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In Process, Zen Dog


In process image of "Zen Dog," 36" x 14", acrylics on panel, depicting Zevon, a friend's newly rescued family member. This is Golden acrylics on a Raymar panel and will be available when finished for $2999, including s&h within the contiguous US (and yes, I apologize, but there is glare on this image, which is what happens when one photographs at 10pm). In process photos are on the Studio FB page. Inquires may come directly to me

Before I committed to daily painting (in October 2006), I specialized in larger than life pet portraits and animal paintings. How I loved to work on a piece where I could use the gesture of my entire body to make a mark - it was a dance, just me and my painting and the brush/

The commitment of daily painting limited my ability to continue to work at this scale, but I also thoroughly enjoyed immersing in a new composition each day, and thusly kept myself busy for years without missing things too much.

But when my friend Juliet shared a photo of her new dog Zevon and challenged me to paint him, a smaller panel just wouldn't do. He had to be big.

Big, because, I mean, let's be real. Adoption, a second chance at life with a family, is a darned big deal. And the gratitude that just oozes from his body (photo taken on one of his first days enjoying the sunlight in his new backyard), it needed to be expressed in a huge way. Far bigger than an 8x10~

So here's my big panel, my return to larger than life, with a piece that screams gentility and graciousness. May we all enjoy a generous serving of it this evening.

And stay tuned - because I will be issuing a Zen Dog challenge shortly, inviting all of you to pick up your brushes and create something equally special!

Thanks, as always, for following along with my artwork!
Warmly, Kim 

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