Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Painting of Pets

In the movie "Ghostbusters",  Bill Murray's character Dr. Peter Venkman adds that if they don't get rid of the ghosts there will be "human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria!"  Well, that is the title of this painting ~ because off and on during the time I painted it, that line kept running through my head. 
"Dogs and Cats Living Together"
9" x 12"
oil on Raymar canvasboard
offered for sale in many print formats at REDBUBBLE here!
Original SOLD
Done from a photo borrowed FB photo, I loved the intense light streaming in from the front window onto the stairs where these two were enjoying the warm sunshine.  I bet I painted that cat 6 to 7 times...and I am still not sure it is right...but if you don't compare it to the photo, that cat is just fine!  It isn't a commission.

The effect was achieved with the sunlight and shadows that I wanted to convey.  At first, I took out the sliding glass door that you see through the background..but in doing so it left the painting unbalanced...so I simplified it, taking out the extraneous stuff that could be seen out the window and making it just a plain backyard.  I love artistic license!  This one kept me awake last night.  I really enjoyed painting it!  I am committed to taking a better photo of it, the wetness of the paint is showing in spots.

8 comments:

Maria's Watercolor said...

Oh, I just love this painting, the expressions and lighting create the perfect composition. I get this face from my dog every time I get ready to leave the house!

Leann said...

Wonderful!

Dana Cooper said...

I love this Patty...the dog is looking resigned to the idea of having the cat around. :)

Danni said...

Oh, your work is lovely! You've captured this sweet dog's face and feet so well! Ah, talent like this completely passed me by. Thank you for commenting on my blog - I'm pleased to know about yours now!
:)

Ellen Burkett said...

Beautiful...the suuny light is wonderful. And those two are so at peace, they're almost bored. I have three cats and have to keep one away from the others because of the fighting. Insane.

Great job Pattie

Pattie Wall said...

Maria - I know that look as well. Thanks Leann and Dana - these two are definitely the friends they should be living under one roof..but I know how sometimes that doesn't work too well, Ellen. Farmgirl, thanks for stopping by, your tale of your donkey is just the sweetest tale. Check it out peeps.

Gwen Bell said...

This endearing painting sums up that title beautifully! Great job, Pattie!

suzanne cabrera said...

Gorgeous!!!! The light quality in this painting is incredible!!!! Wish you could bottle that up and sell it to the rest of us!

Art Still GOING On

(I've been really neglectful of this space. Yikes!)   This summer we planted TREES on our property - spent so much time caring for them,...