Andrea & Pinto

[John Reidy]

It has been a while since I have posted anything.

This is a portrait I did last spring. It measures 30"W x 40"D and is oil on stretched linen.

Andrea is a gallery owner and Pinto is her dog. The setting is the reception area as you enter her gallery. She decorated the gallery herself and this is where she feels "at home".

The painting is filled with favorite items of hers and her husband. It was fun arranging them and getting what I think is a fun composition and a theme of colors. I think I succeeded but others may judge differently. The one opinion that counts, other than my own, is Andrea's. She is happy.

[Alexandra Tyng]

John,
I agree with you--this is such a great composition! You know, normally I would steer away from painting such a spotty brick pattern, but once in a while something like that actually enhances the painting, and it certainly does in this one. I love the play of the red patterns in the brick and the chair, especially in contrast with the green spiky plant! In addition, her black hair and blue top are so vibrant. Th dog is great, too, because he is more subtle but very three-dimensional compared to the colors and patterns behind and around him (or her?). I'm glad Andrea is happy. I would be, too, if I were she.

[Julie Deane]

Hi John,

I like how you kept the dog from upstaging the woman (so easy to have happen), by your use of contrast and placement. I bet she is happy! Thanks for posting this.

[John Reidy]

Thank you Alex and Julie. I'm not real happy with this photograph, I'm still working out the saturation but it is a fair representation.

I was concerned about Pinto but I am pleased with his rendition.

It's funny, I have had more comments on the dog than the sitter. Go figure.