Making an old dog look younger.

pugwash · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 1380 Location: Perth

Another pastel of a very old dog named "Danga"
His owner wanted me to make him look a little younger but without supplying a suitable "younger looking" photo.
I've attempted to do this by adding a little extra "sparkle" in the eyes.

I'll let you know if the owner thinks I succeeded.

Detail.

ocker1 · Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 775 Location: NZ

good going Cap'n,
(a lot of us ol' dogs , still got a sparkle now an then )

Trust me, the owner will be rapt !

AvG · Joined: 17 Sep 2005 Posts: 1912

I'm sure the owner will be pleased. I agree more sparkle in the yes helps but did you consider less grey hairs - especially around the ears and face?

altheau · Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 148

well the portrait is really lovely. I am not sure he looks like a young dog though, but then depends on how old he looks in your references as to if he looks 'younger'.

If I owned the dog I would be super happy with the portrait. I think part of the problem is that he has an old dog stare (funny that ) so I think it whole pose would need to change to get a young dog look.

Great work as usual though =]

pugwash · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 1380 Location: Perth

Thanks everyone. The intention was not to make him look young, just not quite so old. I did actually tone down the grey a little bit. The danger is, of course, doing it too much and having it not look like the dog.
Danga passed away recently so I never got to meet him, otherwise the task would have been a lot easier.

sunfire · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 1430 Location: Toodyay

A lovely work Clive, & also a hard one, if they're not completly happy, I could only suggest a bit less saggy bag under the eyes, but I'm sure they will love it, probably only wanted a bit less grey.

pugwash · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 1380 Location: Perth

Danga's owner came round to pick up her painting today. She said she loved the painting, especially the eyes, although she was crying at the same time. The portrait is going to be a gift for her son. She said she had seen my work at the zig zag arts festival in Kalamunda a few years ago and had kept my card. She asked for more cards to give to friends.

Another happy customer. Phew!

altheau · Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 148

Great news, it is always nice to get a good reaction!

sunfire · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 1430 Location: Toodyay

Thats wonderful Clive, isn't it amazing that she kept your card all that time without loosing it, so it does pay off to keep handing them out.

pugwash · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 1380 Location: Perth

Thanks Kristy and Pearl.
Now I've got to get on with a Great Dane, a Bulldog, another Dobermann, another duck tolling retriever (very young, unfortunately killed by a snake) and 4 Siberian Huskies, one of which has different coloured eyes. One is brown and the other blue.

Jade

It's a beautiful picture, I'm glad the lady liked it.

pugwash · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 1380 Location: Perth

Thank you Jade.

Wenz · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Queensland

I think it's a gorgeous portrait, and so glad to hear your customer was so impressed to hand out your cards. Well done. Very Happy

Devilbiss · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 3214

Yes it's great work Clive.
The dog does look a bit sad though.
You have put so much life in the eyes, it's no wonder the client was brought to tears.

pugwash · Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 1380 Location: Perth

Thanks Daniel.