tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10853918451990015992024-03-14T05:16:01.851-05:00Art of the Dog: Dawn SecordA gallery of fine art featuring dog art, cat art, horse art and western art. For fun, I'll add some pictures of my life and animals. Enjoy!Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.comBlogger493125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-20561750054235453982024-02-18T20:24:00.002-06:002024-02-18T20:51:03.980-06:00An Irish Setter and her handler<p> Every time a painting is completed, I say, "I loved painting this." And... yes, I LOVED painting this.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="htts://www.dawnsecord.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0pcDS6Uf0ZCB8J8ZBtX85mdu5PFbt8tfEckd3Wpo76-K2tPOPgfS-Ww2opt_oo69Uv1JSQJpJpvZmr1IhzW4X505Bys8pxpoN_ctr09nxJW_jX8sjN_YpQ5ofMApojHkDE1XnBGomn3Nv_IapbubzluKW7oIdaZUkMTfBHr-_yUjGfAIySwbuNrpY48/s320/Painting%20CPR.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>The painting features a dog that I knew many years ago with her handler and her handler's daughter.<p></p><p>Funny thing - reminiscing, this very same handler helped me in a pinch in 2000 with a young Irish I was showing named Jewel. She was a junior handler at the time. She was such a sweet young lady and so professional considering her tender age. Jumping ahead many years later, I remember sitting across a restaurant table with her discussing the name of her unborn child.</p><p>The dog in the painting was named Lucy. Lucy was the same age as my girl, Monet. We showed against each other more times than I can count and always enjoyed our time together.</p><p>When the commission came in to create this painting I was beyond excited. The primary reference photo showed Lucy giving kisses and reaching up with her paw to the then toddler. A different photo of Lucy was used in the painting - a better head shot of her. I decided to make Lucy closer to the people in the painting than she was in the reference photo. I also have the toddler reaching up and petting Lucy instead of her little hands in her lap.</p><p>It is so important to me not to copy a photo. I absolutely need reference photos to guide me to capturing the subjects correctly. All the while, I can not be held captive to copying a photo. I look for ways to make each painting stronger than the reference photos. It can be a balancing act deciding how much to deviate from the reference material. Of course, there are times when the reference material is perfect - exactly what needs to be painted.</p><p><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAlOka0hfNmjNi72dBxYXu91RyKvmnmkKtbJWNUJyFbfM1p4Res82aYzVFvwkQC4ewqp0zcVAGCCKB8vp0pDNZpm6tIONoQSkIp2rA-a1Jw62gJVPMJa-9RAOzEtt86mnWLIlpxz4Qv7BKG-FT0CuLlZfl765bZf6Bai9g1xThIXZjydYdkFQvREbKFk/s320/Collage.jpg" width="247" /></a><br />This painting was creating using soft pastels and measures 11 x 14. It was an honor to paint all the subjects. The painting was a commission - a gift from one friend to another. I truly hope those involved in this project enjoy the final product as much as I enjoyed painting it.</p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-1042850659623803942023-12-28T22:28:00.004-06:002023-12-28T22:28:47.818-06:00Podcast Interview with Debra Hamilton - Why Do Pets Matter<p> A huge thank you to Debra Hamilton for interviewing me on her podcast, Why Do Pets Matter.</p><p><br /></p><p>Click on the link below to listen to the podcast:</p><p><a href="https://whydopetsmatter.podbean.com/e/dawn-secord/">Dawn Secord ”No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here” on ”Why Do Pets Matter?” hosted by Debra Hamilton EP 206 | Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq. (podbean.com)</a></p><p>https://whydopetsmatter.podbean.com/e/dawn-secord/</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPprqRvMwdfQH2sWEkwDUeRfhmRPEW6siBrAnqDJyiPdnNIEb_LiLorFM9nmhjQ4AqCd78ZiN2_M7Mvc-ynOaLzk4oXhLusi6wExVH7JVPW8ZUXeq3x6ctQpsL4QmvNr-lOvvEU9Jma9MgOuhsoTqLOtRUSOqqEeuJTp70t3Q1rPbZYAS3HUYcuVb5Jtg/s300/WDPM_Dawn_Secord9n5h3_300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPprqRvMwdfQH2sWEkwDUeRfhmRPEW6siBrAnqDJyiPdnNIEb_LiLorFM9nmhjQ4AqCd78ZiN2_M7Mvc-ynOaLzk4oXhLusi6wExVH7JVPW8ZUXeq3x6ctQpsL4QmvNr-lOvvEU9Jma9MgOuhsoTqLOtRUSOqqEeuJTp70t3Q1rPbZYAS3HUYcuVb5Jtg/s1600/WDPM_Dawn_Secord9n5h3_300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-56054794035062368222023-11-29T23:30:00.002-06:002023-11-29T23:30:31.097-06:00Reach for the Stars - a new greeting card<p> <span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I am excited to share a new Irish Setter greeting card is now available. The image, Reach for the Stars, is also a print. I make a rule not to release prints and cards of the same image at the same time. Sometimes rules are made to be broken. The greeting cards are a larger size and measure 5" x 7" are blank inside - $16 for a package of 8 cards and 8 envelopes....so excited about these cards. Thank you for modeling Bling Matisse. </span></p><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The cards are available on my website at DawnSecord. com </span><a class="x1fey0fg xmper1u x1edh9d7" href="http://dawnsecord.homestead.com/GreetingCards.html"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://dawnsecord.homestead.com/GreetingCards.html</span></a><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><div><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJhPvyTfy8tWTiwkiewuzkDXGHAcVas6ZqFEh-FZ-_1Eq41NpjN8-GV1GIO1F-khWGNWcXxqvLp-ls7Fmf7ziPL521nOujhAQfYj7c6cWMN2COCAQD4NSPczrWJu4kC4v-WNOo3MArrwJi6JruWB4-m9FRcLk9YdHDsLGlHfo8VTl1dJ470xxdwpzVhM/s2971/Reach%20for%20the%20starts%20greeting%20cards%20sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2971" data-original-width="1761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJhPvyTfy8tWTiwkiewuzkDXGHAcVas6ZqFEh-FZ-_1Eq41NpjN8-GV1GIO1F-khWGNWcXxqvLp-ls7Fmf7ziPL521nOujhAQfYj7c6cWMN2COCAQD4NSPczrWJu4kC4v-WNOo3MArrwJi6JruWB4-m9FRcLk9YdHDsLGlHfo8VTl1dJ470xxdwpzVhM/s320/Reach%20for%20the%20starts%20greeting%20cards%20sm.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br /><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-65772843102004745612023-11-20T21:35:00.001-06:002023-11-21T16:36:20.608-06:00Rusty and Ruby - Mini painting<p>This mini painting is of two Irish setters when they were pups. The painting was done last Christmas and for a special touch, a Christmas tree is in the background (gently implied). It always touches my heart to paint dogs when they were puppies. Our puppies come into our lives and we have no idea what our futures with them will hold. When we look back, years gone by, we see those precious little faces and can celebrate our lives together. I always say, when they are pups, we can not wait for them to grow up. Then, in a vapor of time, those pups are veterans and we would give anything for them to be pups again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1825" data-original-width="2206" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6j0Z9INgkRYOvKWddMLUjYTTYWIyOYp3RuUReSQ-heXeKyCuSFUmfH4DkvNtTlR4yV6S5EoO_R0D-Bv6dhSWCBQ4j6ruFWOp4UO_Zf9i27eqAgvn9Y_fd0mAmC28My1sLsLZAfLVZbUKWBSOHMi-yULH-1QkZn2ZvOjN10eEzT_lbcGgsBXubrQ0LpBY/s320/20221212_092810-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>From Donna - a little bit about the pups in the
painting.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i> </i></b><b><i>Rusty and Ruby were our foster failures from the
humane society. They were our
introduction into Irish Setters and the loves of our lives. Rusty was a very sickly puppy but went on to
become one of the most titled Irish Setters in history. He excelled at agility and loved his reading
to rover role. In his later years, he
became well known for his wagon walks where he stole the hearts of everyone
that knew him. Rusty left us in
September of 2021 at the ripe old age of over 14 1/2.</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i> </i></b><b><i>Ruby was our dog that had it all. Brains, beauty and athlete all in one
package. Ruby went on to become the
highest achieving MACH Irish Setter by earning 12 MACHs before her life was cut
short by Osteosarcoma at the age of 9.
