Dog Portraits: Freckles 1 & 2

Behind every painting commission is a personal story. When I accept the commission I view it as an invitation to enter that story. I feel honored every time. The portraits I completed this week feature the same dog, Freckles, in two stages of life; as a shaggy, sweet puppy and now in present day, as an older, wiser, faithful companion.

Freckles The Puppy
10 x 8", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Stage 1: The drawing. With a thin wash of burnt umber paint and mineral spirits, I draw the image of Freckles with a number 2, filbert bristol brush, freehand, using several photos for my reference. My goal at this stage is accuracy. If I capture his likeness now the rest of my job is so much easier.

Stage 2: Blocking in the underpainting. This is such a fun stage. With a large brush I lay down the paint in blocks of color knowing that some of it will  show through the top, thicker layer.

Stage 3: Completing the painting. This final layer is done with brush strokes placed with intentional variety and color. The background represents where Freckles was photographed, in a pale green, grassy field.

Freckles
10 x 8", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson

Stage 1: The drawing.

Stage 2: Blocking in the underpainting.

Stage 3: Completing the painting. Freckles, as an adult, lost some of his pronounced markings. I also had to take in to account the changes in his hair and the way it fell. One trait that did not change was his alert, vibrant energy.

Portrait of a Little Girl:"Mariposa" Completed

I enjoy creating paintings for different reasons. To tell a story and entertain is always my first goal. This composition, with subject matter so unique in comparison to my traditional portraits, was a wandering of sorts off the beaten path.

Mariposa
9 x 12", Oil on canvas
Rita Salazar Dickerson (c)2014

Stage 3: Painting the hand and arm. 

Stage 4: Painting the  hair, blue t-shirt and background... Working on all three during the same painting session made painting their soft edges much easier.

Stage 5: Completing the painting...the butterfly and foreground. I painted the textured foreground first, saving the butterfly as my reward for getting everything else done. I was excited about this beautiful butterfly (mariposa) from the very beginning. It added contrast, pretty lines and design. And now, with this painting completed, I will let it rest before I make any adjustments. Its always good to let a piece of work sit for a while if you can. I will see it with fresh eyes in a week or so.

Portrait Of A Little Girl: Mariposa

In a quiet moment I see large blue eyes intently studying a butterfly. My granddaughter, Sofia, is at rest and watchful. Lost in a period of time, captured by wonder and design. For me is was delightful. Soothing. Inspiring. A painting waiting to happen.

Stage 1: The composition. Drawing freehand with a paint brush I try to portray this image with as much accuracy as possible. Working from a photograph means I have to adjust the proportions that the lens over compensates for. The hand had to be drawn much smaller. It was fortunate that I was able to have Sofia pose for me so that I could sketch her from life and make accurate changes.

Stage 2: Painting the face. Working wet paint onto wet paint my goal was to work efficiently, making every stroke count. Already though, I see changes I want to make. 

I think I'll work on her hair next and then her arm and hand.