Thursday, March 20, 2014

Puppy Portrait


I just recently finished this portrait of Mr. Darcy, Jennings' Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Cavaliers are sweet little dogs and so much fun to paint because their very grave expressions contrast so comically with their fun-loving personalities and high energy.

24 comments:

Kathy said...

Beautiful portrait!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Lovely!
I know another King Charles christened Mr. Darcy.
That name just seems to fit!
xo

debra @ 5th and state said...

you are wonderfully talented. adore the old world quality
debra

Virginia Country House said...

Hi Kathy, Thank you! I love the photo of your dog. xo, Nina

Virginia Country House said...

Hi, thanks! Edward would be a lot of fun to paint. If you ever get any great photos of him, and want to send them to me to play with, I would love it! xo, Nina

Reggie Darling said...

A delightful, painterly portrait of what I am sure is a dear friend! Reggie

Karen said...

Nina,
I had no idea you were an artist. I knew I loved your writing style but didn't know you paint. At first I thought you were going to tell us that the portrait of Mr. Darcy was done with the brush stroke app. What a sweet face Mr. Darcy has.
Happy spring.
xo,
Karen

Anonymous said...

Love your work! Is it oil or pastel? Cavaliers are so sweet, plus they look like Staffordshire dogs! Love those, too.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Janie Horn

designchic said...

What a beautiful portrait, Nina - a true talent!! Enjoy your weekend ~

Virginia Country House said...

Hi Janie, Thank you very much. This painting is oil on canvas. I use mostly Old Holland oil paints with a little classic 3-part medium (1/3 linseed oil, 1/3 turpentine, 1/3 damar varnish) mixed in as the painting progresses. I do love pastels, and since they are dusty, have started working with them more in the summer when I can paint outside. Have a great weekend! xo, N.G.

Virginia Country House said...

Hi Karen, No, all by hand. It's fascinating though to watch people on youtube do drawings with a computer. I don't know how they do it- I'm not sure my brain is wired that way! Mr. Darcy is a total cutie, and he has SO much energy. Winston looks at him like he is nuts. :) How about you? Are you a big dog person or a small dog person? xo, N.G.

Virginia Country House said...

Oh thank you! Jennings is absolutely smitten with Mr. D and Winston and they find him very exciting because he is always going to and fro and doing interesting things outside. The thing about painting a Cavalier is all of that fluff! I am sure dear Basil would be quite a relief to paint with his charming face and sleek fur. Hoping you all have a great weekend. xo, N.G.

Virginia Country House said...

Debra you are a dear! Thanks so much. xo, N.G.

Virginia Country House said...

Hi, Thank you. BTW, your posts have been amazing! Your blog is just so much fun to read. I practically can't have coffee in the morning without you. :) Have a great weekend! xo. N.G.

Anonymous said...

Oh Nina, I pinned this onto my Pinterest dog board as soon as it came across my feed having absolutely no idea that YOU PAINTED THIS??? Wow, wow, wow. Very impressive.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Oh my goodness, you are so talented! I LOVE this painting. You have a wonderful subject to paint.
Teresa

Unknown said...

Nina, your portraiture is beautifully done! I also didn't know you were an artist That's another reason why I feel a kin to you, besides being a Virginian and horse lover! You have captured Mr. Darcy's soul. Happy Spring to you and have a wonderful weekend. xo Nancy

Karen said...

Ha, ha, ha. Don't you love it when the older, wiser dog looks at the new kid and has a look of bewilderment?
I have a big (90 lbs) dog and a little dog. Both are rescue...the big dog is a lab mix and the little dog is a Jack Russel/Border Terrier mix. Talk about crazy with energy. I wish I could paint. That is the artistic talent I would wish for, if wishes were being granted.
Karen

Deana Sidney said...

thanks for stopping by Lostpast.... lovely portrait. I do wish I could do one of my Saint, you inspire me!

serena@FarmHouseUrban said...

No way! Why did you keep this talent from us for so long? Very talented you are.
xo
serena

Katy Byrne said...

I love it! Beautiful

www.designsbykaty.com

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!

Glamour Drops said...

You have captured so much expression! looks like mr darcy has a wicked sense of his own importance!

therelishedroost said...

So gorgeous, just love it!!

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