Self portrait

[Jean Kelly]

Hi, maybe more figurative than a formal portrait, but says a lot about me.

I found Snickers in our back yard in the middle of a blizzard 4 years ago. She had severe frost bite on all feet, ears and tail. She couldn't walk for months (while her pads grew back) so lived on my body, in my pocket, or next to me on couch etc. She still does, sits on my shoulder or lap while I paint.

I'm trying a different palette on this one, softer, not as much contrast as I normally use. Cad scarlet, cad yellow light, cerulean blue, raw umber, and black. Still trying to get comfortable with the "low key" look.

This is a work in progress, 28 x 22 inches, oil on canvas. If you see anything to comment on, please do. Your critiques always make me work harder!

Jean