She was the most confident dog we have ever loved.</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i> </i></b><b><i>This dynamic duo showed the world what Irish Setters
are capable of and we are forever grateful to have had them in our lives. They continue to live on in our hearts and
will never be forgotten.</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i> </i></b><b><i>Thank you Dawn for painting this gorgeous portrait of
them in their puppyhood. We had no idea
at the time what a memorable ride they would take us on</i></b><b><i><span face=""Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">❤️</span>.</i></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you to Donna and Jeff - it is always an honor to paint for you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1170" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tBiQFjN_Iogiv3w2it0amYaFt_xUKu7vMeLiZ92NsyzvBO8lVFa8AWO0zOA0Ln1T_s3g4LCjhn5LP2J2SZMSny5uRZts5YvMn-zKRK_jZ8uarytvewNdeFlYSWJP9Um4t8WKmO1WbbuvlEXepWWNBXTZDBsZKwWBYZw_Duv3dAM-52-Z3VLYu7TDhpA/s320/371069149_1290691861642818_7947270279082865443_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-25413230140575205332023-09-25T12:07:00.000-05:002023-09-25T12:07:16.070-05:00Book Event - Wine and Music Festival in Prosper, Texas<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #29568a; font-family: "open sans extra bold"; font-size: 24px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">October 7, 2023</span></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "open sans extra bold";"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 24px;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;">Windsong Ranch - WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, Prosper, TX</span></span></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "open sans extra bold";"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 24px;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;">NOON – 6:00 pm</span></span></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "open sans semi bold";">Windsong Ranch - WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL, Prosper, TX</span></span></strong></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></strong></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Windsong Ranch in Posper, Texas, is having a wine and music festival on October 7th, 2023 and has invited the Visiual Arts of Prosper to participate. The artists will be in attendance with booths and Bling has been invited as well.</strong></span></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Come and meet some of our artists. Dawn and Bling will be signing books in their booth. Look for us in the greenbelt entry area to Windsong Ranch.</strong></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></strong></span></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #a0bfe3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 18px;"><b style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We will have her books and some fine art on hand and for sale.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://adogbling.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="2349" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Nv1WoRAV-MoLMUc4mVRdDjVSeex-vg159mTZQVd24BMYLIw-xCNQfP7V7VtsZLPwhnmU3rgwtu7LtVtgrZ2tJhiHwru4vfmHrqiIPPPTlIsnaVG3g65TtF0YYhrcxz-c5C5rKjJ7OU7GIhVaYuH52PjvpWiGZRlSFocA1t0PgT2c-mNtIZ_hz3bKh30/s320/Illustration%2014.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /></b></span></span></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-66013132377240186252023-09-08T22:52:00.001-05:002023-09-08T22:52:31.075-05:00A painting of Kate<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMabVasPNviCdjt4f3aZbYQrMrtgzjtw0NAYua_PxYALx6tHHS6FO7UrHoOboUra_lX9MDdPh1-4FgqwIACuLVAoymrmM_6PTg-3RnEZdjcpr8AczeCnXiGzvmL154ZlwB0-qpJmSuRm0SatEMwOg_jANDxZZlywiwBVUjo3X2W-MmtOsBiVe0yw1i9o/s380/20221212_130230-02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMabVasPNviCdjt4f3aZbYQrMrtgzjtw0NAYua_PxYALx6tHHS6FO7UrHoOboUra_lX9MDdPh1-4FgqwIACuLVAoymrmM_6PTg-3RnEZdjcpr8AczeCnXiGzvmL154ZlwB0-qpJmSuRm0SatEMwOg_jANDxZZlywiwBVUjo3X2W-MmtOsBiVe0yw1i9o/s320/20221212_130230-02.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABSAEdrC28ruhiUZ7tDjn4MWPG35-EBoli838lXAj6yUfmdrTJXu8RVBfBGfrosrHac4t9ohZBGBaLLovVoSeAs1R_sCqB-1UdKsJN0dDEEyhwgZKv4V13EqfZEWCFacph7Z-gJDcxOu_Fabso7LjS9bFjwIOfNrNUB73eGXhxpcTWESYmMRFH4DRzqE/s900/FullSizeR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="841" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABSAEdrC28ruhiUZ7tDjn4MWPG35-EBoli838lXAj6yUfmdrTJXu8RVBfBGfrosrHac4t9ohZBGBaLLovVoSeAs1R_sCqB-1UdKsJN0dDEEyhwgZKv4V13EqfZEWCFacph7Z-gJDcxOu_Fabso7LjS9bFjwIOfNrNUB73eGXhxpcTWESYmMRFH4DRzqE/s320/FullSizeR.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3o2gUL7uTJ9_8DPQ1vC0xqvzzg7ZGTbPc1-jppQWkMPpJuLdQa7gBtYBErlw3KFgtZCBVulZW8Ujz2WzzjiTn96NsRyvLLs8b7brH_Kj2krmwYZxwmx0-JRy-YoyqgyS4BfrtR6-g6WCS6N2CH23_fh1vn2WAiLD62v_SVMxvgbLap5T0zl5u7ISB9sk/s4032/20220902_112623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3o2gUL7uTJ9_8DPQ1vC0xqvzzg7ZGTbPc1-jppQWkMPpJuLdQa7gBtYBErlw3KFgtZCBVulZW8Ujz2WzzjiTn96NsRyvLLs8b7brH_Kj2krmwYZxwmx0-JRy-YoyqgyS4BfrtR6-g6WCS6N2CH23_fh1vn2WAiLD62v_SVMxvgbLap5T0zl5u7ISB9sk/s320/20220902_112623.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />This is Kate, an Irish Setter. I have painted her before in commissioned work by her owner, but also as a model in one of my paintings.<p></p><p>This last painting is a mini and the reference photo was taken of her while she was a senior dog nearing the end of her life. She was loved by all who knew her. I will cherish all the times I spent with her and have been honored to paint her.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-30492599012383427852023-07-28T21:53:00.000-05:002023-07-28T21:53:04.022-05:00Xander - My journey to paint this Pointer <p>When I lived in Southern California, some of my fondest memories were of time spent with Margaret at the dog shows. Usually (not always) she showed male Irish setters. Usually (not always) I showed female Irish setters. There were times we showed each others dogs - the stories I could tell there (but I won't).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbo3iSyuBDRzw1jCTYvSUEr6h0KZtcfidgHTstf4GCU_7LqBc5vl6srqoqSvxwHe9GBNKs6IoJhHn0MgMCOc0P0cyjFs1RvlDForcPUauqQP_HoTkgR1hUXYAw2-Tvhp_DgVIPjVkcuwl6UirKfyNo5dBzqL19SPbDDhDFHxO7vVfMYT5V3sVIjuCBQYY/s320/20230630_080815.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4pi185bnneKf7zGk1Lh_m6QFWbDo4_-mm5eWN7qq4TDGw3MpYiLi4mfYhsH3OcXbti2ZAkj1QkNtfBcEvsqvX1n_myXspGiet4wrMMpyb0e2L-5ZvokzcgsuGzcSWH9Y-BmHBMnYEx20T1ojI9C6EAFbS5ih_Ik_7GyXWgBiDjBuqR3n8eke4bGGdlw/s2016/Xander%20WiP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4pi185bnneKf7zGk1Lh_m6QFWbDo4_-mm5eWN7qq4TDGw3MpYiLi4mfYhsH3OcXbti2ZAkj1QkNtfBcEvsqvX1n_myXspGiet4wrMMpyb0e2L-5ZvokzcgsuGzcSWH9Y-BmHBMnYEx20T1ojI9C6EAFbS5ih_Ik_7GyXWgBiDjBuqR3n8eke4bGGdlw/s320/Xander%20WiP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Margaret stepped outside of our box when she acquired an English Pointer named Xander. As an artist, Pointers stop me in my tracks. Their sleek lines and graceful movement are breathtaking. I absolutely love pointers. Xander was the kindest dog. I don't ever remember him having a mean bone in his body (other than the time he chomped on a ground squirrel at a hunt test - but he was a sporting dog). Margaret knew I was waiting for the day she would say, "It is time to paint Xander." That day came and I couldn't have been more excited. </p><p>We sat down and talked about the painting and looked at his reference photos. A little back story here - Xander and our boy, Drew (Bling's sire) were hunt test buddies (both boys are gone now). The two boys were well acquainted from hanging out at the dog shows together. To our delight at a local hunt test, Xander and Drew were in a brace together. Margaret was handling Xander, Rich was handling Drew, and I was manning the camera with a telephoto lens. When the handlers were instructed to release their dogs, Xander and Drew looked at each other and took off running. I could see it in the lens. If they could have spoken, they would have told each other "GAME ON". Those two boys spent more time out running each other on the way to the bird field than getting to the bird field. At one point, Drew had he lead. He was so excited. Xander stopped to relieve himself - he knew there was no contest when it came to speed. Drew was lengths ahead of Xander - at least for a little bit. Xander put it into full gear and literally left Drew in his dust. Margaret, Rich and I laugh about it to this day. When discussing Xander's painting compositionally, Margaret thought it would be fun to put Xander and Drew as cameos hunting in the painting and use the actual photos from the hunt test as the background. What a fun idea. When you look at the painting you'll see the two boys thinking about getting to business. At the end of that day - they both did get legs towards their Junior Hunter titles - which both dogs did obtain by the end of the weekend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/galleryhome.