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Shake That (Violet)


 
Introducing your Painting a Dog a Day Valentine's Giveaway Winner, Violet: "Shake That," 8" x 10", portrait of a lab mix, done in acrylic on a museum quality panel, my Valentine's Day gift to Violet's family. Inquiries may come to me.
 
 

 
 

I hadn't yet made up my mind as to which of the 14 finalists would be my Valentine muse when I punched out yesterday.
 

Then I dreamt that Violet was with me. All nite, she kept showing up in the most random places, rubbing her wet body against my legs and shaking her thing. Although I was dreaming, I could feel the cold water and sandy grit (and no, the kitten wasn't sneezing on me!). 

 
This morning a good tooth brushing took care of the wet dog smell, and after a buge mug of tea to warm my bones I decided she needed to be on my easel (I didn't want to be chased by her all nite again!!).

 
I think things turned out very well. I hope that Violet's family agrees!!

 
In process images of Violet's painting are on the studio Facebook page.

 
Happy Heart Day,
Kim
 



Here's the reference photo of Violet that inspired her painting above.

 
See some changes? they are intentional - the horizon line got slanted to counterbalance her body's lean to the right. I also dropped it to intersect with her face, thus reinforcing the focal point. I pulled her tail away and to the side to eliminate that circular negative space above her head that was distracting.
 

As is usually the case after I scan a painting, I see some changes I'd like to make - like removing the violet in the water, so that Violet the dog takes front and center a bit more. That will be easy enough to do with some glazes later tonite.

 
But meanwhile, keep in mind that using a photo as a reference does not mean that you have to bring every single element in the photo into your painting. Be smart and pick and choose only those things that will make your piece stronger.

 
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Comments

  1. Lisa Sloane4:46 PM

    Just recently discovered you and your blog and Facebook postings have quickly become my favorite learning spots. (I'm a big Golden fan.) If you ever find yourself in Northern California I would love to take a class! Thank you for your continued inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kimberly Kelly Santini9:54 PM

    Thanks, Lisa!! I'll announce workshops here, so stay tuned.... It would be great to get to paint with you!! Meanwhile, keep it up! :)

    ReplyDelete

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