Art Workshop By Cy: Include the Animals name?

"Tanner" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

“Tanner” Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 

 Why do you write the animals name on your Charcoal pieces but not on your Paintings Cy ?

I always include the animals name, or its breed (In a Wildlife piece), on every one of my Pet Portraits in Charcoal.   I do this for the following reasons:

First, It is a simple way to honor the subject by putting a name to the face. Most of my Charcoal Portraits are head and shoulder portrayals focusing on the animals face, eyes and facial expression that best shows its true demeanor. I believe when you view all of this with a name right there it personalizes the animal and better connects her to the viewer.

Secondly the  information that the written name provides the viewer helps to tell the story of the piece. My Charcoal Portraits are Illustrative in that they focus mainly on the animals face without much else as far as composition goes. This is the purpose of this style, so a name helps “fill out”  and complete this  story.

Lastly I just love pet names and I think the name adds cuteness and fun to the artwork. This reason actually relates to both the previous ones.

Paintings do not include the animals name?

I do not paint the animals name on my Acrylic Portraits (unless asked to) for one main reason:

My Acrylic Pet Portraits contain much more information. Color for one thing, but along with the illustrative component that a Charcoal Portrait has, a painting also includes the total composition.  A background is always present  sometimes containing more subjects or perhaps a  landscape.  A lot of the time the whole animal is painted  or even maybe a person is included. All of this tells the complete story, This total visual story is the goal of my paintings.  Any writing, other than my signature (Covered in the previous Blog Post) I feel would take away from the story, looking out of place and creating clutter.

The animals name is still very important to the piece however, and is always written along with the finish date on the rear of the Paintings support. Also many folks include a small name plate on the frame (if they choose to frame their piece), which proudly states the animals name.

In finality and put very simply, In a Charcoal, the Animals name is part of the piece itself.  In a painting, the name is the pieces title and is displayed in its traditional place.

Thank you for reading my Art Workshop Blog.  Check back soon for more instructive and informative posts. And of course, please Pet Your Pets for us!  Tanner and Cy

 

Art Workshop By Cy: Signatures

Art Workshop with Cy: Signatures

Art Workshop with Cy: Signatures

Why, When, How and Where does a fine artist sign his or her artwork?

“By any chance are you left handed?  An observant friend of mine made the comment that most painters sign on the right side of the portrait because they are right handed.  You, however, signed it on the left corner leaving us debating whether you were right or left handed:)” – Owner of Whimsey, above right.
This is the Question that inspired me to write the first, in this series of Blog Posts titled “Art Workshop By Cy”.

WHY:

There are 3 main reasons why we sign a piece of art (and I will say now that EVERY piece of art created by anyone should be signed).

#1 The signing by me, of one of my Pet Portraits or any work of art that anyone completes, indicates that the piece has been finished, work has stopped.  Simple as that. collectors, critics the public etc… want a finished piece. This signature tells everyone that no more work or revision is necessary in the eyes of the artist.
#2 Pride, yes pride! Being proud of what you do is a must. ANY art ANYONE creates is unique, special and important.  Art moves people, someone out there will always be moved by what you do, and they want to know that you approve of what you do as well!  Stand up and shout it out with your signature! This is very important.
#3 The signature on a piece of art shows everyone who owns it. Once anything is created and is signed it is protected under copyright law and cannot be used by others without the signers permission. Now this is simply put, and copyright issues can take up another whole Blog post, but for now just realize that your signature protects your ownership of the images you create.

WHEN: 

Sign your piece when it is finished. When you are done revising and touching up.  I know sometimes this part of a painting is never ending but when the time comes…Sign it! Then move on!!

HOW: 

I believe in finding a signature that is unique, readable and recognizable. I use my full last name (Unique), I print it very simply,(Readable)  and it is ALWAYS the same (Recognized). People know there is only one “Hundley”  That was created by me.

