![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaPjyX6v60QW3ymIAWq1Jg6G6nkULd7dCNG2OqBqqnyOdujFOfBd0FBwbnfQ5tGmB1GM69C9y6OmKxW9mhoZ4cW7748o3KOfhTYpsQptFK9Aqt4u9DvrqHF2kL59UxJ0KL2oOWPnec7_2/s1600/petuniafinal.jpg) |
@2014 R.L. Delight, Petunia, 6"x8", oil on canvas panel |
As a rule, I don't use photo references to paint from. However, sometimes a painting needs to be created and the rules must be ignored.
When my dog Twill crossed over the bridge, I wanted something physical to remember her by. I searched around until one day, on Facebook, one of the animal rescue groups I follow posted a beautiful piece of dichroic jewelry that contained a tiny bit of the ashes of one of their beloved dogs. It was lovingly made by the creative and talented Carolyn whose company is called
Sacred Embers.
I knew I found my keepsake. I contacted her and saved up the cost of my own keepsake for Twill. When the time came to order, I found out that Carolyn had lost her beautiful and beloved cat of many years, that very day. To make a long story short in the process of her making my keepsake, I offered to paint a portrait of her kitty. Her name is Petunia.
I have never painted a pet portrait before so this was new territory for me. The following pictures are of the work in progress. I did not use any single photo but combined a couple to achieve the end result. The background in the painting was inspired by a beautiful wall hanging in one of the photos I was sent. Here is the process:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJm52RiUAGuPWuURphU5HtulySO7s_mbwlvOzwnE2w7hGtiBSZ4NIM0XwNYkEPV-7ufSzlsVrvALX3FfENt9aveQPiw3SyvBTDFJuIq6_jImXt_48-XQWuS0EH_NPsrbXQUzlkbh9UdNx/s1600/petuniawip1.jpg) |
Petunia, sketch |
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAyUEf7htkSlk8qiLusj-ElWYqrzgMpZIedW1Ul4ue-YohV66ZGOjizmkAj_V2vHGAl4SESzkLxfI0ZCzeiIlSw0n4uqdgLu0eEW-ki0Ys4BpabMkIZvxdyyB7YoaUjdPNqL7dcvWdj8Z/s1600/petuniawip2.jpg) |
Petunia, block-in |
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![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuwDIzCiuSE0bgAKak68Qx2ny8Quv24qT3qQVSu9wH3zcGyasgm8NhiX9MYh3AnEFkMeFipFQjRZ32stzYq3TRp_2UR10KTudkUHqORLIpNZxfFLF4gv2rmo2pUwxtj9LbBd2afdBc4wu/s1600/petuniawip3.jpg) |
Petunia, adding detail |
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Petunia was a bittersweet joy to paint. I swear I could hear her purring as she came to life in the painting.
In other areas of my life, I had an unexpected milestone. I found myself, for the first time ever, recording music for a new CD with the band I am in. Here is a parting picture of me and a band mate laying down a cello track. It also serves as a hint for what is hitting the canvas next!
And yes, the plein air painting has been going on too. More on that later!
-Renee
1 comment:
Your Petunia painting is lovely Renee, and I'm sure it will be a great comfort to her human. It sounds like you are as busy as ever. I'm hoping that means you have fully recovered your health.
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