Jilly Bean RIP acrylic on canvas panel, 8 x 10 © Xan Blackburn

A dear friend to many, a mascot to the greyhound community, a girl who has taught many foster hounds to respect little dogs, Judy and Mike’s little Jilly Bean passed away on Dec. 18.  That afternoon, a mutual friend asked if I’d be willing to quickly and quietly do a portrait for them, and I couldn’t resist, even though it was the day after wrapping the Portrait Marathon, and I had been looking forward to a rest (and a chance to do some christmas shopping!)  Jilly, small as she was, leaves a big hole in a lot of hearts.  She is missed.

Jilly Bean – in progress © Xan Blackburn