Louise the Greyhound

Below is the photo I was using for reference. I printed it out, then sketched the changes I'd need to make -- primarily, correcting the way the camera had "shrunk" her rear end. Copying verbatim from photos rarely makes for good art, and camera distortion is one big reason why not. 

 

In the photo, her tail was tucked underneath her so you could barely see it. I pulled it forward to show that adorable little Greyhound tail-curl at the end. And I thought I was done, until Josephine Geiger said, "But what's she looking at? Put an ant in there!"

I groaned, but she was right. We needed to see what had caught Louise's eye. The dog's expression and winglike ears made me think of a butterfly, so that's what I went with. Just a small one -- but enough to emphasize Louise's charming, lively character.

Animal Photography for the Rest of Us

Maggie the Greyhound, 12 x 9" oil on canvas. This is based on a small snapshot, the best photo the owners had. Maggie died a few years ago, so what I had to work with was, well, what I had to work with.

I create paintings of deceased animals pretty often, and this frequently means reconstructing portraits out of photos in which the animal's face is tiny, poorly lit, or not in focus very well; it's a difficult process of artistic instinct and guesswork, and usually involves searching for images of similar-looking animals to help me make the best decisions I can.
 
While it's true I can craft a surprisingly good painting from some very poor photos, there are two problems with this. First, it's much harder than it would be if the photos were better; second, not everyone can hire me. And it's just nice in general to have more good photos of your furry companions. I take shots of my own for use in making portraits, and I've learned that you need not be a pro to do pretty well. So here are my ...

Top Three Tips for Amateur Animal Photos

1. Turn your flash OFF and photograph in daylight. A bright window is good, or outdoors pretty much anywhere (you may want to avoid full midday sun, though, and use shade or morning/evening sunlight). Flash photos make animals look unnatural, causing eyes to reflect and coat colors to look harsh and cold.

2. Get close enough to see details. It often helps if you get on the animal's eye level instead of your own.

3. Take lots and lots of shots. If you're using a digital camera, why not just have fun? You're not wasting film, and good photos of animals are often the product of sheer luck, having snapped the shutter at what turned out to be just the right moment.

Lounging like a Christmas Greyhound

Okay, technically Christmas Eve Greyhound. Hugo is a big old gentleman, well-seasoned and kind, looking stylish in his brindle coat. I sketched him last night as he napped through the second half of a party. I felt he had the right idea, with the napping; I've been dead on my feet, myself, but the party was a joy.

Today of course is the holiday and I am not supposed to work, but chances are that I will, because there's something I want to do and it won't feel like working. I'll post the results, probably tomorrow night.

At the moment it is one of the more beautiful mornings I've ever seen, and I am going to get my shoes on and go walking in the clear December sunlight.

Remembering Hanah the Greyhound

Hanah, 10 x 8" oil on canvas, by Tracie Thompson

Her people lost Hanah in a terrible accident just a few days after I met her and took the photo I used for this portrait. Her kind, soft, sensitive nature really showed in her elegant face. She's very much missed.

Greyhound Number Whatever (Upside Hound the Second)

Upside Hound the Second, carbon pencil and pastel on paper, about 7 x 11", by Tracie Thompson

Inspired by yesterday's adventures in barroom life-drawing, I picked up this drawing again today, strengthened some lines, added white pastel wherever I felt it was needed. Still a simple sketch, but a finished one now.

Upside Hound (Greyhound Sketch from yesterday)

Upside Hound, pastel pencils and carbon pencil on paper, by Tracie Thompson, 7.5 x 10.5"

Indiana was kind enough to keep snoozing for a nice long time, belly-up, and I got this drawing of her. This  makes me smile every time I see it. Such pure, unabashed lounging! We should all enjoy life this much.

Available matted to fit a standard 12 x 16" frame, $45.

I will ship anywhere, love PayPal, and also accept checks and money orders.  Email me to arrange a purchase or ask questions; I'm friendly.

Thanksgiving Greyhound sketches from life

Thanksgiving Greyhound #1 (Treat!), carbon & pastel pencils on paper, by Tracie Thompson

These were all drawn from life yesterday, 11/24, at my friend Kelly's house where I had dinner and a wonderful time.  About 6 x 9" each; will fit a 9 x 12" frame. I sell these at $40 each; $35 if you buy two; $30 each for three or more. Will ship anywhere.

At this size and price, they will make a nice set for an entry, den, or small space. If you need them matted I will do that and charge at my cost.

Thanksgiving Greyhound #2 (Sleepers), carbon & pastel pencils on paper, by Tracie Thompson

Thanksgiving Greyhound #3 (Oh, Dahling), carbon & pastel pencils on paper, by Tracie Thompson

Thanksgiving Greyhound #4 (Thinking), carbon & pastel pencils on paper, by Tracie Thompson

Off to the CRAWL (with Greyhound drawings)

Among other things, three of these sketches, which I matted up this morning to fit 11" x 14" frames:

These are drawn from life -- hurriedly, since the lounging dogs do move. The dogs belong to my friends, Kelly and Glenn Williams, and they are pure, lazy love.

Indiana the Greyhound

12" x 9" oil on canvas, by commission for Indy's owner. Isn't she a lovely girl? She makes me happy.

A Day at the Greyhound Rescue Picnic

Biscuit the Greyhound. Painted from a snapshot I took back in July; this is 12" x 9," oil on canvas. I did it on the spot today at the Northern Lights Greyhound Association's annual fundraiser picnic.




Here's the silent auction table with the three drawings I donated. :-)




This dog was part of the Dancing Greyhounds show, which was great fun but which I mostly missed because I was painting. I just love how this photo catches the dog moving in at least four different directions at once.




This lovely lady is a therapy dog; regretfully I can't recall her name. Her handler was kind enough to stop and let me snap a few photos of her in the sun.

Farmall Tractor and Greyhound Number ... Seven, I think?

Sketches from life at Chez Greyhound

"We named the dog Indiana," said Sean Connery to Harrison Ford in that wonderful movie -- and so Indiana the Greyhound got her name. She loves to lounge around on her back, and I love how she looks when she does.



This one, above, is my favorite. I did all these yesterday, enjoying the challenge of drawing live, moving animals. Because I know the pose will change at any moment, I have to work quickly and get bolder than I'd be if I were using a photo. I like the results a lot.



Above, Biscuit the Greyhound. She's a cute girl too, but not as inclined to strike lovely poses for me.







These drawings have all been sold, but click here for more Greyhound drawings!