Great Dane /Mastiff Mix portrait.

[BYart]

Hi all,
Many have already commented on this painting in Works in Progress.
Don't feel you need to comment again...unless of course you want to
Seriously, it's one that I am very happy with as it's been a struggle learning acrylics after being mostly familiar with Pastels.
Thanks for viewing and any comments-

[johnwalkeasy]

The color and detail are very good. And you have
ought life to this painting. This is a happy dog. And you
ing that happyness across.

[BYart]

John,
Your comments mean alot to me, thank you so much!
Duke is a very happy dog, and I'm glad I was able to reflect that in his portrait.

For those that don't know(as per the WIP thread), he was adopted out of a rescue by my dear friend and her family.
What makes him so very incredible is that even though an adult at rescuing, he has adapted so easily to my friend's sons. This is quite an accomplisment for a dog with no training in this respect, as my friend's son has severe autism.
Most dogs need to be desensitized to the noises and disturbances that can come from her son at any given time. Duke however, never needed that. He seemed to know instinctivly, that the best reaction he could have to her son, was calmness and understanding...and so their love has grown.
Yes, Duke is a happy dog...and he has made his family very happy as well.
I've done this painting as a BD gift for her.

[krysta11]

Barb congrats on this piece. Absolutely beautiful!

K.

[BYart]

Thanks K!
It's always nice to hear when someone likes your work.
I don't have anyone here at home to tell me if they think my work is good or not, so yea...I use you all for that! AND, I grow with the critiques, good or..won't say bad, as I've never had a mean critique, just helpful ones!
Thanks!

[bergina]

Hi Barb,
All my comments on your past painting could really apply to this. Firstly, this is beautiful depiction of a dog. I’m sure your frtiends will love this as the last one. I could pick your work out from 1000 other artist. This is based on your unique style and of course the color palette. I think you always use the same primary and secondary colors. This is so cool as in case you didn’t know, your art has a unique finger print and it’s only yours. No one else can ever duplicate what you do regardless of what you paint. I am sure I’m the same. We all have our own unique fingerprint. I like yours.
Very
iefly, you mentioned that you wanted to be as accurate in your work as mine. You already are in your overall painting. However accuracy is just a means to an end. If you want to include some detail you must be very subtle in your colors and if you strive to achieve this, it will make your painting look hauntingly real. This is not easy to do. Where you have this painting now is where I would really start . It can be very stressful but oh, some serious fun. I always try to end up at this level with everything a bit to dark, gray or muted. I can then add my light (contrasting) colors whether fur, nose, eyes everything. I use the smallest
ushes I can find and still cut some of them down. Here is where some serious magic can happen.
I still haven’t found the right balance between detail and the soft flow that will make any painting exceptional but always working on it.
I think you are doing great work,
Al

[BYart]

Al,
Firstly, thank you so very much for your guidance and tips!
Secondly, I am flattered by your comments and am striving and reaching to attain a much higher level in my work.
As you probably know, I love dogs, all animals really...but my first love has always been dogs. Drawing and doing Pastels I did as a child(LOOOOOng time ago...LOL), and wasn't allowed to continue. As an adult...well let's just say that I wasn't encouraged. In more recent times, my now late husband, urged me to pursue what he saw as a sleeping talent. I was so lacking confidence in my work, that I just didn't. Sadly, after his passing(as he would have been thrilled) is when I finally decided to get back to the one thing in my life(other than he) that always
ought me joy, and yes comfort.
So, I am fairly new to the world of creating...and I am so very happy to have finally decided to see where my abilities can take me in my work.
I know that I have a long way to go to attain the level of realism that I so want to achieve in my paintings, but it is with the guidance of fellow artists like yourself, and others on this wonderful forum, that I feel I can attain that with much hard work and effort.
I welcome your tips and assessments anytime, as I learn something everyday, and hopefully, can learn how to apply all the helpful advice.
THANK YOU!