Hatch, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 14”x11”
Before the Holidays, my colleague told me that he was considering commissioning an artist to do a painting of his golden retriever as a gift for his wife. I said that I would paint his dog for free, on one condition: he had to be honest with me about whether or not he liked the painting.
I would like to build a portfolio of paintings, so I figured this would be a good opportunity for me to get started. But considering I have only painted with acrylics twice before in my life, I thought I should give myself an “out” and set his expectations appropriately.
My friend agreed, and he provided me with a couple of pictures I could use as references. His dog is gorgeous, so I was looking forward to giving this painting a shot. And early one morning, between Christmas and New Year’s, I painted Hatch. Fortunately, my friends like it, and I hope they enjoy seeing it somewhere on the wall in their home.
On the front of a card I gave them to go along with the painting, I sketched Hatch in motion. He’s a good dog.
Filed under: Art, Friends, Sketches