WHERE:

This is my response to the initial question leading to this Blog Post: 
“Interesting observation. I am right handed.  The location of my signature on a piece is dependent on where it best suits the composition of the artwork. If you look at former paintings or especially charcoals of mine you will see I have signed them in many different places. And in some cases at an angle. I believe my signature is important but should not stick out to much. To put it simply I sign every piece where it fits in the best. I do not concern myself as to where I will sign, until I am finished. The piece itself will let me know the appropriate spot.   The signature however, basically has remained unchanged since the late 1980’s
 In Whimsey’s Portrait we had that space to the left …The perfect spot to sign, which in fact works with the rest of the  composition to balance out the darkness and shadow on the right.”
Sign your piece where ever you want, just do not let it take away from what you are trying to say with your art work. Maybe where you sign can be the “Uniqueness” in your signature!
I hope this has been informative, interesting and useful to you.  Do you
have more Questions?  Is there another Art Workshop subject you would like me to Blog about? Please comment here, You do not need to fill any info out,  just start Commenting! Or check out this Post on my Facebook  fan page  and comment there. And as usual, please feel free to email me anytime! Check back soon for more Art Workshop with Cy!
Thank you , Cy

 

Pet Portraits, Why?

Whimsey

Whimsey

 

“Why Pet Portraits Cy?…

… I know how much you love animals but is this a good choice as a subject to spend  all of your time and talent on?  Can you make a living Drawing and Painting pets and animals?  Art is a tough gig to make money at.”  – Myself to myself.  Spoken many years ago, and continuing to this day.

My answer to myself received in an email  earlier today;

Cy,

“I worked from home today so I wouldn’t miss the delivery of Whimsey’s portrait.   I had no idea.  I loved the photo of the Portrait, but had absolutely no idea of what it would look like in person so to speak.  My God, Cy, it looks exactly like my darling basking in the sun and it is in three dimensions!   I can count the number of eye lashes as well as the number of whiskers.  How can I thank you?  I would have been happy to pay you twice what you charged me to have my boy given back to me like this!  I feel like I could just reach out and touch him and he’d begin to purr.   I swear that Whimsey must have sitting on your shoulder when you painted this.  My baby has finally come home!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!”

And the questioning of my Art career and subject matter choice is answered.

This Blog post,  however,  is NOT about me or how good or average of a painter I am. This Blog post, and actually my whole career, is about animals like Whimsey,  pictured above, and the people that love and care for them like Elizabeth, who in her last, Hardest, and possibly greatest act of love for Whimsey had to release him from his suffering and the body that had finally failed him.

This is what it all means to me;

My Artist statement reads like this:

My motivation for creating and selling art is first to share my interest and enjoyment for the images that I paint, Secondly, to honor my subject matter. And finally when I am gone, I want to leave behind a body of work that will continue to accomplish the first two objectives.

I plan to help people and animals with my gift.  I want to make people happy, give them a reason to smile, or be moved, and in some cases also to help heal and gain some closure from the loss of a pet.  The second part is as it states,  I am honoring the animals that I portray.  In my mind I am giving each animal I Paint or Draw, whether they are with us still or not,  a small piece of immortality.  People will gaze upon them long after they are gone, and can still enjoy their beauty and personality.  And finally I find peace in knowing that all of these positives will continue far into the future long after I myself am gone.

Thank you for reading this Blog post, and please have fun with your animals. Remember you are probably the main thing that makes them happy!

Cy

Pet Portraits In Charcoal, “Trooper”

"Trooper" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

"Trooper" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

Click on this picture, then click on the next version of  it to enlarge!

“Trooper” welcomes you to my next Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog post! You can learn how you and your pet can become involved in your own Pet Portrait Blog Post at the end of  his story.

Trooper, full name, “Trooper For Peace” is a Yellow Labrador Retriever. He is owned by Jennie and Mike who live full time in Lake Stevens WA but visit often to their second home here in Chelan WA.  I photographed Trooper on a beautiful early Summer day on the banks of the Columbia River, just a few miles from Lake Chelan.  This is his second home as well, and in the background you can see one of his favorite family toys,  Mike’s  Ski Centurion competition ski boat named “Ruby C”.

Trooper is 6 years old.  he was picked from a litter of puppies owned by a family at Jennie and Mike’s church. He loves the family and spends all day running after the kids or visiting the other families along the shoreline. He is a very friendly dog but does tend to wander. Luckily he is loved by everyone he meets, and does come home whenever called.

