Celebrating World Black Dogs Day
/“I just wanted to thank Susie for the superb portrait she did of Guinness. It has proved extremely difficult to get photos of him over the years as, being black, he does not come out that well.
In his 17+ years we probably only have a handful of decent pics! It was fascinating watching, online, how she built the picture up and the finished article captures him to a tee, his posture, look and essence. I never realised how specialised digital painting was, taking a treasured photo as reference and creating an artwork that incorporates the very spirit of the subject.
It now has pride of place in our Dining Room and has been greatly admired by all his/our friends who we shared it with. It is the first time we have tried getting a portrait of Guinness and it was so easy I wish we had thought of it before. Once again many thanks, it will be part of the family for decades to come.”
In honour of #worldblackdogday on Friday, I am looking back on the portrait I did of the wonderful Guinness or Guinness Maximilian Cowley to give him his full title.
It was such a joy to see how this portrait was received by his family and interesting to hear about their struggle to get good images of him over the years because of his colour.
When I see any colour I see the myriad of colours that make it up. So black becomes a mesmerizing blend of blues, purples, greys, browns, pinks...I could go on!
It was a pleasure to bring Guinness to life in colour and create for his family an artwork that will be treasured for years to come.
Do you have a black dog that you've always wanted to celebrate? Now could be your chance!
I am running a very special pet portrait giveaway this month, in partnership with the brilliant team @pawpairs in Wandsworth.
Click the button below to find out how to enter
AND...be in with a chance to win a beautifully painted, completely bespoke portrait of your animal!
Also a shout out to Colleen Paige who created world/international black dog day in honour of her beloved black dog and to draw attention to the plight of many abandoned black dogs looking for a home.
Follow @worldblackdogday for more info!
