Rainbow Bridge Remembrance: Capturing the Spirit in an 8x10 Oil Portrait Commission
Some commissions touch the heart a little deeper, and this one is undoubtedly among them. In my studio, the quiet joy of a beloved little white dog, who has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, is slowly but surely coming to life on an 8x10 inch oil canvas. This special portrait commission is destined to be a cherished keepsake, a vibrant reminder of a loyal companion.
Phase 1: The Soulful Grisaille Underpainting
Every detailed oil portrait begins with a strong foundation, and for this commission, we started with a grisaille underpainting. This monochromatic block-in focuses purely on form, light, and shadow, allowing me to carefully sculpt the figure of the dog, and establish the gentle setting around him.
In this initial stage, the entire composition is carefully mapped out, ensuring that the pose, the expression, and the overall feel accurately capture the spirit of this special dog. It’s a crucial step that sets the stage for the rich colors to come.
Phase 2: Introducing Life – Color in the Background
With the grisaille complete, the canvas truly begins to awaken. For Phase 2, the focus shifts to introducing color, starting with the background. As you can see, the soft greens of the rolling hills and the expansive blue sky now begin to emerge. This not only grounds the painting but also sets the mood and atmosphere, preparing for the little white dog to truly shine.
This careful layering of color ensures depth and luminosity, building the scene from back to front, much like building a miniature world in one of my dioramas, but on a grander scale.
The Journey Ahead: Bringing Personality to the Foreground
The next exciting stages of this 8x10 oil portrait commission will involve bringing vibrant life to the middle and foreground. This is where the rich textures of the grassy field filled with bluebells will be developed, and the subtle nuances of light and shadow will be enhanced.
Finally, the magic truly happens with the addition of all the intricate details. This last phase is dedicated to those delicate brushstrokes that capture the sparkle in the dog's eyes, the texture of his wiry white fur, and the playful tilt of his head – all the specific elements that will make this painting truly pop and resonate deeply as a cherished keepsake for his owner.
Stay tuned to watch this beautiful remembrance portrait unfold! I'll be sharing updates as this special 8x10 oil commission progresses, right here on the blog and on my social media channels.