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="601" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HapGyMdqi-E_69d8wMn6OCKx8YbBb0obOPs37bPw61JSRSaKGTYgcmm1Nam-Dd3U2IwH0E9Z1J1qpRV10TvERCBG8HJGcv-kDRDO_-12MGXzj7E8jTaKMYuMSOu_tfGV5fw2vUyghoiixmCSIeQBuTCwyGIbn-leUQV8PHrCNN4RjY6S4vsJPdKT9q0/s320/IMG_3604%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="298" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmelpifETStr2VU_KzUdWWZe_VX_mOysS4CSaX8fkkuql1hpmL9gEpizQy6UuSrZ6qPwgQVYhsPXTkZiwgjV9jkn68O9XDRtNunpsr7eeFvvfjdEbkiyLS8buL7ezwFY-u3AQoLv-zIQDFwHTcqz-zEYNjnXIB25oX7nXaSKyfF9nrk_igsAdsLj5bl1o/s1600/IMG_3656%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7uD0ke4qYPNNfdiSlrm6WXPwbD9lzCIMAMig5soy3ykz1voCcP0s2NTNQ-igFKKZjRDEygJV8ukFOEYY6ZHdQwVMO8BDy8A8PJlJoT7U-M2em6RBG83T22HXbZoItX5D8UmNZnZ0B9k0AqMr7cn1_9iS29CF2zqVttcyolm130Hf_RBJFUWqssfQAjE/s3504/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2336" data-original-width="3504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7uD0ke4qYPNNfdiSlrm6WXPwbD9lzCIMAMig5soy3ykz1voCcP0s2NTNQ-igFKKZjRDEygJV8ukFOEYY6ZHdQwVMO8BDy8A8PJlJoT7U-M2em6RBG83T22HXbZoItX5D8UmNZnZ0B9k0AqMr7cn1_9iS29CF2zqVttcyolm130Hf_RBJFUWqssfQAjE/s320/IMG_3604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj934OlCTDI7o56FisNOgW9bp-c6JZpNqMS1i0-aercSI47M0Ab6FbsbUDTKURP4vO_3C8VHpAlr-CeJ3pKOxrA3JPCZlV0f-oRN2W8JoVeCgL8Ni8g2HSRNHcF0ov7N5bkYePxDEUH0dIEftcnDZDD7ZbFhXT5Su819-pjS3r3zt5ZrV5Amh5Wb1zNw/s3504/IMG_3707%20-%20Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2336" data-original-width="3504" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmj934OlCTDI7o56FisNOgW9bp-c6JZpNqMS1i0-aercSI47M0Ab6FbsbUDTKURP4vO_3C8VHpAlr-CeJ3pKOxrA3JPCZlV0f-oRN2W8JoVeCgL8Ni8g2HSRNHcF0ov7N5bkYePxDEUH0dIEftcnDZDD7ZbFhXT5Su819-pjS3r3zt5ZrV5Amh5Wb1zNw/s320/IMG_3707%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Thank you Margaret for having me paint your boy. He is always in my heart.</p><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-88117046270408064702023-07-24T23:02:00.002-05:002023-07-24T23:02:46.913-05:00Meet the Author, Dawn Secord at the Melissa, Texas Public Library Saturday, July 29, 2023<p> <strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #11253b; font-family: "open sans extra bold"; font-size: 24px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Melissa Public Library<br /></strong></p><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #e7d8b3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 16px;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #11253b;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "open sans extra bold";"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Summer Reading Wrap-up Celebration on Saturday, July 29th, 2023 from 11:00a – 1:00p</strong></span></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #e7d8b3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-4" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #11253b;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 16px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "open sans extra bold";"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></strong></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "open sans extra bold";"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 16px;">Location:</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" />Melissa City Hall<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" />Address:<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" />3411 Barker Avenue<br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" />Melissa, TX 75454</strong></span></span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #e7d8b3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></strong></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "droid sans bold";"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"></span></strong></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #e7d8b3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "droid sans bold";"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);" /></strong></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; color: #e7d8b3; font-family: "Source Sans Pro Light"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "droid sans bold";"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;">Dawn will be signing books in the library. Come by for a visit!</span></strong></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); background-color: white; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><span style="color: #29568a; font-family: droid sans bold;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #e7d8b3; font-family: "droid sans bold";"><strong style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="theme-text-color-2-3" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #29568a;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgB4z8UKwNAnhbv0gwegdFXuk1rPBDXLTtW1hRxm63wTUXjCKZvfOwhU5BBSszZSCmTM9efWj_Viwq7FOVVY-ZsVfDuU37YIQQJEmhWwP6RroQOw1cHD_OczcqCqbHKoJDnbJ108HcfMoA_K2NWeRAoDb_KFucEok0hLmcV4_bDagfVbQnJOOmMhhbVg/s2048/greenville%20library%20dawn%20secord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1614" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgB4z8UKwNAnhbv0gwegdFXuk1rPBDXLTtW1hRxm63wTUXjCKZvfOwhU5BBSszZSCmTM9efWj_Viwq7FOVVY-ZsVfDuU37YIQQJEmhWwP6RroQOw1cHD_OczcqCqbHKoJDnbJ108HcfMoA_K2NWeRAoDb_KFucEok0hLmcV4_bDagfVbQnJOOmMhhbVg/s320/greenville%20library%20dawn%20secord.jpg" width="252" /></a></div></span></strong></span></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-79152580057949252072023-07-13T19:37:00.000-05:002023-07-13T19:37:01.064-05:00Bailie - Portrait of an Irish Setter<p> It was very exciting when the commission was received to paint Bailie. She reminds me so much of my girls - squirrel hunters and full of rollicking personality. It is always fun to watch the posts made about her on Facebook. She has the most beautiful tender eyes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JrDqNB0kHv-xf85NP_wsw89BFE_ZUVHUv93Tpzz3CoafJyvniE1lpub82A_q7P093uXoHoVMJcX8CSpd_jI4RFQJvhXEaNdM4ulhNyYkxVlF3Fnw3jOZ2agheoF-N4F0MZ4zko4fwB4YBY9u0_pCTRT8XGqN-yxk5vnaQ5eK-_QBpu8JUhAOBa-NL34/s320/Bailie%20Ney.jpeg" width="262" /></a></div> I asked Bailie's family to tell us a little bit about her. Here is a poem that was shared:<p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">DON’T
DRINK BAILIE’S IRISH CREAM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
pretty Bailie<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Full
of love and joy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She’ll
scream like a banshee <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
there is kibble to enjoy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
we’re feeling down<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Or
when she wants a hug<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She’ll
nibble our chins to town<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
with her toys she gives tugs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
moves well in the ring<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
in the yard runs so fast<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
squirrels the trees do bring<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
gives chase, their lives don’t last<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
hates the roar of thunder<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
storms come our way<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
little body shudders<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the tub she’ll safely lay<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
is our precious Bailie<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who
sleeps on her back<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
makes us very happy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Our love will never
lack.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1222" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_iSKLIcSJnUHnMtP8T02w2kQbYez8o1sdGZtID8myb4AhfcIXuzb1R8xJjuiQeLMdjtU-rGe1J5Cn3hkZu7LGcgy7AW5kJos5TWSZVPvzdv4RLD7lVqFvkuCI9SM69Lv6rbNViFIX0RKLTlBwm4v5HFBCXnd0Cae3qGN9KcBETODS3PWFwODFZoNWlc/s320/Bailey%20Ney%20and%20painting.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thank you to Bailie's family for having me paint your beautiful girl!</span></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-60960105703635595902023-05-29T13:45:00.003-05:002023-05-29T13:45:32.725-05:00Illustrating a new book featuring Easy Company and the dog, Draftee<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">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. </span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDypVyJQaY-39GOaH4HHXLA-bE4ofHwaeDdRYrFLwJOuUC4mgaGHCl43W9tG21OYMrVCbju7O-ip5mUadqhK3RxZvhgnxScHRoliW7PW_GXb1Qx8BOO_Ws_hfFRIB6vIJi6XmVa8tWDcEnUDAUVerrHpPARcISjYnEU7RX8XVfyA-bQ6Z22Bj788Y/s1000/Draftee%20Postacard%20-%20Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDypVyJQaY-39GOaH4HHXLA-bE4ofHwaeDdRYrFLwJOuUC4mgaGHCl43W9tG21OYMrVCbju7O-ip5mUadqhK3RxZvhgnxScHRoliW7PW_GXb1Qx8BOO_Ws_hfFRIB6vIJi6XmVa8tWDcEnUDAUVerrHpPARcISjYnEU7RX8XVfyA-bQ6Z22Bj788Y/s320/Draftee%20Postacard%20-%20Front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQoNpTdqS0G1mF0vdwjSyRpHti9ayShoQYjCGHwQJOCSOVEQWrpfb-4vviDSFmPwWgMgyo9xdNFqOcpvtUJej9gnSvBphbA8E_-D4F295V2ch7G2mZnaQEfRoDwy04VWhmIIZpv7P1ld-GCZRNDCIHDFi67RpsjAoJ14PW95VVZ8-1fWxE-VgtSlt/s1000/Draftee%20Postacard%20-%20Back%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQoNpTdqS0G1mF0vdwjSyRpHti9ayShoQYjCGHwQJOCSOVEQWrpfb-4vviDSFmPwWgMgyo9xdNFqOcpvtUJej9gnSvBphbA8E_-D4F295V2ch7G2mZnaQEfRoDwy04VWhmIIZpv7P1ld-GCZRNDCIHDFi67RpsjAoJ14PW95VVZ8-1fWxE-VgtSlt/s320/Draftee%20Postacard%20-%20Back%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />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 <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>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". </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">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.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">For more information on Chris Langlois and his grandfather, Doc Roe, follow him on Facebook at: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/DocRoePublishing?