This drawing sat on the back burner for a long, long time before it made the transition into a painting. I did the sketches for this at the Royal Ontario Museum in 2000. That may be my all-time favorite natural history museum. While my wife was at a business conference, I spent three days sketching specimens at the museum. What a blast!
The drawings sat in an old sketchbook for ages. I always wanted to paint it, but other things seemed to beat it to the top of the “to do” list. Recently, I was rifling through the old sketchbook looking for something to quickly paint before the holidays. I decided its time had come. These days I typically avoid “bird on a stick” compositions, but I thought the simplicity of this pose would work if I really bragged it up with some outrageous autumn colors.
Ann. Tommasino
Matt,
I just read the story about Archie. He sounded like a gift from heaven. I happen to love “all black” dogs. I read an article somewhere saying that people are do you like to adopt dogs that are all black. I guess the color black intimidates people, so they are usually the ones left behind (or worse yet euthanize).Not sure why, but I think they are very regal/classy. How wonderful that you found him in a pound and rescued him from a fate I can not think about. I am sorry for the loss. Unexpected and before Christmas certainly caused great sadness for your family. But, you have painted a beautiful memorial to honor Archie. And the cheerful flowers behind him are a perfect setting. Love your work. Thanks for sharing.
Matt
Thanks, Ann. Archie was a one in a million dog and is very missed. Our new dog is a work-in-progress. He has some pretty big paws to fill!