Hannahacrylic on canvas, 5 x 5© Xan Blackburn Hannah Banana! I’m told that she was getting told off right before the reference picture was taken, which explains the look in her eye to begin with. Goodness knows what the little trouble-maker had gotten into! I decided to give her a little more relaxed look however, … Read More “Portrait Marathon: Hannah, #15”
Coltraneacrylic on canvas panel, 8 x 10© Xan Blackburn Coltrane! You’ll be in my dreams tonight, I have no doubt! Your sleepy eyes, like banked coals on one side and striped with reflected grass on the other, your chin nestled in the grass, I want to lay down next to you and watch the … Read More “Portrait Marathon: Coltrane, #14”
Fletcheracrylic on canvas, 5 x 5© Xan Blackburn Fletcher’s mom is like me, I’m afraid: photographically challenged. Alas, those of us suffering this affliction are lucky to avoid getting our thumbs on the lens. After taking another try, we collected what we both agreed we’d better settle for, though it was still a bit vague. … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #13 – Fletcher”
Wookieacrylic on canvas, 5 x 5© Xan Blackburn Wookie, a rescued borzoi who has blossomed in his loving home, is dear to my own heart. His story could almost be that of my own girl, Katie (rescued from an awful “shelter” in S. Korea). Like my own Katie, Wookie’s self-confidence is still a little shaky, … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #12 – Wookie”
HajimeAcrylic on canvas, 5 x 5© Xan Blackburn Hajime, or Haj, is a chow-husky mix, which you can see in his blue tongue and very direct glance (or, that’s what I see, anyway!) He’s drop-dead gorgeous. He is devoted to his mom. This portrait is a gift from a friend, which is always so cool, … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #11 – Hajime”
RosieAcrylic on Claybord panel, 8 x 10© Xan Blackburn I’ve been reminded (ahem!) that I’ve been calling Rosie’s housemate, Fuzzy, by the wrong name all over the place! Hes not “Fluffy”, he’s “Fuzzy”! Sheesh. However, I’m pretty sure this is Rosie. Rosie’s portrait, at 8 x 10, did take me a bit longer than the … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #10 – Rosie!”
RugerAcrylic on canvas, 5 x 5© Xan Blackburn Handsome Ruger! His mom sent me a few pictures, and a description, as usual. She described a protector, her “Sheriff”, a “relaxed but aware” presence, always ready to lie down. But the pictures she sent had me laughing out loud. He looked to me like he had … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #9 – Ruger!”
AlfieAcrylic on canvas panel, 8 x 10© Xan Blackburn Alfie, the little love, is the brother to Fluffy, who’s portrait I did awhile ago. This cheerful guy is his people’s boon companion, on trips to the Oregon beaches, or just to the back yard. How can your resist this happy smile? Nah, don’t even bother … Read More “Portrait Marathon: Alfie is #8”
Tip TopAcrylic on Aquabord, 5 x 5© Xan Blackburn Tip Top’s portrait was a special challenge in that I only had one photo to work from, which was small and low-resolution, as well as being fairly dim. Her head is lit from the rear, leaving most of her face in shadow, with just a rim … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #7 – Tip Top!”
Bee Wisemanacrylic on canvas panel, 8 x 10© Xan Blackburn Wow! Miss Bee Wiseman is a fabulous creature! Her mom sent me a bunch of photos, but this smile just could not be denied! Even though she had not only the whole open-mouth challenge going, but the brindle thing as well, I just thought it … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #6 – Bee Wiseman”