__cft__[0]=AZUTazV4xKQeXFyEzYBjfcaCaYJEKBKenSvKHS1L8uKpqbehy5MVPmDowd1j2ZLhoIS7AldH3zfs-fsquLlAmzl13-Oz5YKGjnhnEC2whUPMoGevtxOX3fYmhffXjhg52oMaBqokY1MN3QBxFaKoF5G_kZwsB3eXM3_9wbMpvtmGu1g4N8Nk1jZypnX6jgK6uqSGVf8mkhxdH3t3tnmzGMBO&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/DocRoePublishing</span></a></span></div></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-82664631068637391212023-05-22T11:58:00.001-05:002023-05-22T11:58:05.302-05:00Painting of Trevor, an Irish Setter<p> 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3473" data-original-width="2809" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguurxjQo-Jbq4LhAit_Kc-GbgL3MbZs0xDQg1iTxsFYsehfUib67fEbDUHMMsj-lwbvNirCYGSh3G2dRxlmuouOwndLICe5DC-_bt02MNAVqJIfRyi6sMVRbK1zP_HZLqao63QvNk_m1UATf3IBfvSGfNRr-VD5er0cMIcCwN6e4g4t3UsHkkJZhqe/s320/Trevor%20PSE%20cpr%20copy.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>I asked Barb to share some of information about Trevor and here are her thoughts reflecting on his life with her:</p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="x193iq5w"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6/7/2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="x193iq5w"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">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</span></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2495" data-original-width="1872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlh_dQ_O_Tonlf4VhYHmTr7LxaQasy2phI0Xt1ZB77FELXha3OxUXylQr2_OGknQHAyGDfjz0IR0jgQdOXQdt-KDqCAi6eUpTV95RVNIWAgpkuYVEp2c3djYBp_N-QedCvSsKGw5NZxuewdNIBzEaryBhyMzAzMTdf7ruQBJ0fIU-RlX8Lubu6Pkk/s320/IMG_1234%20sm.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/galleryhome.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="486" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD1fKt5mg346sTRbI5jEKy4E5_jol9EUKEhKr3Pl_aBRC4i1w_OdOAVOetau8RHyblBX6kr_rXZlVm9BcoZqI4Kmp5w9fNLIqnNh02ui-_EP1Jf5sULkVQ1vwCU-DvcmCw7CoMkd0io313dmehQlkPAos5FfS1n_i2cu_YN5uEWkMYqeT-uzwsDHn/s320/10-23%20Trevor%201024x760.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-22291028076457615392023-03-04T07:55:00.000-06:002023-03-04T07:55:39.057-06:00Portrait of an Irish Setter pup by Dawn Secord<p> This is a portrait painted in pastel of an Irish Setter puppy named Killesandra. The portrait was commissioned by a daughter for her parents. In the reference photo used, her ear was tucked under the edge of the coffee table. I changed the ear in the painting to show the ear folded out and resting on the top of the table. Thankfully artists are not limited by what they see or don't see. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dawnsecord.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="2393" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKyH3rivKJtnXOLAqGlp21xZatHwxWmS5hzNEJgdr02-cyXMaxI_UD9mDiGt7LaBmzo3Xie-8rD86KcdNSqvYx32SJs17gCmLi6oybIQ8zDv0F_peCgFvQwrS6jbh9e4Ev-8nQhe-7Z4TSV4wVQ5zI2C4FRAEzi5bRcXZIq8lczW06qzPujxQmS71/s320/20230225_072926-03.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Killie, as she was affectionately called, was less than a year old when her life was cut short. During that time, she had a profound impact on her family and is dearly missed. Losing a dog at any age is horrific to those who love them. Their lives are just not long enough. Losing a young dog is especially difficult.</p><p>Here is a poem written by one of her family members.</p><p>KILLESHANDRA</p><p>You joined our family as a wee little one</p><p>Another Irish lass full of fun</p><p>We planned on taking you to dog shows</p><p>And soon were reminded that’s not how life goes</p><p><br /></p><p>Your energy levels were hard to contain</p><p>From catching rodents, you would not refrain</p><p>You jumped really high, almost clearing the fence</p><p>We put up a screen to act as defense</p><p><br /></p><p>You loved to run and loved to chase</p><p>The rest your head with an adorable face</p><p>We hoped to breed you to your big brother Row</p><p>And watch your puppies run to and fro</p><p><br /></p><p>Then one day we saw something amiss</p><p>You were sick, but still had such bliss</p><p>A doggie doc said the news was not great</p><p>A shorter life would be your fate</p><p><br /></p><p>We confirmed with our local pet vet</p><p>Knowing ten months was the best we would get</p><p>As so, with tears in our eyes we let your go</p><p>To cross the bridge colored in rainbow</p><p><br /></p><p>You went to play with our pups in the past</p><p>Being sure for eternity you would have a blast</p><p>Losing a pet is always hard it is true</p><p>But always know we will forever love you.</p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-90768153830034672652023-01-28T12:44:00.004-06:002023-01-28T12:57:17.206-06:00Painting of Rocky - a White German Shepherd<p>I've been so negligent in posting finished paintings the last few years. Not all those who commission my work want their painting posted. Paintings of our special pets touch our hearts and I totally understand how some people would prefer for their painting to be kept private. With that said, I don't post any paintings until I've spoken with the parties involved with the painting and know their wishes. </p><p>This is a painting of Rocky. He had the most amazing personality. He never met a dog he didn't like. He had a full life and crossed over the rainbow bridge at 15 years old.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2921" data-original-width="2653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndznfo7oIzpvxIxMF_KExWlplqGBhQ2-NGW2qrXXCWMNNV17o3h5XqqMVWiv2KPUr8bBe5XP6t-LrCUU3pdqzcAjMRJ62C_WC0G3OrOq-P0CDDi_VI_oiYuyczMYYwr1gFdmRzDBuQLkLUtD7O83kAHkMy7u0Od-nHdN7GDi6Y3zAjsf6_H5T6JD_/s320/Rocky%20CPR%20m.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p>White animals and black animals can be the most challenging to capture in a painting. The lights and darks are already the color of the animals. When creating highlights and shadows on animals that are black or white, I use a variety of colors - yellows, blues, purples and turquoise (subtly) to enhance the paintings. I'll also make some areas darker than the photograph and some areas lighter. While it is often referred to as artist liberty, it is a balance of instinct and composition. Usually, the collar is removed from pets unless the owners prefer the collars to be left on. With Rocky's painting, the darkness of his nose and mouth really set his face in front of his body. Very little creative shadowing was necessary to define the distance.</p><p>He was a sweet soul and loved dearly. I'd spent time with him in person and he was truly a special dog. Below is the reference photo I'd taken of him for the painting.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" rel="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target=""><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="2336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYuBAluitQEowBeNQ8K2egptiCF5RTmWLgv_U7qE9n5KkpCT-KVK_KtiC-3nq-EtwcauhyqQz6XuIYNNJRART7-PR610w9E_PnabUNHRHcdaySBM9zhfSH5PYMKOc0mnVxxcaNyew94_Sd0MIhw6C-aK7aiR1yMk2wvFNSiqWBxUyYpFcUbXTwO4S/s320/Rocky.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-30325117569401341922022-11-27T12:09:00.001-06:002022-11-27T12:12:14.789-06:00Commissioned painting of Flannagan an Irish Setter<p>A gentleman was referred to me who was looking for an artist to create two paintings. One painting was of his wife and the second painting of his dog. Jim and I had a wonderful phone conversation and I couldn't wait to see his reference photos. For the dog painting, his dog is an Irish Setter named Flannagan. Personally, I am an Irish Setter owner (since 1984), know the breed well and absolutely love painting them. I was excited to see what reference material he had for me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3343" data-original-width="4047" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iAGEJGu1bt43HwypCZP-QccmBryJEGX8uzqGkG_gm-9Eb_bXPoQdFPMqVfDA-JC_qkRMenA9ktc7EO58_-mYy_wBagXrsIhtvtnzRvSfmDyzUF8Y3_Va8zae9bdEAm9Xb58_oyjLTpbggkD7E8kV7nKtNDiEkuk-jl1KCA1Da1kCipCrxdYQaqSq/s320/Recktenwald-Flannagan%20scpr%20copy%20s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Though he sent me a wonderful selection of photos to use, he had a favorite to be considered. The photo was one taken with a cell phone of Flannagan in his backyard. Flannagan had been on point (as our Irish Setters do) and Flannagan was just starting to run when the photo was taken. It was an unusual photo and called for a special background. I started searching through my reference photos to find the ideal photo to use. The one presented to Jim was of a field with an open gate. There were two panels to the gate, one was missing. It was a neat photo. Jim gave the okay to use the photo and I added a barbed wire fence in the far background to compliment the tree line. Jim also wanted the official flower of Kentucky to be included in the painting - the Goldenrod. This flower was designated as the state flower of Kentucky in 1926. History is sooo cool. </p><p>I hope you love the painting as much as I loved painting it. I asked Jim to share a bit about Flannigan, and this is what he told me:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Flanagan<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">CH
Analainn’s Moonshadow 09-03-2019<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">SIRE:
GCHS Cairncross Concierge With Tullane<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">DAM:
CH Analainn’s Breathless At Ambition<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>This <i>tour
de force</i> by Dawn Secord depicts a strong, alert, and fully energetic
male Irish Setter (Flanagan) on the hunt in a field of Goldenrod.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>Perhaps
a good title for this painting is “SoliDOGo”. This is a play on the scientific
name for the Goldenrod, which is <i>Solidago</i>. The Goldenrod is a
flowering plant found in open areas such as meadows, prairies, and savannas.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>This
painting was created from a photo taken by my daughter on her iPhone set to
