Art of the Dog: Dawn Secord: A painting of Reilly - Celebrating his lifetime ranging from a puppy to a veteran

Sunday, February 14, 2016

A painting of Reilly - Celebrating his lifetime ranging from a puppy to a veteran

When Marsha first approached me to paint Reilly I was excited. Her love of this dog flowed through her every word. After several discussions, Marsha decided for the painting to reflect her life with Reilly. The painting would show Reilly as a pup, as a 5 year old dog and lastly as he is today - 13 years old.

Marsha began sending me photos of Reilly which were compiled in a folder as I do with each commission.   She had some really wonderful photos.   Many of our conversations were on line via email and one day I decided to go to her Facebook page. While enjoying her photos of Reilly I came across one Marsha had taken of her new puppy, Bentley. In the front of this photo was Reilly - and I began laughing out loud - Reilly had actually photo bombed the photo of Bentley.

There is something special when you are moved by a photo like I was of the Reilly photo bombing.   My wheels started spinning and I thought, heck, why not use the photo bomb photo in the painting! So, I assembled a collage of photos for Marsha to consider for the painting I was creating to celebrate the life of Reilly.   She LOVED the photo bomb idea - much to my delight.

I asked Marsha if she would like to share a little bit about Reilly with me and this is what she told me:
     Reilly is the gentlest, happiest setter soul I every had or have known - from the time he was a pup through today as a senior dog.   He drew a lot of attention because of these traits and made a lot of friends where we lived in LA and Atlanta. Everyone, and I mean everyone, knew him.   He just has a way to rein you in. I think it is his gentle soul which is reflected in his eyes.   Some of the neighbors refer to him as the neighborhood ambassador - people I don't know!

Having lost a dog myself that lived to almost 13 in the past few years, this painting of Reilly really touched my heart.   How is it that one day they are this precious bubbly bundle of puppy joy and the next day this white face looks loving you in your eyes. Time is truly but a vapor. Enjoy every day with your dogs as the days fly by far too quickly.

http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html

http://www.dawnsecord.com/printsforsale.html

http://www.dawnsecord.com/galleryhome.html

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