“Tassie” is a portrait our adorable and beloved family dog. Her spirit was powerful and playful; though she faced a challenge losing an eye around age two, it never diminished her personality. She lived a long and wonderfully happy life, bringing warmth and delight to our family.

In this studio painting, my aim was to not only capture her likeness, but to express that resilient and affectionate spirit. My process began with a tonal underpainting using burnt sienna. This foundational step allowed me to define her form and placement on the canvas, master the subtle tonal values that bring volume to her fur, and refine my brushwork, all before the introduction of colour.

Working with a limited palette in the subsequent layers, I focused on building realistic textures for her fur, as well as the surrounding grass, making sure brushstrokes created the desired effect. I hope this portrait conveys the profound connection and the deep affection we have for our resilient, joyful Tassie.