Dog Gone It Michelangelo!

My friend wrote a book about the dogs she has known and loved and their impact as part of human families.  She asked me to illustrate it.  Although I’ve done human portraits, I have not done many pet portraits. I decided to try my hand at showing the essence of a dog, the same way I do with the people I portray.  For one thing dogs are fun, and for another, from finest breed to mixed mutt, I never met a dog I didn’t like. I appreciate the way dogs are so cheerful, loyal and loving, no matter what their life circumstances may be.  Don’t you wish more people were like that?!

    As I pondered how to begin this project, I happened to see a beautiful exhibit at the Muscarelle Museum, College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, VA.  This is the only showing outside of Italy of Michelangelo’s first sketches for the Sistine Chapel.  I was inspired by several things: he was not a painter, he knew nothing of fresco painting, and he had no idea how to make scaffolding for a vaulted ceiling. Yet he courageously decided to try.  He did not have the internet available for his research, but he studied, he practiced, he did his best – and what a spectacular result!         

To get my own project started I decided to follow Michelangelo’s example.  I researched famous pet portrait artists. Then I practiced until I felt I had mastered the best way to bring these furry friends to life, to show their unique personalities. I like the result – here are two examples.  

     Let me know if you are interested in having a fine oil portrait made of your favorite pet. 

You can see more of my work at Mainframe Studios #273 during our monthly open house “First Friday” of each month – or online at MickeyCarlsonFineArt.com