I finished this commission piece last week just in time for my friend, Jenny, to give it as a birthday/Valentine’s Day gift to her boyfriend, Dustin. I had a great time painting this piece because I know and love the dogs, Lincoln and Reagan. Yes, they are named after the presidents…my friend Jenny works with me at the Tennessee General Assembly…once politics gets in your blood, it kinda takes over. I had a fantastic reference photo to work from: indirect natural lighting, beautiful colors, and the dogs are posed oh so sweetly. Lincoln and Reagan are adored by Jenny and Dustin, so I have no doubt that this will be treasured for years to come. Let’s just say that Jenny’s eyes welled up when she saw the finished painting.
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- The reference photo
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- Lincoln and Reagan; 11×14 oil on gesso panel; commission piece
Here’s a little peek into the step-by-step process:
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- Drawing complete; I began work on the background. You’ll notice that I changed the color to cadmium red instead of orange
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- The dark under color of the fur is painted
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- The eyes and noses were added
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- Here I began to add in the lighter fur colors
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- Lincoln and Reagan; 11×14 oil on gesso panel; commission piece
Now a few close ups of the detail:
Lauren Spires Fine Art 
So cute! I may need to commission you to do a picture of Charley!
I can definitely do that!! I know you have plenty or reference photos to choose from 🙂
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