What a relief!

It’s been almost two months since my Wabi died, which just shook my heart to the ground. I haven’t been able to paint since.  Meanwhile, of course, commissions are waiting!  I have deadlines!  It’s been a lot of grief-tinted panic waiting for the juice to flow, trying to doodle my way back into my art, tossing things away in frustration.

But today seems to have been the day.  Well, this afternoon anyway.

“Daddy” work in progress acrylic on Claybord, 8″ x 10″ copyright 2011 Xan Blackburn

I had begun this painting of Daddy, the Berger Picard (same post as the Wabi post, but further down), awhile back, just when I stalled out.  I was able to get back to work on him today.  Here’s where we left him, with the reference photo below (all there is of it – yes, that small and blurry).  

Obviously, lots to do.

When I rinsed out my brushes to go take the dogs for a walk, this is where I left it.

“Daddy” work in progress acrylic on Claybord, 8″ x 10″ copyright 2011 Xan Blackburn

I over-committed to some pretty strong strokes before I backed away from the table so long ago, which are going to take some camouflaging to get integrated, but I think will work out in the end.  The fur is rough, tending towards a sort of spikey look, so strong strokes will hopefully support that overall texture.  Right now, he looks mostly very soft and silky, which will have to change.