On the day I took his picture the Ruby C was moored just beyond where Trooper was looking up river, probably at some kids playing nearby. I thought it would be appropriate to include the boat because apparently whenever the family  uses it, Trooper runs along the beach barking. Whether they are leaving, or especially coming back in, Trooper is there waiting, wagging and excitedly “Talking” them in.  He does not bark at other boats, just this one. Very cool, I thought.

The Labrador Retriever is happiest when he can have both a family and a field. He has a most agreeable disposition, loves children, and enjoys being trained as a gun dog.  All “Labs”  Yellow, Chocolate, and Black, love the water as well, and swim regularly if they can.  Labs are responsible workers and easygoing household companions. They have also been used very successfully in Police work and as seeing eye dogs for the blind. A special breed for sure. Trooper exhibits all of these great qualities and  I am honored to be able to Portray him in a Portrait and to write about him here. May you always fare well at the River Trooper, and keep watch over the Ruby C and her crew!

I hope you have enjoyed this story about Trooper.  If you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in. Charcoal Portrait sent to you, (or anyone you choose), anywhere in the world, and also have the animal included in one of these blog posts for the world to see… Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743

Thank you for reading this and as always… Have fun with your animals!
Cy

 

 

Pet Portraits In Charcoal, “Maxx and Matilda”

"Maxx and Matilda" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

"Maxx and Matilda" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 Click on this picture, then click on the next version of it to enlarge!

Maxx and Matilda welcome you to my next Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog post! You can learn how you and your pet can become involved in your own Pet Portrait/Blog Post at the end of  their story. Maxx and Matilda are owned by Kim and Alan from Niwot Colorado. Maxx is considered a “Yorkydoodle” by Kim,  equal parts Yorky and Poodle.  Matilda of course is an English Bulldog.

They make for a wonderful pair. Maxx is Kims dog, He is full of energy and was constantly running here and there during our photo session. Matilda was basically the opposite, although very interested and inquisitive, she was extremely laid back and pretty much stayed close by Alan. Both Kim and Alan told me that their respective dogs mirror their own characteristics perfectly.

Matilda actually came over to the States from England so she is a legit ENGLISH Bull Dog!  Maxx was specially picked out by Kim from a friends litter. Matilda loves to sleep and Maxx loves to play with children and give them kisses.  Both dogs love kids, and  have a happy life spending the days at their neighborhood daycare. 

The Yorkshire Terrier is considered a toy dog, the Poodle depending on whether it is the larger Standard, or smaller toy, also falls into the non sporting dog category.   Maxx exhibits great traits from both his ancestors. The Yorky is very active and devoted to his master. He was bred for the show ring in England during the 1800’s and shows striking good looks and fluid movement.  Few people except owners of show dogs go through the process, but there is an elaborate amount of grooming and coat care that these dogs go through for the ring. I guess they really do clean up nice!!  The Poodle’s native land is not known.  He is highly civilized and intelligent, is an excellent household pet and is also a protector of children.  He can swim well and is a fine retriever…Who’d of thunk?

The Bulldog has made the most radical shift in Canine history, from being bred as a fighter to now being a gentle companion. This breed is renowned for his courage and tenacity. He also possesses a great dignity, strength and noble heart. As a guardian of property and children, few can match his worth. As you have read both of these dogs make for excellent pets and are wonderful family dogs. It was a pleasure to meet them and portray them in a Charcoal portrait.

I hope you have enjoyed this story about Maxx and Matilda. If you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in. Charcoal Portrait sent to you, (or anyone you choose), anywhere in the world, and have the animal included in one of these blog posts for the world to see… Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743

Thank you for reading this and as always…Have fun with your animals!
Cy

Pet Portraits In Charcoal “Beamer”

"Beamer" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

"Beamer" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 Click on this picture, then click on the next version of it to enlarge!

