“Cash”8” x 10″acrylic on canvas panel© Xan Blackburn Chris’ greyhound, Cash, at age 10, is on her second life! That’s pretty good for a spooky grey, I’d say! She had a bad reaction to routine shots, actually died, but was brought back to life – a modern-day miracle! And, a gorgeous, blue-brindle gal, to boot. … Read More “#4: Cash’s Portrait”
I’m pretty sure Red’s portrait is done. I’ll sleep on it (not literally – that would not be comfortable at all!) Since it’s almost 9:30 at night, and tomorrow is Chris’ greyhound, Cash’s turn at the Marathon, I’ll just give you a gallery of progress pictures to look at.
Stellaacrylic on Aquabord8″ x 10″© Xan Blackburn I think I’m done with Stella. I hope Lynn agrees! As it’s Memorial Day weekend Saturday, my husband and dogs are all wanting dinner, and I’m rather hungry myself, I’ll just show you some progress pics to show you how I got to this point. Enjoy! Stella’s reference … Read More “PM #2: Stella – done!”
Stella – work in progress, stage 3acrylic on Aquabord8″ x 10″© Xan Blackburn Stella, the sleeping beauty! Okay, she’s not sleeping in this portrait, but her owner tells me that she sleeps a lot, and sent me several photos of her in that state. Sounds like a greyhound to me! (Contrary to popular belief, greyhounds … Read More “Stella, the Sleeping Beauty”
Luki – work in progress 8″ x 10″, acrylic and conte crayon on panel © Xan Blackburn I’m pleased with this stage, though I had hoped to be a bit further along by quitting time tonight. Well, life, in all it’s variability, will make hash of the best of plans, eh? Here’s a quick … Read More “PM – Luki (greyhound portrait)”
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!”
Note to future participants: Have your photos ready! Keep an eye on your email if you know your turn is coming up, so I don’t have to skip over you. 😉 Miss StarAcrylic on canvas© Xan Blackburn Star’s portrait took a whole different direction than … any portrait I’ve ever done, I guess! Why is … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #5 Miss Star”
WaliAcrylic on panel (Claybord), 8 x 10© Xan Blackburn Whew! Wali’s portrait, on 8 x 10 panel, took me a little longer than the smaller 5 x 5 canvasses, but I could have been more efficient, I think. Also, working on the very smooth panel requires a different touch, as it shows watery brush strokes … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #4 Wali”
RileyAcrylic on canvas, 5×5© Xan Blackburn Gorgeous whippet-guy, Riley, with those smokey bedroom eyes … I’m in looooove! Riley has a brother who’s portrait I did awhile back, with a sort of flowery background. Riley’s reference photos included one with a fallen leafy background, and I liked that, but didn’t want to get too finicky … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #3 Riley”
DarcyAcrylic on canvas, 5 x 5© Xan Blackburn 2012 Alrighty! Darcy swam up out of a clear blue lake, or anyway, that was my experience of painting her! Watch the animation to see what I mean. Darcy’s mom calls her a “heart healer”. At almost 12 years old, with this sweet face, you can just … Read More “Portrait Marathon: #2 Darcy”
