Wednesday, July 14, 2010

TROOPER


8x10 oil on canvas sold
Trooper was on the euthanasia list, weighing in at only 31 pounds when the most wonderful family adopted her and gave her the loving home she deserved. She was one of many rescues this family would grow to love, but she was the most loyal and loving dog this family has ever known. As her family rescued countless puppies and kittens, Trooper was known as "mother" to each rescue that came to live with her. She was incredibly intelligent and infinitely patient with the entire home, from critters to kiddos, this family could count on unconditional love from Trooper; she even once protected the house from an intruder. Trooper weighed 100+ pounds when she died of leukemia, never letting her family know how badly she felt until the very end.

I love painting memorial portraits, but they can be some of the hardest to paint because I usually have limited photos to work from. I am including a close-up scan of Trooper's photo, surprisingly she was easier to paint than I thought, perhaps she was mothering me along because happily her painting seemed to just happen. Thank you so much for looking and reading Trooper's story.

21 comments:

Ann Rogers said...

Love this even more now that I have read her story! Well done, Angela, in so many ways.

LindaHunt said...

Wow! This is a fabulous painting...going back to read what you have written.

Unknown said...

A very fitting title Angela, Trooper is fantastic. You have done especially well on interperating that photo, well done)

Ira Grin said...

Wonderful story and an amazing portrait - makes one smile together with Trooper.

Autumn Leaves said...

She is so very beautiful, Angela. What a wonderful family and even more wonderful "Trooper."

Linda Popple said...

Angela, what a sweet tribute to Trooper! I feel like I know this fantastic dog. Your painting is awesome. You really captured that loving face. Well done!

Roxanne said...

Angela! I love this painting of Trooper! It is full of life and love. Bravo! Hope your enjoying the summer. Hug!

Kerri Settle said...

You did an amazing job with what you were given in the reference photo. Beautiful, if sad story - I'm glad someone cared for a deserving animal like Trooper.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Wow, lovely job on this Angela. You really brought out the color and definition in his face... Looks awesome!

Edward Burton said...

An absolutely wonderful portrait of an absolutely wonderful dog. Beautiful job, Angela.

Virginia Floyd said...

I am not usually drawn to animal portraits, but this one is so compelling and well done that I had to see more. Then I read the story. What a great dog. You really did her justice with your beautiful painting.

Pattie Wall said...

Posthumous paintings ARE more difficult. They pull on your heartstrings though - to get it so perfect - this one looks great!

SKIZO said...

Exquisite
Work

good
sources
of
Inspiration

Vern Schwarz said...

Angela this is fantastic, and your story is so very heart warming. What a dog, and what a gorgeous painting.

Gwen Bell said...

Oh Angela, this portrait is so beautiful. You've captured all of that love in Trooper's sweet brown eyes. I know her family treasures this painting!

Thank you so much for sharing her endearing story and the photo of her. You did an amazing job!

Diana Marshall said...

You have done such a wonderful job portraying her and what a wonderful story too. What a lucky dog to find such a great family to adopt her, I am sure it was mutual love.

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

What an heroic story about this sweet girl. You've represented her so beautifully, Angela.

Angela Elledge said...

Thank you all for your kind comments. My client has only seen a photo of her painting, but this weekend she is due to pick up her portrait of Trooper to enjoy forever.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Dear Angela
Again we were stopped in our tracks to see this awsome portrait of Trooper.
You did an incredible job and the story is just beautiful.

love
tweedles

Stephen Parker said...

Meant to comment on this earlier, Angela. The flowing quality in the application of the paint in this piece is wonderful. Trooper is all the more handsome for it. Beautiful job.

L.Holm said...

I agree with all of the above. You've brought such life and warmth to this portrait. Terrific work!