Sundance

I spent the remainder of April completing a commission for my cousin Linda out in CT. She wanted her lab, Sundance, immortalized in a painting. Her letter included a paragraph of lovely descriptives of Sundance, including his kohl outlined eyes, his creamy puppy soft fur. What a doll.

While painting him, I felt all of this love her family has. It was as though painting his fur, I was actually scratching behind his ears and snuggling up to him. The little black spots at the base of his whiskers were very important, the wet nose, the complacent eyes.

The background includes their very traditional New England porch, complete with white columns and a brick porch. Winter's ice skates adorn the deep navy blue door (my personal favorite color of the moment. I can't find enough ways to incorporate it!), along with a Christmas wreath. Sundance was a sport, with his deep red scarf.

I thank you Linda for sending me this project. It was truly a reminder of why I love art, why it it so important to give a voice to the things we love by showing their true colors.