Lake Portrait
 

This is the finished version of a portrait for which I received many good suggestions when I posted it in the Works in Progress section. It is oil on canvas - 30x24". This is also the first dog I've painted.

The clients haven't seen it yet because they are in Europe for a month; I am hoping they will be as pleased with it as I am. Thanks to all who helped.

Leslie

Leslie,
This painting turned out just fine and I am certain that the family will be happy with it.

They seems to be fond of out door life and sports, I even recognize a tomahawk, does the man have pre columbian ancesters?

Thanks, Allan! They did explain what all those implements are but I don't recall anymore. I have a feeling that the tomahawk might actually be some sort of Polish ceremonial tool, because she is Polish, but I'm not sure. The rocks were an afterthought of his and I would have preferred the picture without them. But basically I think the rest of it works.

Leslie

Congratulations, Leslie...nice job!

Thanks, Tom! I think this was a real learning experience for me both in terms of dealing with the client and in terms of approaching the work itself. Your thoughts were greatly appreciated.

Leslie

Leslie,

You handled this complex portrait very well. I like how you managed to deal with the figures. The lake isn't just a backdrop: you've integrated background and foreground by including the outdoor equipment, which also gives additional information about the couple. I like the way you have thought this through.

It's very nice to hear that from you, Alexandra! It's interesting the way people sometimes want to include objects that are symbolic of their interests. Those objects can be easy to integrate or more difficult. I had a pathologist who wanted an old-fashioned globe, an ancient microscope, an electron microscope AND a model of DNA in his portrait. It definitely makes it a challenge at times.

I'm beginning another painting with the same lake setting, this time of my son and daughter-in-law. I had promised them a portrait as a wedding present and it's only two years late. But they just wanted themselves with the lake as a backdrop - no props. The difference between the two couples both in the length of marriage and the relationship is obvious in the poses and details; that's part of what makes this business so fascinating.

Leslie