“Beamer” welcomes you to my next Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog post! You can learn how you and your pet can become involved in your own Pet Portrait/Blog Post at the end of  Beamers story. Beamer is a special dog with a special owner. I was commissioned to draw Beamer for Brandon.  His Mom Claudia contacted me from Texas and she needed a graduation gift for Brandon, who was graduating from Medical school. Quite the accomplishment but even more impressive because he also is a Navy officer having graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland.  He will be a Navy doctor.  I enjoyed this story because I grew up in a Navy family and actually lived in Annapolis while my dad worked on the Academy during my high school years.

Brandon  Rescued Beamer from a shelter so they are not sure exactly what breed he is.  They believe he is part Beagle and maybe some Boston Terrier. His looks, unique bark and love of chasing squirrels all point to these as the probable ancestry.  Brandon chose Beamer due to the fact that he was always wagging his tail, Claudia states, ” His name comes from the fact that he beams and makes you happy”

I have nicknamed Beamer  the “Navy Dog”  not only because of his military ties but also because of the picture below. This is the Bachelor cake for Brandon’s wedding.  As you can see another artist did a great job of portraying Beamer as a Naval Officer. I do not know if the cake tasted good or not….

Beamer USNA cake
Beamer USNA cake

 The Beagle has a very ancient history, most believe it is close to the original hound that existed in England centuries ago. The Beagle is a somewhat smaller version of the Foxhound. This breed has an endless reserve of energy and loves to chase rabbits and squirrels. He is mainly a family dog and thoroughly enjoys people and is especially good with children. He is very enthusiastic and fun but does have a tendency to wander off  if  left on his own. The Boston Terrier was one of the few breeds developed in the United States. He is a cross between an English Bulldog and an English Terrier. This breed excels as a show dog and as a household pet. He has a great affection for humans and displays a gentle disposition. This breed works well mixed with a Beagle.

I hope you have enjoyed this Pet portrait In Charcoal Blog Post about Beamer!  Next up I will be introducing you all to a miniature horse and a fun little team comprised of a Bulldog and a Yorkie Doodle.
 If you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in. Charcoal Portrait sent to you, (or anyone you choose), anywhere in the world, and have the animal included in one of these blog posts for the world to see… Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743
Thank you for reading this and as always…Have fun with your animals!
Cy

New Pet Portrait By Cy, “Lola”

Lola

Lola

Click on this picture, then click on the next version of it to enlarge!

Welcome  back to the Pet Portraits By Cy Blog.  I want to share with you my most recent Acrylic Pet Portrait,  “Lola”.  Donna and Mike from Longmont Colorado own this beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback. Lola is 3 years old and was acquired by Donna at the age of 10 months.  Lola is a very sweet dog and was very cooperative during our photo session, with the help of a few treats of course. I photographed Lola on a beautiful day in Niwot Colorado. She seemed very well trained and was very easy to work with.

The sun was bright on this day and the sky appeared as it does in the painting, with the front range mountains of Colorado in the background. Donna really liked this pose cause it shows Lola’s “smile” which apparently she does quite often, and she did seem like a very happy dog. Also I wanted to show off her beautifully colored coat and the sun struck her just right. Lola, according to Donna, is “really laid back  for a Lion hunter” (this breeds nickname) and I witnessed this firsthand.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is peculiar to the South African region. The breed was created by the interbreeding of dogs which were brought to Africa by the Dutch and English settlers. Its ancestory includes, Mastiff, Great Dane, Greyhound, Terrier, and Bloodhound. The dog  has an unusual and highly distinctive ridge on her back because the hair along her spine grows forward instead of backward. Her strong suit is hunting, she was used to flush game including Birds, Boar and even Lions from the brush. She is very alert in the field and loves to roam open areas. She was also trained as a guard dog.

At home the Rhodesian Ridgeback  has a mellow disposition and a genuine fondness for children. She makes for a very loyal member of the family. I saw these qualities in Lola. She was very alert, but very gentle and I could tell that she was very loyal and loved her owner Donna very much, the reverse being true as well.  It was a pleasure to paint Lola and I am grateful to learn about this amazing breed.

