"Perseverance" by Beth Lowell

"Perseverance" 10 x 8 pastel (c) Beth Lowell 2011

According to Dictionary.com, the word perseverance means: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”

In a theological sense, it means “continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.”

I’m not sure about eternal salvation here, but this word definitely describes Koh-Koh’s steadfastness in the face of adversity. Attacked by neighborhood dogs, he came to the Misha May Foundation after sustaining serious injury that required some pretty extensive and reconstructive surgery. He never once complained.

Misha May’s volunteer foster family also deserves kudos for their preseverance in caring for him for just about a year until Koh-Koh found his forever home.

I chose this dog as my muse for my final entry to the Canine Art Guild’s annual Helping Paws exhibition because of his courage and as a tribute to the Misha May Foundation’s dedication and hard work in helping him recover. (Besides, who can resist a cone-wearing dog?)

It took some perseverance on my part, too. Without my favorite pastel paper for months due to what I’ve heard are production issues, I finally took matters into my own hands and tinted the white Wallis sanded paper I had with an acrylic wash. Painting with pastels on a bright white background has a terrible effect on the colors! I can’t believe this idea didn’t dawn on me sooner, but I’m glad to have found a solution until the Belgian Mist colored paper is available again.

You know what my favorite synonym for perseverance is? Doggedness!

Thanks for looking and sharing with those you feel might enjoy my work. Pet portraits make great holiday gifts, and don’t forget, gift certificates do too!

Beth Lowell
www.bethlowellfineart.com
beth@bethlowell.com