Whew! Painting is happening!!

What a relief!

It's been almost two months since my Wabi died, which just shook my heart to the ground. I haven't been able to paint since.  Meanwhile, of course, commissions are waiting!  I have deadlines!  It's been a lot of grief-tinted panic waiting for the juice to flow, trying to doodle my way back into my art, tossing things away in frustration.

But today seems to have been the day.  Well, this afternoon anyway.

"Daddy"
work in progress
acrylic on Claybord, 8" x 10"
copyright 2011 Xan Blackburn

I had begun this painting of Daddy, the Berger Picard (same post as the Wabi post, but further down), awhile back, just when I stalled out.  I was able to get back to work on him today.  Here's where we left him, with the reference photo below (all there is of it - yes, that small and blurry).  

Obviously, lots to do.




When I rinsed out my brushes to go take the dogs for a walk, this is where I left it.

"Daddy"
work in progress
acrylic on Claybord, 8" x 10"
copyright 2011 Xan Blackburn

I over-committed to some pretty strong strokes before I backed away from the table so long ago, which are going to take some camouflaging to get integrated, but I think will work out in the end.  The fur is rough, tending towards a sort of spikey look, so strong strokes will hopefully support that overall texture.  Right now, he looks mostly very soft and silky, which will have to change.  

All in all, even though this only shows maybe an hour's progress, I'm feeling like celebrating!  Tomorrow will see a lot more movement.

On another note, I want to draw your attention to a few great opportunities for shopping that also provide opportunities for dogs to have better lives.

The annual Miss Nellie auction is in progress, which has some really great stuff in it, benefiting OSU's Greyhound Health and Wellness Program (aka Dr. Couto's canine cancer program).  Too many of our beloved hounds lose their lives to cancer.  Let's knock that thing DOWN!

The second opportunity benefits a new group with a looong name, Born to Run Global Sighthound Rescue, committed to rescuing sighthounds globally, caring for them, and finding them good homes.  Trot on over to their ebay auction to find items for sighthound lovers.

There are always worthy causes to get involved with, and I've just shown you a couple.  Even if neither of these catches your heart, find something that does, and make a little improvement in our world where you can.  Every little bit counts!