RUSTY by Maureen Stephenson

Really gorgeous portrait, so we'll done Maureen. His blue collar sets him off a treat.

Thanks, Carole. As I'd never met the dog and only had a photograph to work from I hoped I'd managed to capture his personality. He's certainly a handsome beast! ... and I was very grateful he was wearing that blue collar!

That dog could jump out of the screen and grab a biscuit - you've caught the alert expression: if you painted this from a photograph (argh, what a job: I've had to do that...) I suspect either a bone or the promise of a ball was used to get him to pose.

Thanks, Robert. Yes, it was a photo I worked from but I've no idea how the family got him to pose - it probably was a biscuit/bone or ball! It's a shame I'll never meet him as he lives in Spain.

I haven't seen it in close up, it's superb! That intense look is so typical, I'm certain the person who commissioned it will be thrilled Maureen.

Thanks, Marjorie. It's one painting I can actually say I'm pleased with - doesn't happen very often! The painting was commissioned by someone who wanted it for her daughter-in-law's Christmas present. She's now received it and apparently was quite tearful when she opened it - tearful in a good way thank goodness!!