As with most paintings from photographs, I started with a simple grid to transfer and enlarge the image to fit the dimensions of my 8 x 10 canvas. No problems there. This work’s major effort was a short wrestle with color. For commissions, I ask for the client’s preferences for color, but sometimes get inadvertently locked into a three-color set that lacks interest. This time around, I obtained the base color preference, and constructed a roughly 5-color scheme around it using Adobe’s Kuler color-scheme generator. This turned out to be a great way to practice expanding my palette – I was unfamiliar with working with some of these, and wouldn’t have thought about combining them in this way! In the end, I added my own color “embellishments” to make sure enough of my own unique sensibility was imbued in the work. See the under-painting at left to see how I started with a bright base! Over all, I think this approach to color was a good technique for commission work, where client preferences need to be considered. Looking forward to see how it works with upcoming assignments.
Great job Zach. Tamyra used to have that kind of dog. It was black and white and just passed away a few months ago. I should find a picture and have you paint one as a gift to her,