Airedale by Chris Downing

I think the standard of your work is excellent Chris. This is a super painting and you have really achieved a realistic effect with the curly fur. A charming portrait, and I think your work colleagues are very lucky people.

This is a great portrait of a lovely looking dog and I don't think you have any need to practise to gain experience, your work is already of a very high standard. Pastels obviously come naturally to you:)

Chris your standard is already exceptional, this is a super portrait.

the recipient of this fine piece of art must be overjoyed, well done Chris it really caught my eye

Thank you all for your kind comments. A great confidence booster.

It's a fine painting - one of these little horrors was responsible for impregnating our rather splendid, but extremely randy, Alsatian cross; named Skippy, the old devil (he was around 13 at the time!) managed to persuade her (don't think it took much effort on the wooing front, frankly) to draw the bolt on the back door and let him, er, in. The subsequent litter was something to behold. We're still not entirely sure that they didn't manage to turn the key in the lock as well - AND shut the door when they'd finished.... It never pays to underestimate the intelligence of dogs - the same bitch, and the pup we kept, allowed burglars to enter our kitchen through the window - and only then revealed their presence: cue much squealing from burglars, and a good deal of blood as they scrabbled desperately back through the broken glass of the window with a couple of evil hounds attached to their nether regions. Life is never dull when you have a dog. This has brought memories flooding back!

Your stories always make me chuckle Robert. Apparently this one also makes an excellent guard dog. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

This is breathtaking, Chris! You've captured the expression and the coat to perfection!

this is excellently done and just love the work in the curly coat perfect

I love this one too. Not easy to do but you have done it beautifully.

I just love your pet paintings. I have not tried this myself yet. keep up with your wonderful work.

Lovely hairy Airedale Chris, you got that hair just right as well