Nero has been a lovely challenge for me this week. You can see the start here, getting his expression right and the light direction. I'll talk you through the stages here. Or have a look on my other pages to see my dog prints or contact me to arrange a commission.

At this stage I am looking at the over all effect, I want the background to stay simple if possible. This painting is to go with the painting of his sister Raven, so needs similar colours.

Getting there, time to see what his owner thinks... wish me luck!

Hi there! I write to you today from my garden where everything is looking lush an green, sun's shining and I'm enjoying being outside after quite a busy few weeks of painting and selling. It's so nice to be able to talk to you I hope this finds you well...
Here in sleepy Melton I have been adding the finishing touches to my portraits of "Rottys", a beautiful greyhound a little grey rabbit and a loyal canine paratrooper!

Above is my stand at the garden centre each Saturday you can see the finished portrait of Raven the Rottweiller which went down well (fortunately)with her owner,Helen. More commissions rapidly came in! One of which is Grace...
You may be able to make out the first stages of my greyhound commission "Grace" on my easel. Below is the final version. Although there's a story about that..

While I was waiting for the client to come to view the portrait at my stand a little girl ran up to the painting to "stroke the doggy" her little fingers grazing down the recently varnished surface of the painting! I'll have to watch out in future! Must be getting too good! Lol!

Next Mr Button a real cutey and a great idea for a leaving present for a colleague who has him as her house pet. It made a lovey contrast to paint something tiny for a change.

Last, but not least is this beautiful Belgium Shepherd; the faithful companion to Chris who came to see me back in October.
As a paratrooper Chris has had a long association with training dogs to be used in combat zones such as Afghanistan many of whom have saved the lives of civilians and soldiers. This courageous dog Pegusus took part in many missions with him parachuting with his handler into dangerous areas and even has is own award and by the regiment. He is now enjoying a lovely retirement. This painting is a celebration of a hero dog!