Heta

2020

Oil on 46 x 55 cm prefab canvas.

Yet another personally rewarding work, for two reasons. I got to paint a birthday commission for my friend, featuring their dog whose devoted fan I am. Heta's character is as sweet as she is cute. I also greatly sympathize the appreciation they show toward Heta. When you consider all the ugly restrictions that human society imposes on dogs Heta is given as much freedom as possible. Because she is precious to the commissioners it was a joy and an honor to do this portrait of her.

So far I've painted only one a bit more detailed animal portrait ("The Shy One") and one landscape in which the dog is a quite small character ("Morning Mist"). The source photo of Heta intoxicated by winter is wonderful in every aspect. Therefore I couldn't avoid getting a bit anxious wondering whether my technical skill would be enough. Heta's fur, for one, is such fine, almost wispy, that painting it really was a nut to crack. In addition, light is playing on her fur in so many hues that there certainly weren't too little of a challenge. And then all that snow and bits of ice... This was a truly educating one and I'm satisfied indeed with the outcome, luckily so was the commissioner.

SOLD as unique.