First Mate –  Oil on Canvas – 8”x 10”  SOLD

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Among the very most popular dog breeds in the United States is the Labrador retriever. I’ve had the opportunity of capturing labs’ unique individuality and intelligence in portraits of all three varieties, yellow, black and chocolate. This black lab looks out from his sailboat across the water with an expression of quiet confidence and loyalty. He’s been fittingly described as “first mate” on this craft.

Compositionally, this painting combines differing elements, including the geometric shapes of the sailboat, the impressionistic background and the soft expression and fur of the dog. Harmoniously arranging contrasting elements is one of the great joys and challenges of painting, and can sometimes mean the difference between a mere rendering and a true work of art.