LIVE mode. My setter (Flanagan) was on point when the photo was taken and in
the split second of LIVE mode, he took off running, resulting in this pose.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>I
wish to offer my sincerest gratitude to Dawn for inspiring these paintings with
her artistry. Dawn is such a pleasure to work with, offering her vast knowledge
of painting throughout the entire commissioning process.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Thank
you Dawn!</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-37385271193584936812022-11-27T11:39:00.002-06:002022-11-27T11:45:04.843-06:00Portrait of Christina - Pastel Painting by Dawn Secord<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is a painting created earlier this year which was a gift from a husband to his wife. The painting was a surprise, so I had to hide the finished painting until the time the gift was presented. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">When contacted by someone to commission a painting I always ask to see any photos to be used in order to evaluate whether or not the photos are good reference material for a painting. Sometimes furnished photos are fabulous, sometimes they are not (and when "not" we discuss obtaining additional reference material). To my delight, the reference photo was fabulous. The lighting was great, the pose was great and the turn of Christina's head in the photo was ideal. The reference photo had the subject sitting in her car. The background would be changed to enhance the painting. Other than that small change, I had what was needed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The painting was done in soft pastel on board and measures 20" x 24". I asked Jim (the husband) to share a little bit about the painting for viewers of my work. Here is what he shared:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3791" data-original-width="3035" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRMdI0u6gUBgrZL-h7tNxVw2iFUglO2xxk5n36dGwcXC8vGGaN4XFVnDHD03hF_NJlBVn2l-OnRWcIzjG-mrUUz4yPoM5bf6aaMCAo83DToqrM9QlX8P1jeJFYiYeQLbeDFzea4KaA0nIqsqmynkyrnR5mIuRlME8yyiSENr8HgTKYO1mjbZsn719/s320/Recktenwald-Christina%20scpr%20copy.jpg" width="256" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span> </span><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="background-color: #4c1130;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Dawn Secord’s painting is created from a selfie photo taken by my daughter, of herself and her mother (Christina). I am so enamored with Dawn’s painting of Christina. It is such a beautiful painting depicting Christina’s wonderful dual expression, being a proud mother spending fun time with her daughter </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">and also being a mature, confident, loving woman, happily showing her emotions with her eyes and smile. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Below is the reference photo for the painting:<br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7014" data-original-width="4960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRyz2Anr-tcbK-Dr6Q205u1T4QgYfPGYvEXY0g5-Kz69p_AHbtxG_f69Lp3WRixOlAvcPjXByVRz7zfyh1qiNYVoa75zywF2n94S8hqnw70a5pqfHPA2SaTUeaSVfGyuTxdGAPhRxWPBRlrCfRaQI_uy04wAP32im0Wh5oPMhevapAU0LQls7ITGB/w141-h200/scan0069.jpg" width="141" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-77417105285519818432022-11-25T11:29:00.008-06:002022-11-25T11:37:10.221-06:00Commission to paint logos on an antique truck<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(120, 63, 4); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">This truck is going to be in a parade in Texas on December 3rd. The owner of the truck has a construction business as well as a wonderful store in Whitewright, Texas. The store has the coolest decorating items and some furniture. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(120, 63, 4); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">The store, Small Town Store and Decor, reminds me of the store in Waco, Texas started by Chip and Joanna, Magnolia Farms. We've purchased items from both stores for our remodel when we moved back to Texas. Waco has some the BEST cupcakes on their Magnolia Farms property. Hum, maybe the store in Whitewright could add some cupcakes too. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(120, 63, 4); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Getting back on track, for this truck logo painting commission, my goal was to make the signage look old and weathered to match the antique truck. This is video # 2 of the door painting demos. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(120, 63, 4); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Please remember to subscribe to my U-Tube channel to see more videos. To see my artwork or children's book series, here are the websites: DawnSecord.com and aDogBling.com</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(120, 63, 4); font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FMe7KuE9juo">Antique Truck - Painting logo on doors - in progress (video # 2) - YouTube</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/FMe7KuE9juo"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: #783f04; color: #fff2cc; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy4Kjv8bCJfVI6YlAeZkNP551bn03cK_bW24DbU685I1gNaySqXGqPdibXgL8It2jtzlTbgl1wS46d9aQhdQy4pfPzpTSf8MStE5i0cOIhbfPI3X-4R6mMyd9o7S26sgNUx9NVpYKc8yTe6GPP-NPLAfepWFpuAMdYl-VPEFQRz1uKX_Wjp5THm22/s1324/Screenshot_20221125_112018_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy4Kjv8bCJfVI6YlAeZkNP551bn03cK_bW24DbU685I1gNaySqXGqPdibXgL8It2jtzlTbgl1wS46d9aQhdQy4pfPzpTSf8MStE5i0cOIhbfPI3X-4R6mMyd9o7S26sgNUx9NVpYKc8yTe6GPP-NPLAfepWFpuAMdYl-VPEFQRz1uKX_Wjp5THm22/s320/Screenshot_20221125_112018_Gallery.jpg" width="202" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-41154453292566405192022-09-28T11:34:00.004-05:002022-09-28T11:41:22.777-05:00Best Friends - an Oil Painting by Dawn Secord<p> This painting was finished earlier this year. It measures 40" x 48" and is oil on canvas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="2102" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7IMoT5DggEjiCJDqaiwJGWphowN8rSzjU-JD15MxG3aRf_2gIuMQ1N6K2FjRlWZL7RMLbvuaWS0OukIIS41SYTvV6EdMr0j6m8NiV3iFpOAzmiH7PaL7oyEbOHyqd05wxKxI-D6O9dbwl4kPomdXO5Yp-o3YllV3TBmzszZuq15f9EhYU0vZtX5Fg/s320/Best%20Friends%20closeup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxnCUTitfLWQ5cgIUs-N8cvKdzCgg70Ez7DvtYawUPPVwY_-FRIXwRsMy_fLcLSyTAqdmBfF7oqHuQi2CVL2fFD4B77EKUWB7dh-Xp0zg4FEZQntE1kL2P5Fx34kFjzyVDxTs06qQaiqW_NUlPpBcDzEXJEEayolHpVXqe0oeJzmbnlYkzZiO5B-J/s1961/Drying%20in%20truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="1471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxnCUTitfLWQ5cgIUs-N8cvKdzCgg70Ez7DvtYawUPPVwY_-FRIXwRsMy_fLcLSyTAqdmBfF7oqHuQi2CVL2fFD4B77EKUWB7dh-Xp0zg4FEZQntE1kL2P5Fx34kFjzyVDxTs06qQaiqW_NUlPpBcDzEXJEEayolHpVXqe0oeJzmbnlYkzZiO5B-J/s320/Drying%20in%20truck.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The painting was allowed to dry in our barn resting on the top of our truck bed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/galleryhome.html" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2530" data-original-width="2968" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HTfDWBhiAkM3vdPb-_VYOyjVDFtOA01rjUsziExVrjYIvBTFbfU3pHP94SW27FgaxD31SqEDnlccIGMZxTvNEcKJfWAcLFDK5Lo_jGhzt2aCFfF6iRuLImC071x_Ku0esbm2n-sXBYmAqyl7ykYuUH4Wi4Fbi5_y_VBNzVTWU91mNowzqHI-akTz/w400-h341/kelly%20and%20dusty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The reference photo was taken years ago with a non professional camera using black and white film. It was a magical photo and the amateur photographer has quite the eye. It was an honor to be asked to paint it. Though I had an 8 x 10 photo to work from, due to the age and quality of the photo, there was quite a lot of detail unavailable. I scanned the photo into my computer and worked from the scan. The scan gave me more detail, but not the detail available when working with a digital photo. I wanted to be able to capture the emotion of the photo and not leave out detail that was unavailable in the photo. The fencing was an interesting part of the puzzle. It was important not to take over as the main subject - it was dark in front of the lighter background. Using lost and found edges would be paramount to not create the fencing as a focal point.<p></p><p>Searching through my collection of reference photos I was able to find horse photos and glean much needed detail from them. For the rider, I had additional photos from which to work. The painting was to be as the photo - monochromatic - black and white. I have a lovely collection of gray paint from different companies. It is always interesting how the various manufacturers create different versions of the same colors. </p><p>The background was a series of layered paint beginning with an under painting of burnt umber (which I let bleed through in places). When painting the leaves, the background was layered. The first layer was allowed to almost dry and then wet paint was applied over the almost dry paint. I then took a dry brush and scumbled the layers together creating a depth in the leaves that I was hoping to create. You know what they say - the best laid plans do not always work out. In this case, they worked out just as envisioned.</p><p>When I was commissioned to create this painting, I was thrilled. I haven't done a monochromatic painting in many years. It was awesome to create one again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4772" data-original-width="6038" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKfCBgxsQ6P1bgVIEcdA_BW6A8PtlVOlq6RaKyR_uSr1LhtUADni5bJJOCvB6Lt68BIFkUpV-jc4mx7-r-qfg3JPPOxcEIPaCvyQDlXM8sp32gx9NRce9XilrIJua8oYd09Vu_eu1avtokTrZ_Q21YKiPqLQO2MTL9pD2ZC5AuVEWNK6MuTU67ERR/s320/Best%20Friends%20ref%20photo%20cpr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><br />Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-55776136136794008842022-08-26T20:25:00.000-05:002022-08-26T20:25:40.101-05:00Holly - a pastel painting of an Irish Setter by Dawn Secord<p> This is a painting of "Holly" - Meadow Run Walk of Fame.