Katie8″ x 10″, Acrylic on Aquabord© Xan Blackburn 2014 The differences between this and the previous stage may seem small, but they are the difference between not-done and done. Or thinking I’m done. I thought I was done last night, but apparently, that was not the case, as I saw some things I wanted to … Read More “Greyhound Katie’s Portrait: Done”
I don’t even know what project to take up! Niccolo & MaeBellaWork in progress. Acrylic on panel. 16″ x 20″©Xan Blackburn 2011 I’ve got two paintings currently in process; Fluffy, and Niccolo and MaeBella (yikes! that’s colorful!) I got stalled out on N&M two whole years ago, when I ran out of technique, and my … Read More “Decisions! Decisions!”
I’m currently seeking permission to use reference photos from owners of 4 specific breeds, in case you know any! Please get in touch if you have photos of (list changed!): Dogue de Bordeaux Mini/Toy Aussie Xoloitzcuintli Berger Picard If I use your photo, you have the option – but not the obligation – to buy … Read More “Reference request, and Fluffy, Redux”
NWFest was a kick. My booth, all set up at NWFest 2011 We managed to find a great young lady to petsit who I’m not going to tell you any more about in case you all swarm her with requests, and I can never get her again! Suffice it to say, everyone loved her, and … Read More “NWFest: outdoor fun with dogs”
Tangaloor Malden, CGC “Hunter”11″ x 14″ acrylic and graphite on Gessobord©Xan Blackburn, 2011 A lot of careful work went into refining the silky hairs swirling around the ear and down the neck, bringing them in and out of shadows, giving them dimension, giving them some color, making them finer. Much more shadow was needed along … Read More “Silken Windhound Portrait, Hunter, is … Done! (Probably)”
Lego (Allagante Mai Tai Davan, FCH, OTRC, SRC) Okay, I really want to hear from you if you are a silken owner, or admirer, or maybe just now found out what they are. My next push is to get some silken windhound art together for sale at an event in July. That means a few … Read More “New Project: Silken Windhounds”
I thought I’d let you all peek behind the curtain a little more into what else goes on in my studio. No worries! I’ll be getting back to Nikki’s painting as soon as I finish writing this post. I’ve been working on a trade show display for my husband. His water treatment business has been … Read More “Other Irons in the Fire”
A terrible rainstorm has flooded out and destroyed a galgo rescue shelter in Spain. There’s an auction taking place today to help raise the emergency funds needed to save the 100 remaining dogs (some have died), and get them the basics of survival; food, shelter, medicines. So far in the auction, there is a wonderful … Read More “While I’m working on Nikki, This Important Message”
Grover! Just the name makes me think goofy thoughts. But, Tena refers to him as “Gentleman G”, and the reference photo is very subdued, so settle down, Xan! Here’s what I’ll be working from:His eyes are not so light or yellow, Tena tells me, so I’ll change that. Also, I think I’ll throw in a … Read More “Portrait Marathon: Grover begins”
