8x10 oil on watercolor paper
Actually this painting is incorrectly titled, it should read: Henry, My Nemesis! I met Henry while painting plein air a while ago. He walked up to me wearing a blue on blue polka dot choker collar, he had a sleek short hair cut, and the wildest pompadour, complete with a topknot. His owners graciously allowed me to photograph him; Henry was obviously comfortable in front of the camera as every shot of him was perfect, all ready for a painting.
Now, for the nemesis part. Henry has been the most difficult dog I have ever painted, I should know, this is my 4th painting of him. My other 3 Henry paintings...ready for a bonfire come winter...include his full body. Something about that wild hair-do with the sleek body did not make a lovely painting, too much of a textural weird contrast or at least that's how I've justified those 3 bonfire failures. My husband (thanks, honey) has assured me "not all dogs are supposed to be painted and this one is just ugly".
I still don't know why I selected Henry for Vern's book, I just felt compelled to paint this dog and succeed for once. Cropping that wild pompadour with the topknot and focusing on Henry's face was a huge help, I am pleased with my 4th and I guess final painting of Henry.
I'm not sure about your other versions of Henry, but I think this one works very well Angela...there is life in his eyes...and in his fur!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Love your commentary, Angela. I think Henry is a handsome boy with an unfortunate hairstyle--very Rococo. Your painting is terrific. He's full of life and intelligence. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWow I love him .He looks so full of life with his wild afro/pompadour/ I just got my hair through a blow dryer look. They have very soft hair and your brush strokes really show that. Well done
ReplyDeleteThis one is beautiful Angela.I love his wild hair and eyes..
ReplyDeleteOh, I dont think he is ugly, sorry husband.
I must agree with the others, well done!
Wow, Angela, you really captured Henry's flamboyant mane beautifully. He has such an intelligent look, and a real sparkle in his eye...almost mischievous. We had a standard poodle named Hudson years ago who was a wonderful friend, so it's neat to have this portrait. Thanks so much, you did a wonderful job.
ReplyDeleteCracking!!! Henry would fit right into my Afro Series! Great Shot Angela!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure this is my favorite painting of yours, Angela! I agree with Liz, I got a very "Sun King" feeling from this one. Unfortunately I consider myself to be a little bit picky about animal portraits, and this one really fits my bill, not too tight, not too loose, juuuuuust right! Beautiful expression in the eyes, the teeth aren't too shiny and edgy, it is just perfect.
ReplyDeleteYou have allowed Henry's character and attitude to show through in spite of/because of the weird, wacky, doo! Love it!
ReplyDeleteFantastic job, Angela. You really capture the voluminous hair of the handsome fellow. Very nicely cropped.
ReplyDeleteIncredibly done, Angela! That is quite a mane of hair. But I'm really drawn how you've capture the eyes!
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