Let's Get the Show on the Road!
Oil on Canvas
A neighbor’s fabulous golden Labrador, best nature and heart, swimmer, surfer, climber, hungry all the time and always up for an adventure.
I wanted a sense of her enormous heart and alertness, her lively glowing presence. I started with a black and white photo of her in the stable, and made return trips to get a renewed sense of the color and light. I love barns and stables, the way light hits overwhelms, especially if high ceilings with skylights are part of them.
There was actually a solid wall behind her, but when I painted that she was shockingly like a dog trapped inside! So I added the sky and hills and open door.
Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
Marion Chapman
This is so wonderful. I love labradors and you have captured their essence brilliantly. I love him!!
Barbara Sparhawk replied
So glad to hear this, Marion, many thanks. I redid so many things, the prominent back leg, the eyes, expression, front paws to get it right, that is, true to the pooch.
PrairieRose
Oh WOW!
Just look at his big bubbly face!! A true capture of the beautiful Lab…............
I always love the gold and red tones in your work Barbara!!
This is FANTASTIC!!!!!
hugs, Rosie xoxoxoxo
Barbara Sparhawk replied
You sweetie, means much from a dog lover who’s given us so many gorgeous horses to look at, too.
xx00 back atcha.
billyboy
Barbara, I was so hoping to see something from you soon… and you reward my patience with this amazing work.
I realize that what makes her character seem so real is that you painted her from HER level, and so from her perspective. So you are connected to her and we see her the way you do. I dunno, maybe 90 % of pet pictures are from this perspective… but here you made me notice. It’s what true artists do without making it obvious.
I also love you style, as always you seem to make your subjects live and breath their surroundings… and the way she seems to want to engage me is uncanny.
Lovely work, I am such a fan of your art and your karma.
Even though I’m so farkin jealous of where you live!!
xoxo
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Darlingest Billy, that’s so interesting, it’s really hard to tell when done just what’s been done, and yes, eye to eye, engaging indeed, she does that fabulously well. I’m very proud if I caught that and you see it. She’s a great passenger when I use the old John Deere ATV to bring food to the horses, and this was one of those times. She’d been incredibly patient while I got her to stand on the bales of hay, look hither and yon, driver’s seat, back seat, taking photos, and this, at the end, really was CAN WE JUST GET MOVING HERE!! She’s a fabulous old girl, and in truth, a bit lopsided like the paintiong shows.
XXOO toujours
Michael Kienhuis
Beautiful! M:>
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Many thanks, Michael. I feel so bad to have missed everyone’s work without internet, but should have it in the house again soon and can catch up. I miss seeing your beautiful work, and can’t wait to see what you’ve been doing.
Louise Cooke
I’m such a dog lover….and you’ve made it incredibly easy to love this girl! I lover her slightly tilted head and intent stare….but I expect that in a second she’ll turn and bolt into the hills and space you’ve given her. Again, the energy is palpable…even infectious Barbara…I want to run with her! Beautifully portrayed :)))
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Sweet friend and brilliant portraitist, many thanks to you for all you wrote here. She is a fabulous, radiating, big hearted splendor and I love her to bits.
Gene Praag
Barbara this is such a beautiful work of art. That is the exact same look my yellow lab gives me!
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Bless you Geno, then I got it right. It amazes me that there is such consistancy in attitude of particular breeds. Labs are always wonderful, always in a good mood, up for adventure.