3 Recent Commissions: Breaking Down the Painting Process

These three paintings have been a long-time coming; they're all projects that I took on over the cold winter months, and now that it's spring and the two that were gifts have been given to their new owners, I thought it was time to share!

As usual, I'm breaking down the stages of each painting into a bunch of pics, so that you can get a little look at the behind-the-scenes action [slowest action you'll ever see] of the creation process.

​Read on for details about each piece...

Painting #1: Knight
This fabulous pet portrait (of Knight) was commissioned by Knight's owner, who also happens to be my little brother's BFF from growing up and our childhood next door neighbor. He had me paint Knight for the living room of his new house, and while painting an all black dog was challenging (my first, I think?), it was great fun.

Painting #2: Bourbon
This painting was commissioned as a gift from one sister to another, whose family just had to put down their beloved 12-year old dog, Bourbon. In the picture, Bourbon is curled up on her daughter's security blanket and another special family blanket is draped over the back of the couch. {Ugh, this one makes me cry!} 

Painting #3: A Gift from a Daughter to her Father
This one is another tear-jerker--it's a gift from a daughter to her father, who recently got a tough diagnosis. The painting shows their two hands holding a rock that she gave him to keep in his pocket and rub when he's worried or needs something to hold onto; they've always loved collecting rocks together, so it's also a nod to that special bond that they have. So. Sweet. 

And that's it for now: three special paintings created for three very special commissioners :) Thanks to all of you for thinking of me for these projects!

Learn more about commissioning a painting here.