Thank you for reading this New Pet Portrait Blog post. Feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested, and check back soon for another Post featuring some great looking animals  in my Pet Portraits In Charcoal series!   Have a great time with your animals!  Cy

Pet Portraits In Charcoal, “Sarge”

"Sarge" Pet Portraits In Charcoal
“Sarge” Pet Portraits In Charcoal

Click on this picture, then click on the next version of it to enlarge! 

Welcome back to my Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog!  Please read on about Sarge,  his breed, and other Pet issues…WHEN YOU FINISH…If you would like your pet, or a friends pet portrayed in an 11 x 14 in. Charcoal Portrait sent to you, (or anyone you choose), anywhere in the world, and included in one of these blog posts for the world to see… Please visit this link and get the Info!   http://www.petportraitsbycy.com/?page_id=743

Sarge is a German Short Haired pointer. I drew this Portrait and donated it for a silent auction at an up coming Easter Seals fundraising event in Ephrata Washington. I will talk more about both this event and Sarges breed shortly, but first I am going to quote Sarges owner Maria as she shared some fun info about him for this blog post:

“This is Sarge he is a beautiful, sweet, affectionate and hyper German short haired pointer. He is an awesome hunting dog. He is 3 years old and is our pride and joy. And honestly our baby. This picture he is begging for an ice cube (his favorite treat) He came up and rested his cute little face on my knee. The look here says ( Oh please MaMa, please can I have a coobey ) That’s what we call them. He is very good at pleading with those adorable eyes.  Sarge is the best dog ever. I have never liked dogs ever. My husband said ( I am getting a hunting dog) and I tell you he has melted my heart. Such an affectionate breed, very social and eager to please. And Boy can they hunt!!   Sarge got his name from……….He was made, born and lived for the first 6 weeks in the back of a Army surplus store! Hence the name. It seemed to fit. Not a mean bone in this dogs body. And the most beautiful sight I have ever seen, I really do mean this, is when he gets to do what he was bred to do. HUNT! Brings me to tears to see the utter bliss on his face when he is running in the brush :)”

Well said Maria!  Sarge’s social attributes and friendly fun disposition was well stated above. Here are a few more facts about The German Short Haired Pointer:

He was bred in Germany as an “all Purpose” hunting dog. His origins include Old Spanish Pointer, English Foxhound and Bloodhound. He has a keen nose, excellent endurance, a water repellent coat and even webbed feet! This all adds up to an fine retriever in the water. He is able to hunt under any conditions, can be trained to point, as is considered one of the best and most versatile  of the sporting breeds.

As I mentioned earlier, this piece was donated for a silent auction at an Easter seals fundraiser. This event is taking place on saturday April 21st, 2012 in Ephrata Washington and is sponsored by the nice folks at the Ephrata Safeway.  The event also will include a spaghetti feed and some other fun activities, with all of the proceeds going to the great charitable organization of Easter Seals. For information on this event please contact the Ephrata Safeway, a very nice lady named Janice can answer any questions you may have. here is the  Safeway stores number: 509-754-4441

I was honored to be asked to help with this fine cause. I had a great time drawing, and learning about Sarge. He is a wonderful dog and as you can tell he is blessed with a  loving family.  Thank you Janice and  Maria, and best of luck to you, and to your families and of course to Sarge as well!

 Thank you for reading My Pet Portraits In Charcoal Blog. Please share this Blog Post with anyone who may be interested.  And if you are in the Ephrata/Wenatchee area please consider supporting the Easter Seals at Janice’s event.   A good day to all, and of course to all of your pets as well! Cy

Pet Portraits In Charcoal, “Boku”

"Boku" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

"Boku" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 Happy Easter everyone!  This is Boku, and He lived in Japan!  He was owned by Sachico who lives on Awaji Island.  This Island is located just south of the city of Kobe in the eastern part of the Seto Inland sea. It is connected to Kobe by the longest suspension bridge in the world.  Boku’s breed in Japan is called “Kiji Neko” I was commissioned to draw Boku by Sachico’s daughter.

I was Honored to be chosen to portray Boku in a Charcoal Portrait, and have it delivered all the way to Japan.  Sachico apparently loves the picture and even talks to it. I am very happy to give her some good memories and allow Boku to live on in this small way.  He was, as you will read below, a very special animal.

