Decisions! Decisions!

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 …

Reference request, and Fluffy, Redux

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 …

NWFest: outdoor fun with dogs

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 …

Silken Windhound Portrait, Hunter, is … Done! (Probably)

Hunter, silken windhound portrait
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 …

Other Irons in the Fire

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 …

While I’m working on Nikki, This Important Message

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 …

Portrait Marathon: Grover begins

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 …