</p><p>I met Holly years ago in Southern California. She was a lovely girl. I always knew she was competition for my girls when I showed against her. Some dogs just stick in your mind. Holly was one of those. She was really a beautiful dog and I always loved her gentle expression.</p><p>When her owner contacted me to inquire about commissioning me to paint her, I was thrilled. We set about getting reference photos from her owner emailed to me. As much as I really don't like computers, they are a great assistance when getting photos back and forth. I remember earlier days - 20+ years ago when I had to take photos of a painting, have the film developed, and then mail the photo of the painting to the person who commissioned me. Email is my friend!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsMBUwJyRRc2EmSeKUKB7cBP92nW6xUR7EY0_wad7sV8V0W5PMRorE2-hst0sYFEjSn9AXFv05zZwcXYTuAzZAkd_CKay8vxxO7MwRuy4kU8VZkrE2j14Z-5k0ks9aTc8_8KGnQYCLiAjgr0AXnCnb88VbOwr16STRH7KtxcwYvH-qU9OVNIxKe3A/w300-h400/Hollie%20Day%20s-cpr.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>There was this lovely gentle photo of Holly on the edge of a sofa looking down. It was her owner's favorite and I loved it instantly. In the photo, Holly was bunched up a bit in a corner. For the painting, I took that out and had Holly's head, neck and shoulder only. She was to pretty to look bunched up. The head and expression in the reference photo were perfect. Nothing was changed there. It is my job, as the artist,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9D_s04Ejq77k65rrJcktjXjZ0jSnn9UEkX8Cb3k-w5QJjtLL6iMsOyrmqpN46EB719faV-aPhjvKWe7jtwNhMtSbj0-dTnXf8vXonLO9iQoZv-1FWLwfolkt6OJnWx4NuyWQa9ok2CaTeX8uwUkYwXrZujzZt8hnDbQyUTFC8L3BCgDiQ6AASRM9P/w200-h150/IMG_0653.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /> to see what to include from a photo and what not to include for the painting.<p></p><p>I asked Holly's owner to share a little bit about Holly and this is what she told me:</p><p><span> I always said she was an easy keeper. Laidback and easy to live with. Rare.</span></p><p><span>Thank you to Holly's owner for having me paint her beautiful <br />girl. She was a special girl and we all loved her.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-24411745842627148712022-07-03T10:26:00.005-05:002022-07-03T10:31:21.388-05:00Troy Grayson - Labrador Retriever - Original Pet Painting<p>This is a painting recently completed of Troy Grayson. Grayson is his middle name - not to be confused with his family's last name. I always give our dogs two names (Bling is known as Bing Bing at home as an example) so it tickled me when he was named as he is.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3773" data-original-width="2972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHz33_cb2IzCWEeT9-gEDNYTpOSQfGcahmOaLWwSzWqYBfInhVoigyBJia_pbK53vIaKFiKBYQlv4Op00ft8thjvBUEm7woFqzK508j8FQKVz9XJ3Sja1NjiL6zYreGPkHl_kOGe3enVPt--Lz7Z6d13wVxIJ-iRGM7D0udFgtYz1G9CtU9edClRw/s320/Troy%20Hodson%20cpr.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><p></p><p>Troy is 8 years old now and I've known him since he was a pup. He actually stayed with us for a few weeks when he was a baby while his owners went on a lengthy vacation. He is everything we love about Labrador Retrievers. He is fun, loving, gentle spirited, and a great family dog. </p><p>For this painting, Troy has been photographed several times and we have been waiting for the perfect photo that would show his personality. When the reference photo had been taken, I was in California for an art show and was staying with Troy's family while there. It is much more fun to stay with a family than a hotel! We took photos of Troy for the painting and this reference photo was the one that touched his owner's hearts and would be used for his painting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com/commissioninformation.html/" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2677" data-original-width="1849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9yzzTN9Vgg8ultYH-qMe7RV74FCCP6nLnS3nzWdS_Byj9ydGt5_mMNF2iKE-3NFsRS4wFHcIPpoBPe9_bSvPxBulCEdZnnKsc9xeo5CiDaJCLr16MdTmqPzwHk5eL310zpPI6N_a-h03rvtIbhiNFzkKu25o4LYqRWxcmGwDPiIHy8tHHW1RYWzt/s320/149%20fav%20cropped.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>Last summer Troy was diagnosed with lymphoma. He had a roller coaster of a time going through the treatments. He is in remission and his family couldn't be happier. Modern medicine? - miracles? - maybe a combination of both. Thank you to Troy's family for having me paint your special boy.<p></p><p><br /></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-54848398198083349682022-06-14T19:15:00.001-05:002022-06-14T19:15:09.220-05:00No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here wins two new awards - 2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards<p> I am so very excited to share that my children's picture book (illustrated and written by me) No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here has won two new awards. These two awards are:</p><p>2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Finalist - Children's Picture Book Illustration (Best Illustrator)</p><p>2022 Next Generation Indie Book Awards - Finalist - Best Overall Design (Fiction)</p><p>This makes 8 awards received for the book. The other awards are:</p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Awarded "Silver Award" by Mom's Choice Awards</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) July 2021 reading list</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Finalist - International Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2021 Winner - Animal and Pets category, Pinnacle Book Achievement Award NABE (National Association of Book Entrepreneurs)</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2021 Children's Picture Book Award - 2nd Place, North Texas Book Festival</span></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards Winner-Sponsored/Specialty award-The Feathered Quill Be Kind to Animals Awards</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is beyond exciting to have my first authored and illustrated book so well received. A complementary coloring book has just been released titled, "Sit, Stay and Color with a Dog Bling". The books are available on the book's website at <a href="http://adogbling.com">adogbling.com</a> and Amazon.com</span></div><div><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfVn4loiDB9m7N-JtXVtHRMiML3AmIxzQua8Jmc2cK8ekSIVhr_0kv2KOKBTvtbzdJWhxsD2RaSlbzuHbQIOF44CH0MDsw_h11TwUj5SYtIiuZTm71v3TULIAvRJPJTHoxjItYCDiaGBHCpi7lOa5GjhmB4FqbBZWf7ozwCJXqjgTI8hgbzwN-6vI/s4032/Bling%20and%202022%20Indie%20Book%20Awards%20s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfVn4loiDB9m7N-JtXVtHRMiML3AmIxzQua8Jmc2cK8ekSIVhr_0kv2KOKBTvtbzdJWhxsD2RaSlbzuHbQIOF44CH0MDsw_h11TwUj5SYtIiuZTm71v3TULIAvRJPJTHoxjItYCDiaGBHCpi7lOa5GjhmB4FqbBZWf7ozwCJXqjgTI8hgbzwN-6vI/s320/Bling%20and%202022%20Indie%20Book%20Awards%20s.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr834ZwDhOxA0L5KUH0FybIPBy09JDIdsrzuNZjInSvA99ohPRIYKnNkGMc_uADy1xMX1KxVO15ZSu69Y14G1ZClgWlh3o0v3AOqKHrjPc5d4iFEVOgNJdeXmdAUna0bubq7k13UaT9KnpJ0AtAHfsgsrxQmI3-7tj0OuiKRaSNdUllg1-aEvpBzCi/s3296/BOD-F_F_NO%20GHOULISH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2546" data-original-width="3296" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr834ZwDhOxA0L5KUH0FybIPBy09JDIdsrzuNZjInSvA99ohPRIYKnNkGMc_uADy1xMX1KxVO15ZSu69Y14G1ZClgWlh3o0v3AOqKHrjPc5d4iFEVOgNJdeXmdAUna0bubq7k13UaT9KnpJ0AtAHfsgsrxQmI3-7tj0OuiKRaSNdUllg1-aEvpBzCi/s320/BOD-F_F_NO%20GHOULISH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hhXbVu46rAqO5LCpdmcqK2LPVuj3kbarTlDRWZcyU1MdrgOLpCoqe2uL73Lt7B8rR6-2jHWQHReU2JtZ-M-mIgFRyAzAB9qmuySG5YoUXNTz_WBR8_RilWpTB7V4oIiOlovfXkZgDUVLO4KI6ii06dPjWDLMmzWwhHwH4Ly0Vm_c7CkLYjOp2co_/s3296/CPBI-BI_F_NO%20GHOULISH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2546" data-original-width="3296" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hhXbVu46rAqO5LCpdmcqK2LPVuj3kbarTlDRWZcyU1MdrgOLpCoqe2uL73Lt7B8rR6-2jHWQHReU2JtZ-M-mIgFRyAzAB9qmuySG5YoUXNTz_WBR8_RilWpTB7V4oIiOlovfXkZgDUVLO4KI6ii06dPjWDLMmzWwhHwH4Ly0Vm_c7CkLYjOp2co_/s320/CPBI-BI_F_NO%20GHOULISH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPag5rH7Zi8_H4zn2QZSuNgm39DAvxsSLZGmBQkqMQfNqkdDApZrOvcr5neWKRZn1C7s4hDKRz5ettRsYIdy7rbt0EvLv1H_EMLYkel_FIHQlN47r1WS1BxzG_S85oJ21EX-TTVMnU_Wsbu5IISGr_mLkKKJOirA6zWclbKXTFenExowxbCa94fO4/s225/Indie%20Finalist%20sticker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPag5rH7Zi8_H4zn2QZSuNgm39DAvxsSLZGmBQkqMQfNqkdDApZrOvcr5neWKRZn1C7s4hDKRz5ettRsYIdy7rbt0EvLv1H_EMLYkel_FIHQlN47r1WS1BxzG_S85oJ21EX-TTVMnU_Wsbu5IISGr_mLkKKJOirA6zWclbKXTFenExowxbCa94fO4/s1600/Indie%20Finalist%20sticker.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><br /></span></span></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-35330935165725569352022-05-28T19:52:00.000-05:002022-05-28T19:52:01.906-05:00Oil Painting in Process - lily pad landscape by Dawn Secord - Part 2<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/6OKstPDFfhw" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Oil painting in progress. <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The large oil painting continues. I am also working on a pastel painting at the same time. While the oil paint is drying or setting up, I move over to the pastel painting and work on that. I've put an xpen around the paintings to keep my "squirrel hunters" away from the oil painting. Bling, my worst behaved dog (saying that with an incredible amount of love) keeps sneaking in and resting under the oil painting. Do I move her? Nope. Bling always gets her way. If you are enjoying these painting demos, please consider subscribing to my utube channel. Thanks for taking a peek.