Painting of Rocky - a White German Shepherd

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.  

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.

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.

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.

Painting of Charlie - German Shepherd Dog

 This painting was recently completed of a beautiful German Shepherd Dog named Charlie.   He was a very special family member.   

When I am asked to paint a dog painting for a family, it is a special request.  For someone to commission me to paint their dog, there is no question if the dog is a family member or not.   

Growing up, we had a German Shepherd that looked very similar to Charlie.  A few years later, as a young teenager, our family rescued a German Shepherd / Lab mix.   That dog would later intervene and stop a charging bull from hurting me.   Dogs are such an important part of our lives.   German Shepherds are such wonderful family dogs.   Painting their thick coats is always a fun endeavor.   The black and tan colors of the breed are such a compliment to the eye.   Photographs never do paintings justice - for any artist.  I've placed some fun blue and purple shadows and highlights in this painting.  They are intermixed in Charlie's coat and are mostly undetected in this photograph.   Nothing takes the place of viewing art in person.   Don't underestimate going to an art exhibit or museum to view art.   What  you will see in person is so much more than what photographs of that art will show you.

Being able to be a full time artist is such a blessing.   A big thank you to John and Lana for having this painting of Charlie created by me.  It was an honor to paint him.   I can't wait for you to see the painting in person.

Charlie's reference photo:

Dawn's CafePress Store

Here are a few new images that are on my cafepress store. To take a peek at the store please go to http://www.cafepress.com/dawnsecord

Art Show At The Dog Show!

The "Art Show at the Dog Show" http://www.artshowatthedogshow.com/ has the accepted artwork up on their site now. Almost 600 pieces were entered by approximately 200 artists.

The piece I entered "The Look of Love" (which features a German Shepherd puppy). It was wonderful to be excepted into the show. There is some beautiful work up on the site - I would encourage all who are interested to take a minute to view the artwork.To see my painting - please go to my web site http://www.dawnsecord.com/ and click on the German Shepherd Gallery or click on this link.

If you are interested in commissioning a portrait of your dog information is listed on my website.

German Shepherd Dog - Parker

This is Parker and she was a German Shepherd Dog. Parker passed away three years ago. I understand Parker was a wonderful and loving dog. Her best friend was a pug named Pugsley.

When Parker's owners came to view her portrait at the gallery they had tears in their eyes. They expressed how surprised they were that I could capture so much detail from the photos they had. Many times people don't take photos of their pets with regularity. When they decided to have Parker's portrait painted they found they had very few photos of Parker and none that were what we were looking for as far as ideal photo reference material. Right before I started the painting they found a photo, long forgotten, that turned out to be the perfect reference. The photo was small and old - but valuable!

Monarch butterflies have great significance to Parker's owners so I put a Monarch in the painting at their request.

Sure wish I could have met Parker.

To see a larger image of her painting please go to my website at http://www.dawnsecord.com/.

Thanks for taking a peek at my work!

German Shepherd Puppy

This painting is the first in my puppy series being specifically created for my exhibit in May at the Pinnell Gallery - Art of the Dog.

I was at a dog show last year and a lady walked past our motor home with this three month old German Shepherd puppy. His movement was spectacular. Love to watch the Shepherds! Once my eyes stopped staring - my mind said - photograph this puppy. So, I ran after the lady, explained I was an artist and asked for permission to photograph her puppy. She was very kind and had a litter mate that she also brought out so we could photograph the puppies playing.

This painting is not yet titled but will be for sale through the gallery. If you are interested in purchasing the painting before the show - please contact me at my email fff@linkline.com or my toll free studio number is 866-393-7111.

This painting may be coming out in print. If you are interested in signing up for a print please email me at fff@linkline.com.

To view more of my work please visit my website at http://www.dawnsecord.com/.

Thanks for taking a peek at my work! Have a great day.