Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Puppy Love

James Parker's blog Windows to the Words was the inspiration for this painting.  He has posted a number of pics of 'look-a-like' kids and their pets, included a rather nice poem, and given us a month to do the painting.

Now, I'm always late with these challenges!  But I so loved this delightful couple, I had to finish it in a morning.  So I'm probably one of the first this time.

The dog presented quite a challenge at first.  Just one black mass but after figuring out that a couple of brush strokes in the right direction would give the impression of fur, a dab of colour where the nose and eyes should be and voila! a dog appeared.

Check out James' blog to see the other pics he's posted.





Now for something completely different.  As most of you know, I love two sports codes - cricket and rugby.  Last night I went to the cinema for the first time in about 3 years because I just had to see the movie Invictus on the big screen.  Directed by Clint Eastwood, it's about our past President Nelson Mandela and past Rugby Captain, Francois Pienaar.

We went along with a bit of trepidation because I've seen American productions depicting South Africans with the most awful accents, but Matt Damon with his Afrikaans accent and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela were magnificent!  And so many memories of the games, of the flypast by the Boeing 747, of the game against the French where we thought the players were going to drown in Durban and the incredible New Zealander, Jonah Lomu!

If you haven't seen it already, go along to have a look-see and enjoy the wonderful photography of my home town of Cape Town.



Our much loved past President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
handing the Webb Ellis Trophy to Captain Francois Pienaar

36 comments:

artbykarieann said...

love the dog Liz, I wish I was able to paint like this, I get lost in details and it takes forever and yet I can see your dog as clearly as my versions!

Autumn Leaves said...

Can't comment on the movie as I am woefully ignorant on the subject and I have not seen the movie. That all said, I think your painting is so lovely. I cannot decide who is cuter, the little girl or the curly headed dog! A wonderful painting, Liz, truly.

Krista Hasson said...

Liz this is a wonderful painting, your skin tones are nice and I love the dog, he is just right!

Mary said...

What a delightful painting, Liz!--very impressive and lively child and furry dog.

I also appreciate your comments on the movie "Invictus". It had sounded like a great (and true!) story, but hearing the response of someone from South Africa regarding how well it is done is very interesting and helpful. We will have to see it.

Art with Liz said...

Gosh Karie-Ann, that is so great coming from you. I absolutely would not have the patience (nor probably the talent) to draw animals the way you do.


Hi Autumn Sherry! Thank you - I rather liked the pic as well. Go and have a look at James' WOW blog and try it for yourself.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you so much Krista!


Hi Mary and thank you. I see you're on facebook as well - I haven't got my head around that yet! I hope you see the movie even if you know nothing about rugby. It's really good.

Manon said...

Lovely piece Liz!!

susan hong-sammons said...

Great portrayal of the pet and child, so touching.
(First time visitor. So enjoyed your blog)

Becky said...

Turned out great in my opinion. Perfect pair!

Unknown said...

You did a wonderful job on the challenge Liz! Aren't black dogs a real challenge to tackle?

If you've given your stamp of approval on Eastwood's new movie, I must see it. Thanks for the review!

SharonWrightArtist said...

Gorgeous, joyful painting, great job, Liz!

Diana said...

Great feeling you captured with the pup and child. Love it.

Thanks for the info on Invictus. Morgan Freeman is my fav actor and Mandela is the most amazing man. Glad to hear it is an accurate portrayal. Can't wait to see it.

Anthony Duce said...

I like the child's face against both the fluffy clothing and the fur. Beautiful painting

Charlene Brown said...

Your painting is delightful, Liz -- as are all the photos of kids and dogs on the blog you suggested we look at... But the painting is special.

Ramesh Jhawar said...

Good job Liz and sure would watch the movie!

Prabal said...

Liz,

I love the child a lot in this picture. The way sge is cuddling upto the dog is great.

This movie may not have released in India, because I have not heard of it till now.

Cathy Gatland said...

The way you've suggested the dog so clearly with just a few brushstrokes is fantastic, Liz, and he makes such a great negative shape for the little girl leaning into him.
I'm ashamed I haven't got to see Invictus yet - I will remedy that immediately!

meaningful life said...

hi Liz
thanks for your comments ,i am sorry for my slow respond ,i like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy new year and have a nice weekend.
take care'
Ben

FitFoodieMegha said...

Such a beautiful painting Liz!

Art with Liz said...

Hi Manon, thank you for the comment and the visit! Will be popping over to you now as well.


Thank you Susan - I enjoyed your work as well, but there is no 'followers' link!!

Art with Liz said...

Hi Becky - thank you!


You said it Sheila - black dogs can be a challenge especially when you can't see where their eyes are! And I so hope you enjoy the movie.

Art with Liz said...

Ah Sharon, coming from you that is so special. Thank you.


Hi there Diana - thank you for the visit and the lovely comment. Hope you do get to see the movie.

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Tony, it was a lovely pic to paint!


No that you've found the blog Charlene, I hope you also do one of the paintings! I've yet to do the Corsica one!

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Ramesh and I hope you do get to see the movie.


Hello Prabal, she has such a cute face doesn't she! I also hope the movie gets to India so you can get a glimpse of my country!

Art with Liz said...

Ah Cathy, thank you so much for that. I guess it shows when you really enjoy a painting? I just loved her little face and the look-a-like hairstyles of the two were great. Enjoy the movie - even if you wait for it to get to M-Net.


Hi Ben, I often pop over to see your work and so I really appreciate your comment on mine. Thank you.

Art with Liz said...

Hi Megha, thank you so much!


Thank you Alison - I love your blog with all the African animals so will be popping by regularly.

Marie Theron said...

Hi Liz, this painting is so gentle and something that has universal appeal, a painting to be treasured! I do not find an e-mail address for you, do you want to spend a day sketching and painting at my house and at Groote Post?Wecan organise it in early Feb if you would like to drive out!You can answer me at m.theron@wam.co.za

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Liz, Love your painting, the face of the little girl is just charming! Great job!

We will be going to see the movie this weekend, now I feel I have a personal connection to it. Morgan Freeman is one of my favorites!

Dean H. said...

Love your painting, Liz! I can see where the resemblance between the two lies...the hairdo at the very top of the heads...Great!

L.Holm said...

Fantastic painting for Jame's challenge, Liz! Dark fur is so tough, and you nailed it.
Yours is the best recommendation I've heard of the movie--if it passes muster w/South Africans, has to be good!

Art with Liz said...

Hi Marie, thank you. Will email you - we are planning a stay over in Velddrif the week after Easter.


Thank you so much Carol and I so hope you enjoy the movie! Just a bit of SA history.

Art with Liz said...

Hi Dean, thank you, and aren't they just cute!!


Gosh Liz, thank you. I must say here that I so enjoyed the movie, firstly because of my connection to the people involved, and secondly because I attended some of the games here in CT. Also, being totally parochial, it was exciting seeing my home town on the big screen!

Unknown said...

Just the right detail Liz, and dont they look great together:)

Carol said...

Well done Liz! a truly beautiful painting.

Pat Koscienski said...

Beautifully done. I'm working on the same photo and having much difficulty, especially with the dog. Which makes me appreciate your painting even more. You made it look easy.

Angela Sullivan said...

Love the painting. Your color harmony is perfect.