</span></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-66074392840667277132022-05-24T16:51:00.000-05:002022-05-24T16:51:12.240-05:00Oil Painting in Process - lily pad landscape by Dawn Secord - Part 1<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/m_eOLnWLXhc" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>This is painting in progress. It is being painted on a gallery wrapped frame. I need to start working on the sides of the painting as well as the front.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like to see more of my paintings, don't forget to subscribe to my Utube channel. </div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-68624478908555682802022-04-03T12:59:00.000-05:002022-04-03T12:59:05.503-05:00After Dinner Walk in Manhattan<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8S8imGqcrF9jvFTbQm9gLTUXV4-sWqmND0GDiSqcPR4fid1p7sJpRBlytVCv72zqERCOgosimi9z0nHLvmrmGT6Ph8lzkdLOJ3Je5KruP1wVDdPYiz7gkGrRAmiOE7RVdbjmz8SuYqIIMU9qdycTbmnkd7EbJSeBBODxNNaOz2s3ZaBllU34f-Rt/s1650/After%20Dinner%20Walk%20in%20Manhattan%20photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1650" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8S8imGqcrF9jvFTbQm9gLTUXV4-sWqmND0GDiSqcPR4fid1p7sJpRBlytVCv72zqERCOgosimi9z0nHLvmrmGT6Ph8lzkdLOJ3Je5KruP1wVDdPYiz7gkGrRAmiOE7RVdbjmz8SuYqIIMU9qdycTbmnkd7EbJSeBBODxNNaOz2s3ZaBllU34f-Rt/s320/After%20Dinner%20Walk%20in%20Manhattan%20photos.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcItF7SJuw_crmnHiGW5tZTnLrQmbqNtE1RW-pahm3A1hhbAiPLwDHYnp886A6K1UnVWc3gWadRMxafRJ3xgi9BQ7Pnd2GZ8iuadbz4v3bHakR3CJTezPZHFaZ05g8qbsXLd-_V2yobJ1TNI3rDPODvigZcGroLFkNizIKHe3AdAE0VBkGJud8gQ6/s3226/ADWiM%20sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3226" data-original-width="2116" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcItF7SJuw_crmnHiGW5tZTnLrQmbqNtE1RW-pahm3A1hhbAiPLwDHYnp886A6K1UnVWc3gWadRMxafRJ3xgi9BQ7Pnd2GZ8iuadbz4v3bHakR3CJTezPZHFaZ05g8qbsXLd-_V2yobJ1TNI3rDPODvigZcGroLFkNizIKHe3AdAE0VBkGJud8gQ6/s320/ADWiM%20sm.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZh-75CdUf0t4iQmKrEaxLtZtl-OjNnjhHdpA85f7_d2U0aDRlvWZNcCyjT45vAwmZ-m07dtRa1NqSUpq2Hm6m7ae_wTe_ucBDm9o_5zoTPaLLqIfzCsaJL7JgQvs54XJpXHefHwQ2EoKDO_hLLJExmYD9R_K8RfWrUakr-HsOlK87E0aNZ14JGnX/s4032/After%20Dinner%20Walk%20in%20Manhattan%20sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZh-75CdUf0t4iQmKrEaxLtZtl-OjNnjhHdpA85f7_d2U0aDRlvWZNcCyjT45vAwmZ-m07dtRa1NqSUpq2Hm6m7ae_wTe_ucBDm9o_5zoTPaLLqIfzCsaJL7JgQvs54XJpXHefHwQ2EoKDO_hLLJExmYD9R_K8RfWrUakr-HsOlK87E0aNZ14JGnX/s320/After%20Dinner%20Walk%20in%20Manhattan%20sm.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>After Dinner Walk in Manhattan</i></b> is a visual
story of a couple taking an evening stroll under the magical city lights in the
iconic city of Manhattan.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was commissioned to create the painting using a reference
photo taken by a family member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
completed oil painting measures 6’ tall by 4’ wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When working with a reference photo, it is easy for the
viewing audience to assume the artist did their very best to capture the exact
likeness of the photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing could be
further from the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an artist, I
endeavored to capture the essence of the moment that made this photo so beloved
by the individuals in the scene.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><i>Let’s begin with what I did not want to capture in the
painting:</i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Objects in the reference photo not needed in the
painting:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the shopping bag hanging
between the couple, the discarded paper on the sidewalk, the bright red spot
reflected off the side of the building to the right of the husband’s shoulder
or the bright reddish brown vertical reflected lines on the buildings that ran
between the couple from the top of the painting down towards their shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a name="_Hlk99874566"><o:p></o:p></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk99874566;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>What should be adjusted in the painting but not removed:<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Effects to be adjusted (compositionally) in the
painting:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The actual cement breaks in
the sidewalk added detail in the lower half of the photograph balancing with
the detail in the upper section of the photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breaks would be much stronger if they
were more of a diagonal direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silver blue gray reflective lighting on
the building, to the right of the husband, could be extended up towards the top
of the painting and down to the husband’s arm creating some interest in those
dark empty spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reducing the width of
the vertical red brown reflective lighting on the buildings as well as subduing
their brilliance as seen in the photos was needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These shapes and vividness of color actually
separate the couple by placing a distraction of color between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is a hint of the street light casting a lighter value on the sidewalk in front
of the couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be the most
important change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have emphasized the
street light in front of the couple by giving it a little more detail and
ground reflection than seen in the photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This last change allows me to push the illusion of depth even more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
light adds an enhanced warmth to the moment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;"><i>What I wanted to see in the
painting that did not exist or was almost insignificant in the photo:<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Effects to be added that do not exist in the
reference photo:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bottom half of the
painting, being a middle to lighter value actually draws the viewer out of the
painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This lighting effect was
created by the flash of the camera taking the photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Compositionally, we do not want the viewing
audience to exit the bottom of the painting but rather find a way to be led
back into the painting to find new and enticing artistic shapes, colors or
subjects to rest their eyes upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To do
so, I’ve made the bottom of the painting darker to strategically guide the eye
back upwards. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For color harmony, I’ll
be adding more red browns (burnt sienna) to the sidewalk to tie into the
reflective light bouncing off the buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll also be adding some gray blues, blues, and a few splashes of turquoise
to balance the color throughout the painting for color harmony. <o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">Getting Started:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">When I begin a large oil painting,
I create a graph on the canvas using a pencil or vine charcoal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this painting, I chose to use a
pencil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the graph is measured out
on the canvas, I begin the pencil sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a simple sketch and not a great amount of detail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sketch will be used as my map to keep the
perspective correct.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">The second step is to take black
oil paint and cover my sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the
painting begins, I will not lose the lines of my initial sketch once they are
protected with the oil paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This oil
paint sketch is then allowed to dry thoroughly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The next step is to apply an underpainting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My color of choice is burnt sienna using a
wide brush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The brush strokes are
varied, as is the thickness of the paint, to give depth and a slight color
change later in places I may choose to let the underpainting remain visible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often times, but not always, I will choose
to let some of the under painting show through in the finished painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The underpainting affect can play a big role
in the painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Letting the black oil
sketch dry thoroughly will eliminate the black paint from being smeared by the
burnt sienna when the underpainting layer is being applied during the
underpainting phase of the process.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">From there the fun starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begin painting in layers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some areas may only have one layer allowing
more transparency to show the under painting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Layers
