Dog Gone It!

"Ode to Tim"

By James Swanson / Traveler Gary

12" x 16" Oil on linen panel

Watch how this painting was made.


A Sad Time. 
I heard some sad news while I was finishing "The White Church" painting.

Traveler Gary Richardson and pal Tim

Long time walker, traveler and friend Gary Richardson's walking mate past away in his sleep.

I think Tim liked Gay's photos as much as the walks.

Gary's big white dog Tim was always a favorite of mine to look at while perusing Gary's photo albums.

Good boy Tim

Tim just stood out in his pictures and you could feel the happiness in their journeys together.

Gary's photo I asked to paint.

So in honor of Tim, I've painted Gary a little keep sake and a reminder that
Tim is in our thoughts. God speed Tim.

The Painting steps to "Ode to Tim"

The rough oil sketch for the painting. Gary's wonderful photo didn't leave me much to change in the translation to a painting. The placement of Tim was in a perfect golden rectangle spot.

The palette of colors I used to start this painting. This is where my paintings take form.
 If the colors don't work together on my palette they won't work on the canvas.

I was painting this painting in front of my class I teach, so I didn't get as many photos as I usually do.I did start with my darkest colors. I placed them warm in front and cool darks in the background.

The blues are being added and some of the heather is starting to be added along 
with putting in the greens

The sky was the next step. Keeping it from jumping out too much from the land was  a challenge, 
but I  painted it very loose in keeping it in the style of the land.

Done! There were a lot of little things to take care of from the last step. Like putting in a few details on Tim and painting in the lighter colors in the heather.

Details from the painting.

Framed and soon off to Gary

"Ode to Tim"

By James Swanson / Traveler Gary

12" x 16" Oil on linen panel

Since my last paintings traveler was my own dog Amber, I felt for Gary and his plight. But I am glad to say after some tough mourning for Tim, 

 Gary and his new walking mate Cleo.

Gary made the decision to save a rescue dog and break her into a new life. I'm very glad to say that Cleo and Gary are doing great, and are partnering up in some wonderful photos together. Now that's a good Dog!

If you and or your partner have a story you would like to share with us contact me here or at www.theartistandthetraveler.org

Until next time hold on to your hat, later!