BOBBI HEATH PAINTINGS
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It's A Dog's Day

4/1/2020

4 Comments

 
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Our son's dogs, Clara and Troy

On my morning walk the other day, a fellow and his dog moved off the trail to give me 6 feet of social distancing. I smiled and commented on his beautiful dog, and he said " If there is one group of critters on this planet that is over the moon with happiness these days, it's our dogs. What could be better for them than to have all their favorite people home all the time?" Isn't that the truth? And it goes for any pet that enjoys the company of their pack.

Having them around is good for us people too, especially now, when we can only enjoy the company of our human friends and family via the telephone or video conferencing. A head or paw on the knee is a reminder that someone cares and that someone needs us too. Since our beloved airedale died, my pet interaction has been with our son's two rescues, and I love them. I'm looking forward to when I'll be able to join them on their daily walks again.

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I've also enjoyed the experience of painting people's pets, mostly dogs, and some cats too. Pet portraits are fun for several reasons. Animals have interesting shapes, and I love to draw them. There are lots of angles, and spots and varied coloring add to the puzzle. There's something there to hold onto when you start to draw.

To create a pet portrait, I usually start with an under painting in one color, showing the darks and lights, which is my map for the color layer. It's a huge help, and part of the process I teach my students for any painting. Next I begin the color layer with the darkest of the dark paint, in fairly large shapes, and move to the lightest. Then, while the painting is still wet, a top layer of detail, and I'm done. Above and below are some examples of that process.
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Another fun thing about painting pets is that these paintings are usually commissions. In a commission I get to learn a lot more about the subject and what it means to my client than happens when I create a painting based on my own preferences. I get to hear about the animal's personality, and stories about their antics. A successful painting is one that means something to someone, to a particular person or family. Pet portraits give me an opportunity to create that meaning for those who've lost a pet or are intent on treasuring their current furry friend.

For 10 years of previous blogposts, click here.

4 Comments
Dianne Morgan
4/1/2020 08:15:00 pm

Hi Bobbi,
I love to see what you're doing. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.
I'll check out your new class, it sounds like a great idea. But my dog is really a cat, so I'll have to wing it! Your work is wonderful in all it's stages. Thanks.

Reply
Bobbi Heath link
4/3/2020 12:19:44 pm

Hi Dianne, thanks for your comment. Registration for the virtual classes is now open on the classes page on my site. I've painted a few cats, but I didn't have any quality photos to add to the blog post, sorry about that. Are you on my mailing list? I can't find your name. thanks again - Bobbi

Reply
Nancy Sayre
4/2/2020 06:17:48 am

Bobbie thank you so much for taking the time to do this. Once I have finished cleaning the basement, I am ready to try your suggestions. Three black labs will be a real problem for me.

Reply
Bobbi Heath link
4/10/2020 06:10:53 pm

Good luck with that basement, it is a great thing to get out of the way! I'm looking forward to seeing the three black labs in paint.

Reply



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    Bobbi - Painter. Sketcher. Teacher. Boat and Dog Lover.

    2009-2019 blogposts are located HERE

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  • Home
  • Shop
    • Leaves in Watercolor
    • Mini Landscapes
    • Plein Air
    • On the Water
    • Note Card Sets >
      • Dinghy Note Card Set 1
      • Dinghy Note Card Set 2
      • Boats Note Card Set
      • Summer Note Card Set
      • Winter Note Card Set
    • How to Buy a Painting
    • Your Own Custom Painting
    • Gallery Representation
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Classes
    • Classes Login
    • Values Download
    • Classes and Workshops
    • What's It Like to Study With Bobbi
    • Materials Lists
  • Resources
    • Beginning Painting Tips
    • Managing Multiple Projects
    • Framing
    • Your First Plein Air
    • Notes - Confident Drawing
    • Test Page
    • Videos
  • About Bobbi
  • Contact