Meet Ginger. She is a recent commission, done in Colored Pencil on Arches 140 hot press paper. This little girl is so full of charm, she just about leaped out of her photos for a cuddle. I loved her darling little smile, and all that golden fur. She has a little more "pom" than most, but she wears the extra weight with the joy of one of Renoir's lushly beautiful ladies. Her smile took a while to get right, as I don't trace or project, but the effort was well worth while. I loved the challenge of her deep, fluffy coat too.
When I had finished, I thought that the painting looked a little unbalanced because of the red and white toy in her paws. That red was just so demanding of attention. Rather than make the red lighter or knock it back with shadow, I decided to put in some branches behind Ginger. They would also serve to bring out her pale blond plume. But I went easy with the branches and leaves, as I wasn't just pleasing myself - I had my client to consider, and when done, the suggestion of leaves was a success.
All in all, I am very happy with this portrait, and between that, the charming little dog, and a totally delightful client, this was a memorable painting.
Heather Anderson www.heather-anderson-animals-in-art.com
Sheltie Hollow
