warm and delicious feeling. Thanks for sharing. Love the warmth you've produced in Gus's eyes. Makes it a winner! Ruth
I just want to love on Gus! You are so good at capturing expressions! This is a fantastic painting and the story is so heart warming!
What a successful, sensitive rendition of a dog. I think you hit this one out of the park, Angela. I can FEEL how you feel about this little guy. Love the story, too. You are his angel..
wonderful painting and great story. Too similar to a story with my grand daughter who just happened to come across a golden retriever a few weeks ago and brought it home to show off and...Yep... It now has a home.
On the way home - we made him a bed in the backseat behind the driver and put our little suitcase behind the passenger. Was too cute that he opted to sleep on top of the soft suitcase, and still today, he is the best car rider (sleeper). Thanks for the awesome painting!
Thank you so very much for your kind comments. As I paint these portraits I occasionally become so attached to a painting and then have difficulty parting with the portrait. I can understand how Gus won his family over because he won my heart, too.
My client has read all of your comments and I received a sweet e-mail from them, they think you are all fabulous (as I do, too) and they love that Gus has fans! :-)
Aggie, you rescued Gus!! I am so happy to meet you and pleased that your Mom loved her painting, what a sweet family ya'll are!
Gus is wonderful, Angela - you've captured such character with him.
Wonderful portrait, who wouldn't love him and what a lovely story with what I love, a happy end.
Nice story Angela and a really nice portrait, youve captured a wonderful character)
Gus has such a sad look on his face, so I'm glad to hear things worked out for him. You did an outstanding job on this Angela, capturing his warmth and desire to be loved.
Thanks! Originally we called him "Pistol Pete" from his OK origins, but he settled into more of a "Gus" with time. My sister likes to make him smile by pointing out what she calls his "chick-let teeth". He is a kind dog. Thanks so much for making him famous!
Very well done on many levels, Angela!
Your exceptional painting has captured those eyes that shine with intense emotion.
The story illustrates that love still exists on this earth...what a great family of rescuers.
And Gus has moved from the shadow of a gas pump into the hearts of all who view him!
Such an endearing fella and you did a fabulous job depicting him. I love your story telling abilities too.
Love "Gus"...and love this beautiful story about him. He has such a sweet face. looking forward to your next portrait.
you are a great artist! love this picture. i also like to paint/draw but i definetly haven't reached this level.
dustin,
http://dustinxx2.blogspot.com/
Angela - the eyes have it on this one. They are perfect DOG eyes. Well done!
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