Art of the Dog: Dawn Secord: May 2023

Monday, May 29, 2023

Illustrating a new book featuring Easy Company and the dog, Draftee

I was not going to announce this yet, but hearing AMC (cable channel) is running a marathon on the American war drama series, Band of Brothers, on Memorial Day, prompted me to do so.

The series created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks is based on the real life "Easy Company".  Easy Company had a medic named "Doc Roe" and his grandson is publishing books based on Easy Company during their training and following them through their participation in World War II.   I've been hired to illustrate a children's picture book by Doc Roe's grandson, Chris Langlois.   It is an exciting project.   The children's picture book has Easy Company rescuing a young dog during a historic training mission in Georgia in 1942.  The dog would be named "Draftee".  

Thank you to Mr. Langlois for the honor of illustrating your book.   It has been an amazing journey thus far.  I can't wait to see the project finished.  The following photos are promo items created for the book.

For more information on Chris Langlois and his grandfather, Doc Roe, follow him on Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/DocRoePublishing

Monday, May 22, 2023

Painting of Trevor, an Irish Setter

Trevor was a special dog. I was thrilled when I was asked to paint him. Many years ago, I spent time with his canine mother (then young) and was captivated by her eyes. Years later, I was commissioned to paint her using some photos taken of her when I first saw her. With that backstory, it is exciting that Trevor's painting is finished.

Several photos were discussed for the painting. Ultimately, the photo with his beautiful face won the heart of his owner to be used as the primary reference photo.

Each painting request received as a commission is an honor. There is an incredible feeling of purpose when painting another person's pets. Thank you Barb for having me paint Trevor.

I asked Barb to share some of information about Trevor and here are her thoughts reflecting on his life with her:

6/7/2020

Today I said good bye to my beloved Trevor. Morrigan Party LIghts CDX, RE, AXJP, OAP, OF. He was born 4-22-07 to my heart dog Jenna and Pam Gale's Bagger. He was the 4th born from the Party litter. I named him Trevor because it means wise in Irish! He was the dog who challenged me to learn to be a better trainer, better dog owner and better person He had a love of life that was unparalleled and taught me so much about enjoying the moment, He has been my demo dog in obedience for years to show students what an awesome obedient dog you can have in a large dog. Trevor's greatest love was agility. He did not need treats or toys. He just loved the sport. Whether he missed a jump or weave entry he just loved to run. I had posted that Trevor has been sick off on on since March. My goal was to give him what ever quality of life I could give him. He still wanted to go for walks and play with his Frisbee even up until yesterday.. Today he told me he was ready to go to the rainbow bridge and be with his mom. He was such a special boy. My heart is broken

Pastel Painting in Progress - French Bulldog

Here is a painting in progress. The pastel paintings are done very much in the same way an oil painting is done. I start with a base color. Usually I work with a precolored surface. With oil painting I would lay in a foundation color so the white canvas wouldn't show through. So this is the same basis. Since I am right handed I work from left to right unless it is a landscape or still life in which case the entire surface is worked uniformly. With pet portraits, so I don't damage an area that is completed, the surface is worked from left to right. While working an area of the subject I lay in mid tone values first - then work light to dark. With pastels an artist can "fill the tooth" of the surface so it is important not to over work any areas. Once the entire subject is painted I go back and reinforce the lightest lights and darkest darks. My greatest area of interest is the eyes. If the eyes aren't right the entire painting will look odd. If the painting is about a sleeping animal it is important to convey the comfort of the animal.

Oil Painting in Process

The following pictures show an Oil Painting in process. The first images show my beginning sketch. I use a common pencil, ruler and an eraser. Once the beginning sketch is satisfactory the sketch is secured with a layer of black oil paint. When the first layer is dried I apply a base color over the entire canvas. I love working on a burnt sienna foundation. There are paintings where I start just working directly on the white canvas and there is no base layer or foundation. It really depends on the painting. From the base foundation I start layering colors. It is a slow process due to drying time. This is where it really becomes fun. I should really make a recording of my husband saying, "You're done - stop messing with it!" Thanks for taking a peek. This painting is of a cat named Lynxy!