July 29, 2010

"Bella"

Oil on museum quality ampersand gessobord panel 8" x 10"

I was channeling my inner Matisse tonight with this painting of Bella. The jury is out on the contrasting colors and vertical stripes. Again I wanted the paint to show so I didn't get too fussy with it. I may be horrified in the morning. Hitherto I had not painted a vizsla, so it was a challenge on many levels.

8 comments:

suzanneberry said...

Mark, I'm sitting here mouth agape. This is simply incredible. The soft, mysterious, glorious colors and that expression and pose topped off by the stripes and white just come together to make one of my all time favorite pet portraits. Stunning! Bravo!

Mark Adams said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Suzanne. I really needed to hear that. It goes to prove you shouldn't give up too soon on a painting that you're fighting with. Last night I had the rag in my hand, ready to wipe this piece down when a little voice told me to push on through. I'm glad I did.

Brenda Boylan said...

Mark, we see more in your work than you give yourself credit for! I'm glad you spared us...and this piece! The composition is striking, my eyes continue to move through it.

Mark Adams said...

Brenda. It's comments like yours and Suzanne's that keep this old artist going. I really appreciate it! Thanks!

....... said...

These dogs are so beautiful and you sure have captured that in your painting!

I have a new picture blog, and a new ID to go with it, hence the PitaDiva. *smile* My attempt to be creative. Check me out...

Eugenia Wadsworth Martin said...

Hi Mark your pantings of animals are beautiful I hope to be half as good one day.

Dean Grey said...

Mark!

No, no, no. There should be no doubt in your mind over this one.

The vertical stripes work well here and mimic Bella's long legs.

Plus the dark reddish-brown fur compliment the blues perfectly.

A wonderful photorealistic portrait from you!

-Dean

Mark Adams said...

Thanks, Dean. This piece has really grown on me.