In her own words Sachicos daughter was gracious enough to share what her mom told her about this special kitty: 

“The name ” Boku ” is funny for the cat because it is a word to call a little boy when we don’t know the name of a little boy in Japan. I guess that cat ” Boku ” was a little boy to my mom. At first,he had a different name but we don’t remember what it was. My mom and ” Boku ” met long time ago.
One day someone brought a kitten to show her, it was in the box for the fishing food. My mom fell in love immediately when she saw it’s cute eyes and since he became her cat. I was glad it was a cat and wasn’t a dog. She doesn’t know how to take care the dog at all.

There were something very funny and I liked watching was ” Boku ” used play with grocery bag. He liked running in to it and it looked like bag was moving alone . He used do it over and over. It was just funny.I think he was nicest looking guy in the ” hood ” and he used come home injured so bad often. Tough world!!! Right?

 He used live with mom for 10 years and since he past a way it has been 14 years. I couldn’t believe it has been so long time! She never got any animal since then. It was too sad when she lost him.”

  

Pet Portrait Painting, Step by Step: Abbey #6

Welcome  to the Sixth, and last installment of my Pet Portrait Painting, Step by Step: Abbey Blog post!  Today we will actually finish the Abbey Pet Portrait! Here is how it will unfold:  I will, in sequence, show one or more pictures at a time with a brief explanation of  what was happening at that time during the work. To enlarge these pictures just click on them to get the full view, then click them again and they will enlarge! Lets Do It!!!

Step By Step: Abbey #30
Step By Step: Abbey #30

 In picture #30 we are starting to develop Abbey’s chest area and any other areas that exist in the foreground. I have, at this point, laid in the first layers of paint. If you look closely I have rotated this picture so it shows the upright position. Actually the canvas is setting on its left side.  The reason for this is that I am continuing to paint  the chest area under and around the bottom edge of the canvas.

Step By Step: Abbey #31

Step By Step: Abbey #31

In picture #31 you can see the development of the bottom edge. As I mentioned at the beginning of this project, I always paint the edges of my paintings. It gives them a finished look and they can be hung as is without a frame.

Step By Step: Abbey #32

Step By Step: Abbey #32

 

Step By Step: Abbey #33

Step By Step: Abbey #33

Pictures #32 and #33 show the next two stages of Abbey’s chest development. As you can see I have added color and detail as this area has progressed. It was important for me to get her white spot just right, so a fair amount of time was spent here.

Step By Step: Abbey #34

Step By Step: Abbey #34

Step By Step: Abbey #35

Step By Step: Abbey #35

 

In picture # 34 I have finished the chest area and have finally added the whiskers. Aside from the signing of the piece, the whiskers will always be the last thing that I paint. This is because they are forward of everything else and they need to be very clean and sharp looking. If I was not finished with the fur areas of the neck and snout and chest, and painted the whiskers, then I would have to work around them and it would not look clean and convincing. It goes back to our first rule;  Paint from the back to the front, painting the areas closest to the viewer last.  Picture #35 is a closeup of the finished whiskers.

Step By Step: Abbey #36

Step By Step: Abbey #36

We have reached our last picture! #36 shows the finished piece. I have made touch ups and I have signed it in the bottom right hand corner. What I will do now is just sit with it for a day and watch it. If I see anything that needs attention I will touch it up. Throughout the execution of the Portrait I have been pretty methodical about finishing one area before going to the next, so there usually is not alot of reworking or touching up to do. You still need to watch a finished piece, before you deliver it though, just to be sure.

All of the work you saw and read about today took me approximately 6 hours to complete. The whole Portrait from start to finish took approximately 38 hours to complete.  Thank you for reading my Blog here on Pet Portraits By Cy. I hope you have enjoyed this “Pet Portrait Painting, Step by Step: Abbey” series. If you know some art lovers or other painters out there who may find this interesting or educational, feel free to share this. Also I will be happy to answer any questions you may have throughout this series of  Blog posts,  You can Email me from my website,  or click the “leave a comment” link here in this Blog post, or you can comment on my Pet Portraits By Cy Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/petportraitsbycy  Have a great day everyone! Cy