are applied until the desired affect is achieved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what is going to be done until
I start the painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray before each
painting is started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My paintings
happen as I paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not plan the
layers or how much time will go into the layer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I simply go with what feels right and let the
painting evolve.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">Compositionally, we hear of the
“Rules of 3”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very seldom do I sit
down and plan the rules of 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens
intuitively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this painting, there
are 3 areas leading directly towards our main subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lines in the sidewalk were painted so they
lead you up into the painting and subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The reflective lights on the upper left corner were slanted down towards
the subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vertical lines in the
center and to the right of the subjects brought us to the subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vertical lines of the sidewalk intersecting
the building also created a “stop” to keep the viewer from leaving the painting
when gazing down vertically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aside from
the rules of 3, at the bottom of the painting, the darkened values create a directional
change to bring the viewer back up into the painting.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">The street light gave me an
amazing opportunity to create a space of light in front of the couple allowing
the viewer to look through and around the couple and ultimately, out in front
of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This effect greatly enhanced
the feeling of depth in the painting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
brought the reflected ground light out on the left side of the couple
significantly to break up the feeling of the vertical lines of building
reflections about the couple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
rounded area of light enveloped where the couple was walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not know where they were headed, but we
do know it is warm and inviting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">The camera reflection from the
back of the couple made the couple look like they were floating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the painting, I added shadows under the
couple’s feet to eliminate that floating feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their feet are established on the sidewalk
and the shadows provide us with a feeling of forward movement.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">For the husband’s hat, I applied a
number of coats as well as a scumbling of the paint using a dry brush to create
a thick fabric texture that was true to the hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the hat on hand for authenticity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 9.0pt;">This was a wonderful journey from
beginning to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-38803099431160185612022-03-15T17:04:00.001-05:002022-03-15T17:04:37.749-05:00Born to Run - Painting in Process of running Irish Setters<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/_fP58frlano" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Here is my new print, Born to Run. The painting features 5 Irish Setters running. This painting has been a project since 2019. The original is for sale and the reproductions will be available in a limited edition of 195 prints in two sizes as well as 19 Artist's Proofs. The reproductions will be released in May or June and are available for pre-sale on my webpage at <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 py34i1dx" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdawnsecord.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1fEZEwIdmcrKTkwxKuxzSfQ6WgSeGiP8HuP6wyDJbxSIKSJvCq-eEnb44&h=AT1qlSQ7rim2sAdaq3uChLYqNquzlMakcV2if4AsM9NERAbVGRa7Jfb6yyLrT_wWC4FdQdtZdmsGY8c36n2i-inIT3eBNKLfresB0AQ7TgrqsrbxlDanRriil3O0Uegfdg&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3IsIFqGgmMnUBP5mZ-fg-cCbTK8pirAPldQT8pFiYqerpHgBM3U0jp38ak8ycHRsebUtnZ_0nPM9sFZv6xwB-HmNHZW_8wv3VPl9MYN3YhPo8g0aJsalNxcOwGaoZmV1OgzW1zKXMalRpyk3LuCWXpzzXU_Hh1td7-PV9BNpX78jsXWw" rel="nofollow" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">dawnsecord.com</a></span> There is also a fun Utube video discussing the process of the painting. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 py34i1dx" href="https://youtu.be/_fP58frlano?fbclid=IwAR1xmVc3TrNQabthZN35z-tjFQWTknUhx-ELuhjMOJIVdyN2NMblsoMVWKI" rel="nofollow" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_fP58frlano</a></span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">As always, my prints are professionally created and are museum quality.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs8wH4qaV87hGs3e7NQAYsQwIIglXno4A1cxQuH7m1FfbyB4_CNAa51sfMZHED2VKYoTIWdV44wHXm-UPpcZUrwnxcpdNYJLXiwZzXRG3UKyFCWTQwtJaunOyBVqYmnEVPieqlgm28yIgd55C88VAsiopcGyB6nuu2tDa1Znglmt-aCYCWnT3AKbID=s3300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs8wH4qaV87hGs3e7NQAYsQwIIglXno4A1cxQuH7m1FfbyB4_CNAa51sfMZHED2VKYoTIWdV44wHXm-UPpcZUrwnxcpdNYJLXiwZzXRG3UKyFCWTQwtJaunOyBVqYmnEVPieqlgm28yIgd55C88VAsiopcGyB6nuu2tDa1Znglmt-aCYCWnT3AKbID=s320" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbgRNeWWXM-nasXZZ3KxxOHMl7mqEfoZMUkUcHfZG1fE3nyPlz78qhhzG1Kx4kLMYegqnyu20sf-yuDi3kVARzbmFig5ckVEhvl4JCC5BRmAT0YZwycZgYtttMgP7ZOVULsqWSkBGMzBEykPiJ11UuiM90aPLVUpwo_tWtzBkT64xqn1G6tIQvi7Js=s2116" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1869" data-original-width="2116" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbgRNeWWXM-nasXZZ3KxxOHMl7mqEfoZMUkUcHfZG1fE3nyPlz78qhhzG1Kx4kLMYegqnyu20sf-yuDi3kVARzbmFig5ckVEhvl4JCC5BRmAT0YZwycZgYtttMgP7ZOVULsqWSkBGMzBEykPiJ11UuiM90aPLVUpwo_tWtzBkT64xqn1G6tIQvi7Js=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1085391845199001599.post-36572298810901665722022-02-06T20:37:00.001-06:002022-02-06T20:37:47.602-06:00Painting of a Boston Terrier using soft pastels<div>This is a painting of a Boston Terrier named Honey. I took a number of photos of Honey for this painting. We took photos inside the house and out in the yard. The favorite photo to be used as the primary reference was a photo of Honey out by the pool. At the end of this post is a video of the painting in process...be sure to take a peek.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the primary reference photo, the left side of Honey's face (which is the right side of the photo and painting) was shadowed by the direction of the sun. In the painting, I've lightened up the cast shadows shown in the actual photograph. Those strong shadows were not only distracting, but important details were lost. For Honey's eye, I lightened the shadow on her right side of her face to be able to see both of her eyes in the painting. In the area under Honey's chin, I lightened the shadow so there would not be a dramatic line in the painting that you could see in the photo. I did the same on her body. These three examples of changing the photos, for different reasons, allowed the viewer to see more and to see less in the final painting. As an artist, I need to be able to see what will enhance the painting and what could weaken the focal point - in this case, Honey.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dawnsecord.com" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4122" data-original-width="3214" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVeF7e1YEjOxCO6tP9-uUMLlLjGebPbyqXoQTjSi30n1rem0_RokQ-pPuQ5xkIRk_UlrMAFxrFg5UYWlpxGYkc3p8NA_gVDQ_D5wdjiGBPLfmQ8DnWQUQpN1QCmpLyXS_4xCbck_yUCzBPIBVI61AjjOIWM86jtQRuC282yo9_slHenItysmjMkG6B=s320" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Other changes from the photograph were the elimination of the pool step rail and the lounge chair you can see in the background of the photo. Those items were distracting and had no important role in the painting. One other change from the photo is that the chair cushions Honey was resting upon were upside down. The painting shows the cushions facing the right direction. I could not see what the actual cushions looked like right side up, I just improvised. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.DawnSecord.com/commissioninformation.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQweOfgw9q8lUw1hyEg6g0UE0yQtB8pKFHoySF2jsmESdpj80vr6xzV1dChLRAw7qh9haGGaIIDDdzqg_brYvfquAu16CBILjxrcvkab_2CXqVm1fi_GsPwggQvGj_0YRHJu6R1y66i-gIZ83lrABBc0B83CcZWK9BUGmfiNFVKJdO1mp0pxtBzoN7=s320" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlWrXDcpSaNJs7vQeuBdqw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3534" data-original-width="2607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBUufVfOgzCao7WHUG6l7L8fWuKb_3DBEzITrBBlJc9nI9GRNXQm15AXeTQ_8U_cmEFv6EJfzFAFp4FUAcHynwx5ctNj7g9DUmfnEXdG6MKUGZgWUm6duD6n6ueOU9DnCXV2ZoijEwbjUcBhu9-sa98ffdIjLGTRcnUxznssQzLKvCmhgzfD1pKbBj=s320" width="236" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Thank you to Honey's owners for having me paint your precious girl. She is as gorgeous inside as she is on the outside.<div><br /></div><div>Below is the video of the painting in process. <div><br /></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/4EDkbc-VE7c" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>This is a painting in process of a Boston Terrier named Honey.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Dawn Secordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662369300558362642noreply@blogger.com0